Buzz Aldrin Promenade
Moonbase Alpha, Luna
In flash of light, two people materialize in the middle of the large dome. The transparent dome of Moonbase Alpha reveals the stark lunar landscape outside, a stark contrast to the lush gardens inside. Constructor drones flying overhead with their robotic arms replicating plating and trinium I beams and wielding it into place.
Construction workers in their spacesuits with an orange vest looked up briefly from their tasks to glance at the new arrivals. They stood to attention to the VIP that just beamed in. The construction crew are not ordinary contractors, they are members of the United States and British Army Corp of Engineers, working on the greatest endeavor - building a permanent home on the moon. The sound of their tools clanking against the metal ground filled the space, a rhythmic symphony of human progress.
"At ease." President Henry Hayes ordered, calm and authoritative, echoed through the dome, the construction workers relaxing slightly but continuing their work. Hayes, walked alongside South Korean President Kwan Jiu Park.
President Kwan jaw dropped down as he took in the grandeur of Buzz Aldrin Promenade. The drones' coordinated movements looked like a ballet performed by mechanical maestros. "This is astonishing, How much did it cost?"
President Hayes smiles. "Absolutely nothing, the billions we save by closing down our military bases in Europe and Japan paid for itself. It's our new frontier, President Park."
"Does that include the technologies the Asgard left us?" Park ask.
Henry pats the South Korean President on the shoulders. "What the Asgard left us is information how to build this, but the resources and the manpower are ours." He says proudly, his eyes scanning the moonbase. "This is the future of humanity, Kwan. And we are going to need everyone's cooperation to make sure it's a future worth living."
"I see." Kwan nods thoughtfully, taking in the grandeur of the Buzz Aldrin Promenade. "This is... incredible," he murmurs, his gaze drifting up to the transparent dome that allows a breathtaking view of the moon's surface.
"Are you ready to have peace talks with the North Korea?" Hayes ask as he taps his earpiece which beam out of the promenade and into the Command Center that's underground of the moon's surface.
"Mr. President," President Park nods solemnly. "But how do we convince them to come to the negotiation table?"
Service members are stood to attention, stepping away from their assigned duties as the two world leaders walks towards the conference table that's in the back of the Command Center where they are greeted by the General Evan Lorne.
"Sirs." Even Lorne's voice, usually calm and measured, was filled with excitement as he approached them. "Welcome to Moonbase Alpha."
"President Kwan Jiu Park, General Evan Lorne." Henry Hayes introduced the commander of the moonbase.
The dark hair caucasian man salutes President Hayes and President Park, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "Mr. Presidents, welcome to Moonbase Alpha," General Lorne said with a firm nod. "I've prepared a briefing on the current state of the North Korean situation, and the strategies we're considering for peace talks."
"How long have the moonbase been in construction?" Kwan ask.
"Not long," Evan Lorne stated. "Few weeks actually, thanks to the Tok'ra tunnelling crystals." He handed them each a tablet with the schematics and intel.
"Tok'ra?" President Park's eyes widened as he studied the information presented. "I'm sorry, I have only been brief on the Stargate, aliens and space vampires."
"They're an ally, Kwan," President Hayes assured him, his gaze sweeping over the tablet. "They provided us with technology that allows for rapid construction . Their crystals have been invaluable in building this base."
"Fascinating," President Park murmured, scrolling through the information.
Just when General Lorne is about to speak, Commander Gordon. The 5'6 bald head, caucasian male appears at the door of the conference room.
"Sir." Gordon announced, "The North Korean delegation is ready for the meeting."
President Hayes and President Park looked up from their tablets. "Good," Hayes said. "Let's proceed."
In a blink of an eye, three beam of light shimmered and three people rematerialized at the end of the conference room a few feet from the two Presidents. Premier Kim Jung Suk of North Korea, his Chief of Staff, and an unidentified man who is likely their Chief of Security. The North Korean leader was dressed in his military best, with an expression that was both curious and wary.
For Premier Kim Jung Suk, standing at 5'5 with black hair cut in a sharp military style, the sight of the gleaming conference room in Moonbase Alpha was as surprising. He adjusted his huge lens glasses and took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.
"President Henry Hayes," Kim Jung Suk said with a Ryuchin dialect. "This place is amazing." in perfect english.
Henry leans over to Kwan and whispers. "I believe I understand him."
Kwan whispers back. "You understand Ryuchin?"
"No, he's speaking in English." Henry replied as he pointed towards the earpiece that's he is wearing on his right ear. "It also translates what I am saying."
The North Korean Chief of Staff, a stern looking woman with a sharp nose and piercing eyes, nodded to both Presidents, acknowledging their presence with a slight smile. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail of the high-tech surroundings.
"Premier Kim Jung Suk." President Hayes extend his hands, disrupting the awkward silence.
Kim Jung Suk awkwardly shook the U.S President's hand as a gesture of peace. "Thank you for inviting us to this... unique location," he said with a smile, his English accented but understandable.
"Your welcome," President Kwan said in Korean, offering his hand.
The Capital
Washington D.C, Earth
November 8, 2011
"General Maynard," one of the senators sitting in the dais on the left said. She had black hair with white streaks on the side, sharp features, and a stern look that could make any general quiver in his boots. "We expected General O'Neill to be here."
"General O'Neill is busy with other matters," General Francis Maynard responded with a firm voice, his posture as straight as a rod in the Senate hearing room. "Senator."
Senator Bettsy Farnsworth didn't like the tone of General Maynard's response. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Other matters? Could you elaborate, General?"
Senator Orville Rodenberger, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, a no-nonsense Democrat who's been in the Senate from Connecticut for 24 years, leaned back in his chair, stroking his graying beard. "General Maynard, should we subpoena General O'Neill?"
"For what purpose?" General Maynard asked, his tone measured. "General O'Neill is currently overseeing a critical mission that pertains to national security..."
Senator Bettsy Farnsworth is a no-nonsense Democrat, a social conservative, often referred to as a Blue Dog Democrat from the state of New York, known for her sharp tongue and her ability to cut through bureaucratic red tape. She's been in the Senate for 18 years and has seen enough military cover-ups to fill a library.
She is co-chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee and is known to have a strong distrust of the military's penchant for secrets. "I want to know why he's not here, General," she pressed, her voice like a scalpel slicing through the air.
"Does he have to be here?" General Maynard asked with a hint of irritation in his voice.
"Yes," Senator Orville Rodenberger stated. "I want him to explain why his department, Homeworld Command... what is Homeworld Command?"
"Have you or have you not received any classified briefing?" General Maynard asked the room full of senators, his eyes scanning them all.
"Yes, yes." A Senator from the state of Kentucky, known for his love for bourbon and dislike for bureaucracy, interrupted. "A mere mention of alien parasites and space vampires is hard to swallow."
"Including the death of two senators who were involved," General Maynard replied, his tone unwavering. "It's a dangerous galaxy out there, and we are in for a rude awakening."
Senator Farnsworth leaned forward in her chair, her eyes narrowing. "Not to mention the war with the so-called Lucian Alliance," she said, her voice carrying the weight of accusation.
"Stargate Command is focused on peaceful exploration and defense," General Maynard said calmly. "But we cannot ignore the threats we've encountered. The Goa'uld, the Ori, the Wraith, and yes, the Lucian Alliance. Each of them has shown us that we are not alone in the universe, and not all species are as peaceful as we would hope."
"In which we've defeated," said a new voice in the room. He walked into the Senate chamber, the doors whooshing open with a gust of air. The room turned to face him, the senators' expressions a mix of shock and annoyance.
"Who are you?" Senator Farnsworth barked, pointing a finger at the newcomer. She didn't recognize the Air Force dress uniform or the man who wore it.
"General Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neill," the newcomer announced himself with a crisp salute. "Surprise that ya'll recognize me."
The room was stunned into silence. General O'Neill, the legendary leader of SG-1, the man who had killed Apophis and saved Earth from the Goa'uld multiple times, was standing before them. His presence was a stark reminder of the stakes they were dealing with.
"Well," Senator Farnsworth cleared her throat, recovering her composure. "This is certainly unexpected, General O'Neill."
"We didn't have a picture of what to expect, but your reputation precedes you," Senator Orville Rodenberger, the other co-chair, said with a slight smile, his eyes studying Jack closely. "Plus, we tried to bring up your dossier, but it's still classified."
"Grab a seat," Senator Graham said with a nod, gesturing towards the empty chair beside General Maynard. "We've got a few questions for you, General."
"You don't have to tell me twice." Jack took the offered seat, his posture relaxed yet attentive. His eyes scanned the room, noticing the tension in the faces of the senators as they shifted through their briefing documents.
"Now, let's get down to business," Senator Farnsworth began to scrutinize the U.S. military. "We've been briefed on the existence of alien threats and the recent wars won by Earth, but what we need is a clear picture of how these situations are being handled."
"As in?" General O'Neill asked, his eyes never leaving Farnsworth's.
"The Wraith," Senator Farnsworth took off her reading glasses. "Are they still a threat to us since they are in another galaxy?"
Jack leaned forward, "The Wraith are indeed a concern, but not our primary one at the moment."
"As you stated in your report," Farnsworth continued, "The Wraith are fighting among themselves for resources, but we can't assume they won't find their way here again."
"By these resources," Jack said with a nod, "You mean human life." His expression grew solemn. "While it's true that the Wraith are currently engaged in a civil war, there are still humans in that galaxy..."
"They're not from Earth." Another Senator, a younger man with a sharp jawline, spoke up. "Why should it matter to us what happens in another galaxy?"
"Senator?" Jack squinted slightly.
"Senator Adam Shaifer," the young senator identified himself.
"Senator Shaifer," Jack began. "We are tasked to defend human and alien life in our galaxy and beyond by the late Asgard."
Shaifer leaned forward, his expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "The Asgard are dead and long gone."
Jack nodded solemnly. "But their legacy and their technology are not," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his experience. "We are the fifth race."
"Don't give me that crap," another senator, a blonde woman with sharp eyes, interrupted. "We're not buying into your sci-fi tales, O'Neill."
"For crying out loud, Senator," O'Neill said calmly, his gaze unwavering. "You are all as closed-minded as former Vice President Kinsey."
"Jack," Maynard interjected, placing a firm hand on O'Neill's shoulder. "Let's keep this professional."
Senator Farnsworth heard what General O'Neill said. "Excuse me?" she said as she stood up and pointed her finger. "What did you just call me?"
"I was referring to a past situation," Jack said calmly, his eyes never leaving hers. "But if the shoe fits, Senator."
Senator Farnsworth began her monologue against military intervention. "We need to focus on our own planet's issues," she declared, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Poverty, education, the environment. These are the battles we should be fighting, not playing space cowboys with our tax dollars!"
Jack leaned back in his chair, his eyes flickering with a mix of annoyance and understanding. He had heard these arguments before. But today was different.
First Minister Jonas Quinn Office
Langara Governing Council Towers
Kelowna, Langaran System
Jonas wiped his face with his palm after turning off the subspace communications with General Carter. He was sitting in his office, which was modestly decorated with artifacts from his planet. A laptop computer stood out amidst the '40s era furniture, embodying the more steampunk style architecture of Kelowna.
Kianna Cyr Quinn, his wife and assistant, walked into the First Minister's office with a tablet in hand. "The report from the Tok'ra is in," she said, handing it to him. "What's wrong, my husband?"
Jonas took the tablet with a sigh, his mind still processing the conversation with Sam. "The Lucian Alliance almost invaded our solar system," he murmured, his eyes scanning the report. "Thank the gods the Tau'ri intervened."
"We are their allies, after all," Kianna said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Sam said they are stationing a ship in geosynchronous orbit of the planet and sending in ground troops," Jonas said, his voice tight. "They want to establish a more permanent presence."
"Is that a problem?" Kianna asked, her eyes searching his.
"No, it's not a problem," Jonas said, his gaze drifting out the window to the bustling cityscape below. "It's just... The Langaran Council isn't ready for the Tau'ri ground troops to be stationed here. They're still reeling from the last time we had to deal with the Goa'uld."
"How many troops are we talking about?" Kianna asked.
"Not many," Jonas said, his eyes still on the horizon. "A battalion of marines called JMF Elite Battalion from Johor."
"JMF?" Kianna questioned, her eyebrows raising slightly.
"Joint Multinational Force," Jonas explained, turning back to her. "They're the best they have. They're trained to work with alien technology and adapt to various environments."
Kianna nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "And what do you think they'll squabble about now?"
Jonas chuckled dryly, the tension easing slightly. "Oh, they'll find something. Last week it was the color of the new Langaran flag. This week, perhaps the menu for the council's annual dinner."
Kianna smiled, the humor providing a brief respite from the seriousness. "Maybe we should suggest they debate the merits of different types of alien cuisine."
"That would keep them busy for months," Jonas replied, his tone lightening. Then, his face grew serious again as he continued to face the window. Suddenly, a bluish beam of light filled the room as four JMF officers rematerialized in the center of his office. The leader of the group, Colonel Jon Tan, a man with black hair and slightly tanned skin, wore the latest digital camouflage patterned combat fatigues and a red beret with a skull and wings emblem. He snapped to attention and saluted.
The sudden appearance startled Kianna for a second since she had never experienced teleportation before, but she quickly composed herself and walked towards her husband's comforting embrace.
"At ease," Jonas said calmly, returning the salute. He introduced Kianna to the officers. "This is my wife, Kianna."
The officers nodded respectfully before Colonel Tan spoke. "First Minister."
"Colonel," Jonas acknowledged him, his eyes scanning the group.
Colonel Tan continued, "We've come to discuss the logistics of our deployment and to ensure our presence is as non-disruptive as possible to your governance. General Carter sends her regards and her assurance that our aim is to protect, not to occupy."
Kianna, now more composed, asked, "And how long do you anticipate your stay will be?"
"Indefinite, madam, until we can ensure the Lucian threat is neutralized. We hope to establish a cooperative relationship with your defense forces," Tan replied.
Jonas nodded, pondering the implications. "We appreciate the support, but the council needs to be briefed. There's already resistance to foreign military presence on Langara."
"Understood, First Minister. We're prepared to meet with them, explain our roles, and perhaps demonstrate some of our capabilities to quell any fears," Tan suggested.
Jonas considered this for a moment. "That might help. We'll schedule a meeting for tomorrow morning. In the meantime, I'll prepare the council for what's to come. We need to ensure they understand this is for our mutual benefit."
Kianna added, "And perhaps, we can show them the technology you bring. It might sway some of the more skeptical members."
"Absolutely," Tan agreed. "We have medical tech, environmental controls, and defensive systems that could benefit Langara greatly."
Jonas looked back at the city, now with a new layer of complexity to navigate. "We'll need to think about how we frame this. It's not just about military presence; it's about advancing our society. We need to convince them that this isn't just another imposition but a partnership for growth."
Kianna squeezed his hand, offering silent support, as Jonas turned back to the officers. "Let's prepare for tomorrow. We'll need to be at our best to handle the council."
