The Oval Office
The White House
Washington D.C.
November 8, 2011
0800 HOURS ZULU (Eastern Time)
Henry walks into the oval office with a smile on his face, after winning a landslide victory exccept for California. Nevertheless, it's victory. With that victory, he knows he has a mandate from the American people to bring the troops home from the middle east. He already brought the troops home from Europe and station them in around the military bases in Colorado Springs. An area around Cheyenne Mountain, which was once known as NORAD. Secretly it's the home of Stargate Command. He had a vision that it would be the center of homelands defense, not just against terrorist but from space as well.
Lately Carl Strom, the US representative for the IOA (International Oversite Advisory) and current leader been demanding that the IOA operate on Atlantis, that's floating around and cloaked in San Fransisco Bay.
General Jack O'Neill who is dressed in his dress blues with ribbons adorned on his chest. He was looking at the resolute desk when President Hayes entered the room. Jack snaps at attention and gave a sharp salute.
"At ease, Jack," President Hayes said with a warm smile as he returned the gesture. "Thank you for coming in today."
"Well, I didn't have better things to do." Jack's said with a usual dry wit, but his eyes remained sharp and focused.
President Hayes chuckled lightly before taking his seat behind the historic desk. He taps on a gray pad that's on the Henry's left side. The pad chirps and a holographic menu display shimmers to life as it floats above the pad. "Coffee?" he asks Jack.
"Nah, my doctor told me to cut back on coffee." Jack said. "I appreciate Earl Grey?"
"Doctor, you mean General Samantha Carter?" Henry Hayes asked with a smirk, knowing full well that Jack had a history of ignoring her medical advice.
"Yes, the one and only." Jack said with a grin that didn't quite meet his eyes.
President Hayes nodded, entering the command for Earl Grey tea into the pad. A moment later, a steaming cup materialized on the desk in front of the General. He took a sip, savoring the warmth that spread through his chest.
"God, this is a lifesaver." Henry said as he enter the command for a steaming cup of coffee. The pad chirped again and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room. He took a sip and leaned back in his chair. "Now, Jack, I know you've been itching to get back out there, but I've got something a little closer to home for you."
"What's the job sir?" Jack asked, setting down his tea.
"Please, grab a seat." Henry gestured to the chair opposite his desk. "I want you to be my vice president."
Jack's eyebrows shot up. "Vice president? You can't be serious."
President Henry Hayes smiles and let out a laughter. "Ha, no." He shakes his head. "Who said that I need a vice president when the one I had turned out to be a Goa'uld."
"I thought so." Jack said with a grin, taking a seat and leaning back in the chair. "You know how I feel about politics."
"I know." Henry said, his smile fading slightly. "But Jack, I need someone I can trust, someone with the kind of experience that goes beyond politics. I'm talking about something... more strategic. I've been thinking about the future of Stargate Command and Atlantis, and with my reelection, I've got the chance to make some serious changes. Changes that could affect not just our country, but our entire planet...Hell, the entire galaxy"
Jack's gaze sharpened as he leaned forward. "Changes? What kind of changes?"
"The kind that would put you in charge of the new agency." President Hayes said with a low and serious tone. "You've been a leader in the shadows for too long. It's time for you to step into the light, Jack."
"Not much of a leader sir, just commanded a few people." Jack said rhetorically, his eyes betraying his curiosity.
"Don't cut yourself short General." President Hayes leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Your leadership has saved this planet countless times."
"What's this new agency be called?" Jack ask curiously as he took a contemplative sip of his tea.
"What do the other people from other worlds calls us?" Henry asks with a smirk. "The Tau'ri, right?"
"Yes sir." Jack nodded, setting his cup down. "Tau'ri."
"Well, I propose we call it the Tau'ri Alliance Command." President Hayes said, his eyes searching Jack's for a reaction. "It's a nod to our allies out there, and it's a clear statement of purpose. We're not just about exploration anymore; we're about protecting Earth and fostering relationships with other planets if they wish to join."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Tau'ri Alliance Command? That's a mouthful."
Hayes smirked. "Got a better name?"
"About we call it Tau'ri Alliance or Tau'ri Federation of Planets?" Jack suggested, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Since we are gathering our off world allies. plus it's short, memorable, and it doesn't sound like we're gearing up for war."
Henry smile slowly grew, "Federation of Planets? Earth is not united, not just yet and Paramount have the rights to that name."
"Not the Tau'ri part sir." Jack stated.
"How about Tau'ri Alliance without the Command." President Hayes suggested with a twinkle in his eye.
"That has a nice ring to it."
"But let's stick with the Tau'ri Alliance Command for now. We'll see how things unfold."
Jack nodded thoughtfully, "Alright, I can get behind that." He took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. "What's the catch, Mr. President?"
"Well, Jack." Henry began, "I want you to lead it, as Secretary General."
Jack's expression remained stoic, but his mind raced with questions. "Me, lead a multinational or multiplanetary military agency?"
"Yes." President Hayes nodded firmly. "If confirmed by the Senate."
"What about the IOA?" Jack ask, raising an eyebrow. "They're not going to like that."
"The IOA will be dissolve and their responsibilities transferred to the Tau'ri Alliance Command." President Hayes said with a firmness in his voice that indicated there was no room for debate. "Their oversight has become too political, too restrictive. We need a unified command that can make swift decisions when the fate of the planet or the galaxy is at stake."
"Can't we call it Tau'ri Alliance for short?" Jack ask the President.
"I was pulling your chain Jack." President Hayes said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But the idea is the same."
"What about Homeworld Command?" Jack asks about the department that he is leading now.
"Homeworld Command will be integrated into the command structure of the Tau'ri Alliance Command or Tau'ri Alliance." President Hayes said, his tone becoming more serious. "Your new role requires diplomacy, political savvy, and the ability to make alliances that will last for generations."
"I have people for that, Mr. President," Jack said, his voice steady despite his surprise. "But if you think I'm the right man for the job, I'll consider it."
"Then it's a congratulation is in order." Henry said as stood up and offered his hand to Jack.
Jack accepts the President's hand firmly, as he stands, his mind is racing with the implications of this new role. "I'll do my best to serve, Mr. President," he says, his eyes never leaving Hayes'.
"You better General," Henry said with a firm nod and a shake. "We are counting on it." He released Jack's hand and walked around his desk, his eyes scanning the city outside the window.
"Whose we?" Jack asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, you know, the permanent members of the Security Council and leaders of our off world allies." President Hayes said with a hint of a smile.
"So, when do I start?" Jack questioned.
"You already have," Henry said, turning back to face Jack. "Effective immediately, your new position as Secretary General of the TAC...Tau'ri Alliance is official. I've already sent the necessary paperwork to the UN Security Council."
"Don't tell me, headquarters is on Atlantis." Jack assumes.
"Your assumption is correct." President Hayes nods. "Now, I have to make a speech about this."
"I can't help you with that." Jack said with a smirk, watching as President Hayes's smile grew wider.
"You know your way out." Henry said with a nod toward the door.
"Doors? Who need doors." Jacks said as a bright blue light swirls around him and vanishes just as quickly, leaving the President alone in the oval office.
Henry looks at the mug that contains Jack's tea. As he picked it up and place it on the pad, he presses a few commands and the mug vanishes. He taps on his phone and calls in his secretary.
"Caitlyn." Henry said over the speaker phone. "What time is the meeting with the South Korean President?"
"It's in an hour, sir," Caitlyn replied.
Henry glance at his watch, "Damn, it's only 8:10 am" he murmured to himself before looking back at his secretary. "Thank you Caitlyn.
He immediately wipe his eyes and straightened his tie in the reflection of the polished brass lamp on his desk. He taps a button on the pad and a holographic display appears, floating over the pad with a menu. He taps on word processor and starts dictating. He wants to disclose to the public that there's life out there and keeps the stargate program a secret. There are many avenues that includes a moon base that's been operational and a military base on Mars.
Claire Robbins, Henry's Chief of Staff, the first female to hold the position, walks into the Oval Office, her heels clicking rhythmically on the marble floor. She's holding a tablet with a sleek black case, which she knows contains the President's schedule for the next few hours. "Good morning, Mr. President," she says, her voice brisk and efficient.
"Good morning Claire." Henry says, not looking up from his work. "Jack just left. He's on board."
"I didn't see him leave." Claire said with a slight puzzled expression.
"Oh, he beamed out." Henry said with a straight face. "What you got for me?"
"Mr. President, the Speaker of the House just called and he sound furious." Claire said.
Henry see's the urgency in her voice. "Oh, what for?"
"Your proposal to eliminate NASA." Claire replied, her eyes never leaving the President's as she handed over the tablet.
"Ah, yes," Henry sighed, taking the device. "I knew that was going to stir the pot." He skimmed through the message, his brow furrowing as he read the Speaker's words. "Tell him I'll call him back after the Korean meeting."
"Are you certain you want to eliminate NASA?" Claire's voice was measured, but the concern was clear.
"Claire," he began, choosing his words carefully. "We're not eliminating NASA. We're reallocating their resources. We can't afford to duplicate efforts, especially not when the stakes are as high as they are. The Tau'ri Alliance Command will be the central hub for all space exploration and defense initiatives. It's not just about cutting costs; it's about streamlining our operations for maximum efficiency."
Homeworld Command
Stargate Operations, Atlantis
San Fransisco Bay, San Fransisco Bay
0510 HOURS ZULU (Pacific Timezone)
General Jack O'Neill rematerialized in Stargate Operations, the hum of Atlantis's ancient technology resonating around him. He scanned the familiar surroundings, his sharp eyes quickly adjusting to the dim, aquamarine glow of the control room. Before he could fully take in the scene, Richard Woolsey, the commander of Atlantis, approached him with measured urgency.
"How was the meeting with the President?" Woolsey asked, his tone a blend of curiosity and concern.
Jack raised an eyebrow, his expression hard to read. "Interesting," he replied, offering a tight smile as his gaze flicked to the holographic display in the room before it blinked out of existence. "He just appointed me the de facto Secretary General."
Woolsey's face lit up momentarily before settling into an expression of cautious optimism. "Did he accept my proposal?" he asked, a note of hope slipping into his voice.
"Tau'ri Alliance?" Jack mused, the words rolling off his tongue as if testing their weight. His brow furrowed slightly.
"No, Federation," Woolsey corrected with a chuckle, though his amusement was short-lived.
"He went with Tau'ri Alliance Command," Jack clarified, watching as Woolsey's expression shifted from surprise to understanding.
Woolsey's shoulders sagged slightly. "It sounds like we're on a war footing," he said with a sigh, the words carrying an edge of worry.
Jack nodded, walking toward his office, which was only a few steps away from Stargate Operations. "That's what I told him," he said over his shoulder. "Besides, all the snakes with their glowing eyes are long gone."
Woolsey followed, his mind racing with the implications of the President's decision. The name Tau'ri Alliance Command or TAC suggested a clear shift in priorities—one that Woolsey couldn't ignore. As he stepped into Jack's office, he glanced around. The room, adorned with the insignia of Homeworld Command, seemed to shrink slightly under the weight of the conversation.
"The Wraith still pose a threat," Woolsey pointed out, his voice steady but firm.
Jack smirked and leaned back in his chair. "Dick," he said, using Woolsey's nickname, "relax. The Wraith are stuck in the Pegasus Galaxy, and they're too busy fighting each other for food to bother us."
Woolsey crossed his arms, unwilling to let the matter drop. "But General, the 'food' you're referring to includes sentient beings—humans and others."
Jack raised a hand, silencing him. "I know, Woolsey. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." His tone was calm but carried an unmistakable note of finality. "When are Colonel Sheppard and Teyla getting back?" he asked, steering the conversation to lighter waters.
Woolsey's stern expression softened slightly. "They're on their honeymoon, sir," he reminded Jack with a touch of amusement. "But I can have them recalled if needed."
Jack shook his head. "Don't bother," he said with a dismissive wave. "They've earned it."
"Yes, sir," Woolsey replied with a small smile. His demeanor shifted back to business as he added, "While you were away, long-range sensors detected several Ha'tak-class pyramid ships around the Langaran system."
Jack's expression grew serious. "Lucian Alliance up to no good again," he muttered, rubbing his temple. After a moment's thought, he said, "Dispatch the Hammond, Apollo, and Sun Tzu to investigate."
"Three ships, sir?" Woolsey asked, his tone laced with concern. "We're stretching our forces thin."
Jack nodded grimly. "Just sending them a message, Woolsey. Besides, we've got enough ships to enforce the Protected Planets Treaty."
Woolsey's brow furrowed. "Why wasn't I privy to this information?" he asked, a slight edge creeping into his voice.
Jack's tone turned firm. "You're a civilian, Woolsey. There's a lot of information that's still classified, even to you."
Before Woolsey could respond, Jack's eyes drifted to the glass wall, where he spotted Sergeant Walter Harriman working at the Stargate control panel.
"Walter!" Jack called out, his voice carrying through the room.
The sergeant looked up immediately and made his way to the office. "Sir?"
"Dispatch the Hammond, Apollo, and Sun Tzu to Langara," Jack ordered without preamble.
"Yes, sir," Walter responded with a crisp salute before leaving to relay the orders.
Jack leaned back in his chair, propping his feet on the desk. His moment of relaxation was cut short when he noticed Woolsey's disapproving expression. Jack sighed and swung his legs back to the floor. "Sorry," he muttered.
Woolsey exhaled heavily. "None taken," he said, though his tone suggested otherwise.
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of their responsibilities pressing down on them. Jack reached for a report on his desk, flipping through it absently. Woolsey, standing by the window, gazed out at the shimmering city of Atlantis. The iconic spires stretched into the sky.
Finally, Woolsey spoke, breaking the silence. "Do you really believe the Lucian Alliance is our biggest threat right now?"
"Of course they are," Jack said, while not looking up from the report. "While you were here, they tried to nuke us by a cloaked cargo ship."
"Oh," Richard Woolsey said, his face tightening. "I'd forgotten about that."
Langaran System
15,596 Light years from Earth
Outside of the Langaran system, Six Ha'tak class pyramid ships are in a V formation with their compliments of gliders are in a protective formation around their motherships. Since the fall of the Goa'uld system lords, humans and aliens' smugglers, bounty hunters and murders form a loose confederation known as the Lucian Alliance. They have been using stolen Goa'uld technology to terrorize worlds and steal their resources as a payment to their protection.
Inside in one of the lead Ha'tak ship, Commander Odai Ventrell. The ex-bounty hunter turned commander of a faction of the Lucian Alliance. He was sitting on his throne-like chair, stroking his chin as he gazes at the planet of Langara on the holographic display. His second-in-command, a human female Castor, approaches him.
She wore a black, tight fit leather outfit to reveal her voluptuous body. She have black hair with a firm breast and a look that could cut through steel. "Commander."
"Castor, what can you tell me about Langara?" Odai asks, not taking his eyes off the holographic image of the planet.
"They're rich in Naquadria." Castor replied with a smug smile. "A faction of Commander Kiva's forces tried to take it once. They failed, but she left us intel on their defenses and weak spots."
"Will we run into resistance?" Odai questioned, his eyes narrowing as he considered the planet's strategic importance.
"The Tau'ri have had their hands in that planet for a while now," Castor said, her voice a mix of annoyance and respect. "They've got a decent defense setup, but it's been a few years since we've had any intel. They might have improved."
"Tau'ri." Odai rubs his chin. If it wasn't for the Tau'ri help, he'll still be a bounty hunter chasing after the next big bounty. Now, he had the power of a fleet behind him. He stood up, his leather boots clacking against the metal floor.
"Yes sir." Castor nodded, her eyes gleaming with the excitement of a potential conquest. "But we've got the element of surprise and superior numbers. We can take them."
"Any intel how many ships the Tau'ri have?" Odai asks as his eyes never leaving the holographic display.
"No sir, not sense we've tried bombing their Command and control on Earth?" Castor replied, her gaze flickering to the display.
"What do you mean by we?" Odai's eyes snapped to Castor, his tone suddenly icy. "I practically didn't join the initial attack on the Tau'ri base."
Castor's smile faltered; she knew she stepped on a minefield. "My apologies, Commander. I misspoke."
Three hundred short Light years from Langara, a bluish anomalous cloud of subspace energy expels out into normal space. Four Daedalus class battlecruiser burst out of the anomaly as their aerobrake thrusters ignite to slow them down. As they maneuver in diamond formation, the lead ship scrambles their compliment of F-302, a total of 12 space superiority fighters, forming a protective bubble and extending sensor range.
On the bridge of the Hammond, General Samantha Carter stood, her piercing blue eyes scanning the sensor readouts.
"Status report!" She ordered with a steady voice.
Major Kevin Marks, seated at the helm, turn to her. "The Apollo, Sun Tzu and the Odyssey are ready to engage the Lucian Alliance ships, General."
"Good." Samantha Carter's said with a cool and collected tone. "Have they detected us?"
"Not yet, ma'am," Marks replied, his eyes flicking back to the sensors. "With our recent upgrades, we are invisible to any Goa'uld vessels."
"Lieutenant Cooper, Hail them." General Carter ordered the brunette communication officer.
"Yes, General." Cooper replied, her fingers dancing across the console. "Channel open General."
Onboard the Ha'tak, Odai just finished scolding his second in command when the chirps from the ship's communication system alerted that they have an incoming call.
"What's that?" Odai barked, snapping at a Lucian alliance member who seems lost with the communication system.
"I think we are being hailed." Castor said, her eyes darted towards the communications console.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Odai asks the Lucian Alliance member.
Castor approaches the young man. "What's your name?" She ask him.
"Simeon of the Ozar Clan." The young man replied, his voice quivering slightly as he worked to activate the communication. "I only had two days training on this system."
Castor unholster her zat'nika'tel and shot the young man three time, vaporizing him existence as her fingers dance over the console to activate the view screen.
Author's Notes: Please leave a review for me to continue with this. If not leave a review, what the heck am I wasting my time writing this?