Post by Akren Garkos on Jul 7, 2007 20:02:11 GMT -5
This post takes place in the months after, & immediately following, the Season 10 episode ’Unending‘; & is set somewhere in-between this time & the events which take place in ’STARGATE : The Ark of Truth‘.
Prologue (flashback from ‘Unending‘):
“Surely there must be some way. . .” Same said, tears welling up in her eyes , choking on the words as a lump formed in her throat; looking at Thor, knowing this would be the last time she would ever see her Asgard friend again.
“Please don’t grieve. Everything that can be done, has[/I] been done” Thor replied by way of answer, “My people‘s demise has been a long time coming. In our efforts to extend our lives, we made many mistakes; perhaps you can learn from them.”
There was a slight pause as both Human & Asgard pondered on the meaning of his words before he continued :
“You are[/i] the Fifth Race.” Thor said solemnly, meaning every word he said, both feeling the gravity of that statement as the Asgard finally acknowledged Humanity’s role in the great cosmic scheme of things, “If there is to be any hope for the future, it lies with you & your people”
Earth (present day), a month later. . . :[/I]
“We come together today to mourn the passing of our dear friends & allies, the Asgard” General Jack O’Neill intoned, his words carrying throughout the gate room at the SGC, sombre & sober as the memorial function at which he was speaking; for once, choking on his words, finding it hard to speak. “From first contact with the Asgard, to their help with the Goa‘uuld with the signing of the Protected Planets treaty, to the building of the Daedalus-class battle cruisers & other services they have rendered the people of Earth - indeed this entire galaxy - over the years; the Asgard have been protectors, friends, mentors & guides as we have made our way into the greater universe”
Looking over to right he saw Hammod & Landry in stoic silence, the pair of Generals as stern & professional as ever.
To his left, the members of SG-1 had assembled in a row, forming one part of the honour guard - along with General Hammod & General Landry on the opposite side of the ramp - Mitchell, Teal’c, Jonas & Daniel with heads bowed, all with sombre expressions on their faces, Sam with her head likewise bowed, face in serene composure as she fought back tears, Vala - the rogue member & misfit of SG-1 - placing a hand on her shoulder & hugging her arm as Sam grasped her free hand, the two women sharing an unspoken bond that had only grown deeper & cemented their friendship since Vala had permanently joined SG-1 a little over a year earlier.
Giving Carter a concerned look, to which she nodded back to, Jack turned to face the assembled dignitaries : representatives from the IOA & it’s member states - Great Britain, China, Canada, Russia, Germany, France, & Australia, amongst many others - the Free Jaffa Nation, the Tok’Ra, the Tollan, the Gadmeer, the Nox (whom had made the trip to Earth & broken their self-imposed isolation just for the occasion), the people of Chimera & the Galarans, to name but a few - before continuing on with his speech :
“I am lucky enough to have been personal friends with Thor, whom was a great friend & leader amongst the Asgard; & a wonderful little guy”
At that, several in the gathered crowd chuckled & laughed , many well aware of Jack’s personal history not only with Thor, but with the Asgard - along with the rest of SG-1 - having been largely responsible for a lot of the contact with the Asgard & development
of Earth’s friendship with the highly-advanced species.
“I think I speak for everyone here when I say the Asgard were true friends, steadfast allies, & great. . .people to deal with; & have helped each & every one of us at one point in time or another. They will be remembered fondly, dearly missed & shall never be forgotten”
At that, the crowd too up cries of ‘Here, here!’ & ‘Indeed!’ as each & every individual gathered at the memorial service expressed their sentiments & agreements with Jack’s statement.
“Now” Jack said, clearing his throat, “I believe there a few people here whom would like to say a few words. . .”
So saying, he gave the podium up to the many others whom wished to speak, give thanks, & pay their respects; the gathered multitudes hearing speeches from the Tok’Ra, the Tollan, the Galarans, the people of Chimera, the Jaffa & many others. Finally, each member of SG-1 gave their personal prospective on their dealings with the Asgard; before Dr. Daniel Jackson took the podium to deliver the final eulogy :
“As we commit the collective spirit of the Asgard to the void, we are reminded of their friendship, their strength as stead-fast allies & their commitment to the continued freedom & prosperity of all sentient races - not just in this galaxy, but others as well. Through our dealings with the Asgard High Council, to the personal friendship many of us have shared with numerous Asgard over the years - especially Thor, Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet - the Asgard have proved themselves time & again to be true friends & allies, backing up words with action & acting at all times with integrity, honesty & respect for all life & all the species, races & cultures that have been lucky enough to encounter them. Having been entrusted with their legacy, we must ensure that the knowledge that they have left us does not fall into the wrong hands, nor that it is used irresponsibly or for personal gain; & that it is only used for the benefit of mankind & our allies. To do so is to dishonour the Asgard & their memory, to demean everything they have achieved over the centuries & subvert all that they stood for. I am sure you will agree with me that we do everything in our collective power to ensure that this does not happen; & that we use the power, knowledge & wisdom we have been granted responsibly & in such a way that brings honour, respect & dignity to the Asgard & their memory”
At those words, everyone - Human, Jaffa, Gadmeer & others - all started to clap & nod amidst cries of ‘Here here!’, “Too right!”, “Indeed!” & other various exclamations of support - the gathered multitudes giving the Asgard the standing ovation they so fittingly deserved. Daniel waited for the noise to die down & the crowd to settle before finishing his speech :
“And now, gathered here, amongst friends, we commit the collective spirits of our friends, the Asgard, to the void from whence they came, returning them to the greater universe that they helped to nurture, respected & explored. We will not forget you”
So saying, Daniel rejoined the rest of SG-1 as a floral wreathe was passed from a representative of each of the gathered worlds & races to the next, finally making it’s way up the ramp, passing from one member of SG-1 to the next, before finally being given to Jack, whom placed the wreathe into the event horizon of the active Stargate; the wreathe hanging suspended in the event horizon for a moment before being pulled into the wormhole, disappearing from view as the Stargate was deactivated. Turning to the assembled crowd, Jack & other members of Earth’s military all saluted, as others bowed their heads as all observed a minute’s silence for their departed Asgard friends.
Later, after the memorial service was over, the leaders of the more technologically-advanced visiting worlds & their representatives - along with the I.O.A. & Dr. Rodney McKay - whom had made the trip especially from Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy just to be there - met in the briefing room to discuss the recent events & what they would mean for Earth, her friends & allies.
“Thankyou all for coming” Richard Woolsey, U.S. representative to the International Oversight Advisory as the other I.O.A. members & their counterparts from the various worlds in attendance sat around the conference table; the various peoples of the Earth-based nations on one side, their alien allies on the other. “Your tributes to the Asgard & their memory are greatly appreciated”
Everyone at the table exchanged solemn looks & heads bowed out of respect for the memory of their fallen friends, allies & mentors, as the delegates took a slight pause to remember the Asgard & their noble & great sacrifice; before Woolsey cleared his throat surreptitiously & continued on with the meeting.
“Now as many of you here already know, the Asgard chose to commit mass suicide rather than continue to live in pain & suffering at the hands of the genetic degradation which had plagued them for centuries, if not millennia. In doing so, they left their entire knowledge base - their technology, history, everything that they were, everything that they are - to the people of Earth. As our allies, we are willing to share this information with you; provided it can be used responsibly & safely”
“And how do you propose to determine whom can use such knowledge safely & responsibly; if your own world & it’s many factions cannot, or become incapable of doing so?” Lyia of the Nox asked, proposing a very valid & serious question to which there was no immediate or easy answers.
Nonetheless, Woolsey, as ever, thinking on his feet, had prepared a statement just in case of such an event.
“We plan to address each application for access & use of the Asgard technology on a case-by-case basis; sitting down with each of our allies in turn & discussing which technologies & knowledge is best suited to their immediate needs as a whole, with continued feed back, monitoring & progression as bench marks, targets & safety protocols are established & met, & as they prove they can handle the advancements & knowledge passed on through us, as given us by the Asgard”
Woolsey paused to let that bit of information & what it might mean sink in before continuing :
“Obviously our more advanced allies, such yourselves” Woolsey nodded to Lyia, indicating the Nox - whom were also friends & allies of the Asgard before they untimely demise - “Would be given greater access to such knowledge & technology, should you require it, if you haven’t already developed similar technologies of your own - as would the Gadmeer & the Tollan. Other allies, such as the Chimmerians, would obviously need to be exposed so such knowledge, technology & ideas at a slower pace, to ensure proper assimilation & integration of new ideas, technology & knowledge before we should safely expose them to more advances in the future. Of course, monitoring & supervision would also be required to ensure we don‘t unnecessarily speed up or detriment the successful & natural growth of a society without due cause or unjust harm”
“And what of the Tok’Ra, & the Jaffa?” Some one else asked, “What will become of us once you have used the knowledge of the Asgard to become a dominant power in the galaxy?”
“Let me assure you, we have no intention of emulating the Goa’uuld, or the Orii, & wish to live & work harmoniously with our allies & stellar neighbours in peace & friendship” Woolsey replied, “And we always welcome trade & the exchange of new ideas, knowledge, culture & technology wherever possible between ourselves & other cultures & species”
“So when shall we begin to see the benefits of the technology & knowledge the Asgard have left us?” The Russian Ambassador to the I.O.A. asked, getting a nod of support from his Chinese counterpart; the pair as anxious to know how the rest of the I.O.A. member state would benefit from this new technology & knowledge as much as their off-world allies; considering the United States hadn’t been exactly willing to share any of the military advancements it had gleaned from the Stargate Program in it’s ten-year tincture.
“We will make the knowledge & technology that the Asgard have bequeathed us available as soon as we can properly decipher it & can safely adapt it to the various needs of both us & our allies” Richard Woolsey replied, short, simple & very much to the point on the issue.
“You mean as soon as you have gained all the knowledge & technology left you by the Asgard for yourselves” A member of the Jaffa High Council retorted bitterly; angry that Earth would not share this newly-discovered technology with her so-called ‘allies’.
“Please understand that the Asgard left their legacy to us, the people of Earth, & no-one else. Whilst we are not necessary obliged to share such technology with our allies, the terms of the agreement of our alliance with our off-world friends, such as yourselves, the Tollan, the Gadmeer & others, states that we shall share all intelligence, knowledge & technology that may of mutual benefit & use to us & you; & we shall do as soon as it becomes available. We still need to copy the Asgard database to ensure that their legacy is not lost or inadvertently destroyed; & there is still a lot of information to sort through, even with the help of the holographic interface designed by the Asgard before their unfortunate demise”
“Could you not use the Galaran memory technology you acquired from the people of Galar?” The Jaffa asked, shooting a look at the Galaran Emissary; both of them looking at Richard Woolsey as he considered the proposal.
“We do plan to use the memory grafting technology obtained from our trade negotiations with the Galaran Cabinet to speed up the process of training personnel in the use of the Asgard database & the dissemination of the knowledge contained therein” Woolsey replied. “Having said this, there is still a lot be learnt from the Asgard knowledge base, & even with the aide of the memory technology provided us by the Galarans & the holographic interface which the Asgard installed in the database they installed on the Odyssey; it may be months, if not years, before we can begin to make real headway into the knowledge left to us by the Asgard. We owe it to them to at least use the knowledge, technology, history & culture left to us by the Asgard responsibly & ethically; to do anything less is to demean their sacrifice, & dishonour their legacy”
“You state you are willing to share this new-found knowledge & technology left to you by the Asgard, yet your actions speak louder than your words” A member of the Free Jaffa Nation’s High Council retorted back, “In fact, your reluctance to even consider the possibility at this present course in time threatens to undermine our alliance & the friendship & trust built between all of us here today - do you really want that Mr. Woolsey, or do the Tau’ri now think that they can dominate & control others because of the knowledge, technology & weapons left them by the Asgard?”
“Now wait just a minute Sir!” Woolsey snapped back, incised & outraged by the mere thought of such an act.
“You wish to establish your own inter-galactic empire!” A Jaffa roared, “You are no better than the Goa’uuld & the Orii!”
“Why will the U.S. not share these new discoveries with China & Russia?” The Russian representative to the I.O.A. asked, adding his voice to the ever-growing chorus of dissatisfied voices.
“Now you have weapons which can combat the Orii, do you intend to turn them on us?” A Tok’Ra representative questioned.
“The people of Earth would never -!” The Galaran representative cried, cut off by accusations from one of the Jaffa.
“Galar wishes to appease the Tau’ri because they are sharing their space-fearing technology with them!”
“We would never!”
“FOR CRYING OUT LOUD WILL YOU PEOPLE QUITE IT ALREADY!” Jack O’Neill roared, getting everyone’s attention as the argument threaten to flare into an all-our brawl & war of words.
Everyone was stunned in silence as Jack got up & made his way to the head of the room, taking charge of the rabble about him & trying to calm everyone down.
“Look at yourselves!” He cried, disgusted by what he saw, “Swabbing over scraps of technology like a bunch of Gouuld! We didn’t defeat the Gouuld & the Replicators to be destroyed by our own petty differences; & we sure as hell won’t bet the Orii unless we work together, just like we have done in the past. The way you’re acting is pathetic, & I for one wish the Asgard never left us their legacy, if this is what their memory is going to be reduced to! You all should be ashamed of yourselves!!”
“I concur with O’Neill” Egiera, Queen of the Tok’Ra nodded, the Tollan contingent nodding their silent agreement.
“Friend O’Neill is right” The Gadmeer Ambassador added, his inbuilt translator forming his usual clicking, flute-like tones in audible Human English. “We are all allies & friends, we should not be fighting amongst ourselves like new-born hatchlings”
“Indeed” Teal’c replied, his fingers steepled together, his face as serious as it had ever been.
“Thankyou General” Woosely replied, “For reminding us of what is truly important”
Waiting a few moments to let those words sink in & for everyone to clam down some more, Woolsey started to outline the rest of the meeting :
“Now, may I suggest we all take a break for a short recess whilst we al lcalm down & gather our thoughts before continuing again?”
Everyone nodded, the tension in the air so thick at present it could have been cut with the flat end of a blunted butter knife.
“Good, in which case, I declare this preliminary meeting closed. We shall meet again here at 18.00 this evening. Any objections?”
When none were presented, Woolsey packed up his paperwork & thanked everyone for their time, signalling that the meeting was over.
“Well that could of gone worse than it did” Woolsey said to General O’Neill as they went to leave the briefing room.
“Ya think?!?” O’Neill replied, his famous sense of dry, sarcastic humour coming to the fore as he reached out his hand to open the door. “I just hope that nothing else goes wrong before this is all over; the leats thing we need is -”
Jack barely had time to finish that sentence as he finished turning the handle on the door & went to open it as an explosion rocked the briefing room; sending him, Woolsey & others hurtling backwards into the nearby wall; the force of the blast in such a confined space doing maximum damage & unleashing chaos. Sirens blared & medical teams rushed to the site of the explosion as devastating nature of the blast became apparent & sprinklers overhead stared going off as Humans, Jaffa, Gadmeer, Galaran, Tok’Ra, Tollan & others staggered about, cried out, or laid where they were; everyone’s ears ringing from the explosion that had cost some their lives & almost certainly wounded many, many more.
“Emergency!” Siler’s voice could be heard over the base loudspeakers in the nearby hall wall, “Emergency! Med Teams to Level 28, briefing room! This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill!”
“Sir!” Samantha cried as rushed in to the room with Dr. Lam & a medical team in tow, a look of great concern creasing her normally serene features. “Sir! General O’Neill! Jack?!?! Can you hear me??”
In that moment, Jack had thought she had never looked so pretty. Her face was the last thing he remembered as the world about him grew dark & cold, as everything faded rapidly to black & oblivion claimed him. . .
Prologue (flashback from ‘Unending‘):
“Surely there must be some way. . .” Same said, tears welling up in her eyes , choking on the words as a lump formed in her throat; looking at Thor, knowing this would be the last time she would ever see her Asgard friend again.
“Please don’t grieve. Everything that can be done, has[/I] been done” Thor replied by way of answer, “My people‘s demise has been a long time coming. In our efforts to extend our lives, we made many mistakes; perhaps you can learn from them.”
There was a slight pause as both Human & Asgard pondered on the meaning of his words before he continued :
“You are[/i] the Fifth Race.” Thor said solemnly, meaning every word he said, both feeling the gravity of that statement as the Asgard finally acknowledged Humanity’s role in the great cosmic scheme of things, “If there is to be any hope for the future, it lies with you & your people”
Earth (present day), a month later. . . :[/I]
“We come together today to mourn the passing of our dear friends & allies, the Asgard” General Jack O’Neill intoned, his words carrying throughout the gate room at the SGC, sombre & sober as the memorial function at which he was speaking; for once, choking on his words, finding it hard to speak. “From first contact with the Asgard, to their help with the Goa‘uuld with the signing of the Protected Planets treaty, to the building of the Daedalus-class battle cruisers & other services they have rendered the people of Earth - indeed this entire galaxy - over the years; the Asgard have been protectors, friends, mentors & guides as we have made our way into the greater universe”
Looking over to right he saw Hammod & Landry in stoic silence, the pair of Generals as stern & professional as ever.
To his left, the members of SG-1 had assembled in a row, forming one part of the honour guard - along with General Hammod & General Landry on the opposite side of the ramp - Mitchell, Teal’c, Jonas & Daniel with heads bowed, all with sombre expressions on their faces, Sam with her head likewise bowed, face in serene composure as she fought back tears, Vala - the rogue member & misfit of SG-1 - placing a hand on her shoulder & hugging her arm as Sam grasped her free hand, the two women sharing an unspoken bond that had only grown deeper & cemented their friendship since Vala had permanently joined SG-1 a little over a year earlier.
Giving Carter a concerned look, to which she nodded back to, Jack turned to face the assembled dignitaries : representatives from the IOA & it’s member states - Great Britain, China, Canada, Russia, Germany, France, & Australia, amongst many others - the Free Jaffa Nation, the Tok’Ra, the Tollan, the Gadmeer, the Nox (whom had made the trip to Earth & broken their self-imposed isolation just for the occasion), the people of Chimera & the Galarans, to name but a few - before continuing on with his speech :
“I am lucky enough to have been personal friends with Thor, whom was a great friend & leader amongst the Asgard; & a wonderful little guy”
At that, several in the gathered crowd chuckled & laughed , many well aware of Jack’s personal history not only with Thor, but with the Asgard - along with the rest of SG-1 - having been largely responsible for a lot of the contact with the Asgard & development
of Earth’s friendship with the highly-advanced species.
“I think I speak for everyone here when I say the Asgard were true friends, steadfast allies, & great. . .people to deal with; & have helped each & every one of us at one point in time or another. They will be remembered fondly, dearly missed & shall never be forgotten”
At that, the crowd too up cries of ‘Here, here!’ & ‘Indeed!’ as each & every individual gathered at the memorial service expressed their sentiments & agreements with Jack’s statement.
“Now” Jack said, clearing his throat, “I believe there a few people here whom would like to say a few words. . .”
So saying, he gave the podium up to the many others whom wished to speak, give thanks, & pay their respects; the gathered multitudes hearing speeches from the Tok’Ra, the Tollan, the Galarans, the people of Chimera, the Jaffa & many others. Finally, each member of SG-1 gave their personal prospective on their dealings with the Asgard; before Dr. Daniel Jackson took the podium to deliver the final eulogy :
“As we commit the collective spirit of the Asgard to the void, we are reminded of their friendship, their strength as stead-fast allies & their commitment to the continued freedom & prosperity of all sentient races - not just in this galaxy, but others as well. Through our dealings with the Asgard High Council, to the personal friendship many of us have shared with numerous Asgard over the years - especially Thor, Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet - the Asgard have proved themselves time & again to be true friends & allies, backing up words with action & acting at all times with integrity, honesty & respect for all life & all the species, races & cultures that have been lucky enough to encounter them. Having been entrusted with their legacy, we must ensure that the knowledge that they have left us does not fall into the wrong hands, nor that it is used irresponsibly or for personal gain; & that it is only used for the benefit of mankind & our allies. To do so is to dishonour the Asgard & their memory, to demean everything they have achieved over the centuries & subvert all that they stood for. I am sure you will agree with me that we do everything in our collective power to ensure that this does not happen; & that we use the power, knowledge & wisdom we have been granted responsibly & in such a way that brings honour, respect & dignity to the Asgard & their memory”
At those words, everyone - Human, Jaffa, Gadmeer & others - all started to clap & nod amidst cries of ‘Here here!’, “Too right!”, “Indeed!” & other various exclamations of support - the gathered multitudes giving the Asgard the standing ovation they so fittingly deserved. Daniel waited for the noise to die down & the crowd to settle before finishing his speech :
“And now, gathered here, amongst friends, we commit the collective spirits of our friends, the Asgard, to the void from whence they came, returning them to the greater universe that they helped to nurture, respected & explored. We will not forget you”
So saying, Daniel rejoined the rest of SG-1 as a floral wreathe was passed from a representative of each of the gathered worlds & races to the next, finally making it’s way up the ramp, passing from one member of SG-1 to the next, before finally being given to Jack, whom placed the wreathe into the event horizon of the active Stargate; the wreathe hanging suspended in the event horizon for a moment before being pulled into the wormhole, disappearing from view as the Stargate was deactivated. Turning to the assembled crowd, Jack & other members of Earth’s military all saluted, as others bowed their heads as all observed a minute’s silence for their departed Asgard friends.
Later, after the memorial service was over, the leaders of the more technologically-advanced visiting worlds & their representatives - along with the I.O.A. & Dr. Rodney McKay - whom had made the trip especially from Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy just to be there - met in the briefing room to discuss the recent events & what they would mean for Earth, her friends & allies.
“Thankyou all for coming” Richard Woolsey, U.S. representative to the International Oversight Advisory as the other I.O.A. members & their counterparts from the various worlds in attendance sat around the conference table; the various peoples of the Earth-based nations on one side, their alien allies on the other. “Your tributes to the Asgard & their memory are greatly appreciated”
Everyone at the table exchanged solemn looks & heads bowed out of respect for the memory of their fallen friends, allies & mentors, as the delegates took a slight pause to remember the Asgard & their noble & great sacrifice; before Woolsey cleared his throat surreptitiously & continued on with the meeting.
“Now as many of you here already know, the Asgard chose to commit mass suicide rather than continue to live in pain & suffering at the hands of the genetic degradation which had plagued them for centuries, if not millennia. In doing so, they left their entire knowledge base - their technology, history, everything that they were, everything that they are - to the people of Earth. As our allies, we are willing to share this information with you; provided it can be used responsibly & safely”
“And how do you propose to determine whom can use such knowledge safely & responsibly; if your own world & it’s many factions cannot, or become incapable of doing so?” Lyia of the Nox asked, proposing a very valid & serious question to which there was no immediate or easy answers.
Nonetheless, Woolsey, as ever, thinking on his feet, had prepared a statement just in case of such an event.
“We plan to address each application for access & use of the Asgard technology on a case-by-case basis; sitting down with each of our allies in turn & discussing which technologies & knowledge is best suited to their immediate needs as a whole, with continued feed back, monitoring & progression as bench marks, targets & safety protocols are established & met, & as they prove they can handle the advancements & knowledge passed on through us, as given us by the Asgard”
Woolsey paused to let that bit of information & what it might mean sink in before continuing :
“Obviously our more advanced allies, such yourselves” Woolsey nodded to Lyia, indicating the Nox - whom were also friends & allies of the Asgard before they untimely demise - “Would be given greater access to such knowledge & technology, should you require it, if you haven’t already developed similar technologies of your own - as would the Gadmeer & the Tollan. Other allies, such as the Chimmerians, would obviously need to be exposed so such knowledge, technology & ideas at a slower pace, to ensure proper assimilation & integration of new ideas, technology & knowledge before we should safely expose them to more advances in the future. Of course, monitoring & supervision would also be required to ensure we don‘t unnecessarily speed up or detriment the successful & natural growth of a society without due cause or unjust harm”
“And what of the Tok’Ra, & the Jaffa?” Some one else asked, “What will become of us once you have used the knowledge of the Asgard to become a dominant power in the galaxy?”
“Let me assure you, we have no intention of emulating the Goa’uuld, or the Orii, & wish to live & work harmoniously with our allies & stellar neighbours in peace & friendship” Woolsey replied, “And we always welcome trade & the exchange of new ideas, knowledge, culture & technology wherever possible between ourselves & other cultures & species”
“So when shall we begin to see the benefits of the technology & knowledge the Asgard have left us?” The Russian Ambassador to the I.O.A. asked, getting a nod of support from his Chinese counterpart; the pair as anxious to know how the rest of the I.O.A. member state would benefit from this new technology & knowledge as much as their off-world allies; considering the United States hadn’t been exactly willing to share any of the military advancements it had gleaned from the Stargate Program in it’s ten-year tincture.
“We will make the knowledge & technology that the Asgard have bequeathed us available as soon as we can properly decipher it & can safely adapt it to the various needs of both us & our allies” Richard Woolsey replied, short, simple & very much to the point on the issue.
“You mean as soon as you have gained all the knowledge & technology left you by the Asgard for yourselves” A member of the Jaffa High Council retorted bitterly; angry that Earth would not share this newly-discovered technology with her so-called ‘allies’.
“Please understand that the Asgard left their legacy to us, the people of Earth, & no-one else. Whilst we are not necessary obliged to share such technology with our allies, the terms of the agreement of our alliance with our off-world friends, such as yourselves, the Tollan, the Gadmeer & others, states that we shall share all intelligence, knowledge & technology that may of mutual benefit & use to us & you; & we shall do as soon as it becomes available. We still need to copy the Asgard database to ensure that their legacy is not lost or inadvertently destroyed; & there is still a lot of information to sort through, even with the help of the holographic interface designed by the Asgard before their unfortunate demise”
“Could you not use the Galaran memory technology you acquired from the people of Galar?” The Jaffa asked, shooting a look at the Galaran Emissary; both of them looking at Richard Woolsey as he considered the proposal.
“We do plan to use the memory grafting technology obtained from our trade negotiations with the Galaran Cabinet to speed up the process of training personnel in the use of the Asgard database & the dissemination of the knowledge contained therein” Woolsey replied. “Having said this, there is still a lot be learnt from the Asgard knowledge base, & even with the aide of the memory technology provided us by the Galarans & the holographic interface which the Asgard installed in the database they installed on the Odyssey; it may be months, if not years, before we can begin to make real headway into the knowledge left to us by the Asgard. We owe it to them to at least use the knowledge, technology, history & culture left to us by the Asgard responsibly & ethically; to do anything less is to demean their sacrifice, & dishonour their legacy”
“You state you are willing to share this new-found knowledge & technology left to you by the Asgard, yet your actions speak louder than your words” A member of the Free Jaffa Nation’s High Council retorted back, “In fact, your reluctance to even consider the possibility at this present course in time threatens to undermine our alliance & the friendship & trust built between all of us here today - do you really want that Mr. Woolsey, or do the Tau’ri now think that they can dominate & control others because of the knowledge, technology & weapons left them by the Asgard?”
“Now wait just a minute Sir!” Woolsey snapped back, incised & outraged by the mere thought of such an act.
“You wish to establish your own inter-galactic empire!” A Jaffa roared, “You are no better than the Goa’uuld & the Orii!”
“Why will the U.S. not share these new discoveries with China & Russia?” The Russian representative to the I.O.A. asked, adding his voice to the ever-growing chorus of dissatisfied voices.
“Now you have weapons which can combat the Orii, do you intend to turn them on us?” A Tok’Ra representative questioned.
“The people of Earth would never -!” The Galaran representative cried, cut off by accusations from one of the Jaffa.
“Galar wishes to appease the Tau’ri because they are sharing their space-fearing technology with them!”
“We would never!”
“FOR CRYING OUT LOUD WILL YOU PEOPLE QUITE IT ALREADY!” Jack O’Neill roared, getting everyone’s attention as the argument threaten to flare into an all-our brawl & war of words.
Everyone was stunned in silence as Jack got up & made his way to the head of the room, taking charge of the rabble about him & trying to calm everyone down.
“Look at yourselves!” He cried, disgusted by what he saw, “Swabbing over scraps of technology like a bunch of Gouuld! We didn’t defeat the Gouuld & the Replicators to be destroyed by our own petty differences; & we sure as hell won’t bet the Orii unless we work together, just like we have done in the past. The way you’re acting is pathetic, & I for one wish the Asgard never left us their legacy, if this is what their memory is going to be reduced to! You all should be ashamed of yourselves!!”
“I concur with O’Neill” Egiera, Queen of the Tok’Ra nodded, the Tollan contingent nodding their silent agreement.
“Friend O’Neill is right” The Gadmeer Ambassador added, his inbuilt translator forming his usual clicking, flute-like tones in audible Human English. “We are all allies & friends, we should not be fighting amongst ourselves like new-born hatchlings”
“Indeed” Teal’c replied, his fingers steepled together, his face as serious as it had ever been.
“Thankyou General” Woosely replied, “For reminding us of what is truly important”
Waiting a few moments to let those words sink in & for everyone to clam down some more, Woolsey started to outline the rest of the meeting :
“Now, may I suggest we all take a break for a short recess whilst we al lcalm down & gather our thoughts before continuing again?”
Everyone nodded, the tension in the air so thick at present it could have been cut with the flat end of a blunted butter knife.
“Good, in which case, I declare this preliminary meeting closed. We shall meet again here at 18.00 this evening. Any objections?”
When none were presented, Woolsey packed up his paperwork & thanked everyone for their time, signalling that the meeting was over.
“Well that could of gone worse than it did” Woolsey said to General O’Neill as they went to leave the briefing room.
“Ya think?!?” O’Neill replied, his famous sense of dry, sarcastic humour coming to the fore as he reached out his hand to open the door. “I just hope that nothing else goes wrong before this is all over; the leats thing we need is -”
Jack barely had time to finish that sentence as he finished turning the handle on the door & went to open it as an explosion rocked the briefing room; sending him, Woolsey & others hurtling backwards into the nearby wall; the force of the blast in such a confined space doing maximum damage & unleashing chaos. Sirens blared & medical teams rushed to the site of the explosion as devastating nature of the blast became apparent & sprinklers overhead stared going off as Humans, Jaffa, Gadmeer, Galaran, Tok’Ra, Tollan & others staggered about, cried out, or laid where they were; everyone’s ears ringing from the explosion that had cost some their lives & almost certainly wounded many, many more.
“Emergency!” Siler’s voice could be heard over the base loudspeakers in the nearby hall wall, “Emergency! Med Teams to Level 28, briefing room! This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill!”
“Sir!” Samantha cried as rushed in to the room with Dr. Lam & a medical team in tow, a look of great concern creasing her normally serene features. “Sir! General O’Neill! Jack?!?! Can you hear me??”
In that moment, Jack had thought she had never looked so pretty. Her face was the last thing he remembered as the world about him grew dark & cold, as everything faded rapidly to black & oblivion claimed him. . .
