Chapter 136 (1/2)
Copernicus
For the first time since construction, the lead ship of the Copernicus class orbited Earth. Her mission was simple; beam aboard the Ark and await orders to activate the device. Having already beamed the Ark aboard, and emplaced it in the appointed position, all was ready. All that was left was a waiting game in anticipation of a signal that might never come.
The Ark now sat in the jumper bay, angled out towards space. Once activated, the shaft of light that carried the devices message would exit the protective energy field of the jumper bay and streak towards the first of the constellation of eighty two parabolic reflector satellites. This system, if needed, would carry the failsafe message towards the planet below and enlighten the population as to the truth.
United Nations General Assembly Building, New York
Four hours earlier, the Presidential motorcade had arrived in the ultra secure underground parking structure of the United Nations Complex. Despite the secure location, the President's secret service detail had quickly whisked their charge to a VIP suite to wait for the appointed time for his address to the General Assembly. This address would be the largest single address any President had ever given.
With what was to be discussed, Hayes felt it best to make this address before the assembled delegates of the nations of the world. After intense pressure from the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, this address would be broadcast around the world. With the assistance of the National Security Agency, the speech would make it to citizens of nations lacking in open access to events in the west via intense video streaming.
Standing at the panoramic window, Hayes looked out over the East River. Part of him wished he was in a suite on the other side of the building, so he could take in the sights of the Manhattan skyline. Disclosure had seemed like such a good idea, when it was a purely theoretical exercise. Now that it was here and now, Hayes wasn't so sure. Watching the water of the East River flow, he reassured himself that following through on what he started was the way, the only way.
”Mr. President, the delegates are seated in the General Assembly. They are ready for you” said the Secret Service agent.
”Ok Pete lets not keep the people waiting” replied Hayes.
Adjusting his tie and buttoning his suit coat, Hayes followed his Secret Service detail to the elevator. Entering the elevator car, his nerves began to cool. As a career politician, he had been speaking to large groups of people all of his a.d.u.l.t life. This speech would be different though. Not only would he be addressing a large portion of the world, the message he was delivering would change the course of man.
Exiting the elevator and stepping into the gray marble atrium, Hayes took a very deep breath. His statesman like air reasserted itself as he and his security detail approached the large doors of the General Assembly Hall. Stepping over the threshold into the Hall, a booming voice rang out.
”Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States”
As the United Nations Delegates of the member nations of the world stood and applauded, Hayes shook hands as they were offered. Certain delegates with a less than pleasant opinion of Hayes did no such thing. The Iranian Ambassador was one such example. With a smile on his face Hayes chuckled to himself about the shock that was in store for all present.
Reaching the raised podium, Hayes strode up the steps towards the lectern. With resounding applause, the President took his place to begin his speech. With a smile on his face he thanked those present for the overwhelming welcome. As the applause tapered off, he continued to smile and wave at those in the crowd. Quickly, the crowd silenced the applause so that the new arrival could begin his all important address. Wanting to capture the moment, Hayes opted to jump in head first. Might as well strike while the iron is hot he thought.
”Two hundred and thirty five years ago, a group of men gathered together in the city of Philadelphia, to launch the grand experiment of Democracy. Frontiersmen and academics; visionaries and dreamers came together in a distant land to make real the affirmation of each mans right to liberty and freedom.
My fellow Americans, people of the world, today we set forth on a journey into a new era. One age, the childhood of mankind, is ending and another age is about to begin.
The journey of which I speak is full of unknowable challenges, but I believe that all our yesterdays, all the struggle of the past, have uniquely prepared our generation to prevail.
That is the true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This press conference has been called at my direction to bring to light something of great significance to every individual of this world. I wish to inform you of the worlds and this nation's most heavily classified program. For the last two decades, the United States Air Force has conducted an above Top Secret program we call the Stargate Program. This program falls under the direction of the unified service command of Star Gate Command” said Hayes, seeing that he had everyone's attention.
The mention of a classified program of the US military had the assembled delegate's rapt attention. Some of them moving to the edge of their seats as they gave the President their undivided attention, and waiting for more.
”In the year 1928, the immensely capable archeologist Doctor Paul Langford, during a dig in Giza Egypt, uncovered a device of unknown origin. Scientists soon came to realize that this device was far outside of the breadth and width of knowledge of any dynasty of ancient Egyptian culture. Since that time, under the direction of the United States Air Force, the true nature of this device and the race behind its manufacture have been uncovered.
For the last seventeen years, with use of this device, which we call a stargate, special operations teams have visited several hundred planets in this galaxy and others. The stargate allows for the artificial creation of a stable wormhole to a point in space having a receiving gate. Using this system, instantaneous transport to point's light years away is possible in seconds. Along the way we have encountered many cultures and races. Many of these benevolent races we call our allies.
With the assistance of our allies, we have brought about the spread of the ideals of liberty and equality throughout this galaxy. Much has been learned during this time. Mankind, at the behest of several alien races, can be found in the far corners of the Milky Way. It was discovered that we are not the first iteration of man. A race we call the ancients populated this galaxy and others with man in their image. This race, who called Earth home many millions of years ago, also built the stargate network.
With the cooperation of the nations of the Antarctic Treaty and the United Nations Security Council, we have ventured to other galaxies. A fleet of vessels for this purpose has been constructed, utilizing knowledge gained from our allies and others encountered along the path. The recently declassified F-302 is a small component of this fleet. Atlantis, one time capital of the ancients now resides in our control.
In the coming days, medical advancements that have been realized will be released to the world. An end to disease, genetic fault, and infirmity is at hand. Clean energy, elimination of world hunger, and advancement of scientific understanding are also in our possession. The world as you know it has been silently changing, in preparation for a new reality. That reality is here. Though this news may sound fantastic - and indeed, terrifying - I ask that you not greet it with undue fear or pessimism. I assure you, as President, these changes will bring about a new dawn for humanity” continued Hayes.
Most notably, the Iranian delegate rose from his seat, uttering profanities before stomping out of the hall. Close behind him, in a movement of solidarity was the North Korean Delegate. The actions of these two men were not a surprise to Hayes in the least.
”With the assistance of our allies we will overcome the common enemies of all mankind - tyranny, poverty, disease, war. Together with them we can create a better world. I cannot tell you that there will be no stumbling or missteps on the road ahead. But I believe that we have found the true destiny of the people of this great land: To lead the world into a glorious future.
In the coming days, weeks and months, you will learn more about these visitors, why they are here and why your leaders have kept their presence a secret from you for so long.
I ask you to look to the future not with timidity but with courage, because we can achieve in our time the ancient vision of peace on Earth and prosperity for all humankind. Make no mistake; this is an effort that will require the combined cooperation of every nation of this world.
The world is a very different place now, than it was in years gone by. For man holds in his hands now, for the very first time in his existence, the means to end all forms of poverty and suffering. Yet, the same beliefs that our forefathers fought for, are still playing out across the globe; the sacrosanct belief that basic human rights come not from a benevolent government, but are a component of an ordained privilege all mankind is born into.
Let us not forget, that today we stand as the heirs to that privilege. Let these beliefs flow forth from this time and place, to friend and foe, that the burden to protect these freedoms has been passed to a new generation of mankind; born in an age tempered by war, forged under the cloud of a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or allow the slow undoing of those rights born unto us that this nation was founded upon.