Kefflin's Flagship
In Hyperspace
Milky Way Galaxy
Soaring through the swirling vortex of hyperspace, the bulk of the Lucian Alliance raced onwards towards Hebridan. Days before, as they readied to depart from Possara, the men and women of this fleet were confident in their purpose and abilities. Each had believed that the arrival of the Lucian Alliance, as a power in this galaxy, was finally at hand. All of that changed a few short moments before.
Bad news rarely comes in single announcements. It began with subspace messages informing Kefflin of events on Alba Longa, and the subsequent destruction of a majority of the vessels sent to reduce that world to rubble. Though this sequence of events had transpired two days earlier, fear of Kefflin's reaction forestalled transmission of this update to the leader of the Lucian Alliance.
This news spread from ship to ship in the fleet advancing towards Hebridan. A feeling of unease took hold in the mind of each, while fear hovered in the shadows of the mind all. Fully one-third of the fleet had been detached to attack Alba Longa. If reports were to be believed, Alba Longa had been reduced to ashes. If that was so, then how were so many vessels lost? According to reports, a single shot fired from a Tau'ri vessel had dealt the deathblow to the attacking Ha'tak's. If true, this meant the Tau'ri were more powerful than stories had suggested. Gossip and rumors soon sprouted aboard each vessel in hyperspace.
Moments later, aboard all vessels in the Fleet, a series of subspace transmissions were received. These transmissions, displaying live video, showed worlds familiar to those watching. Confusion and wonder soon turned into shock, horror, revulsion, and panic. Playing out on screen, bridge crews aboard each vessel watched as three planets met their end. Like an angry god, the Tau'ri had effortlessly reached out and snuffed out the spark of life forever. At that moment, all aboard the collection of vessels knew their lives were over. The Tau'ri would hunt them until times end.
Standing on the bridge of his flagship, Kefflin watched the video stream of Delmak's end with reserved calm. To the outside observer, the leader of the Lucian Alliance appeared calm, and in full control of his faculties. Internally, Kefflin's mind raced. The loss of a single world was a crippling blow to his plans. On the screen before him, he watched as three worlds were rendered lifeless. In his heart, Kefflin knew the Tau'ri response changed everything for his plan moving forward. Beside Kefflin, remaining quiet and still, stood Major Carlyle.
For years, Kefflin had crafted his plan of how to bring about the rise of the Lucian Alliance. Thus far, his efforts had accomplished his limited goals. His future success hinged upon Earth being crippled, and unable to respond. The lifeless worlds on screen gave proof to his plan's failure. Fear, rage, contempt, and uncertainty filled Kefflin. This was not how things were supposed to follow.
"You understand Earth in ways few of us do. How could this happen? What does this mean?" Kefflin asked softly.
"Earth is a world that has known nothing but war. After countless generations of fighting, they have become exceedingly efficient at destroying their enemies. I fear all that has been done is to awaken a sleeping dragon." Carlyle replied.
"Their ground forces will be tied down, dealing with the aftermath on Earth." Kefflin said dismissively.
"Three worlds destroyed in minutes of each other shows they do not need their ground forces to make their rage known. I believe their military establishment refers to this as mutually assured destruction. The Tau'ri prefer clean conflict. Rendering three worlds lifeless suggests their traditional approach to conflict has changed." Carlyle responded.
"All they have accomplished is making certain we will conquer Hebridan. That conquest is not a matter of survival for us." Kefflin mused.
"The Tau'ri response changes everything. Three worlds, our industrial capacity, and many of our people and their families are gone. If we push on to Hebridan, we run the risk of losing what we have left. If the Tau'ri fleet awaits us at Hebridan, we will lose many more assets and people that we cannot replace. If we should somehow prevail, they will simply continue killing worlds. The worlds and people we have left must be defended. I know you don't want to hear this, but for now, we must abandon the conquest of Hebridan." Carlyle said plainly.
"Abandon the conquest?" Kefflin questioned.
"You really should listen to your compatriot." A third and new voice added.
"Who said that?" Kefflin demanded.
Turning on his heels, Kefflin scanned the faces of his underlings standing nearby. Each face contained a look of nervous timidity. Only one face held no fear, and that face was one not known to Kefflin. Who was this new face? Where had he come from? Seated in Kefflin's throne like command seat, the new arrival appeared not at all nervous.
"How did you get aboard my ship?" Kefflin demanded.
"How I arrived here matters little. The fact that I am here should concern you." The new arrival warned.
"Security, grab the intruder!" Kefflin ordered.
Two men to the intruders right rushed towards the throne. With a small motion of the intruders hand, both security team members rushing towards the throne were violently thrown into a bulkhead, as if by magic. To the intruders left, a third security team member quietly approached, with gun in hand. The weapon extended towards the head of the intruder, as the security guard stalked forward. Without turning to lay eyes on the approaching armed man, the intruder again motioned with a finger. Grasped by an invisible force, the armed guard rose into the air, as his body was contorted and squeezed. Screams and the cracking of bones filled the room, as the now dead guard fell to the deck plating.
"If you value the lives of your men, I would resist the urge to have them attempt to take me by force." The intruder warned.
"Who are you?" Kefflin asked in anger.
"I am but a messenger. Many cultures have known me by different names. You may call me Dorin, Ambassador of the Furling, and herald of your impending doom." Dorin replied formally.
"What is your purpose here?" Kefflin questioned.
"I came here to see the face of Earth's enemy for myself." Dorin replied.
"You have now seen my face, and this face will be the last one you ever lay eyes upon." Kefflin promised.
"To accomplish that goal, you will need something stronger." Dorin said, while motioning towards the fallen security guards.
"Then I will get something stronger. I am a man with resources and power." Kefflin countered.
"Your supposed power and resources are nothing compared to my own. Only one world has managed to bring death to an ascended being, and that world is the one now hunting you. The people of Earth I love as my own children, though I am not their mother or father. Their true mother and father, your creators, are at this moment plotting your destruction as well. Races wielding more power than your mind could possibly comprehend are even now dreaming of your death. The ascended will not kill you though. That, we will leave to Earth." Dorin explained.
"If they can, they will pay a high price." Kefflin answered.
"No price will be too high for them now. You have ensured the death of your people. At this moment, they are planning the destruction of the worlds remaining under your control. Where they go from there is anyones guess. I would wager Lucia is their logical tertiary target. When you have no followers of sympathetic allies, they will come for you. On that day, I will stand here and watch as all that your know, are, and ever dreamed of burns." Dorin swore.
"Your empty threats and warnings mean nothing. If you are so powerful, then show me." Kefflin taunted.
"I will allow Earth to have their revenge. The most rewarding part of watching revenge unfold is that moment of realization that a monster has been beaten. Seeing that realization take hold in your mind will be a moment I savor centuries after your corpse has turned to dust." Dorin said.
"All you will watch in the coming hours is my conquest of Hebridan. My ground forces are ready." Kefflin spat.
"Your most experienced ground forces are aboard this vessel, many decks below." Dorin said.
"What about them?" Kefflin demanded.
"Once I have departed, consult your sensors. You will find the bays holding your ground forces aboard this vessel are locked down, and on fire. Your troops are dying as we speak. I will see you soon." Dorin promised, before vanishing.
Fifteen minutes later, the entire Lucian Alliance fleet racing towards Hebridan alerted course. Abandoning their mission of conquest, they would now attempt to save what little they had left. The Tau'ri task force tailing the Lucian Alliance fleet dutifully reported this development to Earth.
United Worlds Assembly
Shambhala
Milky Way Galaxy
In the wake of the attack on Earth, the world and city of Shambhala stood at a heightened state of readiness. Enveloping the world once known as the Alpha Site, a planetary shield like that found on Earth was energized. In the space surrounding this world, a handful of powerful vessels of Earth's fleet sat, under cloak. Increased air patrols of F-302's and UCAV's patrolled the skies and local space. Transferred through the gate, several thousand multinational troops patrolled around the cities boundaries. No chances were being taken of an assault upon this world from without, or within.
Security was at a premium for two reasons. Shambhala, as home to the United Worlds organization, represented a target, whose destruction could plunge the Milky Way into chaos. Security was also heightened due to the emergency session of the United Worlds, which leaders from several galaxies were present to attend. Many of the delegates from worlds within the Milky Way wore somber expressions, due to the attack on Earth, and the resulting video transmission of Earth's response.
That video transmission caught many worlds off guard, and left them with feelings of uncertainty. Why had Earth transmitted images of large scale death and destruction galaxy wide? Secretary General of the United Worlds, Sean Lee, worked tirelessly for a day and a night, meeting with each delegate to discuss the events seen. Were it not for the efforts of Lee, Earth might have lost numerous allies. In a series of discussions, the Secretary General put to rest fears, concerns, and misgivings of delegates from across the galaxy. Rarely had such diplomatic acumen been put to use, on such a scale. For those with concerns about Lee's ability to wield the power of his office, this single feat would forever silence their criticisms.
Sitting in his quarters, focusing on the United Worlds session to come, Lee felt slightly overwhelmed. Since the attack on Earth, he had not had a chance to truly come to grips with the constantly evolving situation. One thing was certain to Lee, and that was this was all happening too fast. Sipping his tea, he looked out the picture window of his sitting room, lost in thought. Entering quietly, aware of the Secretary General's internal turmoil, Camille Wray made her appearance.
Over the course of a half hour, Camille managed to put Lee at ease. In Lee she saw a familiar confusion, like that she had experienced during her first months aboard Destiny. Walking through what the Secretary General was feeling, step by step, Camille managed to help Lee navigate the emotional currents he felt, allowing him to focus on what stood in front of him. Straightening Lee's gold silk Hermes tie, and brushing the shoulders of his exquisitely tailored suit, Lee whispered a few parting thoughts before taking her leave. In the silence following her departure, Lee thought of what she had said.
Reaching for a slim leather portfolio, Lee moved to the mirror. Studying his own appearance for a moment, he forces his active mind to relax, and enjoy a moment of silence. Yes, he was ready. Moving towards the automatic door, Lee reflexively checked his watch. Upon his graduation from Tuft's University, his father had given him this watch, and it was Lee's most treasured keepsake. As he told those who asked, this timepiece contained the sum-total of his good luck.
Stepping through the door and into the hallway outside of his quarters, Lee took note of his security detail. Nodding to the head of his three man security detail, the Secretary General signaled he was ready to move. Leading the way, the junior member of the security detail moved towards the transport booth down the hall. Entering the booth, the four men were whisked away to the far corner of Shambhala, and the large dome housing the United Worlds.
Exiting the booth, in the ornate outer chamber of the United Worlds General Assembly, Lee took note of well wishers standing nearby. Each gave the Secretary General a nod of encouragement. Crossing the beautiful marble flooring of the outer chamber, the sound of clapping from those nearby joined the methodic footsteps of Lee and his security detail. Stopping at the dual automated doors separating the outer chamber from the General Assembly itself, Lee asked that his security detail remain behind. As the doors opened, Lee stepped into the Assembly.
Walking with purpose, Lee strode down the long walkway into the General Assembly. Seeing the arrival of Lee, delegates from many worlds rose to their feet. Expecting a somber reception, Lee was caught off guard as delegates rose to their feet and applauded. Perhaps this would go better than his worst fears had suggested. Touching his tie, he hoped that his lucky watch would see him through the day to come. Applause continued, as Lee made his way across the General Assembly floor, and climbed a small set of stairs to the central speakers lectern. At the lectern, Lee looked out on the crowd, filled with a veritable who's who of the diplomatic world. Waiving them to their seats, Lee waited patiently for applause to die down before beginning to speak.
"Thank you all for coming. The purpose of this emergency session is not to ask anything of you, but to make clear what has happened. Looking out on the delegates present, I see many familiar faces, and am reminded of events past. When conceived, the United Worlds was meant to bring all races together, for the exchange of ideas, and the furtherance of our mutually shared ideals. Seeing all of you here, in this dark hour, reaffirms that we all stand together.
For many months, we have watched as a common enemy has waged a war of terror upon member worlds of this body. They do this, not because they consider you their enemy, but because they covet what each world present enjoys. What is that you might ask? Freedom, the right to pursue your own endeavors, and the right to enjoy a peaceful existence free of extremism. The values we share are the very values our mutual enemy, the Lucian Alliance, seeks to forever eliminate. They are not an alliance in anything but name, but instead a rogue element bent on conquest through any means.
We have all watched as this conflict has raged across this galaxy. On Tagrea, they sought to unseat the elected government, and replace that government with a ruler of their choosing. During the tenuous days that unelected government was in power, civilians averse to the Lucian Alliance's chosen leader paid the ultimate price, with their lives. Today, thanks to the swift actions of Earth's military, Tagrea is free. Citizens of Tagrea now enjoy a life free of the Lucian Alliance, paid for in blood by young men and woman of Earth.
On Langara, the Lucian Alliance pursued another goal, through different means. Contaminating a favorite children's breakfast food with Kassa, the Lucian Alliance fostered chaos, and upheaval. Before that chaos could be contained, innocent Langaran's paid with their lives. In their actions on Langara, the true aim of the Lucian Alliance is seen. They seek nothing more than chaos, and in that time of chaos, to impose their will upon the many civilizations of this galaxy.
Over many months time, working together, the combined member worlds of this galaxy have dealt the Lucian Alliance a crippling blow. Lacking their ability to cultivate Kassa, the Lucian Alliance finds itself no longer able to easily dictate terms to those addicted. It is important to note that we accomplished this together, and as one voice, announced a coming change in this galaxy.
Though not represented here today, the world of Edora fell squarely in the sights of the Lucian Alliance. These people, a good people, did nothing to provoke the assault and attempted invasion that befell their world. Many lives were lost, but many more were saved to live their lives moving forward. Today, the people of Edora remember those who were lost, and strive to make the most of their world in remembrance of those no longer living. Actions such as these show that the Lucian Alliance can never win this undeclared war they wage upon us all.
Days ago, agents of the Lucian Alliance launched an attack upon the people of Earth. Weapons and poisons of incredible lethality were unleashed not upon the armies of Earth, but on civilians, innocents. The lives of millions of men, women, and children met their end at the whim of the Lucian Alliance. This senseless and brutal act came hours after vessels of the Lucian Alliance savagely bombarded the world of Alba Longa from orbit.
To the worlds that have come under assault at the hands of the Lucian Alliance, you have lost much, but you have not lost everything. You have certainly not lost Earth. We will stand beside you today, tomorrow, and far into the future. We will stand beside you for as long as it takes.
The brutal actions of the Lucian Alliance have reached a boiling point. These actions will not be allowed to stand unanswered. As many of you witnessed, the destruction of three Lucian Alliance worlds came within hours. These images were transmitted across the galaxy, in the hopes of preventing a Lucian Alliance assault on Hebridan. No longer will the civilizations of this galaxy be forced to live in fear of the day the Alliance comes to their shores. It is the decision of the leaders of Earth, that from this point forward, the Lucian Alliance is a clear and present danger to all worlds of the Milky Way.
This war will take time, and lives on all sides will be lost. We do this to safeguard those we know, and those we may someday meet. For many thousands of years, this galaxy suffered at the heel of the Goa'uld. Never again will this galaxy be forced to live in the shadow of such a threat. This war is not simply Earth's war, but a war for all civilizations that value the safety of their way of life. We ask not that you fight this war with us, but that you understand why it is we fight. In this dark hour, the fires of freedom and longing for a truly galactic peace burn brightly. We will fight this war, not out of retribution, but to forever secure that freedom and peace for all of you.
Many of you have requested time at this podium, to address the General Assembly. I will now step aside, and allow this session to progress. Thank you." Lee finished.
In the audience of the General Assembly, the words spoken by Lee soaked in. Each knew, the words uttered by Lee were the truth, and a solemn vow. This reaffirmation of solidarity showed many that Earth, as many believed, would fight for the freedoms of others. Lee's words also gave proof to Earth's sharing of suffering and misery with other affected worlds. Many rows from the speaker's podium, Consul Fulvious Flavius rose to his feet. Casting aside diplomatic decorum, the Consul began to speak.
"My world, Alba Longa, is a relative newcomer to the United Worlds. It has been our privilege to share membership in this organization with all here today. Were it not for Earth, my world might today be under the rule of the Lucian Alliance. While Earth was under attack, our brothers and sisters there thought not of their world, but of the safety of mine. As the Consul of Alba Longa, I pledge here and now, that Alba Longa will stand beside Earth in this war. Our fates are intertwined, and we will walk into the fires of war and conflict beside our long lost brothers and sisters gladly." Consul Fulvious Flavius announced.
"As will the Tollan." Chancellor Narim pledged.
"Langara stands with Earth!" Jonas Quinn announced.
"Tagrea is in your debt, and we too shall join you." Chairman Ashwan added.
"Hebridan is in your debt, and will support your efforts in every way possible." Miles Hagan joined in.
"My people, the Reetou, will fight at your side." Charlie proudly stated.
"Ilempir is free today because of Earth. Your fight is our fight." Aris Boch promised.
As Aris Boch spoke, delegates across the General Assembly stood; advanced and primitive joined forces. Races ranging from the Gadmeer to Jaffa stood as one. Since the inception of the Stargate Program, the fates of many world had been altered for the good through Earth's efforts. Now, those very same worlds were presented with the opportunity to repay the favor. In the coming hour, civilizations across multiple galaxies came together with one goal. That goal was the destruction of the Lucian Alliance.
Earth
Sol Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Since the attack on Earth, events transpired at a rapid pace. In areas directly effected by individual attacks, recovery efforts were still underway. Were it not for the all encompassing response of the Alliance of Great Races, the death toll might have continued to spiral upwards. Many had been saved, but far more were lost. On all continents, the thought of 'never again' took hold in the hearts and minds of all.
Communications were once more global, thanks to efforts of both the Asgard, and the human inhabitants of Earth. In coming days, it was hoped that full functionality of the internet would be restored. Data and websites thought forever lost, due to the destruction of global data centers, were being miraculously restored. This restoration, though dated, was possible only because of data mining operations carried out by several governments prior to the attack. This very same reset style fix would also be used to restore the worlds financial market, to a time prior to the attack.
Over the course of seventy-two hours following the attack, diplomats of larger nations raced at breakneck speed to other nations around the world. British, American, French, Chinese, Russian, and German diplomats had but one goal; bring all Earth together. Within twenty-four hours, results for this most herculean of tasks began to take , each nation of Earth, be they small or large, declared a state of war to be in existence with the Lucian Alliance, and any allied they may have. For the very first time in the history of Earth, mankind stood as one, and cried out into the dark that the current status quo would not be allowed to stand. While the declaration of war was merely symbolic for smaller nations, this declaration was more of an open promise for larger more powerful nations.
In the hours following the global declaration of war, larger and far more meaningful changes took shape. These changes, though difficult to accept by many, would reshape not only Earth, but the Milky Way galaxy, and any galaxy Earth took step into. Far reaching, and considered unworkable at first glance, these changes would affect every soul living on Earth, connected to Earth, or allied with Earth.
To achieve their end goals, the diplomatic corp of all nations found themselves forced into the single largest act of political theater attempted, even eclipsing that of raced from nations across the world, to emissaries in New York. In diplomacy, ways of doing things existed that many believed to be inviable. Those long held rules and beliefs were being set aside, and outright violated for what was to come. This act of political theater, televised globally, was necessary to make plain not what could happen, but what would happen. By doing this on live television broadcasts, it was hoped that conspiracy theorists and pundits would be silenced before opposition could emerge from infancy. The chosen stage for this bit of theater that would forever alter the landscape of Earth the United Nations, simply because within those halls, all nations come together. Unknown to the audience that would watch events within the United Nations play out, the decision had already been made.
On televisions around the world, and across all other mediums of communication, the world watched and listened to events unfolding within the General Assembly of the United Nations. While individual nations had already made public their declarations of war against the Lucian Alliance, all nations took the further step of unanimously passing a binding resolution authorizing United Nations members to prosecute a war against Earth's enemies.
This war would not be fought along traditional rules and methods of modern warfare. A page from history was being taken, and put to use. This war would not be one waged to achieve limited aims. Nor would this war be waged to render the enemy politically helpless, or militarily impotent. Instead, this war, fueled by the rage of billions, would be waged instead as a total war. This style of warfare, geared towards not just destruction, but eradication, would be waged to eradicate the Lucian Alliance, and any who might share their ideals or leanings. In this style of war, any target would be considered a valid target. Sentiment and compassion would play no part in events to come. Like the Second Punic War, this war would revolve around the concept of burning cities, and salted fields.
All of this was buildup was done, not because it was needed, but because it captured the emotions of a world audience. This emotion, properly harnessed, would later serve as a cooling balm on the mixed emotions of what was to come. In many ways, this televised event was the single largest psychological warfare operation ever attempted. Focused on revenge, few would object to the large change to be announced shortly. Any who dared speak out would find themselves surrounded by many willing to defend, or at least overlook, any and all governmental actions coming in the wake of such a deliberate and destructive attack.
In the large and open chamber of the General Assembly, a hush fell over the assorted delegates from all corners of Earth. Briskly making his way to the podium, with the gleaming green marble background of the General Assembly speaking platform backdrop behind him, was the Secretary General of the United Nations. Polish born, Secretary General Klimek Misiak was the first eastern European to hold the highest office of the United Nations.
Known for an engaging smile and quick wit, Klimek Misiak had done much to restore faith in the office of Secretary General. An avid basketball fan, Misiak was an often seen fixture at Knicks games, though he was known to sneak away for Celtics games when time and schedule allowed. On his face, he wore not the tension of the moment, nor the magnitude of the task he faced. Instead, his face was a sea of calm. His demeanor helped settle the nerves of the international audience in attendance. Stepping to the lectern, Misiak began the speech history would most remember him for.
"Fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen; Let me begin by telling you of a close friend of mine lost in the horrific events that consumed Volgograd. His name was Andrei Ivanov. I first met Andrei many years ago, at the height of the Cold War. We met at university, in Moscow. We were both young, with visions of what we would achieve later in life. During our time together, I grew to know and value the man Andrei was then, and would later become.
He was a good man. He was a man who loved to learn, loved a challenge, and loved his people. During his career, he was a man who was willing to move mountains, if such effort would benefit his fellow man. Andrei never married, or had children of his own. My own children loved Andrei like a second father, and he loved them as his own children. Andrei always said that nothing is stronger than the a child's curiosity. In the eyes of each child, Andrei saw the future of not his people, but of this world.
Andrei Ivanov lost his life, as millions of others did, at the hands of an enemy not of this world. I tell you of Andrei, because he embodied the best of us. Giving his all to any task, he wanted nothing more than a bright future for the people of Earth. That his life was lost to an attack of such vicious calculation is an unspeakable tragedy. We now stand as a world awakened to danger, and called upon to defend the ideals we hold dear.
The attacks across the world were not attacks on individual nations, but attacks on Earth as a whole. If we are serious about upholding our ideals, it will not be enough to simply add further defenses around our world, or to make statements of outrage. We must honestly address a deeper cause that allowed this crisis to take place. We face a choice between allowing past issues to drive us apart, or embracing the hopes that we hold in common.
On this day, we must reaffirm that our future will be one of our making. Today, we must declare that intolerance has no place among the nations of Earth. Several years ago, the world learned of a galaxy of life beyond this world, and has been captivated by the transformation that disclosure brought with it. The nations of Earth supported change then, and must now support further change. The right of a people to decide their own destiny is an inalienable right. Today, we have entered an era where progress must be based on the interests of the population of this world as a whole. All of us must play a role in working towards the security of our Earth's citizens.
During the time before disclosure, nations of this world intervened in multiple galaxies. This was done, not out of a hope for reward, but because it is our duty to help those who cannot help themselves. This trend has continued post disclosure. Now, we find ourselves in an era where we must do what must be done to safeguard those of this world. Self determination is not unique to any one nation, or world. It is a universal value.
The attacks seen around the world were made possible because of our differences, and divisions. Our attacker exploited these national divisions, borders, and boundaries, to wage war indiscriminately, and without fear. Let us now turn this season of sorrow into a season of progress and change. No longer can this world remain divided into individuals, when we are only truly safe and strong as a whole. Much attention is given to what divides us. When you strip that away, we all share they same basic wants, needs, and desires.
West German's first Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, once said that he believed that for the first time in history, countries want to renounce part of their sovereignty, voluntarily and without compulsion, in order to transfer that sovereignty to a supranational structure. That statement is now true today. In the hours following the attacks, many nations realized that to truly protect our world, we must cast aside the old ways of individual sovereignty. In the days since that realization, an unseen diplomatic effort has taken place, and blossomed into something more.
Sixty days from today, individual nations on each continent will do away with their borders, while also shifting towards a single currency. Current governments will remain in place during a transitional period. The nations of each individual continent will form into Unions. The North American Union, South American Union, European Union, African Union, and Oceanic Union will then hold elections for senatorial representatives for their individual Union bodies of local government. From these individual Union Senate's, a second set of elections will take place. Those elected from this second set of elections will take their seats on the Tau'ri High Council. This will not be a seamless transition.
When we first stepped through the Star Gate, we encountered an enemy that referred to us as the Tau'ri. Translated, this means the First World. As the first world, it is our duty to set an example to follow. Other worlds, some more advanced, and some less advanced, enjoy the benefits of a single unified government. It is time that we join their ranks. The Asgard refer to us as the Fifth Great Race. Now is our time to fully assume that mantle, and build something great and lasting.
Change normally comes in the wake of a tragedy, and that is no different here. We choose to do this not because we can, but because we must. We take this challenge on not because it is simple, but because it is hard. The legacy we build in the coming year will be the legacy our grandchildren inherit. Let us leave behind a world stronger than the one we were born into. Let us leave behind a world strong and unified. Let us join together, and for the very first time in our civilizations history, stand together as one people.
To those of you who ask why we must put aside the old ways of governance, the answer you seek can be found all around you. Look in the face of anyone who has lost a friend, loved one, or acquaintance, and you will see through the pain in their eyes, the reason change is not only needed, but necessary. It is time to put aside our petty disagreements and differences, and come together, as one, to work towards the betterment of all mankind. This attack was only possible because we stood as individuals, and this weakness is one will deny any future enemy.I ask, not as Secretary General of the United Nations, nor as a diplomat, but as a man, that you allow this process to be a seamless and painless transition.
I promise you this; long after this war is over, the legacy of Andrei Ivanov and those like him, will live on. Those we mourn will serve as a reminder of what we can achieve. Thank you." Secretary Misiak said in closing.
Across the world, billions were speechless at the announcement of the coming formation of a single world government. In the weeks ahead, much more would be learned about the form and function this government would take. Making this palatable to all was the single fact that the announcement came in answer to the recent series of tragedies. From the fires, a stronger Earth was emerging.