high. Such
times as these are rare, when patriotic fervor at home is matched by
clear superiority in the field.

But I won't try to sway you with words. You know the pressing
realities as well as I do. I ask you now to put aside our past
differences, and give me your full support. We can annihilate the
remaining communist holdings in Balthazar and Cerberus and proceed from
there. But IT MUST BE NOW.

I am sorry to have to force the issue, attacking on my own. But as a
man who loves my country and sees the future clearly, you left me no
choice. With Bacon and Weiss (Presidential advisors) still squabbling,
and your own will paralyzed, precious and irrecoverable time was
slipping by. And as for securing appropriations from the
liberal-controlled House without bringing tremendous political pressure
to bear.....

But I won't banter. Nothing cuts through barriers or rouses the people
like a successful military engagement. And as I have said before, our
tactical advantage will not last. You may have backed the Russians
down of late with tough talk, but they haven't been idle the past three
years either. And unlike our attempts at rearmament, they aren't
hindered by the need for Congressional approval, or any other such
bleeding heart nonsense. The Star Gate is our edge, and it won't be
long before the enemy either finds a defense, or masters the principle
himself. I've ordered everyone directly involved with the project sent
to Mobius and quarantined for a year, under the pretense of a possible
epidemic. But that doesn't keep information from being smuggled out.

And please don't deceive yourself, Edgar. Once the Russians get this
technology they'll use it. This is going to be a volatile and
turbulent era, whether we choose to make the first move or not. Either
we put this weapon to use, or it will be used against us.

But we've been through all this before. I will send my appeal to
Congress and the people, then the choice will be yours. You can give
me your full support, and be remembered for all times as a courageous
and decisive leader, or you can disown me and face the consequences.
There is no middle ground.

Give me your blessing! You are a great and proud American; your
principles are high and your intentions unimpeachable. The only fault
I have ever found with you is a continuing desire to be advised, and a
deep hesitation to go against the grain of your advisers, even when
they themse