Largely an Earth-bound episode, 'Covenant' will see the introduction of a new character intended to be recurring: Andrew Colson.
"Colson, the charismatic CEO of Colson Industries and an old friend of Samantha Carter, makes a televised announcment -- more of an ultimatum to the world's major governments, actually. He has proof that aliens exist and have been at work on Earth, and if the governments of the world don't come forward and disclose it within 24 hours, he will.
"Sam and Daniel watch the broadcast from the S.G.C. The announcement causes public panic and controversy, and it is eventually decided to give Colson a peek at the world he knows only a little about: Carter will take him off-world to the Alpha Site, in the hopes of convincing him that the existence of technologically-advanced (and hostile) alien races is a secret worth keeping.
"Colson's best friend and right-hand man is Brian Vogler, a family man and COO of Colson's company. He warns Colson against making the annoucement, and he must deal with the financial fall-out to the company that follows. While Colson is hoping that the revelation ushers in a new era for humankind, Vogler worries about the mass hysteria it's sure to cause.
"And there are more forces at work here. A shadow group, apparently not connected with the government, also believes that this revelation shouldn't come out -- and use blackmail to try and orchestrate the financial downfall of Colson's massive and influential conglomerate of businesses, leading to the implication that he's made everything up as a publicity stunt or a way to manipulate the government for assistance."
