Kingdom of Alervon, Sollan.
November 13, 1773. 6:52 AM.
Skies over Sollan
Under the cover of clouds, a single UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter flew over the capital city of Sollan, passing through numerous fields and farmlands as it approached the city's inner region. Ambassador Tenjo and Ambassador Johnson were on board the ride, sitting right next to the window, watching the two escorting Wyverns, their wings flapping in unison as they glided against the wind. The two ambassadors could only marvel at the city's mediaeval and gothic structures as they came into view.
Tenjo looks back to Johnson, whose eyes are still fixated on the scenery below them. Wanting to question him without any sort of rude conduct, he cleared his throat to get his attention.
“So Johnson, how come you guys jumped into the party late? Weren’t you guys notified of our findings?”
“Ah, well, things aren’t going as intended back in the states. So, everyone is obligated to a job. It wasn’t until I was called in to join you on this trip. Moreover, I’m pretty surprised that the pilots of the P8 weren't snatched away by them.”
“Could be worse.”
As their conversation came to a close, the black hawk's co-pilot peered around the corner and said, "30 minutes until touch down." As the pilot returned to the cockpit, both ambassadors nodded. Despite their lack of emotion, both ambassadors expressed their mutual excitement for their goal of not only speaking with a potential "alien" nation but also for the entirely different experience that awaited behind the curtains.
* • • •
Rosemary, the current captain of the Wyvern airspace command, exits her luxurious horse carriage quickly. She ran up a flight of stairs before coming to a halt in front of the massive doors that house the headquarters of the Wyvern forces stationed at Sollan Airbase. She takes a step forward, pushing the two doors apart as she quickly makes her way through the labyrinthine hallways illuminated by fluorescent lights suspended from the ceiling, nodding to those who greet her along the way. She comes to a halt when she comes face to face with a door bearing the word 'communications' engraved on a sign. A Guardsman who had been following her opened the door, and as she entered, they were greeted by the head of communications, Omar
“Alright, what’s happening?”
“We have ordered the two escorting Wyverns to maintain close contact with the Ambassadors' 'hovering transport' of their own."
“Hovering machine?” Rosemary said with a confused look.
"The escorting Wyverns claim that the ambassadors are in a contraption they believe to be a black capsule that makes a noise resembling a wing flapping. In terms of attributes, what's unexpected is that it functions similarly to what other countries in nearby civilizations appear to have."
"If that's so, I want to see it for myself!" Rosemary exclaimed.
"If that's the case, then they're arriving within 20-30 minutes from now."
"Right. Just have the Wyverns guide them down."
"Got it." Said Omar as he walked away,
approaching a nearby radio operator to relay Rosemary's request.
Satisfied, Rosemary left the room, making her way back outside the headquarters.
"Ah, Rosemary!" Her subordinate greeted her as she stepped out the door.
"Hm?"
"You're needed at the landing. The ambassadors are approaching in due time."
"As you wish."
* • • •
Rosemary stood idly, hands clasped behind her back, her professional demeanor on display. She stared blankly at the blue sky, occasionally glancing at the shape of white clouds, hoping to spot the silhouettes of the ambassador's hovering transport or her Wyverns returning from escorting them, which she did a few moments later. Two of the escorting Wyvern emerge from the clouds, descending in unison before the hovering machine mentioned by Omar appears. The flying object appeared much larger than she had anticipated, as she had only imagined a small black capsule attached to an apparatus mechanism. The silhouette of the Black Hawk grew larger as it approached, descending smoothly as it hovered just inches above the ground, gradually coming into contact with the grass below, producing dust particles as the Black Hawk's rotors spun continuously until they eventually stopped. Rosemary approaches the alien-like machine, watching the two ambassador's silhouettes appear in front of the window. As ambassadors Tenjo and Johnson emerge, they are closely followed by another person wielding a mysterious black staff in their hands. Rosemary took the initiative and approached the two ambassadors. The two parties came to a halt in the middle. Tenjo takes a step forward, approaching Rosemary and striking up a conversation.
"Representative Tenjo. Hailing from the nation of Japan! Ambassador Johnson from the United States of America is here with me." Tenjo held out his arms, hoping Rosemary would greet him warmly. Johnson eagerly reciprocates with a firm handshake, and Rosemary smiles as she extends her dominant hand to repeat the favor to Tenjo.
"Rosemary. Captain of the Wyvern Air Force stationed in Sollan. I will be my nation's host during your stay.."
"Am glad to know. We have a lot to talk about
regarding our presence inside your country, and the diplomatic affairs that we have to abide by."
"Very well! I would be leading you to where we would begin!"
* • • •
Washington D.C, The United States of America.
The White House
7:23 AM
As the demonstrations in front of the White House grew in size during the previous hour, rows of metropolitan police officers stood behind crowd barriers. Video from just hours ago shows savage battles between protesters and Metropolitan Police officers wearing full riot gear and armed with batons, transparent shields, and tear gas launchers as President Thompson observes from the comfort of the White Office. The video cuts abruptly to shots of wounded cops being treated, smouldering patrol car wrecks, and shop windows that have been destroyed. When he read endless news stories that are making headlines across the country and igniting tense discussion about the situation America has found itself in, Thompson didn't scratch an itch. Silence engulfed the room as he closed the lid of his laptop, as he faced his standing aide in front of him.
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"The rundown?"
The aide quickly glances down at the paper he was holding, before looking up at Thompson again: "We are seeing a high influx of prices going up, some even so happen to go down. The housing market is taking the largest hit since '08, and the U.S Dollar is taking a toll as well." The aide pauses, as he continues to read his document. "NASA is suffering satellite malfunctions, including military, weather, GPS, and data sensory; We are down to at least 20% of what we have prior to what happened.'
Thompson projected a calm atmosphere as the aide finished the last sentence of what he had read, before giving them a slight nod, a verbal gesture of appreciation. He stood up from chair, casually approaching the window, as he peers out to the gardens outside the Oval Office. A wave of obligation—much stronger than what he usually carries, washes over him as a nation ranked number one in terms of power projection, is on its knees as its population tears itself apart in just a span of an hour. He turns back to his aide, reminding him of the so-called “first contact” with the outside world. “Ah yes! Ambassadors Tenjo and Johnson have relayed some pretty promising news.”
“Have at it.” Said Thompson.
"Well, they have linked up with the country's host that goes by the name of Rosemary, who is a captain of one the country's Wyvern units." Said the aide before flipping to another set of pages. "And the P3 Orion pilots along with the aircraft itself were returned to them as a sign of friendship, stated by the ambassadors." The aide continued.
Thompson was instantly relieved by the news regarding the situation outside their country's borders, and knowing the fact that there are at least a few nation's who aren't as antagonistic as they thought to be. However, the short moment of relief was instantly washed away as the reality of what's happening inside the country is still present, and will not simply go away in a blink of an eye.
"Continuing on," Said Thompson as he sat back down in his chair. "What do we have for unemployment?"
The aide, surprised by the instantaneous change from optimism to professionalism, flipped a few pages back to where he left off. "The senate has reported an increase of 35% in unemployment rate, with a staggering 20% in homelessness."
Thompson was taken aback by the numbers, yet he knew it was coming to bite sooner or later, but not in a way like this. He fast tracks back earlier when he had an emergency meeting with his chief of staff back at the Pentagon, in those gruelling 2 hours of his life, the phrase 'Martial Law' has been a argued decision; yet he knew the risk of it, knowing it may cost his presidency and reputation, but during times like this he felt obligated to act, even if it may cost his term in office.
"What do you think? Is martial law worth enforcing for the time being?"
The aide looks at him with a frowned expression, obviously against Thompson's decision, yet second thoughts begin to reach the inner minds of his conscience. "Umm, well, I do think that enforcing martial law may have a chance of setting off a much bigger and uncontrollable fire, but the setbacks are completely numb at this point of time." Said the aide.
Thompson sighed, knowing that a dilemma has raised its ugly head. Knowing it would be difficult to solely rely upon the aide in front, he decided it's better off to be handled with others as well. "A meeting with the presidential cabinet and the rest of the senate is what I need. Kyle, schedule one this evening. We gotta find some way to mitigate the damage until we can figure out the rest.”
“I’ll get to that right away. For the meantime, Audrea is stalling the press while we get ourselves settled and prepared."
"Good. Make sure that every bit of information stays inside this building. Got it? The moment a single atom of a document or paper gets out to the public, the whole nation will eat us." Said Thomposon, his voice becoming deeper to emphasise his statement. Kyle nodded, understanding Thompson’s explicit regards.
Royal Throne Cabinet, Royale Palace, Sollan, Kingdom of Alveron.
“The delegations hailing from the Kingdom of Aisha, will arrive tomorrow! And will require an escort before dawn till dusk! ” Said Savannah, her voice echoing across the parliamentary halls.
As tensions rose however, the familiar faces of civil and overseas servants were instantly replaced by the grumpy and wrinkled faces of Parliamentary Staff, each filling their respective party’s booth, accompanied by representatives of each branch of government.
“Adding to this,” She pauses, flipping the pages of her notebook to the desired page. “The representatives from the countries of Japan and the United States of America, have arrived at the Wyvern air base located in Sollan. Savannah then looks over to Rosemary, motioning her to step forward and supplement her statement to the rest of Parliament, who are eager to know of their presences inside the country.
Rosemary rose quietly from the audience and walked up to the podium, overlooking the quiet audience in the hall. As she began to speak, she cleared her throat. "I have personally spoken with these countries' ambassadors. My interactions with them have been out of the ordinary. Their transportation motives are similar to those seen in most countries further into the fourth civilization. Their transportation motives are something we've seen in most countries further into the fourth civilization! Yet, "She pauses as she considers her next words to elaborate on her statement. "They felt strange—different. But it's clear that they're willing to go to any length for us in order to extract a few things from us." As she finishes her speech, quiet hushes and whispers begin to fill the room's quiet corners, as senators from each party looked at Rosemary, confused and interested at the same time.
"And how are we supposed to welcome such strange visitors?!" Said one Parliament staff member from the crowd.
"Acceptance." She said bluntly. "Accepting my request for an immediate conference with these nations!" She continued.
Her statement was met with a wave of looks and quiet hushes from the already confused crowd.
"Such arrogance!" A senator stood up. "How are you certain that these people are to be trusted with?! Have we yet to learn when trusting people like them!"
The senator's argument quickly changed the minds of those that previously agreed with Rosemary's words, as division lingered in the air.
"What more can two individuals do to harm our nation?" She rebuttal. "If such people wanted to attack us, then why send us their most important envoys to this country."
The crowd began to nod, agreeing with Rosemary's defence.
"If hospitality is what you wish for… then," The senator pauses as he collects his thoughts. "Why I myself and my colleagues joined you in welcoming these visitors of ours."
"If that's the case, I'd agree with your request."
The senator sat back down as he finished off with his conclusion. The others around preferably sat quietly, processing the whole debate. However the high-ranking officials present in the room, have a different mindset in play.
"Madam Rosemary, if I may?" The voice of a stiff general in their 70's stood up.
"You may, General."
"To put it simply, my subordinates and I myself have concluded that this may pose a significant risk to our country's security—simply letting in these unknown individuals is not really the best interest of the entire Senate.”
"I would take responsibility for what happens, General. Besides, I would not think twice about cutting one's throat if they decided to horse around." Savannah eavesdropped.
“Nothing further.” The general replied.
As the conference drew to a close, Rosemary approached Savannah who was preoccupied in a conversation with a Senator. Savannah notices her, quickly ending her conversation with the Senator as she walks up to Rosemary.
“Talks with the ambassadors will proceed as intended?”
“Yep. Most of parliament agrees on it unchallenged, albeit General Thomas back there was a bit sceptical of your intentions.”
“It’s part of the job. Anyways, who’s leading the diplomatic mission?”
“That would be Ambassador Sherdian.”
“Oh, Sheridan? I thought he was going to the World Summit with you?”
“Foreign Affairs has been rushed for the last month, and no one other than Sherdian has been appointed. And once they found out about the two ambassadors, they completely trusted me to get through the conference on my own.”
“Well, worst case scenario, you get singled out.”
"Well it's not like I have been in that situation before. Besides, I’ve done a lot of lonesome missions since then, so this wouldn’t be as different as the last ones.” Said Savannah
“That's great to hear. And also, once Sherdian gets the job done, just say “You’re welcome” since I’ve already done the first part of his job.” Rosemary bantered, referring to Sherdian’s first step in his diplomatic missions.
“Heh, sure thing.”
The conversation drew to a close as Rosemary and Savannah parted their ways. It wasn’t until Savannah exited the chambers when she felt off. The feeling of uncertainty and suspense lingered around her as she manoeuvred around the corridors of parliament; she felt pairs of sights looking down at her nation with mixed intentions, and everytime she quietly traced it back, it always led up to the aforementioned ambassadors of these nations.
“Who are they… who are these people and what do they want from this land??”
These thoughts plagued her mind as she mindlessly walked around the halls, and into the country where she stopped in the middle. She looks up at the skies, as if the God’s have called her name.
“Who are they…” She repeated as her mind was overwhelmed. “If these… ambassadors are what Rosemary describes,” She pauses. “Then, this is either a blessing or a curse to us… my nation.”
* • • •
The House of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Alervon.
Ambassador Sheridan sifts through piles of documents on his desk. “Ah, Rosemary’s.” He opens the document. “Ambassador Tenjo and Johnson…” He muttered. “Who in the world are these folks?”
The soft rhythmic knocks on the front door drew Sherdian attention. “Come in.” Upon answering the knock, his assistant, Isabella, enters the room quietly so as not to disrupt Sheridan space. “Mister Sheridan?”
“Hm?”
“You have been appointed to the party.”
“Ambassadors Tenjo and Johnson, correct?”
“Yes. The Upper and Lower house have come to an agreement thanks to Rosemary’s speech and insights. Furthermore, you’re to leave by noon today.”
Sheridan nodded. “ Alright, thank you. You’re done for the day.”
Isabella smiled as she walked out the door, closing it behind her. Sheridan returns to the detailed report on who these ambassadors are. A sentence caught his attention as he continued to read it. "Flying machine." He mouthed. “Hm, looks like today’s morning wouldn’t be that bad.” He remarked.
He got up from his seat as he approached the coat rack where his leather brown jacket was hanging, before coming to his desk once again to pick up a few documents pertaining to Rosemary’s request. He tucks the wooden chair in before opening his door as he leaves the room, as Isa stands by the door, waiting for him.”
“Shall we?” Said Isa.
Sheridan nodded as he handed her the documents needed for the day. “Take these to the carriage. I’ll meet you there once I’m done tending to another work of mine.”
“Very well, Sheridan.” Isa replied.
As Sheridan navigates through the corridors, he wonders if these people that Rosemary labels as “different”, have anything of value in store for them, then it would be a win-win scenario for him and his country. But even with the possibility of it happening, he still has to treat them as foreigners, one way or another.