The Cabinet Room, 9:20 am

The Cabinet Room was quiet. The President’s speech had finished a few moments ago. The room was full to the brim with members of Congress, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the rest of the cabinet. Extra chairs were brought in, but there was not enough room, so people had to stand. The TV was set to MSNBC, and videos from all over the US were being shown. The damage and destruction were on full display.

The door opened and the President walked in. Everyone in the room stands out of respect. Seth takes a moment to scan the room to ensure everyone is here to start the meeting. “Hello everyone, please sit down everyone, let's cut to the chase” After greeting the men and women, they all sit back down. “We are in a dire situation people, please change the screen” Seth orders an aide to switch the TV to a different channel to begin.

“General, I think it would be best for you to begin,” Seth says, gesturing to a General named Charlie A. Jefferson. “You may begin when you're ready”

The general gives a little nod and stands next to the TV. “Thank You, sir. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like you all to take a look at these photos. Before I show them I want to make it clear that at this moment, these are Classified. The Photos shown to the public will be very different from the ones shown here. Lights please.” another aide turns off the lights and hits a button for the window blackout shutters to close. The sudden darkness takes people's eyes a minute to adjust.

“First I want to discuss protecting our maritime borders, including the addition of Canada, Mexico, Central America, and so on. It has grown significantly. For this, I suggest creating one massive border that goes 30 miles from shore and loops around like an oval.” He changed the screen to a photo of the new maritime border and an outline appears of the suggestion.

“Now to be able to achieve such a feat in protecting this border, both the Coast Guard and Navy will need much more additional resources. Such as ships, personnel, supplies, fuel, intel, and more. The problem is in preparation for The Storm, most of our Naval assets were docked or moved closer in together to protect them. Mainly the ones that are difficult to replace.” He pauses for a short second so people can understand.

The General changes the picture again “As we speak more and more video evidence shows something came down from the sun and struck the Earth in lines, very specific and precise lines. All ships on said lines are now heavily damaged or sunk. And the ones near it to heat damage.” He changed the image on the screen to several photos and videos of ships severely damaged or now sunk. Some snapped in two, glowing a hot purple color. One of the ships now in two was an aircraft carrier, “Thankfully the only sunk Aircraft Carrier in our fleet was this one here” The picture changes to a closer picture. “The USS Carl Vinson”. The carrier is completely in two. “This carrier is beyond repair and will be used for spare parts.”

The members in the room chatter amongst themselves over the news of the ships. The General waited patiently before continuing to speak. “Now, the good news is that the ships we need to patrol our new border are still afloat, the problem is that it is going to take time to repair them. Especially depending on the damage done.”

“Now on to the two landmasses the President discussed in his speech” The picture changes to a detailed map of the new planet.

Seth gives a subtle cough to chime in, “General, I would like to take it here for a second if that's alright.”

“Yes Sir, Mister President” The General takes his seat.

“Now I want all of you to look at this map. Does it look familiar to anyone?” Seth asks the men and Women in the room. He lets that question hang in the air, some confused at this map, some studying it.

If you have been practically living under a rock for the last 10 or so years, or just haven't watched any major TV show then you wouldn’t understand. But Seth knows that some of them must know what he's referring to. The room remains silent as the occupants study the map.

He inconspicuously looks at each one of their faces, then he sees it. On the House Minority Leader of the Bull-Moose Party's face. Liz Cheney. He watches as she quickly connects the dots in her head. She looks at him, then back to the screen, back at him “Mister President, is that what I think that is?” She asks. Everyone in the room looks at her, then him.

Seth gives a little chuckle “Glad to know I’m not the only one seeing it, I thought I was going a little crazy. Anyone else want to take a crack at it?” Everyone stays silent, some shake their heads. “Alright, General next slide please.”

The picture changes to a map. But this one is much more detailed, with wording and landmarks. The two continents are named “Westeros” and “Essos”. And at the bottom “The world of “A Song of Ice and Fire” and “Game Of Thrones " in an old writing font. Now everyone is understanding what this world is, everyone connecting the dots, and many “Oohhhhh” coming from a few.

“Now do all of you see it?” Seth asks, looking around the room.

The general continues his presentation, “The images are almost identical, some bits and pieces of detail are off. But other than that, the same.”

“So what does this mean? Are we stuck here?” Ted Cruz, Senate Minority Leader asked in confusion.

Looking over to the senate leader, “At the moment. We do not know. But the good news is that we know where we are. Planetos, from Game Of Thrones.” The General answered the leader's question, as well hoping to calm people's nerves.

Just hearing it aloud is quite a shock to most, just the idea of a fictional story being a reality is amazing in itself. The Congress leaders begin to discuss the steps to get ahead of the panic that will most likely start when news gets out. The idea of a new government budget gets thrown around. Increasing military spending, where the money will come from, increasing taxes, which federal programs need more money and ones that need to be put on hold. What about the foreign trade that will no longer be coming in, what about those resources?

Religion was another thing that was brought up. What do you do with the highly religious people in the country? How do you keep them calm and not go insane? No Pope, no Mecca, no Jerusalem. Important places for these major religions are all gone. All these foundations were just uprooted overnight.

The Cabinet Room gets louder and louder as people try to speak over one another, ideas left and right. “Lower Taxes” “Raise Taxes” and “Military control” The words “Martial Law” were thrown around a few times. Just everyone getting louder.

“Everyone, please! We must go through this rationally. We will get through this” Seth, now standing trying to calm everyone down.

“How do you expect the public to react? You already told them they were no longer on Earth! Now how do you think they're going to react when they find out that we are on a goddamn fantasy planet. This is insane!” Miss Greene spurts out in her crazy tone that she usually saves for the media. “I guess the stress is getting to her now.” Seth thinks, looking at the congresswoman.

“For now, Congresswoman.” Giving her a look before scanning the room. “We tell the public one thing, the truth. We can’t have speculation and fear take over.”

The news breaks, 3:20 pm, 6 hours later

Americans all over the country are still trying to get over the President's speech. Places of worship from the big cities to small towns are being flocked to. Looking for comfort in the fact their lives have been forever changed. Speculation and conspiracies are rampant as very little information besides the speech is released. Like a slowly dripping faucet.

The news media at the moment is documenting the damage and destruction from The Storm. Social Media is still up and running as young citizens try to find comfort in cyberspace. Each documents their experience, feelings, and next course of action in a search for some form of normalcy.

NASA has been given the go-ahead to give updates on the ISS and its Crew. The country sighs relief in knowing that the astronauts are safe and sound. Along with this, the info as to what happened to the Russian cosmonauts is also released, along with the video.

More and more reports of people vanishing out of thin air during The Storm make big news. Footage from bunker sites all over the country is shown to the public of men, women, and children turning into light and vanishing before people's eyes. Just like the Cosmonauts. The videos are practically identical. Before The Storm everyone is calm and prepared, then The Storm hits followed by shaking then the light, and they vanish.

CNN: “The US government at this time has no comment as to why these people simply vanished. But they say that they are looking into it.”

MSNBC: “The official government website now says for everyone to have at least enough food and water for you and your family. Instructions have been posted on how to extend them in case of emergency.”

Fox News: “Now the government is saying we need to be on a “Work from Home” schedule to save gas and diesel. I mean come on! The damage to the economy alone is going to be chaos. What we should be doing is mandating more people to work, more people in factories producing everything we need. Not being a bunch of wimps and hiding at home. I bet this would have never happened if the Republicans never lost the election.”

ABC News: “We are getting numerous reports of power outages across the country. Law enforcement in some areas stated that whole power grids for isolated areas are completely fried. Seattle, Washington State is reported to almost be completely out of power as lines are down, neighboring states of Oregon and Idaho have said that they will send in supplies and trucks to help with the damages as they are not too badly damaged. We will have more shortly”

CBS News: “So far the following states have opened up their bunkers 6-month supplies to the public at rationing: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Utah, Kansas, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arizona. More are expected to follow. The Department of Transportation has been ordered to organize a nationwide “Bus Shuttle” system for businesses to save gas from civilian cars.

As news outlets are relaying what is happening around the country, more information about this strange planet is released.

“Welcome back, My name is Wolf Blitzer with CNN and we have Breaking News. The US Government has just released its information of this world we have been, frankly transported to.” The Anchor turns to a TV screen next to him, it goes from the CNN logo to a map. “And as you can see here, almost the entirety of North America is here with us, just as the President said in his speech earlier this morning. And here.” The Anchor zooms out more for the full image, “This is the complete map we have now. And as you can. See. here.” He stops speaking and studies the map.

“Uh. Uh hmm. Sorry folks, I think someone gave us the wrong ma-” Before he finishes, he presses on the earpiece and listens. “It’s what?” “Are you sure?” “This isn’t a joke right?” “Oh.” The anchor turns back to the camera, bewilderment on his face. “Well uh, folks. This is, I guess, exactly what it looks like. If you have watched the hit show “Game of Thrones” then you will recognize this land mass here.” He circles and points to the closest landmass, “My producer is saying this isn't a joke, but this is Westeros. Yes, that one.” Looking over to the side of someone away from the camera. “Are you sure this is what the government released?”

More and more information is released. The information seems fake at first like someone screwed up and gave the wrong file to someone. Or an office prank? But no, this is legit. The media goes into a frenzy with this information, the theories become wilder and wilder. Social Media is having an absolute field day as well, LARPing is trending on Twitter. So many questions that don’t have answers are being asked on every corner of the internet. But one common question is being asked: “Where is George R. R. Martin?”

Reports on Social Media in New Jersey of helicopters flying overhead, like a swarm of bees in search of flowers. The speculation has been narrowed down to one thing. They're going to get George R.R. Martin.

4:45 pm, Rural New Jersey, Home of GRRM

Rural New Jersey, far from major cities and the hustle and bustle of civilization. Home to big, cheap plots of land. One such plot is homed to the famed writer George R.R. Martin, bought before The Storm. At least that's what the file says.

Sitting in the Blackhawk helicopter, a soldier turns the final page of the personnel file and hands it back to the front. A group of 5 helicopters, four of which are Blackhawks. The first one is a civilian model. They have orders to bring the writer to D.C. by any means necessary. No contact with the writer has been established, the phones ringing but no one's answering. He was last seen with his wife arriving at his home, a 25-acre plot of land from the closest bunker.

“3 Minutes from landing! Look alive!” The pilot reports to the soldiers.

Looking out the window, they approach a massive home. Looking like a 4-5 room size maybe more. The helicopter flies around it twice to get a lay of the land. The civilian helicopter lands 25 yards from the door, then the first Blackhawk helicopter 15 yards from the civilian.

“Alright, everyone!” A military captain yells to get everyone's attention on the headsets. “We go in, get the writer and his wife then we get the hell out. Got it?”

“Yes Sir!” The other soldiers reply. The sliding door to the helicopter opens and they exit. 10 yards from the front door, an officer and two military MPs stand waiting for the soldiers. The officer gives them a nod of approval and makes his way to the door, the squad of soldiers staying a few paces behind.

Ding Dong. The officer presses the doorbell. Nothing. He presses it again. Still nothing.

The officer reaches his hand to the door and knocks, the door creaks open. The hinges, with years of wear and tear, make a scraping noise. Something out of a horror movie. Poking his head in to take a look around. Nothing. Then a small gust of air hits him. It's cold.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

“Captain, split your group into two and search the building.” The officer speaks on the radio. Looking back, he watches as the 10 soldiers and their captain make their way to him and through the door.

The first group makes their way up the stairs to the second floor. Searching and going from room to room. Each is either a guest room or a storage room, which is odd for a house this size. The last room is the master bedroom. The door was cracked open, and a smell was coming from it. Foul smelling. A soldier, weapon in hand, pushes the door open with the muzzle of the rifle. What he finds is not a pretty sight.

Mister Martin's wife, Parris McBride, dead. She was slumped on her back in a pool of blood. Her throat was cut to the bone.

Two other soldiers enter, still in defense, and search the room. No one was in it. Searching the room for some kind of entry, footprints, a weapon, something to give evidence of an attacker. But there was nothing.

“Captain, we have a body up here. It's the writer's wife. She's dead. Throat cut.” The soldier who found her reports on the radio.

The radio comes to life, “Shit. Alright stay there, I will be up there in a minute. The second team is about to make it to the study.”

Before continuing his task, the captain looks around the living room. It's a mess, trash thrown about. Torn up magazines, and destroyed dishes. Just a mess. Looking over to the other group, he hands signals to make their way to the study.

They entire a short hallway, and the end had a sign on the door “Study room” hanging by a nail. The captain readies his weapon, “Open it.”

Another soldier, on the right side of the door, slowly turns the handle to open it. The Captain kicks the door open and sweeps the area for any hostels, A soldier enters right after him doing the same. What they find is worse than they could imagine.

Blood. Blood covering the floor, splatters on the walls, almost everything. There's a body, sprawled on the floor. Its lifeless eyes staring at the ceiling glossed over. The Captain walks over and neels a little to examine the corps. On the right side of its chest is a hole. About the size of a silver dollar. Looks down in dismay. “Shit” He takes his hand and closes the eyes of the now-deceased body of their target of extraction. George R.R. Martin. Looking around the room for any signs of a struggle.

The room was ransacked, shelves destroyed, notebooks ripped to pieces, many more clearly missing. The computer that was once on the desk smashed to pieces, unsalvageable. “Command. Come in.” The captain presses down on his radio. He waits for a response.

“Go ahead, captain.” A feminine voice replies, authoritative.

“We are inside the occupancy. We have two bodies, one upstairs and the other in the study, both deceased for some time. No signs of entry. The study is ransacked and destroyed. No sign of forced entry. Not even signs of footprints.” The Captain informs.

“Alright Captain, stay there. Don’t touch anything, we have people on their way to handle and examine the scene”

“Yes ma’am.” Giving one more look around the study.

“God fucking damn it”

MSNBC: “We have Breaking News. The famed author, TV writer, and producer George R.R. Martin and his wife, Parris McBride were found dead this afternoon in their New Jersey home at 4:50 pm Eastern time. At this time local and government authorities have not given a cause of death. The government has said they wanted his help to determine their next course of action on “Planetos”. Mister Martin was 77 years old.”

4 days later. October 23rd, 2025 9:00 A.M. EST “Announcement of contact mission”

Upon the report of the death of George R.R. Martin, the US government decided to go ahead with a “First Contact Mission” to the continent named “Westeros”. The details of this Mission so far have been kept from the public as to not add more fuel to the fire. Efforts to help throughout the country have been going ahead of schedule so far. Local and state governments have been coordinating to get people the food and supplies they need.

General Motors, Sellantis, and the Ford Motor Company have been ordered to halt production on new vehicles for the time being and put efforts into parts and equipment the country needs. As well as oil production machinery. This includes the former foreign manufacturers that have major offices in the country such as American Honda Motor, Toyota USA, and Hyundai USA, etc.

So far the search of known Oil deposits in the former Canada and Mexico have been proven successful. But since the original infrastructure is gone, the timeline to get those Oil Refineries up and running has not been determined yet. ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips have reported that the reservoirs in the two former countries are there, but they need time to find out how much is there. And without the existing infrastructure to be able to extract, the timeframe is uncertain.

The Whitehouse has been a very busy place for the last few days. Even More so since the contact mission announcement. The discussion is to take place in the Oval Office, at the moment chiefs of staff, Cabinet members, and military leaders are waiting for the president to join them. Many start to brainstorm how to move forward.

“If the satellite map is correct, why not just go straight to Kings Landing with a contact fleet?” A woman questions.

“No No. We do not want to give too much away. If we go straight to the capital and say “Hi! We are not from this planet and just stumbled upon this place, also our home is on the other side of the continent.” it will look suspicious” The Secretary of State, Peter Lynch says to her. The bags under his eyes say he hasn't slept well in a few days.

“Good point. So we just play dumb the entire time? What if we’re not at the right time? I mean as to the books. We could be hundreds of years before the originals, or hundreds of years in the future.” The Secretary of Commerce, Abigail Cross, has been trying to attain as much knowledge as she can about this fantasy world. With one of the books by her bedside every night.

Sipping on his cup of black coffee, “Well we won’t know until we meet them first now will we.”

The door to the Oval Office opens, letting the president walk in. Coffee in hand, with a dog at his side. The dog, a blue and white Stafford Bull Terrier, three to four years old named “Eco” usually goes everywhere with his owner. Except for the past few days, hiding under the bed and shivering from The Storm. Now happy and bringing smiles to everyone in the room.

“Sorry everyone, had to make a phone call to a nervous relative,” the President says, making his way to the Resolute Desk. He gestures for Eco to lay on his dog bed at the side of the desk.

“Let me guess. Your cousin in Maine?” a staff member asks, giving a little wave to Eco.

“You are correct. She texted me concerned and I just wanted to reassure her " he takes a sip of his coffee before continuing "Shall we get down to business? What do we have so far?”

The members in the room set up the few proposals they have in front of him, some boards with maps and numbers on them. Once they were finished, Admiral James Huber stepped forward to start explaining the first proposal.

“Well sir, the first option is a simple one. We have a small convoy of ships leave Norfolk, cruise down to Lannisport, make contact with whoever is in charge, and start to set up diplomatic talks. Simple trade, to start a relationship. And maybe figure out a way to set up a FOB for a research team. On this satellite image here.” The Admiral points on the board.

Pointing to another location, “We believe this is the heart of the area. Casterly Rock. From the satellite image, it looks as though the entire castle is built into the mountain. And with the estimated it being Twenty-one hundred feet high. Almost as tall as the “Merdeka 118” in Malaysia, Standing at 2,227 feet. With this in mind, it would be best to make sure the convoy reaches the outskirts of Lannisport just as the sun begins to rise. They will most likely have guards watching the sea for ships coming in. We want them to have ample time to report to the High Lord. If they don’t see us first up at Casterly Rock.”

Seth, sipping his coffee and taking this option into account. It's straightforward, simple, and easy to explain. The low point of failure on our part. And if it goes well, start a friendship with the most powerful area of the continent. But, just in case he still wants to hear out the other two options.

Another General takes the lead “The other two choices are the same, but in different areas. Option one is straightforward, the convoy goes down and around what we presume to be “The Summer Sea” and up through “The Step Stones” into “The Narrow Sea” then heads straight for King’s Landing through “Blackwater Bay”. Very straightforward, but with some problems. One. The convoy will be out in the open for everyone to see. Rumors will spread along the continent, starting from what we presume to be Dorne up.”

“Most Likely the areas we travel the lords will get nervous and launch their ships to investigate, and it could get ugly. Two, if let's say nothing like that happens the other problem is just showing up at their capital unannounced and saying we know nothing about their land, and the fact that North America is on the other side and we just show up out of the blue is going to raise concern. Might scare the high lords into thinking we are here to invade, or they might just lock us out. We can’t take that chance.”

He continues with the last board, “Now option two, we go up north to a secluded, unpopulated or low population area. Meet with the locals, set up a Forward Operating Base, gather intel about the area, and go from there. The problem with this option is that you could technically call it an invasion. Which is something we want to avoid being accused of.”

Thinking about the information given, Seth realizes something. Taking another sip of his coffee, “They want to go with option one, makes sense. Important port city. Large enough for boats, well at least one by our standards. An Important family occupies the area. The map has 3 roads leaving Lannisport, so commerce will move “quickly” by Westeros standards. More importantly, they are crucial to the books. Get on their good side so we might be able to steer things, and if we don't like where it is going. We simply “topple the lion’s throne”.”

Putting his coffee down on his desk, Eco gets up and makes a little whimper to him. Looking up with some puppy eyes. Smiling, Seth opens and reaches into a drawer and pulls out a large dog treat. Eco sits and waits. Seth gives him the treat and pats his head, Eco walks back to the bed and lays down, munching on the treat.

Looking back at the men and women in the room. “I like the first option, going to Lannisport is the best course of action. Straight forward, no bullshit. But there's one thing I am concerned about. The High Lord of this area will most likely be a Lannister. The problem is which one.”

“We will be able to handle anything that happens,” the Admiral says, Highly confident. Unsurprisingly, this expedition will probably summon the Admiral into the history books.

Changing the subject to the voyage itself, “How long would it take them to get down there?”

Opening up a manila folder, “About 2 days, maybe less depending on the weather”

Taking another sip of his coffee, “What ships would make up the small convoy?”

The Admiral looks up from the folder. “Well sir, we were thinking about having 5-7 ships in total, I have a list here of the ships we think are best.” The Admiral goes to the coffee table, picks up another stack of files, and hands them out to everyone in the room. “This is the list and information of the naval vessels in mind.”

Seth flips open the thick file and reads off each ship aloud. “The USS Abraham Lincoln, Aircraft Carrier. The USS Makin Island, Amphibious Assault Ship. The USS San Antonio, Amphibious Transport Dock. The USS Savannah, Friget. The USS Arleigh Burke, Destroyer. The USS Virginia, Submarine.”

Looking through the names one last time then looking at the admiral. “Um. Don’t you think this is a bit much? I mean, this is basically a Carrier Strike Group.”

Understanding the President's concerns, “Well Sir, since this is a Medieval Fantasy world. And reading up on the book series. The possibility of Krakens, Leviathans, and course Dragons. It would be better to be over-prepared than under.” the Admiral, hoping that answers the President's question.

Closing the file on his desk, “Alright, you make a good point. In that case, I want a vessel from Project Analog added as well.”

“Sir?” The General to the side looks from the Admiral, then to the President.

“Is there a problem?” Asking both the General and Admiral.

“No Sir, there's no problem. Just, why?” The Admiral questions as politely as possible.

“I figured if we spend all that money on those old ships we might as well use one. Which ones have been fully refitted?”

The Secretary of State chimes in, “I have that file here Sir”. Grabbing said file and making his way to the Desk. Opening the file to read off the list, “Of the 43 Navy Vessels originally selected in November 2023, the ones that were completed just before The Storm are; USS Texas, USS Wisconsin, USS Missouri, USS Lexington, USS Gettysburg, USS Oak Hill, and the USS Whidbey Island”

Seth ponders the options and takes another sip of his coffee. “Let’s go with the USS Missouri, if I remember correctly she was the first one completed right?”

“Yes sir, she is in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as we speak.”

“Good, I want her to be part of that convoy.” Now that is done, Seths looks over to the Secretary of State “What about the ambassador to meet them? Any suggestions Peter?”

Peter, giving a little chuckle “Actually Sir, I know just who. I highly suggest Kelly O’Conner. With her work with the peace between Russia and Ukraine, I think she would be perfect. Plus she loves the books”

“That’s good to hear. Call her up and give her the offer” the President says standing up. Seth raises his voice a little for everyone to listen to what he has to say. “The First Contact Convoy leaves Friday, next week on Halloween.”

2 Hours later, 11:30 A.M

Ring, Ring

Other line: Hello?

Peter Lynch: Kelly O’Conner? It’s Peter. Peter Lynch

Kelly: Oh Hey Peter! How are you? Busy?

Peter: Yes, it’s been very busy here at the moment. Look, I was wondering if I could ask you something. Got a minute? It’s business.

Kelly: Uh. Yeah sure, hold on. (Hey Honey! Could you watch Sammy for a moment!)

Male background voice: (Sure! Who is it?)

Kelly whispering: (It is Peter Lynch, the Secretary of State)

Male voice: (I thought they were not gonna call you again? I thought Ukraine was your last one?)

Kelly: (Shhhh. I know. I know. It will only be a second)

There's a moment of silence before she comes back to the phone.

Kelly: What can I do for you, Peter?

Peter: I presume you’ve watched the news?

Kelly: Of course.

Peter: So you can imagine that we will need an Ambassador.

Kelly: Ok. And?

Peter: Well. We would like the Ambassador to be you. The President is up for it. I already brought it up with him earlier.

Kelly: …

Peter: …

Peter: Well? What do you think? Think you’re up for it?

Kelly: What do I think? You want me to go to a fantasy continent and open up talks and a relationship with said continent. Meet the people there. And possibly break every worldview of said people with just our mere presence. And for what? Trade? Information? An alliance? Land? Food? Gold? Oil?

Peter: Pretty much. Yeah.

Kelly: …

Kelly: Give me a sec. Let me call you right back.

The audio of the phone being hung up comes through. Leaving Peter in his office alone to sit in silence

An hour goes by before the phone rings again. 12:30 pm

Peter: Hello?

Kelly: Peter? I have an answer. I just need one thing from you. Can you promise me that I will get home safely? I won't leave my girls to live without their mother.

Peter: You will be guarded by the bes-

Kelly: I need you to promise.

Peter: We will move heaven and earth to bring you home safely. If anything bad seems to happen, we will get you home. I promise.

Kelly: Alright. Send me the details. Bye.

Peter: We will. Bye.

Click