Make Way For The Queen!

[Sorcha Catach]

The time had come for the Queen of the Kingdom of Scotland to meet the President of the Allied States of America. The Queen was escorted by her own forces to the Vágar Airport on the Faroe Islands as they awaited for the arrival of the Allied States Aircraft that would soon be preparing to land. It may or may not be the best landing strip for Allied States heavy aircraft, but the Queen was sure if anyone had the experienced airmen to land here, it would be the Allied States. The Queen and a Company of Scottish soldiers road out to the end of the airstrip, eagerly waiting for the Allied States so that she could greet the soldiers personally. She wasn't like other Monarchs that would sit on their throne, safe from everything in their little castle, while everyone else waited on hands and knees for her. Most of the soldiers would stay, except the size of a Squad would insist on accompanying her, and she would also insist. As for the Allied States, she was eager to find out how many soldiers they could spare to help defend her and her people. But, she wouldn't be disappointed if it was a small number. She knew the Allied States were taking a risk by doing this, especially when they had trouble at home. She was grateful they could spare any soldiers.

[Tali]

Air flight 12-ASAF-14321

Near the Vágor Airport

The Transport has finally enter the Kingdom of Scotland's airspace. The captain kept changing the channel on the radio until she finally heard chatter, recognizing similar lingo used by commercial airplanes, she gets on the radio to state their business. "This is Captain Steven's, Allied States Air Force pilot. We are requesting permission to land at the Vágor Airport, I repeat, this is ASAF Teansport Plane 12 dash ASAF dash 14321 requesting permission to land."

 

She awaits for an answer while announcing to the men they are about to arrive to their final destination. The  Boeing C–17 Globemaster III, carrying 102 troops, with further troops being transported via the AS Navy, which will arrive in 7 to 10 days, which will place 15,000 troops placed into Scotland for the initial deployment of AS Soldiers to protect our newly found allies in Europe while they develope their economy, society and military.  

[Sorcha Catach]

"Aye, this is Vágor Tower, reading you Five-by-Five. Wylcome, hoo's it gaun?" The Air Traffic Controller spoke up as soon as they heard from the American Aircraft, "the Airstrip was made reserved for the hour fer your arrival. The Queen is ready and awaiting your touch down where you'll be able to unload your people and your cargo. The Strip is clear and ready for your landing. And just from me to you, thank ye for what you're doin'!"

The Queens Guard was noticed to the arriving AS Aircraft, who proceeded to get the Queens attention. It was the morning, and it was a little bit brisk, but it was nothing for the Scottish men and women even with the wind of the Strip.... but for the Americans, they might be just a little upset!

[Tali]

"Roger Vágor Tower, we are making our descent now, please have a ground team prepared for us, this is going to be a bumpy landing," the captain said in her most calm voice before making the announcement for the troops to prepare for landing. 

Few minutes later, the planes wheels touch the ground, while the pilot is very experienced, she wasnt fully informed of how tight of a landing this was going to be, and had a close call, she finally got the plane to a final stop, and releases the ramp to allow the 102 Allied Soldiers and their commanding officers to exit the aircraft  directly onto the strip. The 102 troops move to a safe area and stand in attention, awaiting for their commanding officer to make contact with the Scotish government.

Edited December 16, 2018 by Natalia Poklonskaya
Typo

[Sorcha Catach]

The Queen straightened her attire in preparation for the crafts landing and watched. It sucked they didn't have a proper international airport as of yet, but thankfully the airmen were able to land safely! The commanding officer of the Scottish soldiers ordered the men to attention, and they saluted as the Allied States soldiers exited. What came next may not have been expected, as when the commanding Officer exited the aircraft, the commanding officer of the Scottish soldiers requested their attention to the Queen of Scotland, and when they both met eyes, the Queen gave a bow. Would there be any other officers or representatives that exited the craft, she would bow to them as well. "Thank you for coming to our aid," the Queen began, "I know you are merely following orders, but just as we are all human beings, we have the freedom of choice, and you could have chosen not to help protect us. I am very grateful, to all of you, and the Allied States," she was not informed of any other transports. But sure enough, she would know later. She was not disappointed at all, even if this single transport was all there was that was coming.

"Will this be the transport that I will board along with my Guard?" The Queen asked, trying to speak to the commanding officer. She was not a picky girl, and actually quite liked the style of military aircraft. For the most part, she felt safer in it than an executive jet overseas.

[Tali]

Colonel Sawyer salutes the queen before standing attention. The Queen bowed, and he was unsure how to react, so he kept his usual face, almost emotionless, with a spark of curiosity trying to escape. "My pleasure to be here. I am Colonel Sawyer, and I'll be in charge of the Allied States military inside your borders. I will assure you that my troops will respect your laws, culture and customs, and yes, this will be the aircraft, you will be permitted to take 6 lightly armed men with you, while 5 AS Soldiers will be in the plane as well with you. Do you have any questions for me, ma'am?"

[Sorcha Catach]

The Queen smiled as the Colonel addressed her, showing her eagerness. Honestly, she would have saluted him back, but the fact she wasn't military she felt it may have been disrespectful. She slowly approached the Colonel and reached out to shake his hand, shaking her head as a Squad of Scottish soldiers followed in line behind her, but they didn't look aggressive; on the contrary, they looked quite friendly. "I have no questions, Colonel. Please, allow me permission to board your plane so I may meet with you President," she asked with respect to the Colonel. She was treating him as someone that had higher authority than her, but in truth the Allied States were similarly a 'different kingdom,' and had different ranks and positions. She understood these ranks and positions and granted them the respect they had earned.

[Tali]

"Permission granted ma'am, my best will go with you, meet Lieutenant Harper, if your men or you have any questions while on the plane, relay them to him. Captain Stevens will be your pilot today, and dont worry, she was the top of her class, and has been flying planes since she was sixteen. Once you enter the Atlantic Ocean, you'll see a squad of F-35 Lightning multiple fighter jets escorting you to ensure your protection. I understand you wanted a light escort, and that was the best my higher ups would do," he said before saluting her again, standing attention until the Queen takes her leave and enters the plane.

[Sorcha Catach]

Sorcha clasped her hands together as she looked down, smiling. She had second thoughts about how much escort  she wanted with the recent diplomatic discussion with the British Internationale, but she still found it admirable that the Allied States were taking this chance with her. "Thank you for what you are doing, Colonel Sawyer. Oh, how terrible of me. I am Queen Sorcha Catach. You and your men may address me as Sorcha, or Miss Catach. Queen is a title that is chosen to be said, not forced." She turned her head to her own soldiers and nodded for them to continue. They boarded the plane before her to prepare it and did as they needed. Sorcha looked back to the Colonel and nodded, bowing once more. "I will take my leave now, thank you again. General Adams here will escort you to our closest base and fill you in on any questions you may have." She gestured towards one of the decorated men behind her that lead the troops, smiling. If nothing more was to be said, she would give her goodbyes to her people and the Colonel, before boarding the plane.

[Tali]

"Thank you Queen Sorcha, have a nice trip." The colonel said before saluting and taking his leave to follow General Adams.

 

"Queen Sorcha, I am Lt. Harper, I will be the officer in charge of assisting your security. My men will stay nearby at all times on the plane and when in public. I understand you will have your own security team, but its protocol when a high government official makes an official visit to the Allied States. Now, if you follow me, we'll be entering the plane and the staff will be around shortly after we take off to take your order if your hungry and/or thirsty. I do apologize if this plane is inconvenient. It is a military aircraft, so it holds only the basics. We do have a fully staffed that is able to cook most meals, and fully stocked drinks," Lt. Harper said before escorting the Queen and her men to the back to enter via ramp. He stays behind to wait for the Queen to enter first as a sign of respect,  before he and his squad follow to take their seats.

[Sorcha Catach]

"Lieutenant Harper... it's good to meet you. I wouldn't have it any other way; your protocols are proper and just, and I appreciate their requirements and your trust to follow them." She agreed and slowly entered the plane, "I am patient, and will have a meal before or after meeting the President, which ever seems the most convenient. I've had something to eat before I left. Now, don't think of me as some fragile glass goblet, my father was a military man. I'm quote fine at a table or strapped in with the soldiers," she gave a little laugh as she proceeded. 

[Tali]

Lt. Harper gives a slight laugh and a bright smile before taking his seat to buckle in as the captain starts the process of taking off, "You can eat on the plane, the staff will get whatever you want, once we arrive at Cheyenne, we'll get you to the White House. Usually a dinner is a given to the guest. From my understanding, this dinner, President Harris and Secretary of State will be attending for sure, and a chance that the president's family of being at the official dinner. We kept news mostly out of the loop for security purposes. They'll only show up for the signing agreement due to Transperancy and Integrity Act, which means, that recognized News organizations are permitted to report and take pictures of the event," he says as he prepares for the plane to lift off, which happens 5 minutes later.

[Sorcha Catach]

The Queen listened as she also took her seat, preparing for the plane to take off. "I really don't need anything, but... I'd love a beef ravioli MRE. My father used to save them for me. And, so your cook is not wasted... I'll have some hot chocolate if you can manage that! And please, don't fast yourselves, you deserve something for all the work you do!"The Queen seemed to be hiding it very well, but she was nervous. In this day and age, Kings and Queens were mostly of the past. She was related by blood to a time long gone, but this form of government was the only one the Scottish really knew and were accustomed to, personally. She admired the strength and compassion of her people for freedom, but she was unaccustomed to leadership. So while everyone expected her to hoard masses of wealth, she still have the desire to give back. This was going to be the very first government action she did as the new leader of Scotland, and having such am audience was kind of frightening to be looked up to and expected of so much. But it empowered her people, and she knew the Allied States would be one of her best allies. 

[Tali]

Lt. Harper chuckled before waiving over a staff member, "She would like a Beef Ravioli MRE and hot chocolate. So, your father saved those for you? Was he military? My family has been in the military for generations. Before the fall of the United States, I was just a grunt. My older brother was a Captain in the US Navy, and my sister was a Army Surgeon. After the fall, my commanding officer was killed during the chaos, and I took charge. When we ran into a group of soldiers, we joined up with the AS military to rebuild order. Unfortunately my brother and sister have not been found. They were deployed in New York, and I was deployed 10 miles outside of Cheyenne, the capital of the Allied States. I think you'll love the city. Sprawling with all forms of life. Clean air, buildings touching the heavens and the food is amazing," he stated before looking out the window to admire the view. 

 

"This is the captain Speaking, we are expecting slight turbulence, do not be alarmed. We are currently on the path towards Cuba to refuel and then a straight path towards Cheyenne. Enjoy your flight," Captain Steven's stated before resuming flying.

[Sorcha Catach]

She nodded at Harpers question, "before what felt like the world collapsing in on itself, my father was part of the British Armed Forces, he was a Sergeant. But when everything changed, and the British Internationale was born, he lead a small rebellion in support of the old government on Britain. I haven't been home in a long time, and after the rebellion failed, those of us that were left ran to the surrounding islands that didn't have British soldiers. The rebellion had weight, but that weight was spread out, and most of the original army fell in line with the British Internationale, so it was short lived. I didn't get to know the rest of my family, and my mother was lost when I was born. My family survives in records, and through me. I'm sure the city will be beautiful, I only wish you could see my home in Perth." She didn't weep or look upset, she had done enough of that before, and now had to look strong in front of her soldiers. Harper could tell she wasn't about painting her finger nails and wearing make up. Although she did those things, she had a demeanor that felt like she had served and fought in her younger life, perhaps when she was young enough that she shouldn't have seen the horrors of war. 

[Tali]

"Interesting. Your father was a patriot to his country, willing to fight for it. No wonder why you have such a strong conviction to fight for your rights,' Lt. Harper stated. 

 

A few hours later

 

"This is your captain speaking, we are about to arrive to our final destination. The Cheyenne International Airport has been temporarily closed for our arrival, so no non-authorized citizens will be around. Once you get through the Airport, the motorcage will take you straight to the White House... We are now landing, please ensure you have your safety belts on." 

 

The plane lands on the strip, the airport seemingly empty, only a ground team can be seen and all commercial gates closed. In the background, a thriving downtown Cheyenne can be seen, and distant sounds of traffic, and other noises you can hear while in a large city.

[Sorcha Catach]

The thought couldn't be held back; the Allied States seemed cordial with the British Internationale, and Sorcha was the leader of her people. She could have been taken and given to the British Internationale as a prisoner, being a criminal of treachery against the government. But so far it was safe and comfortable being in the States. Not labeling her a traitor or a terrorist meant the Allied States saw the Kingdom of Scotland and legitimate against the British internationale. It didn't matter when or if she would get her home back, she was happy that it was recognized her people were seen as just and proper in their conviction and their right to self-rule. 

"I fight more for my people, Lieutenant Harper, than for my own rights. My father always said he fought not against the hate that stood in front of him, but for the love that stood behind him. It's why we see the English as brothers now, and not for the villains of the past. It's only sad now that we are no longer a family, but two different peoples on different sides of a line." Queen Sorcha held tight as the plane began to land, looking out the window and looking to the ground. The Allied States... Seemed exactly like the description of the United States her father told her about. Once the plane landed, she unbuckled when it was necessary and prepared to leave the plane with her soldiers. 

[Tali]

"Sorry ma'am , that is what I meant. When I refer to you when discussing about your country, I meant for your citizens. Force of habit, it's how we speak here in America, especially in the south," he said before opening the ramp to exit the aircraft. 

 

He shows her the way through the airport to get to the motorcade, and opening up her door before making his way to the cars designed for security 

[Sorcha Catach]

"You're fine," Sorcha added, "we all have a different way of speaking. It should be the only thing that really separates us as people." She followed the Lieutenant to her motorcade and entered without problem, her soldiers getting into other vehicles as necessary, "you sure have put a lot of effort into protecting me. Do you think there are people who would want to go against me, or British Internationale spies or civilians that would want to cause me harm?"

[Tali]

"No, we dont have any intelligence suggesting a high risk of an assassination attempt, however there is always a risk. Usually, a leader would fly to the closest ASAF base, take a helicopter to a disclosed location that would cause the least amount of disruption to civilian lives, however the base is under renovations so we had to go to the International Airport and due to the large disruption, it causes people to notice, and the chance increases. The Pentagon hereforth placed policies to protect any state leaders from any threat imaginable. While you are in the Allied States, I am obligated to ensure your safety at all costs, and I take my job seriously," he stated, before taking a sip of water from his water bottle. 

[Sorcha Catach]

Sorcha was content at the moment, and needed nothing more. She didn't want to spoil her appetite since there would be a dinner with the President and she already had two meals! "I expect everyone to take their job seriously, Lieutenant Harper, I respect that of you. I didn't mean to imply there was any threat, I'm just surprised, positively of course, at this much expenditure for a Government-in-exile."

[Tali]

"Our values believe in self-governance, and every people have that right. All states in the Allied States had agreed to become apart of us. The people of Scotland have a rich history and have every right to be allowed to be governed in their own way, even if its through a Monarchy. I am sure there is more political reasons added towards the decision, but I allow the politicians handle that. I am just a soldier," he said with a small giggle. 

[Sorcha Catach]

"It's all they really know," she began, "of course, they know the British Parliament, and Democracy has been around the world. But the majority of those governments have had a chance to grow and make their own choices, to form their governments, and the people also had the chance to choose. The English grew into a United Kingdom, at the expense of forcing occupation of those around them. We never even had a chance to explore the new world, a world with free choice, liberty, and freedom. Yes, we had it under British law, but alone, we were forced into servitude, leaving behind our ways of progression, and forgetting our heritage." Sorcha caught herself, covering her mouth, "I'm sorry! The English are no longer as vile as they once were, as much as we are no longer tribal savages. But I fear only we are the ones that have seen that progress. The time of the United Kingdom had outlived its purpose, but before freedom could be gained, more greed and hardships had decided to take over."

[Tali]

"I understand. Americans only encounter of a Monarchy was during the time the British ruled over the original 13 colonies. When we declared our independence, we formed a confederacy to create a representative government, then shortly we moved to the constitution due to the inefficiency of the Articles of Confederacy. Both of our peoples fought and still fight for freedom, and we don't mind if it's a monarchy assisting in that fight," Harper stated, before noticing they arrived to the White House. "You ready to meet the President of the Allied States of America," he asked?

[Sorcha Catach]

"Just like your government, you were young, and had the ability to learn amd progress to where you wanted to be. And you knew the struggles being under the British Flag. Heh, I sound anti-British, but you would too, if you were speaking of your countries past," she giggled, coughing a moment and making herself proper and appropriate. "Yes, yes, I have been ready since I boarded the plane!" She smiled, looking outside to see the Allied States capital.