Days in the High Rise

[Greywall]

Spring 1930

He paced down the hall in a hurried manner, his eyes darting quickly around and well aware he was being watched. He had to act fast, he knew where to go his hands reached to the brown cabinet and as he pulled "FOUND YOU!" he shouted followed by an excited shrill and then laughter "No fair father! You must have seen me go in here!" the young girl laughingly said. "Actually" he bent down and grabbed part of her dress that was visibly crumpled "you didn't do a good job hiding everything." The young girl pouted for a moment before lightly saying "can we play some more?" she stared up at him with those green eyes begging her father, but he shook his head, "No Colleen, I have to meet the Taoiseach. Come now, let's go find your mother." He extended his hand out and her small hand wrapped around it, King Rufus McDonald spent his days here often playing with his daughter before having to do his duties as King of Ulster-Gaelia.

The Emerald Palace stood over the city of Edinburgh, raised by the high cliffs of the nearby sea, the old keep has housed the rulers of Ulster-Gaelia for nearly 700 years its old grey stone walls having seen much in the centuries since it was built. Despite renovations here and there, the age of the old castle was telling but nevertheless important to Ulster-Gaelia and her people. It now stood over a sea of a city illuminated by electricity, Staol burning furnaces and thousands of people living their lives, as Rufus and Colleen passed down a hall with some windows opened by the staff who were doing their rounds in cleaning and maintaining the keep the faint sounds of train whistles could be heard as dozens of trains left Edinburgh or entered it. The staff would turn and bow to the two as they passed, Rufus would nod at them in return and Colleen would wave smiling at them. "Why do you have to meet O'Donnell again Father? He has been rather busy of late." Colleen was annoyed at her play time being cut by the Taoiseach once again, "Just the way things are my love, I am King, it is my duty to hear out our Taoiseach. You'll do it one day as well." Rufus said trying to encourage his daughter, but she retorted back with a sarcastic "Don't threaten me like that pa" Rufus snickered "Surely it's not that bad" Colleen rolled her eyes muttering "State, politics, the emerald empire, duty something something Kumosenkan, Pa...er father it is dreadful."

Rufus kept smiling at his daughter's response trying not to laugh, he agreed but still had to attend the meeting, they came to a large red double door at the end of the hall and waiting at the entrance was a woman flanked by two Black Cloaks "MOTHER!" Colleen softly pulled away from her father's hand and ran to the embrace of her mother, "So, who won?" she said hugging her daughter tightly "Oh mother its not a game like that, it was for fun!" her mother grabbed Colleen's hand while placing her fingers on the bridge of her nose, "You're just like your father" she began rubbing her bridge as if trying to relieve pressure "My dear Meridieth is it that bad she be a little like me?" Rufus said as he approached, Meridieth smiled and looked into her husband's eyes "I suppose not but she needs to learn to be competitive eventually." They exchanged a kiss before Meridieth said "he's inside waiting for you, something is happening down South." Rufus rolled his eyes, "let me guess, spiders?" Meridieth shook her head refusing to answer, "go talk to the voice of our people Rufus, me and Colleen will go to the stables its time for her lessons anyway. Colleen lit up smiling at the idea of riding the horses again while Rufus now had a serious look on his face and walked over to the door, "Do try to not fight this time" Meridieth said as she and Colleen walked down the hall the two Black Cloaks leaving with them. 

Rufus entered the room, it was a dark room filled with the heads of animals hunted across Ouhiri a few decorative chairs and tables, a fire place that was out due to the warm air outside and a large window overlooking the city of Edinburgh below. There standing at the window, dressed in black, was Taoiseach Richard O'Donnell. A Taoiseach was the Gaelic version of a Prime Minister, elected by the general populace to represent them in counter to the Monarchy. Rufus snapped his fingers outside the door and two staff members walked in with trays one of glasses the other of some bottles, "Richard, the usual?" he looked to the staff members and nodded politely as one pointed to a bottle of Gaelic whiskey pouring it into a glass with a large cube of ice. The man turned and looked over with his grey eyes, eyes that seem to match the old stone of the keep and nodded at the staff who poured his whiskey neat and brought him a glass over. It was clear they were slightly afraid if not aware of who he was as the delivery wasn't the smoothest, he took a swig and downed the entire glass before handing it back to the staff "more" he said in his gravelly voice. Rufus was slowly sipping his and walked over to one of the chairs in the room and waved to the opposite one for Richard to sit in, "You had something to tell me?" Rufus say down still drinking his whiskey trying to let it take the edge off as Richard walked over and sat opposite of his King. "Hear tell the new public transit system is going smoothly, Parliament also passed that Marrlan-Roskana treaty, then we-" Rufus raised his hand to stop Richard "Those are matters of the elect government, I signed off on all those things...what are you doing here in the castle today?" a rare smile crept across Richard's face "ever the impatient and aware McDonald...I suppose no point in boring you in what you know. So let me tell you something new."

Richard took his whiskey down, for as intimidating as he was even he needed the edge off when talking to the King. He would wave the glass over and let it be refilled, he took the glass back and looked into it swirling the brown liquid around "We have reports that Kumosenkan have begun military exercises South of the CMS. Writing on the wall is clear your majesty, war is coming." Rufus was annoyed at the mere mention of Kumosenkan, "What does this have to do with the realm Richard?" Richard took a smaller drink this time to slow down as he felt the heat of the whiskey hit his face, "Our enemies are going to embroil themselves in bloody conflict we should take this opportunity to hinder them your grace, give me your approval and i'll have guns, tanks and artillery shipped as soon as a compact is made with them." Rufus was now angry, he didn't know how Richard had found out about the exercise or the possibility of war, but he would have none of it "Richard, you are Taoiseach and I respect your position. As Taoiseach, you are the voice of Ulster-Gaelia's people but know this, you and those damn warhawks in Parliament will not get my approval for such a stupid move" the room fell silent the heat becoming slightly suffocating as a staff member leaned in to point to the windows not saying a word and Rufus nodded in approval, the staff member opened two breakaway portions of the window allowing cooler spring air to fill the room as well as the distant sounds of Edinburgh, train whistles, slight shouting and if one listened close enough the sea breaking on the high cliffs. Richard showed a side of him very few saw and he shyly stated, "with all due respect your grace, if we do not act against the Kumo we might seem weak to them."

Rufus finished his drink and had the staff take it from him, "The people voted you in. Why?" Rufus stated, Richard was slightly confused as Rufus answered for him "because you pushed economic reforms, you pushed for protection and safety and you have won the people's hearts. Particularly the workers, you saw things this King could not and fixed them, that is why I adore you and respect you but gods be damned Richard going to war will not fix our position." Richard softly brought up "but your grace if we continue to wait while they grow we could be threat-" Rufus raised his hand his anger dissipated for annoyance but now understanding where Richard was coming from "We will not seek war my brother, see to our military expansions and keep our people flourishing. Let the Kumo march into a war and let them deal with the consequences alone." Richard nodded knowing he wasn't winning the debate, "Is there anything else my Taoiseach?" asked Rufus he was given "not unless you want a report on the Ashinara mission or the Zedon Rail network." Rufus shook his head smiling now, they both stood up and shook each others hands "go enjoy your day Richard, its a beautiful day don't spend it in that dreadful office of yours." Richard smiled awkwardly but noticed the two staff members looking at him and immediately soured his facial expression "I have some paper work to do for some trading companies, already have some wanting to buy from the Marrlan and Roskana so we need to get the legal shit worked." Rufus nodded as Richard left but not before bowing and left with the two staff members following him and closing the doors. Rufus let out a sigh, "Those damn warhawks, they won't let go of it I suppose." Rufus slumped back into his chair letting the spring air swirl around him as his thoughts trailed with concern, thinking of how the general public was now being swayed to think another war would be in their best interest as he tried to keep the kingdom secure and safe. He stood up and went to leave the room, "maybe seeing Colleen ride a horse will cheer me up" he said to himself and left the dark room.

As he walked down the network of hallways to the lower section of the castle he came across several paintings of the great kings and queens of Ulster-Gaelia. He stopped at one near the end of the row of paintings of a woman in her late forties, dark hair and brown eyes peering from it. Queen Mary of Clan Gordon it said in the bronze metal description below the frame, after looking at the gaze she let off he started again to walk down the corridor several staff members again stopping to bow and show their respects. As he came into the main courtyard of the castle he now noticed he had more than one shadow, Black Cloaks, the toughest soldiers in the UKUG. They stuck out because they wanted to, solid black uniforms with black tartans and strapped to their backs were Glascow Model 4 rifles. No one entered the Emerald Palace without them knowing it, and no one got close to members of the Royal Family without permission, they also protected members of high ranking clans and the Taoiseach but these guards were the best of the best. After walking through the courtyard, a scene of flowers and landscaping perfection at its core he would arrive at the royal stables. Years and years ago these stables housed horses that carried brave Gaelic knights and lords who fought for the Kings and Queens of Ulster-Gaelia, now they were a private stable to the royal family.

Colleen was riding on a white Eriskay a breed of horse that was small in stature and used to work farms and be given to young children. This was her in her element, even if she had an instructor making sure she was alright she was a natural rider, a smile brimmed on her pale face as she saw Rufus walk to the fence where Meridieth stood. Meridieth brushed her shoulder into Rufus "I don't smell that much whiskey on you, must have gone better this time." Rufus let out a annoyed sigh, "It was Kumosenkan again." Silence fell between the two as they focused on their young daughter, "He is obsessed love, there's no telling what he saw down there. A lot of Parliament are now ex military, several run on the platform of crown duty to win office." Meridieth had already dealt with some members of Parliament and usually shut down a lot of the nonsense that would just waste Rufus' time. "It's always a war here or there, when we took the throne from my cousin...they didn't even consider another war. The elective council even told us to pursue diplomacy-" Meridieth interrupted her husband "and we have, we've done well, our military is rebuilt. Our economy is recovering and most of Ouhiri still respects us do not concern yourself." Rufus waved as Meridieth stopped to acknowledge Colleen riding by both of them smiling, "The warhawks want blood, some war between the CMS and Kumosenkan." Meridieth turned to her husband with a confused look "the CMS? that lot of useless beaurcrats?" Rufus nodded "same bunch dear". Meridieth rolled her eyes, "they chose their lot in life, isolated themselves, traded poorly, pissed off Admiral Lennon and you know that's hard to do." Rufus grinded his teeth, "there's a showdown coming, i'll be asked to be before Parliament, and answer why we're not taking advantage. Richard wants to send guns." Meridieth shook her head, "stupid, even for him. Richard is smarter than that he's letting his hate drive that decision, the Empress will see that as an act of war and both our nations get obliterated for some shit nation...nations." she rolled her eyes at the last part. 

Colleen rode by again with Meridieth mouthing 'last go' and she stated "we have bigger concerns that Kumosenkan. Galra is poking at our airspace again, i'll meet with the Air Marshalls and see what's going on there." Rufus felt a cold chill run down, "Galra? Again?" Meridieth nodded but stopped showing a warm smile as Colleen ran over to them. "Did you see? I'm getting better!" Rufus rubbed the top of her head messing her auburn hair up, "oh stop I have to fix that now!" Meridieth laughed, "It's pork tenderloin and potatoes for dinner so lets go get ready Colleen." The two of them walked back toward the keep as Rufus lagged behind, "Galra...fuck." He began walking behind them now feeling a sense of dread, he felt the era of peace Ouhiri had enjoyed was coming to an end and in its place something horrible was making its way. 

[Greywall]

The road was rough even for a custom made Stewart car, custom made for a King, even this fine crafted machine struggled against the simple roads of Western Alba. The Ulster-Gaelians found little use for the rural roads with trains dominating travel and most tolerated them for what travel was done on them, the King's motorcade made its way hastily through the small town of Fallbrook and toward a small farm in a lush green valley. The small home was surrounded by wheat fields in a sea of green beyond it, in the distance were several other farms and homesteads that held families that had lived there for hundreds of years. 

A simple worker peered from one of the fields as the motorcade approached the home, he wiped off some sweat off his brow and made his way to the house, he wore simple coveralls, a white shirt saturated in sweat and a straw hat to protect his pale skin from the sun bearing down. At the motorcade of Stewarts came leaving a trail of dust and orange smoke behind drew closer the man would go inside to prepare a kettle of tea for his guests, after setting the kettle on the stove with its contents he left the front door to welcome the arrivals. The cars would pull up with some Black Cloaks getting out to observe the area before Rufus was allowed out, he would approach the house and stood before the man. Rufus stood before the former King of Ulster-Gaelia, James Gordon III now in self exile and living as a simple farmer.

"It's been a long time cousin Rufus, about a year no?" James said lightly his age bearing down on his voice or the heat of the days work. Rufus nodded, "I've been busy at the palace, but felt it was time to pay a visit finally." An awkward breeze flowed in an otherwise silent exchange broken up by the sound of a kettle screeching inside, "well come on in, your brutes can wait out here." James walked back inside with Rufus following him, the Black Cloaks positioning themselves around the home setting up a perimeter. Inside the home hid some fair trinkets that showed James' wealth and connections to the higher echelon of Clan nobility. Rufus took a seat while James prepared two cups of tea bringing them over once he finished, he offered one cup to Rufus who accepted it and softly thanked him, James took his seat across from Rufus as he stirred his tea looking out the window at the moving Black Cloaks who were patrolling outside. 

"Things never change do they? They're always so serious. Not a soul out here but farmers, families and maybe the occasional mailman." Rufus took a small sip from his tea and responded, "Just doing their duty, as they did when you held the Emerald throne." James nodded while drinking some tea, "So, how's Parliament treating you? Heard they still got some hawks prying for war." Rufus shifted in his seat, "Just the usual loud ones, some trouble brewing down South. Taoiseach says war is guaranteed" James rotated his cup before responding, "O'Donnell?" Rufus nodded back, "hmmm, he's rarely wrong. So. Kumosenkan?" the silence was deafening as Rufus slowly nodded, "I wish I could tell you how to proceed, those damn spiders ruined me. The council stripped me of the throne, and let me tell you cousin. If you don't make the right decision it could cost you, your family and your clan. No one ever tells the head that bears the crown how truly heavy it is."

Rufus placed his tea on a nearby table stand, "I've decided to stay out of it, even if Parliament sends a summons, I'll reject it. There's no reason to engage a war." James finished his tea and placed it away, "Careful cousin, I thought the same, the voice of Parliament weighs more now than ever. They took more power when we lost Hawaii, pinned the blame on me but...I suppose that's not entirely true." James slumped a bit in his chair before leaning forward resting himself on his knees, "I didn't take them seriously, Aunt Mary our Queen the gods rest her gentle soul commanded our empire with respect and a power I thought I could wield. I was wrong, the Royal fleet wasn't ready, we hastily moved on an enemy we didn't understand, and when the reports came I knew I was a failed King. They pinned it all on me, despite Parliament wanting the war, the upper nobility and the military. The war went to disaster and once the ink fell from pen and it was over so was I, my clan asked me to hand over the patriarchy and i've been here ever since. Alone, since Beriah died. My son comes sometimes but he's been busy in Dublin, repairing our broken name in the political vipers nest of Gaelic nobility." James raised his head his expression showing his sorrow, "it's been a hard twenty years, alone up here for nearly half of it. No one else comes Rufus, my cousins in Gordon, my sister or her nieces and nephews...little ones they were and now grown. I lost that Rufus, I lost seeing my family. And they'll do it to you, with no remorse to you or your family this realm will find its new King or Queen and press on leaving you behind." A cold chill crept up Rufus, he could feel the dark sadness looming in James but before he could say anything James stood up wiping what might have been tears in his eyes, "Just remember, do what you feel is best. You might have Parliament and the Council but dammit you are the King of Ulster-Gaelia. You must hold onto that, and not fail us or your Clan." Rufus stood up and walked to embrace James who put his arms up, "I'm covered in sweat dear cousin." Rufus ignored the protest and hugged him, "I won't fail, I won't" Rufus said as he let go holding James by the shoulders "Your still King of Ulster-Gaelia too James, you deserve better than this. Come with me to the Palace." James shook his head, "This is my life now, I enjoy it to be honest. It's simple living, I have a young man who takes my wares into town so i'm not seen and I donate all my profit to the local doctors and the small school here. My clan might have left me but I still have some of their wealth in my name, not to mention Colton sends me money from Dublin." 

James swatted Rufus playfully to lighten the mood, "Just come visit me more often, you bring that little girl next time she'd love it out here. So much room to run around, Beriah would have loved to see...her...here." James couldn't stop tears this time as he thought about his wife, Rufus touched his shoulder "I miss her so much." James struggled to get out. Rufus started to tear up at the pain the man next to him was experiencing, "I'm sorry James. But I promise i'll see you more frequently" James sniffed and fought the sorrow to mutter thank you. They spent the rest of the day talking of better times, when they were young, when James was crowned king and rufus was a spoiled rotten kid running around the Emerald Palace. They talked about Rufus' dad marrying James' Aunt, "Tylen McDonald, Lord of the Southern Coast. Commander of the Army Regent of Alba. And the most serious stricken man in Ulster-Gaelia" James jokingly stated making Rufus laugh. Tylen was indeed a serious man but a sweet father to Rufus and genuinely loved him, they spoke of all manner of things til it got dark and a loud knock came at the door. Rufus went to it and a Black Cloak informed him that they would camp outside but needed to leave in the morning. Rufus nodded and went back to talking to James for the remainder of the night, brewing tea, eating sweets and remembering of times of old and catching up on newer events. The sun slowly crept up erasing the darkness surrounding and the two were still up, "And then, in comes bloody Garrett, the dumb shit looking around with nothing on his hands over his own cock and the general screaming 'WHERE IS THE DEAD SON OF A BITCH THAT RAILED ME WIFE?' oh holy shit Garrett was scared that man ran faster than any horse barefoot out of the keep his ass blinding anyone that saw it. I never saw him in the keep again, but I heard General Talbon's wife still snuck off to meet him. Must have been a good impre-" a loud knock interrupted James, it was the Black Cloak informing Rufus they needed to head back to Edinburgh, "I must go cousin, it was good as always." they hugged and James would say "remember, next time bring that little girl, your wife too!" Rufus would nod the sensation of no sleep hitting him finally, "i'll try to come out this winter, i'm sure its beautiful out here." James waved as he left and began cleaning up before propping the things in his hands down and muttering "oh fuck this, i'm going to bed." Rufus would also fall asleep in the car, the road seemingly not disturbing him at all as the motorcade made its way through Fallbrook again, the sleepy town not stirring at the early hour and the cars made their way East to Edinburgh. 
 

[Greywall]

The palace was a beacon of electric light that parted the dark sky over the cliff sides of Bail Glas, the city below had its usual glow at night with people entering pubs, restaurants and clubs. The dull horn of the night shift in the industrial sector would muddle in the background as hundreds of men and women checked in to keep the economy on pace even through the night. Young kids would race down sidewalks sneaking into parks to spend nights of foolish nonsense and make nostalgic memories for later, young couples would try to hide away and see how far they could get before stopping or not stopping at all. Life just sort of clicked as usual in this old city, open air food stands would serve hot foods to hungry night owl socialites and the occasional Royal policemen would stroll in the background making sure everything was in line.

The normal folk, common folk, however you and I call them. Those who would be in our situation, were living in an age of unprecedented wealth and happiness in Ulster-Gaelia, much to the irritation of the nobility. In Ulster-Gaelia the wealthy nobility who made the primary leaders of the large clans still held a lot of political power. In some old way the King or Queen still had to appeal to these few people, they held industries, rankings in government, old wealth that would be needed and despite the slow breakdown of their power over the common folk they still could sway some provinces. And so tonight, King McDonald invited them all to the Emerald Palace for a party, no occasion just a reason to spoil on them and hush them up for a bit.

Guests arrived in gaudy expensive Stewart or Callahan cars, wore elaborate outfits that showed their immense wealth and status. Palace servants and guards worked like refined machinery getting them into the Palace and serving them, most of these nobles were content with being showered with free food, drink and being the company of the Royal Family. Then there was Kirk Douglas, a man who owned several consumer factories in Gael Nua in Cricon. He made a fortune with them and lived a life of absolute privilege, especially now as head of Clan Douglas. But he was angry tonight and drinking.

A few nobles like him were frustrated at Rufus and his reforms, ever since taking the throne in 1910 he began implementing more and more taxes and presenting benefits to the common folk, vastly expanding the middle class of the UKUG as well as pushing for better regulations in work environments. On paper it made the nation more money overall and deflated Republicanism and Socialist political opponents. The only people that took a dent, the over wealthy nobility.

“Can you believe the gall of this man?” Douglas said drinking from the chalice in his hand, “Pretty sure this is just Alban 1904, won’t serve us the Amali or Roskana wine.” he was corrected by a woman in the group he was routinely complaining to “He did get Amali and Roskana its over there Kirk” she pointed out in an annoyed tone. Kirk turned his head and saw down the white room full of nobles one of the servants pouring the distinct color of Roskanan wine, he then rolled his eyes “Fuck ever, this King is a goddamn fool anyway. Couple more years of his idiocy and we’re broke” he only got a few chuckles from his comment as an older man in the group chimed “Don’t forget coward, won’t challenge the Kumo or the fucking Galra. What happened to our Empire? Are we just sitting here letting the world push us around now?”

Kirk snapped his fingers obnoxiously at the old man, “exactly, Rufus is a fucking pussy. Won’t do a goddamn thing to the spiders or the cultist will he? Bet he jerks it to a photo of the empress.” a light swat met his chest from the woman who corrected him earlier, “shame on you thats the King!” Kirk snorted, “Not my King, this King sold us out so some filthy peasants can have better lives. FUCK OFF!” he swapped his empty chalice for another full of wine and began drinking some more. “Now now Mr. Douglas I do believe you’re a bit out of tone there.” said the old man, Kirk now on the defensive retorted “Oh okay, you can pay these taxes, or these bloody wage increases then. How about it. You fil-” he was interrupted by a small voice coming from behind.

“Evening, I hope you’re all enjoying the party” Kirk turned around to see two Black Cloaks staring at him and below the unmistakable youth of Princess Colleen. “Oh your grace, such a lovely party! Tell you father and mother we appreciate them!” said the woman. “Yes, indeed! Long live Clan McDonald!” said the old man awkwardly. Princess Colleen smiled she was slightly nervous but was instructed to talk to as many people as possible by her mother. Kirk drew an evil grin and began saying, “My my, look at this little cunt. Princess McDonald. You know what. You should know the truth, you father is a shit ruler.” A swat hit him from behind from the woman “HOW DARE YOU THAT’S THE PRINCESS SHE’S A CHILD!” the old man joined in angrily saying “YOU TOO FAR SIR! GO TO THE WASHROOM AND-” Kirk cut him off “And what!? You were just calling her father a pussy a minute ago!”.

A deafening silence could be heard all around as guests stopped what they were doing, “Now princess, go to your father, tell him he’s a failure a fucking failure. He’s killing this great nation and no one loves him. The best he can do, is die so we can have another vote for another Clan more suited for the throne and you can fuck off out of here into the gutter so you can die a nobody too!” Colleen couldn’t fight the tears in her eyes as she ran between her guards and away, the two guards giving death stares to Kirk who gave them a smug smile as he drank. “You are despicable, that is a child sir!” the woman shouted. “Oh hush it now, that fucking child? Might be Queen one day, she’s a fucking McDonald Fuck he-” Before he could finish the sound of boots slamming the hall ran up on him and as he turned around he was met with a fist.

Rufus violently beat Kirk into the floor, crushing his face as blood flew and drew gasps from the nearby guests. Kirk tried swinging back but Rufus instinctively blocked his attempts and continued to land violent blows. He then grabbed Kirk’s head and nestled his thumbs into the sockets of his eyes “MY DAUGHTER!? YOU TALKED TO MY DAUGHTER!? LIKE THAT!?” Rufus began pressing and Kirk shrilled in pain, in panic, in fear. “YOU FUCKING GODDAMN ASSHOLE SACK OF SHIT DON’T YOU EVER FORGET I AM YOUR FUCKING KING” one of the eyes gave in pooling blood out drawing screams from the crowd as Rufus was pulled himself up leaving the one eye in Kirk’s head. Kirk was still shouting and rolling on the ground, “Carry that fucking animal outside and have him taken to the hospital.” Rufus ordered a Black Cloak and they carried Kirk as he screamed in agony all the way out of the hall.

Rufus stood up looking around as he gathered his breath, the people around him completely shocked and in silence. Rufus wiped the blood from his hands onto his tartan staining it, “I know. Some of you will think less of me after tonight, and that is fine. You have the right to insult me, and think less of me.” he gulped and swallowed spit down his dry throat as the adrenaline rush completely took him over. “But talk ill of my little girl, well, we’re still Ulster-Gaelics…honor dictates what shall be done…Will. Be.” he waved to the servants to reenter the hall as he began walking to the back, ”I’m taking my leave for the night, but enjoy yourselves my friends.” Rufus left the hall as the crowd began to talk again obviously over what happened. The woman who was in the group Kirk was in walked over to the old man, “heavens, what a night.” she softly muttered, the old man quipped “I take back what I said about him.”

Kirk was loaded onto an ambulance moaning in pain and shuddering over the fact his right eye was completely gouged out. As he rode in the back listening to the common folk make fun of what happened to him he softly cried wishing he had never left Cricon.

[Greywall]

The cold crisp air of winter invaded even the car cab, "Apologies sir, the heat struggling a bit," said the driver. James didn't mind, he had packed up and left his small farmhouse and was for the first time in decades entering the UKUG capital of Baile Glas. He was still processing it all, the city changed a lot since he was in it last, several new shops, electric signs, double decker buses taking strain off the inner-city railway and trolley system. The clothes the younger men and women showed a much more modern look than that of the traditional clothing worn by the country folk of the UKUG. Men wore fedoras and dress suits with polished shoes, women wore slack pants or custom fit dresses, he still saw the occasional kilt and tartan, but it was clear the nation was heading into a certain direction in the new age. 

"Terrible business down South, heard thousands have died in that war down there." The driver added as they turned down a congested street, James glanced back at the paper he grabbed from Oscailte before they boarded a train to Baile Glas. He had read about the bloody war in Touli, it brought him back to his decision to allow Xaspeshi independence, he thought it was the right decision as the people civility and politely inquired the UKUG for independence. Maybe it was his sense of knowing the colonization of Zedonia was literally stealing the land from the native Xaspeshi, maybe it was to gain him some good PR as the man following the shadow of Queen Mary his aunt, or maybe he was making the first in a string of bad decisions. Less than a decade later, Xaspeshi fell into a ugly civil war embarrassing the UKUG. 

He funneled money and weapons to the Federation and helped it beat the radical Xagreau forces and then his next decision came, Hawaii, the court and Parliament refused to abandon what was an over extended and no longer needed trade port. But pig-headed men went to war over it, they didn't properly prepare their fleet and it resulted in the biggest defeat in Ulster-Gaelic history. 

"There she is sir, Emerald Palace." James looked through the front windshield of the car, the castle loomed over Baile Glas on the high-rise seaside cliff, it brought memories back just not good ones. He didn't want to be back here, but his dear cousin asked him to come, the world was becoming a tense place and Rufus needed allies close. James couldn't refuse family especially family that didn't reject him for his failures and embarrassing the clan. The car pulled up to the front gate where several Black Cloaks and staff awaited, James exited the car as staff members pulled his packed luggage from the trunk, "Welcome to the Emerald Palace James Gordon the third of his name, please follow me the King is expecting you." James was tired and already over some things to be bothered by the fact he wasn't given the title of King as he entered the old keep. 

Rufus was in the Eastern wall overlooking the Brentrock Channel, the cool air was whipping around flapping the green flags on the wall as winter made her presence known. "Always loved this scene, quite a parallel to the Western wall, here its peaceful and serene. Over there the bustle of the city below." James said making his cousin turn and give him a warm smile, "James, thank you for coming" Rufus hugged James welcoming him, "I wouldn't turn it down, quite a boil happening all over." Rufus nodded at James as, "Things are starting to get a bit tense, war in Touli, a Kumo ship sank off the coast of Mestria, Galra aircraft probing us here in the channel." a pause came where James stated, "Kings assaulting members of Court" Rufus exclaimed 'pfft' "you know what he did to Colleen." James waved his hands, "No I wasn't implying it like that, Gaelic balls are dull affairs and Douglas is an ass. No one in court thinks little of you, in fact. It changed perspective." Rufus gave a confused look, "Perspective?" 

James sighed, "There are some, who think you are being too cautious with the throne. That you are a coward, beating a noble in your house with the safety of the Black Cloaks and you know...King of Ulster-Gaelia might not do much but the fact you did something to that extreme is changing some thoughts. No one will talk ill to that sweet girl ever again at the least." James chuckled at the end bringing a smile out of Rufus. "Cousin James!" a small voice called out as Colleen ran out to hug James, "Speak of the devil and she'll appear, eh? Hello Colleen" Colleen nearly bounced off James brimming with a smile, "I'm so happy you're here cousin! It's always nice to have a new face here." A distant 'ahem' was heard from the direction Colleen ran from and there stood Meredeith, "Dear Meredeith, how are you?" James asked, "Well, as always. Glad to see you out of the farmhouse James. Welcome back to the Emerald Palace." James smiled and nodded, it was still strange being back, but his family made it more pleasant. "Colleen, we have classes, let's get back to it" Meredeith said softly, Colleen gave out a disappointed sigh "Bye cousin James." The two made their way back into the keep, James couldn't help but think of his son when he grew up in the palace. "She gets to go out of the palace, yes?" James asked, Rufus shook his head "Security risks, Black Cloaks allow her to travel here and there sometimes but she's the Clan heir." James felt a profound sadness, she was growing up in the castle alone just like his son. "Well, let's go talk about this Mestrian situation" said Rufus, the two entered the palace and James would remain as an advisor to Rufus.

[Greywall]

It had been a full year since James Gordon III came back to the palace, the staff who were cold to him at first now greeted him warmly. His cousin was a kind man who loves his family and made sure the former king was welcomed. Young Colleen was growing up fast, she was now 13 and learning the tact of court and proper duties of a princess, her days were less having fun running around the Emerald palace and more or less being taught how to one day rule the United Kingdom. James lamented that when his own son was put through it, only for the tanistry to remove Clan Gordon from the throne and it mean little to nothing. Still, Colleen took to it quickly and mastered everything her teachers instructed her in, she was now a master horse rider, trained in using a Gaelic broadsword, could nail a target with a Model 4 rifle and learned how to talk to High Clansmen and nobles in the King's Court.

Rufus turned 45, his brown reddish hair showing signs of grey speckled about in his beard and head. His leadership in the last few years made him extremely popular among the Clans, Parliament and common folk. Over 20 years Clan McDonald had recovered the UKUG from its disastrous war with Kumosenkan under his watchful eye, he now oversaw a wealthy and powerful empire emerging in Ouhiri, rapidly developing Eastern Touli and building a navy to rival Kumosnekan and Galra. The UKUG was becoming a leader in aerial technology, a massive economic force and main manufacturer of the region. He avoided the Lusatian political crisis and thus far kept the realm from any real war save deploying troops to stop Xagreau from invading Mil'Nor. It was safe to say the vast majority of Ulster-Gaelia viewed him as a good king, his allies likely received him well and his rivals dared to not disturb the long peace.

Meredeith at 41 still had her jet black hair and didn't age much, she dealt with the military and Parliament more and more to give her husband some relief. The Queen harshly put warhawks in their place whenever the old badger men popped up wanting to war the spiders in the South. She often wondered why the common folk put such morons back into office during the election cycle, "old broken down men that can barely shit and wipe wanting to send the young to war." She didn't butt heads, she simply shut these individuals down. With the Ministries doing a good job in establishing trade and foreign relations she didn't have to travel much outside of Baile Glas but she wished for it, her daughter was no longer the child princess but blossoming into a young woman, while it made her sad to see the bright strawberry haired girl no longer giggling and running around she did desire to take her husband and get away from the political drab of the Gaelic court. Even with everything going well when she wrapped her thin arms around him she sensed the stress of it all, she squeezed harder trying to make it go away but it did little.

O'Donnell did what he would always do, focus on expanding Gaelic power. The Taoiseach had an election coming up in 34' and wanted to push a bill for a single year expansion in the terms of the position. He also wanted to use the large deposit of wealth the UKUG accumulated from the trade deals to expand the military. The King and several members of parliament wanted to spend it on infrastructure expansions however, so he was preparing for the long fight and debates of Parliament and King's day when Rufus sat in said Parliament, he would be damned to hell before not getting some of the money for the armed forces. He oversaw the launching of the Royal Navy's newest carrier, but felt it wasn't enough. "We need 10 more of those things." he muttered. At 48 the man aged poorly, his anger and hate for non humans grew as he felt more and more paranoid about some gut feeling he had, to those he was close to he shared with them some conspiracy that a great war was coming and the South Touli war was showing the depravity of modern warfare. He read manuscripts of anti non human origins coming from Grinvel and Galra, Galra was the enemy while Grinvel was a cold distant state to the UKUG. But agreed with these notions, King Rufus had allowed non humans to migrate into the United Kingdom, something O'Donnell wasn't pleased with anymore. His stance on it was changing but kept it to himself. He read over a report of Kithium slaughtering entire UST battalions with no mercy, "Savages" he sneered.

The palace itself was covered in men working around the clock doing basic maintenance, the old keep needed the work. The swept up seawater air caused minor corrosion and the 700 year old castle just needed repairs done to it in general. For a seat of a monarchy it wasn't the grandest, especially for a power like the UKUG but the keep represented alot to the Gaelic people. Some of the stones still bared the scars of the old wars fought on the islands.

Rufus finally retired for the day overlooking the sea from the Eastern wall, he was joined by Meredeith and Colleen. "Finally done with your lessons?" Rufus asked his daughter, "Oh gods yes, another lesson in Lusatian politics. Father, why must they be so damned complicated?" Rufus chuckled, "Our allies have always stood by us, its proper to understand them Colleen. But yes, a Lusatian assembly will drive you mad." Meredeith rolled her eyes "Don't forget you need to visit them for the Entente meeting." Rufus sighed, "Damned all, yes I will have the messengers know I'll go." Rufus felt the soft weight of his daughter's head rest against him, "Can we take a day father, please?" Meredeith rested her head on him as well, "We deserve a break hun, its been a busy set of years." Rufus sighed, his schedule was locked up in meetings, "to hell with the it, We're going to the countryside for the weekend." Colleen bounced up and down showing an energy she hadn't had in years, "OH! are you serious Father!?" Rufus nodded, "To the old McDonald keep, i'm sure the Black Cloaks will tolerate that much." Meredeith smiled, "I haven't seen your mother in ages, how is she?" Rufus shook his head, the old woman was a shut in since his father passed. But Gloria McDonald was a sharp woman who kept the Clan in check while her son ruled on the throne. "Haven't heard from her much, but let's not pander much about it. Go have your things ready, we leave in two days!".

[Greywall]

...50 years ago

If anyone was the describe what Gaelic Parliament is like, a raging hornet's nest would be the best description to go with. Elected representatives from across the expansive colonial empire assembled in the center of the capital balancing the power struggle of the government from the crown and clans. Alignment by political party, clan, hell even region made elected arm of the Gaelic Empire a difficult thing to maneuver through. On this day in the mid spring of 1882, the lords paramount and parliament were at each others throats over the expansion of the Kumosenkan navy in the South near Touli. The undefeated UKUG stood as Ouhiri's hegemony, ruling the seas without opposition and flooding its coffers with expansive trade organizations that gave the empire unprecedented wealth. 



But Kumosenkan had been building a massive naval fleet, their annexation of Elenria directly threatened Gaelic hegemony and Queen Mary I chose to tolerate it against the men who wanted war. She warned that the Staol Wars had indeed a harsh impact that they didn't see and she wasn't interested in sending more men to die in foolish wars. The long reigning Queen of Ulster Gaelia however was now in her 90's and bed ridden, the men who cried and howled for bloodshed wanted Parliament and the Taoiseach to approve it in her absence. "This is unthinkable, our highness is not well and before the Tanistry can even decide if Clan Gordon is to continue control of the Emerald throne you come here barking for war!?" Taoiseach William Howell was a wise man, a perfect man to Queen Mary who won the election in a landslide in siding with the concerns of the people over the hierarchy of upper nobility and the clans. The same couldn't have been said about James Gallagher, a representative elect from Faroe who wanted to send the UKUG to war immediately. "You sit here, in comfort in Baile Glas! While our colonies across the Shawbalt are in danger, these freaks these spiders are nothing more than mutants who devour humanity. We should arm the Royal Fleet and decimate them now!" Gallagher's speech got some in the chamber to nod and agree with verbal 'here here' or 'well said' statements. 

Howell shook his head, "War is not some game you can start and walk away from Gallagher, what about those lads you'd be sending down there? You aren't thinking of them, and the colonial fleet and Royal Navy are deterrent to the Kumo if not along our allies in Lusatia and Seleucidinia." Howell was met with anger and disrespect as Gallagher retorted, "He doubts our might! A true Gaelic seeks the fight not run like this milk drinker cunt!" two hard fists slammed from the other side of the room from the greyed man who represented the far northern highlands, "YOU GO TOO FAR GALLAGHER!" the man stood up and walked onto the floor next to Gallagher as Howell hurriedly tried to stop his approach, "McDonald, please. There's no need to-" Horas McDonald, head of Clan McDonald and elected official of the Northwest wasn't finished, however. ""But there is, this damn fool insults our Taoiseach and insults our Queen. She is not here to be the deciding factor of this lunacy!" Gallagher laughed at McDonald's face, "The Queen? She is bed ridden. And a woman. This Parliament will make a decision whether you or-" the loud thud of the Parliament floor doors opening silenced Gallagher as everyone in the chamber turned to see several Black Cloaks standing opening the door and the tapping sound of a cane, "Presenting her royal grace! Queen Mary the first of her name, Queen of the Gaelics, Emperess of the Emerald Empire and Protector of the realm!"

(90 year old Queen Mary enters Parliament) 

The old woman slowly made her way into the room, showing clearly, she was struggling with every step the cane in her hand holding much of her weight. All eyes on her, UKUG's longest ruling monarch, the Emerald Empress who marched on the Koi and ended the Staol Wars, the bane of Galra, but to them she was above all their Queen. It pained many and drew tears to see her struggling to her seat at the head of the assembly, her breathing labored and slight moans of her trying her damndest to reach her destination. She came between Gallagher and McDonald, her eyes raising from her slouched and labored efforts right at Gallagher, piercing right through him like spears "I have come to Parliament today, I will make the final decision." Gallagher in a soft voice that could belong to a child responded with "your grace" and bowed away from her as she made her final approach and sat at the head chair of Parliament. She rested her cane drawing air into her lungs in desperation to regain strength, she raised her small hand for everyone to sit. The Black Cloaks positioned themselves around her and the Taoiseach who wasn't able to control his tears knowing full and well it took all she had to be here today, to stand for her people, again. She never failed them, not once, not even in her advanced age as foolish men tried to drag her people off to war. 


After a long silence her soft voice finally shattered it saying, "I see many of you...here. Ready. Eager. Damned against all hells even, to send my sons to a war that makes no sense. Are we not the Emerald Empire? Are we not the shield that keeps the Galran eye in its coastal cage, why do you concern yourselves with another who has not shown us aggression? Who even fought with us, on the rocky steppes and hell that was Termingrad? General Cormack, who came to your aid as your lads held valiantly outnumbered 10 to 1? Who?" the sound of a man standing could be heard, General Cormack who led the Ulster-Gaelic forces during the last Staol War answered. "It was the Kumosenkan your grace." The Queen nodded, "Admiral O'Malley, who yield to us after we fought the battle of Iron Bay. Knowing we earned the glory to take the last port." An admiral stood up old and white haired, "Kumosenkan your grace." The Queen nodded, "You wish to fight these people? They respect us, they will not threaten our colonies. No, you want this war for your pigheaded foolish reason well damn them to hell" her soft voice now showed anger, "Damn you and damn your ambitions for power in this hall, you are sons of the Emerald isles and you so quickly for the price of blood and suffering were you to sell your brothers for what? Glory? Honor? Ask the damn dead about honor and glory. If you want to fight the Damhán Alla then take your soft feet South and do it yourself." Gallagher must have been mad as he  stood up in defense before his supporters, "Your grace if I may-" Mary grabbed her cane and tapped it loudly to silence him, "You may not, let it be written. As long as I live as your Queen. No more wars." That statement was met with a round of applause, Gallagher lowered his head in defeat and took his seat, Mary stood back up her Black Cloaks helping her back to the exit, "You can dismiss for the day, I am going to have some damn coffee." McDonald drew air into his lungs fighting the sting of tears that wanted to pour forth, his Aunt was in pain and bad health but came down to Parliament to prevent a stupid war. 

As Parliament slowly broke up and the members went home for the day, Howell approached Gallagher who sulked in his seat staring angrily at the large double set doors of the room. "Gallagher, you shouldn't be upset. We do not have a need for more bloodshed." Gallagher red faced and full of anger simply said, "She won't live forever, nor long. My entire life was this moment, to finally mean something. I will have my war Howell. I will." He stormed out leaving Howell concerned. 

Queen Mary I passed away in 1891, her reign the longest in UKUG history, she was succeeded by her nephew, James Gordon III. Gordon's new Taoiseach Montgomery Gallagher in 1910 would declare war on Kumosenkan to defend Hawaiian independence. Gallagher got his war, and the Gaelic fleet was decimated, it became the biggest defeat in UKUG history. 

Years later another of Queen Mary's nephew's overlooked the unveiling of her long-awaited monument in Baile Glas, Rufus McDonald son of Horas McDonald was the chosen monarch of Ulster-Gaelia now, next to him was James an older wiser man who regretted his turbulent reign as King. As the two saw the statue of Queen Mary unveiled the large crowd that assembled cheered as it was shown of her sitting in a throne, Septer in hand and sword in the other. 'Emerald Empress' inscribed below on a bronze mantel her monument was near others including Eddard the Black. Rufus declared the day for celebration allowing several businesses and factories to close early. Many began feasting and drinking in their old Queen's honor, raising glasses and leaving shots at a table that belonged to her grace. In the dark corner of one pub was a disheveled man, smelling like piss and looking as if he was living in hell. Gallagher drank that night in anger and regret at all things, he was now an old man living in self exile to save his clan and family from shame. He lumbered about Baile Glas a homeless drunkard and fool, no one really knew who he was but it didn't matter. All that mattered, was the bottle he held and if it had anything in it. He rose the bottle in silence as the crowd once again loudly proclaimed "Queen Mary!" he quietly in that soft voice said "Queen Mary...my Queen." and drank letting the warm tears stroll down his face letting the alcohol numb the pain he was in. 

[Greywall]

Summer 1932
Baile Glas Parliament 


Meredeith sat in the crown seat of Parliament listening to the elected officials bickering over the spending the realm had been doing in the last two years, her serious gaze staring off into the distance of the large forum. O'Donnell next to her, rubbing his bald head in frustration, the young and hot headed Tyler O'Shaughnessy of the Gaelic Socialist Party was drilling hard into his opponent Hiram McIntosh of the Common House party. 

"I am simply asking, why all this spending in military hardware? When the colonies need bloody coin to develop? Is the crown preparing for the damnable war the Nationalist have been begging at the heels for? Are we going to war with Damhán Alla?(Gaelic for Kumosenkan) If so the people should know our pound expenditure is preparing their poor souls for hell!" the young black-haired blue-eyed man meant well, he was fiery and overtook the elder Socialist leaders as the speaker of the party, but he was still brash in the old halls. 

"Young man, if you haven't noticed, the debt has been managed considerably well by the Ministry of Coin and the Crown. The spending being committed is not threatening the stability of the realm and you seem to forget that-" McIntosh grabbed some papers waving it high in the air, "This right here was approved this year in this hall. Cricon's infrastructure improvement bill! You signed it sir! And voted on it! So pepper your accusations of leaving our colonies unattended for another attempt I shalt not have it in this hall and let you insult their ability to speak up!" McIntosh was an experienced politician, unlike O'Shaughnessy he was from a upper middle class family and the McIntosh clan in the Central lowlands of Alba were wealthy farmers. Clan O'Shaughnessy were at best, lower middle class and show makers. 

"They won't speak because they feel stifled they-" A fist slammed from across the room as a large dark figure shot up, a Xaspeshi man wearing an Ankara patterned Tartan showing his cultural ties to Touli and loyalty to the UKUG, "You will not insult the colonies pup! Zedonia can speak for itself! Now silence yourself!" O'Donnell rose his hand his cold eyes meeting the dark eyes of the Xaspeshi and nodding him respectfully to end the shouting and allow the debate to continue. The Xaspeshi, Noratu Zakim was leader of the Zedonian members of Parliament and a proud loyalist to the UKUG, he sat down his point made. O'Shaughnessy's eyes traced the ground looking for a rebound but Queen Meredeith spoke first. "This matter seems pointless gentlemen, the crown's economy is stable and we are protecting ourselves against the rising threats around us. South and East of us." Both the representatives bowed and returned to their seats, O'Donnell rose up to speak "Are their anymore?" a slight silence filled the room before a man walked to the bottom floor from the rowed up seats, the Taoiseach then announced, "The Parliament recognizes, Colin Moriarty of Faroe, what have brought before the people of Ulster-Gaelia." O'Donnell sat down as the man standing before him, a young brown haired blue eyed short man began talking "I have brought, a question. Are we prepared for a war?" murmurs broke among the elected as Queen Meredeith gave a puzzled look. "How do you mean Toghadh (Gaelic term for Elected official: Pronounced tow-gu)".

Moriarty could feel the eyes of his Common House fellows on him, he didn't inform them of this and it was likely to get him in trouble, "What I meant your grace, is the realm properly ready for an extensive war?" Meredeith looked to O'Donnell who was already looking at her, "We are prepared to defend the realm, Mr. Moriarty" the man nodded but continued, "But are we ready for. War? You see, an attack is one thing are we honestly ready for a protracted conflict?" A voice cried out from McIntosh, "Apologies your grace he is young and-" Meredeith snapped her fingers at the older man, "Let him speak its his time" McIntosh sat back down without fuss. "How do you mean Moriarty?" Queen Meredeith asked, "If my thoughts are correct...our threat isn't the South...its the East. The SU, its become the largest internalized economic force in Ouhiri. It's from what I gather in reports from Roskana building a massive military I believe not for repulsion of invasion...but to be causative of invasion. I think, a horrible thing is coming. I don't know when, but your grace with all due respect we are not ready." More murmurs broke out, slight whispers of accusing the young man of crossing the line here and there. But Meredeith only nodded, she leaned to O'Donnell "He's yours" the Taoiseach stood up "That will be all for today, we will meet tomorrow the Queen will relay today's events to his highness. As Parliament broke for the day slowly exiting O'Donnell bellowed out, "Moriarty...you stay". Queen Meredeith and her guard passed by the young man and she patted him on the shoulder, "Good lad" and left. 

After an hour it was just O'Donnell and Moriarty. "I wondered...who in this chamber would see it." Moriarty was confused by O'Donnell's statement "I'm sorry?" O'Donnell tilted his head to have him follow to the rear chamber where the King and Taoiseach would wait in before Parliament assembled. Inside was a warm crimson room, adjourned with touches of dark oak brown, yellowed gold and the green stag over a well-made fireplace. "You drink Moriarty?" a nod was given, and O'Donnell poured two glasses of Scotch whiskey and handed one of them to the younger man before starting on his, "Have a seat" O'Donnell refilled his glass before sitting down as Moriarty took a small sip and could tell it was of good quality, high end quality. "There is no real fucking way to cut it, we're fucked. Fucked. The Entente cannot fight the SU, the Royal Navy isn't near ready and if our intelligence reports in Galra are anything to go by war is coming sooner than we'd like. We don't know where they'll strike first or when but its coming. It's why King Rufus, has avoided entanglements with Kumo." Moriarty's hands were shaking as he took another sip spilling it onto his shirt knowing his suspicions to be true, "sh...shit" O'Donnell waved his hands disregarding the spill. "Here, have as much as you need, I'll arrange you travel home if you get too much." Moriarty took a steadier drink as O'Donnell refilled his glass, "What do we need to be ready sir?" Moriarty bluntly said, for the first time, for many many years. O'Donnell smiled. "We need more men like you, they're out an about in the Emerald Empire, but they do not sit in that-" he pointed at the Parliament chamber "bloody waste of brick and air. Your fellow constituents are worried about money this, money that, Clan politics pollute progress and dammit my own party wants the Empress Shiraori on her knees broken and begging for mercy. If anyone should want her broken...it's me. And I don't know anymore, i've killed enough of those spiders to pay back the demons I got in Hawaii. But our real threat is across the channel. You, O'Shaughnessy, a few others aren't tied like those old men are and can see there's a problem. But to answer your question, we need fucking men, ships, aircraft, guns, ammo anything we can get our greedy hands on and prepare. I need votes for spending, the crown is spending what it can but eventually it'll hit the legal limitations and need Parliament. And dammit if the old guard won't want some fuckin' favors for it." 

Moriarty, now feeling light and braver from the whiskey nodded, "I can do that, so ships then?" O'Donnell with a full mouth shook his head, "Take too long, no, well yes. We need as many fuckin' ships we can build. Good ones, we do not repeat our mistakes in Hawaii. But what we really need is airpower, these islands, are the key to putting the pain into Galra. If we can...fly over their defenses and bomb directly into their heartlands. Well shit, the Entente might have a chance." O'Donnell pulled a drawer in a nearby desk giving Moriarty and envelope, "Congrats, you're on his majesty's war board. Your assignment is to work with McCarron and Ferris Combine and get us a fully functional advanced air fleet. Get it done lad....and sorry in advance...Ferris is a fuckin' Miúil (Gaelic slur for asshole)." Moriarty looked at the envelope and saw the royal seal on it, 'The King signed this, personally' he thought. "lad...know this. Above all." Moriarty could tell O'Donnell was about to say something he wasn't going to like, "Even if we pull this...if Lusatia falls...we're all fucked anyway." 

[Greywall]

1934

Colleen finished her studies and made her way from the chamber of the castle that held her classes, she wore a modern school uniform for the time period and her long flowing red hair had grown quite a bit. She was now 15 years old and recognized as heir apparent to the Emerald throne, it was something that as a young child used to filled her with excitement but the realization of what it means struck her differently now. She would be the Queen of Ulster-Gaelia upon the death of her parents. 

She was learning the world more and more, the political situation the world was entering had sullen her cheerful attitude and made her realize the stress her father was facing. 'A powder keg' that's what her teacher referred to it all, the SU was now building a massive amount of military hardware and arming up. It was assumed they would plan for a war with the Entente, so Colleen had to learn of not just Galra but Grinvel and Verak. She learned of the Cold War with Kumosenkan, the tense situation of the two empires dancing for control over the Shawbalt and Touli. 

But what intrigued her the most, was now the Empress of Kumosenkan was her age. It made her realize the dark reality of monarchies and how the UKUG's chief rival leader was now a young girl her age. But mainly it made her feel sad that her mother was gone, she was now alone surrounded by officials, something Colleen seemed to understand to a degree. She would much rather go to her Grandmother than be in a castle full of UKUG statesmen. 

She entered the section of the castle reserved for the Royal Family and found her father slinked over a chair. He had finished meeting with his advisors and likely had a hard meeting going over the reports made from visual scouting runs, 'Galra's fleet is twice the size of our original estimates, larger than even the Kumo Armada' it wasn't something he found comfort in. Years of rebuilding the Royal Navy was a miracle in itself, billions of pounds poured into the project and produced one of the biggest military rebuilds in recent memory. It didn't matter, Galra dwarfed them in naval power. It all seemed to become a rather difficult situation for the Emerald Empire while heavily treatied and politically powerful the SU military reports were concerning.

He looked up and saw his daughter enter the room, his mood immediately changed and some of his stress vanished. "How were your studies Colleen?" he asked, she rolled her eyes before saying "Boring, studied physics, biology, more politics and bloody Calculus again." Rufus chuckled, he got a kick out of his daughter hating school, at the very least some nobles put their kids into the palace to study with her and she had a few friends. Meridieth entered the room, small strands of grey now showing in her black hair, "Ah here you two are." she pulled the chair directly across her husband at the table he was resting his tired body near. "You two look absolutely spent, has it been that hard of a day?" Rufus and Colleen darted their eyes at her in silence. Meridieth laughed, "Well, I have good news. I have cleared your next two days, Colleen has no school and you my dear. Much deserved rest, I've made it clear to Parliament and O'Donnell you are not to be disturbed." The two lit up at the news, Rufus took a deep sigh of relief, "Best news i've heard in months." 

Colleen stretched and yawned enjoying the thought of getting to stay up late and sleep in the next day. "Mother can I go with Abigaile to the city then?" Colleen asked, she was now permitted to leave the palace with her friends. With the close watch of the Black Cloaks nearby of course. "You can tomorrow night, I've already asked our cook to make Pork cutlets and garlic potatoes tonight, and I have a special surprise." Meridieth pulled a small round object wrapped in brown paper, Rufus peered at it. "What is that love?" Colleen immediately knew, "It's a movie!" Meridieth nodded, "I think you're father will enjoy it, its about a giant monster ape rampaging through a city and it fights dinosaurs." Rufus sat straight up now intrigued, "Well lets get the meal on and the projector!" he had in the last few years become a huge cinema fan. The new movie Meridieth held was becoming a national sensation and cultural icon, making millions at the Gaelic box office, Ri Cong. 

After a filling meal of pork cutlets and potatoes, they started the film, Rufus was immediately enthralled by it all. The swelling music, the epic scope of it all and the stop motion miniatures that suspended belief and made it seem like these giants were actually filmed. Colleen was also enjoying it, leaning into her father and completely taken aback by what was at that time groundbreaking special effects for film. The Gaelic film industry had really outdone itself with this film, Meridieth sat quietly enjoying her family taking it all in, she never cared for films preferring to read but enjoyed watching the movie as she rested her head on the other side of Rufus. The film would conclude with the title monster being killed by RAF pilots after it climbed on top of the city skyline. As it concluded Rufus would proclaim, "This was amazing! Thank you Meridieth! Wow I want to see it again!" Meridieth laughed at her husband's almost newfound youth and boy like wonder at the film. Some staff began preparing the film for another showing as Colleen sleepily decided to retire to her quarters, "You're really going to watch it again dad?" she asked, Rufus eagerly nodded. Colleen smiled, seeing her father utterly giddy at something and happy was rare given everything going on. 

She entered her chambers putting on a nightgown and laying down in her bed, she was happy to have spent the night with her parents but also looked forward to meeting her friends in the city. For a small moment, the McDonald Clan forgot the troubles beyond the Emerald Palace and simply enjoyed the night. 

[Greywall]

"And if it falls, Touli will be a bastion of their expansion!" 


The Gaelic parliament had been lively, King McDonald sat in his seat with the Taoiseach next to him listening to the reports coming from Western Touli. Sovereign Union agents had been pouring resources into Western Touli states, starting a civil war in Eleria and expanding their power. It was clear the Galran led bloc had no intention to stop its spread of influence, it was now a threat. 

"We have reports from the Shawbalt, numerous Galran, Grinvelian and even Veraki ships heading to port in Eleria. Firefights from the kingdom of isolation, and now this damned report of Shiysil joining them. We are helplessly behind this manner!" spoke one member, "We need to react, Kumosenkan has seized territory in the West and now this motion. Are we to let the entire An tIarthar fall?". 

Rufus raised his hand to silence them which was followed by O'Donnell standing up and bellowing out, "Silence for your King!". O'Donnell turned to nod and sat back down, Rufus then stood up, "Gentlemen, long have you known my position on action in Touli. If it doesn't threaten the Imperial realm or our allies, I wish for us to remain neutral. But, the recent months have shown me something. The Sovereign Union is a much larger threat than we anticipated, and I intend to end this awkward balance we have to manage. We shall send the 78th colonial fleet to Western Eleria, and secure military arms to the Elerian cause." 

The room had a sudden shock run through it, hearing pacifist King Rufus say his intent to support Eleria in its civil war was unexpected especially following his clear intent to remain out of the recent wars in Touli. "I support the King on this measure!" "I too support him!" "We should vote and finalize this decision!" a round of applause rang out, the Gaelics have long been wanting to leave their static position in the world and make a move rather than stay still as the world burned around them.

Rufus once again rose his hand, this time the chamber silenced, "In order for this to work, understand, we make ourselves a target to Galra. And I need to remove the possibility of one war if another is unavoidable. I must speak to the Empress of Kumosenkan." 

A absolute silence filled the room. Even O'Donnell looked at his comrade in disbelief. "What?" O'Donnell asked, "Richard, its time we ended the Cold War. The reason Galra has become such a threat on the Shawbalt is because the Empire and United Kingdom have been over focused on one another. I intend to go to Kumosenkan and end 20 years of silent diplomacy." An outburst of Parliament broke out, "YOU!? You can't go your grace!" "This is preposterous!" "The Kumo are the enemy of the Gaelic!" Rufus rose his hand, the rabble still went on as members of Parliament got carried away. O'Donnell stood up grabbing the black oak Shillelagh of the Taoiseach and smacking it on the hard floor ringing out a loud tapping sound through the chamber. "Silence for your King!", Rufus nodded at O'Donnell "We cannot go on like this, we must break our silence with the Kumosenkan. We must allow ourselves to focus on one enemy and break from this long hibernation of static fear that if we move on one the other will on us. We are the United Kingdom of Ulster-Gaelia, we rule the waves, our kilt adorned soldiers broke the siege of Oakheart in the last Staol War, were it not our people that shattered the expansion of Galra on Touli before? Or has that iron resolve been lost? I've heard you call for blood, but the simple path is not the right one. We walked to war Kumo on Hawaii and all it did was allow the Galrans unrestricted Naval access to the Shawbalt. Their fleet dwarfs the Spider Armada. And now not only do they have Grinvel and Verak but nations in Western Touli joining them. We need to do the difficult task and reach across the aisle and understand the larger threat coming our way. And the only way to do that, is for me, King of this nation to approach the Empress of Kumosenkan and open diplomatic relations."

The room remained silent, but a few members of the Parliament stood, "I support his grace" "He should go with the Black Cloaks of course" "O'Donnell your word?", yes Richard. Rufus turned to him and saw those grey eyes staring right through him, almost no one in that chamber hated Kumo quite like him. "If you think this is best...then so be it." Richard said, the Nationalist leader finally stood up after stewing in his seat "The Gaelic nationalist party objects! The Spider is an enemy and always will be. The Nationalist party objects, and Richard this is why we're fucking kicking you off our ballot you cuck liberal pig dog!" The Nationalist left refusing to support the King's decision to go to Kumosenkan, to which Rufus turned to Richard "Well good thing I don't need their permission for a Royal diplomatic mission." Richard shook his head, "You knew they'd say no to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing it...that's why you said yourself, to bypass Parliament. Bastard" Richard smiled, proud of his friend for being ruthless against Gaelic democracy. 


Parliament would vote on Elerian shipments and the deployment of the 78th fleet later that week but Rufus would send a letter to Empress Reito of his intention to arrive in Kumosenkan. "Good luck down there Rufus" Richard would tell his friend, still not trusting the Kumosenkan. Rufus nodded, "Good luck up here with the election." Rufus returned. With the National Elections under way the Gaelic people would begin the process of electing Parliament members and their Taoiseach to represent them in the government. Change was happening, and it was happening fast. 

[Greywall]

"Have you seen this farce!?" 

The newspaper was plopped onto the center floor of Parliament as O'Toole resumed his rant to the delegation. "Our King has bedded with the enemy, a clear act of treason! This damn King McDonald has constantly spat in the face of this body elect and should be removed from the Emerald throne!" only the Nationalist roused at O'Toole's recommendation, but the rest were divided on the matter. The main headline of the paper detailed how Rufus became the first Gaelic monarch in the history of the UKUG to not only step foot on Kumosenkan but its Imperial Palace, he then negotiated extensive new diplomatic relations with them and trade.

It was the perfect weapon for the Nationalist to hammer on. 

Tyran O'Toole was one of the biggest names on the ballot for Taoiseach and determined to not only kick off his former comrade and current Taoiseach off to a early retirement but also remove Clan McDonald from the throne. "Clan McDonald has thus far shown us a mediocre reign, soft hands and warm attempts at everything they do. They refuse to cut the throat on the uppity Franch, they refused to send the fleet and slaughter the Kumo in the notch war! And now they make peace with the filthy non humans themselves." That last response angered a Rel representative from Zedonia, and a Inselni representative from Sodor. "Oh shut you gross creatures!" O'Toole shouted, thus sending all of Parliament into a frenzy.

"You've done too far this time O'Toole!"
"Apologize to Representative Hu and Dauterive now!" 
"Shut your gobs Common house you let anyone in your ranks, whores of men!" 

An older member stepped onto the floor holding his shillelagh, "O'Toole you bastard! You poison this sacred chamber with your ignorance!", O'Toole bristled up and broadened his shoulders "Go ahead old man, I'll stain the floor with you!" O'Toole took large strides toward the older man who prepared to fight when a thunderous angry voice silenced them all.

"STOP THIS MADNESS IN THE NAME OF YOUR KING!" 


The room fell still and silent, Rufus was furious his face red from anger he stormed into the chamber. The old man bent his head toward Rufus, "Your grace, my apologies." Rufus didn't look at him, staring at O'Toole locking eyes with him, "Take your seat Representative Fargus". The two men stood at the center, O'Toole's body shaking ever so slightly and subtly from adrenaline pumping in him. Black Cloaks stood at the entrance as Rufus stared the man down like a predator preparing to slaughter prey, "I have returned from Kumosenkan and I have ended nearly 30 years of damn stubbornness, stubbornness that I myself allowed." Rufus broke his gaze of O'Toole and began addressing Parliament as a whole, "Our new deal with Kumosenkan will safeguard the seas, bring millions of pounds of trade into our ports and theirs. And has put us where we should be, gentlemen I call for what this man" he pointed to O'Toole and with conviction said, "This man and his party continue to belittle and decry me for never calling for, I call for the assembly of the Ministry of Defense" Parliament stirred as members began buzzing at the mention as Rufus continued, "The royal armies of this nation, the Admiralty, the Field Marshalls and Marshalls of the air force to meet here and begin preparations for war against Galra. If the SU wants to war the Entente, they shall do so with our full might now. No longer will I allow Autarch Applegate the satisfying notion that we will face two enemies instead of one. Make it so, and for you O'Toole." O'Toole looked at him now showing anger and frustration, "Do this mudslinging in your campaign not here." Rufus walked toward his seat at the center of the chamber and took it as O'Toole retreated to where his fellow Nationalist now fumed.

"All shall vote on the King's request, assembly of the military staff for the preparation of a war against the Entente from Galra. Vote now!" spoke the speaker of the chamber. Within an hour Parliament voted in favor to assemble the heads of the Gaelic military and realign defensive positionings of the fleet and army at Kumosenkan and direct it at Galra. 

O'Toole sat there fuming, angry, his nationalist comrades undercut once again. He felt if he didn't win the election, then it was all conspiracy. He crawled into his own head and let hate and suspicion feed his fury. His eyes floated all over as rage ate him, he glared at Hu and Dauterive then back at McDonald sitting in the chair. "They're stealing our country. These poisoned fools, they want to sell us true Gaelics out." he spoke, not to anyone but himself. He truly believed that Clan McDonald was trying to surrender the UKUG to non-human interest. O'Toole was simply over it all, if he didn't win the election then he would do something no member of Parliament had done at that point, declare the election stolen. 

[Greywall]

The last day

Rufus was drinking his morning coffee watching Colleen enjoy her day off from studies, she had taken to writing short stories and enjoyed this little hobby. "Father, can ride horses today?" Rufus nodded to his daughter's request, "Of course, when your mother awakens." He heard a slight commotion down the hall from their main living room and turned to see, "What is it?" Colleen asked, right as she finished Meredeith entered the room, her face pale and full of worry, "Dear we need to go now." 

Rufus stood up and walked to console his wife, he was still in bed robes and was taken aback. "What is it my love?" he asked, her eyes rose to meet his, "They're coming." Rufus felt the room shift, he dropped his coffee cup as it shattered, "I'll get dressed, you get Colleen down to the court yard and head for Skyfall." Colleen was scared, her mother wrapped her up "we might not-" before Meredeith could say anything the loud sound of what can only be described as hundreds of bombers flying overhead drowned the entire palace out. Rufus stepped outside and saw them, Galran Justice medium bombers literally hundreds of them. As Rufus stared at them in disbelief his saw the little black cylinders being dropped, right on top them. "GET INS-" the lound explosions rocked the Emerald Palace. Blackcloaks ran in, "Grab Colleen and Meredeith get them out of here!" Rufus shouted, "DAD!" Colleen screamed as the guards rushed her out, "Where are you going!?" Meredeith cried out, "James is in the lower wing!" Rufus replied. 

He bolted, robe and all as his staff and servants scrambled to escape the carnage. Numerous explosions rocked the palace destroying the ancient Gaelic seat of power in minutes. Rufus came to a section where the ceiling and wall was utterly gone and looked at Baile Glas, his city, in flames as hundreds of bombers mercilessly dropped their payloads below. "Your Grace!" Rufus turned to see three Blackcloaks rushing to him, "we need to go now!" they declared going as far as to grab the King's arm. "Not without my kin dammit" Rufus went further on and found James, the old former king was getting staff out of the lower reach of the castle, "Rufus!?" he shouted, "James lets go!" the former king shook his head, "There's more below! I think a woman and her son." James despite his advanced age went further in as the palace rocked from more bombs. "Go make sure my wife and daughter are out of here dammit." The Blackcloaks ran back per his orders as Rufus decended down broken rock and felt something wet on his feet. His feet which were soft from years of living as a member of royalty had been sliced open and bleeding, "never mind that" he muttered. He went down below finding James digging a woman's leg from collapsed rubble. "Help Rufus!" Rufus rushed over to help what was a cooking lady, "Oh my lords bless you!" she cried, her small son bawling, he was no older than 3. "It'll be ok lad, shhhh we got your momma." James comforted the small boy as Rufus got the woman's leg out. 

"Rufus!" the King turned as he pulled the woman out, "Are you insane!? Get back outside Meredeith!" the Queen rushed over him helping him carry the woman while James grabbed the boy. "Where is Colleen!?" Rufus said, fear deep in his voice "She's with the guards they're going to the shelter now to wait for us she's safe, we need to get out of here Rufus!" the palace rocked some more. Screams could be heard down a hall, "Rufus there's more, take the child." James exclaimed, "Dammit James this isn't-" "Go boy, I got this." James ordered as he ran over however a sudden crack sent the entire ceiling down onto him, "JAMES NO!" Rufus rushed to where his cousin had been standing but it was clear he was dead. Rufus was still holding the child who was sobbing into his shoulder, drenching his robe wet. "Rufus...he's gone." Meredeith spoke softly, the King turned to his wife still holding up the injured woman. "Come on, lets get out of here." Meredeith took four steps forward as a black object crashed into the room between the two, a Galran bomb, Rufus looked to his wife "Mere-" the flash took him out. 

When he awoke he was surrounded by Black Cloaks. He felt a horrid pain all over his face, he also noticed, he only had one eye opened. "Meredeith....Meredeith" he spoke despite the pain and felt something rush over grabbing him, "DAD!" he looked down and saw Colleen sobbing, "Dad, thank Voshoz Dad..." Rufus saw her lightly pulled to the side by what were clearly medical staff. "where is my wife....where is the queen?" no one spoke, the room was silent, a familiar figure loomed from the corner of the room. It was O'Donnell. "She's gone Rufus. We lost her." Richard spoke for the first time with his voice breaking, he felt the pain his comrade and friend felt almost immediately. Rufus began to cry, Colleen was allowed to join him, "I am so sorry, Oh god I am sorry" Rufus felt nothing but anguish. 

A few hours would pass before the situation of it all was made clear, Rufus had lost his right eye, his entire face was carved up from shrapnel and his right arm was mostly disabled now. In a moment he shielded the small boy from it, from what luck in this madness that child was spared any harm. In fact it was due to the small boy crying out that they found the King at all. The boy was found clutching what was left of his mother, torn apart from the bomb. 

"They hit us hard Rufus, I won't lie its not looking good. We're outnumbered 10 to 1, the Sierra contingency saved us from total annihilation but its going to be a long night." Richard was solemn for the first time in his life, a man brooding over his past and yearning for war was now witness to a new kind of war, something he wasn't mentally prepared for. 

"Parliament?" Rufus asked as the doctors and nurses tended to his facial wounds. "They're onboard. What few survived." Rufus turned his one working eye toward Richard to understand what he meant, "Dammit Rufus they hit everything, we lost half of Parliament. We'll need to have emergency elections and call for all hands to this." Rufus shook his head, "No, what did you mean we're onboard." Richard sighed, "We're on the Flying Albanach, heading for Skyfall. She has armored cars and experimental dual machine guns but we're far and away from the capital. Tomorrow we can-" Rufus held his hand up, "No. We address this now." He stood up shocking his medical staff, "I need clothes, my kilt. And I want to talk to Colleen." Richard nodded sending staff to retrieve clothing, "Colleen is asleep finally, she...d....dammit she should never have to face this your grace." Richard, for the first time in what seems like forever starting crying thinking of the poor girl. Losing her mother, her home and now on the run. 

As Rufus got dressed he mused, "I met a young lass who lost her mother, same age as Colleen. Poor thing will be alone in this." Richard perked up, "Reito?" Rufus nodded to affirm his response. "I am here. Now. I must do what is tasked of me as the King of the Celts, Emperor of the Gaelic Empire and protector of the realm." Richard saw the look Rufus had, anger. "Let's go win a fucking war." Rufus stormed out of the medical car toward the car containing what remained of the Gaelic parliament. 

They were mumbling among themselves when Rufus and Richard walked in, "My god..." one exclaimed out of shock. "Gentlemen." Rufus retorted, "I am sure you are all aware, of the events that have befallen us. Make no mistake, we shall respond and we shall-" the King was interrupted by of course somehow still breathing, O'Toole. "Your grace before you proceed it should be made clear. This has been wired to us." He handed the letter to Richard who snatched and growled "Do not interrupt your King." Richard read it before handing it Rufus, Rufus studied it and dropped his left arm holding it. "So the Autarch wants us to surrender. Accept Koian occupation? That tells me they hit Koi." 

"The Staol...it'll be cut off!"
"We're already cut off you idiot"
"We need to accept, we're going to lose"


"Shut up!" 

Rufus shouted his voice full of rage, "My wife, is dead! our nation is in flames, people are dead and dying in the streets of Baile Glas and you fucking want to concede!? Slit your own throat and cast yourself off this train if you want an exit! I want revenge, I want war!" The parliament fell silent after the King bellowed out, "I am asking, for total war. I want a blank check to the military I want a full draft of our people and I want us to stay in this fight until Columbia suffered ten fold what was done to us." 

O'Toole spoke up, "Your grace, that puts alot of power in the crown. And we're not sure-" 
"Sure of what O'Toole? Your party has always wanted a fight, to fight Kumo. Well the enemy is here and are you spineless now that the enemy has inflicted such a hit on us? Do you forget your blood? Your oath? Who you are? Have you all forgotten? our ancestors who crossed the channel to escape the genocide levied on them by Galra, who bled and died for us to be here today. The countless dead. The countless fights. Are you intending to let them down?" 

O'Toole's lip shook, tears took him, "no...I won't. I vote to extend Total War." 

"So do I." 
"Here here" 

The Parliament echoed sentiments but Rufus wasn't done, "Swear to me, Swear to your country. Do you swear to fight the long night before us!"

"I swear!"
"Do you swear to avenge the fallen!?"
"I swear!" 
"Do you swear to avenge your Queen!?"
"I swear!" 

"Swear it! Now and forever more! As your ancestors did on the highlands! As knights of the realm, As protectors of the free folk of the emerald islands! SWEAR IT BEFORE THE GOD OF VOZHOZ AND THE OLD GODS."

Rufus now with the powers he needed decided to use the train's transceiver to speak to his people, "Do you know what to say your grace?" asked Richard. "I do." Rufus replied. 

As the train steamed forward into the night ending and the rising sun, Colleen in her deep sleep from crying was awoken by the voice of her mother, "Wake up my love" she shot up "Momma!?" but only the dark of the room greeted her. Her mom was gone, she left to find her father in an observation car. She slightly paused as she saw Rufus and the eyepatch he now had to wear. "Dad..." she cried out as hot tears streamed down her face, the two embraced crying for their lost family. "Your mother...was a saint. A perfect woman...and James...died restoring his honor...I am so sorry Colleen." 

The two sat watching the sun rise over the horizon through a thicket of forest. "Where are we? There are no signs or signals on the track." Rufus nodded, "you've always been a smart girl. This track is off the map, we're heading for something Queen Mary built in the event our island was ever attacked. She believed if the government needed to be hidden away then it should be here."



 "Where?" Colleen asked. Her father pointed at the opening of the forest as the train began to make a turn, "Skyfall. A star fort hidden in the Central Gaelic Forest." The massive star fort emerged from the forest as the train brought it into view. "We're safe here." Rufus told his daughter. Colleen hugged her father tightly as the train entered the fort ending their days in the high rise and beginning the era of war.