Waking the North

[Evangeline Anovilis]

It came without warning, without any announcement and with no fanfare. The Queen vanished overnight, without a trace. Just as she had come, so she would go, it seemed, shrouded in mystery. Where to or why, those were questions that remained unanswered, for just like the Realm had come about formed in the shadows behind the scenes, so it would go out in the shadows behind the scenes.

 

And as the curtain fell, so did the people rise once again, to wonder, to question, as if a night in the mind of all Canada had ended and the hard work of the day called again.

 

A message would be sent to the Commonwealth to assume their duty as temporary authority and weapons would be stockpiled in the armouries for takeovers. And while it seemed a few rifles and other small arms went missing in the chaotic state of affairs, the nuclear stockpile would be carried together to ensure its safe disposal.

 

 

[MostGloriousLeader]

The disappearance of Faraway's head of state and the crumbling of its government came as a shock to the American Commonwealth.  The loss if one its closest allies in North America was disturbing but the appropriate measures would be taken.  Troops currently in the Special Administration Zone and Commonwealth proper would rapidly move to secure the now defunct nation.  In the Caribbean two marine divisions would move to secure Cuba and the Cayman Islands while Three airborne divisions would be deployed to secure Greenland and northern Canada.  Weapons, equipment and nuclear weapons would be secured and, once the area was stabilized, moved to the Commonwealth.

[PresidentDavid]

Once the collapse of Faraway was discovered, the Icelandic Navy, including two frigates, would be deployed off the coast of Eastern Greenland. The First Brigade of the First Infantry Division would also be sent to Tasiilaq and Kulusuk and secure the port and airfields. Once it was discovered that the American Commonwealth was making a move into Greenland, the Royal Government would quickly make contact with the American Commonwealth. 

 

A short statement would be released to the international community confirming that the Kingdom of Iceland would intend on peacefully challenging the American Commonwealth's claim to Greenland. 

 

 

 

From: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Kingdom of Iceland

To: The Secretary of State of The American Commonwealth 

 

King Nightfall requested that I contact your government to discuss our conflicting interests in Greenland because, until the Ministry of Defense noticed your military movements to the area, my government considered Greenland for the King. His Majesty hopes that since we do not have official relations yet, we can get off on the right foot and handle this situation diplomatically. We can do it through a cable, of course, or meet in person. A representative is invited, on behalf of the King and myself, to the capital here in Reykjavik to discuss whom Greenland belongs to. 

 

The Royal Government believes our cultural ties and geographical similarities are strong factors in our rightful annexation of Greenland, but I would rather talk about this in person. 

 

I hope to hear back from you shortly,

 

Robert Anton

Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

Edited October 4, 2013 by PresidentDavid

[MostGloriousLeader]

Diplomatic Response

With respect to the Icelandic government, historically Greenland has been part of North America since even before the German Empire dominated the European continent.  It has almost always been under the flag of various Canadian nations.  Unfortunately there can be no negotiation over this point as Greenland is considered sovereign American territory.  It is unfortunate that this is the first official contact between our nations.  The Commonwealth desires nothing but peace with its neighbors but it must, and will, act to defend North American interests in the Atlantic.  Icelandic forces will have 48 hours to vacate or they will be expelled, by force if need be.

 

-American Commonwealth State Department

 

The 1st and 3rd Airborne Divisions had been deployed to Greenland, with the 1st securing Thule Air Base and the western coast.  The 2nd was to secure the east coast but due to the presence of Icelandic troops, performed drops on the outskirts of their objectives and formed up and prepared for action.  In the meantime several fighter and bomber squadrons would be deployed to Thule while the Yorktown Battlegroup would set sail for Greenland at high speed escorting a marine brigade.

Edited October 4, 2013 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

Half the deadline was gone and Commonwealth troops were prepared and ready to initiate operations once the deadline was up in another 24 hours.  Despite the ultimatum, longstanding foreign policy of the Commonwealth was to avoid conflict where possible and President Nelson didn't like the idea of his Presidency on the note of blood shed as well as the detriment a war would be to the security of the North Atlantic region.  Contact would be initiated with the Icelandic government for discussion over the matter. The deadline would remain in place but Secretary of State McNutt would be dispatched to Reykjavik on a fast jet to represent the Commonwealth.

[PresidentDavid]

 

Secretary of State McNutt would be accepted into Reykjavik however the only functioning airfield was about an hour from the city. King Nightfall would ensure that he would be picked up by a royal escort and brought back to the capital of the island nation.

 

McNutt would notice a very different Iceland then what existed in the 21st century. Starting in the mid 1800s, the government of Iceland, and governments after that, slowly built the forests of the island back up however it wasn't until the mid-21st century that things really took off. The island resembled more now like what it was before the Vikings even visited it - that being forty-percent of the island covered in thick, lush, green forest. The island was much more in touch with nature.

 

A dark, black Bugatti would be awaiting the Secretary of State and pick him up to quickly bring him to the capital. The Bugatti, which belonged to the King, was one of the few hundred operating cars on the island - most of which belonged to the government. A polite, well-dressed man would drive McNutt to the capital where the King would be waiting. Although his casual English was not very good, the driver would try to keep up conversation. "Yes Mister Diplomat McNutt, once we get to the city you will like it. Very beautiful place and many, many pretty womens. Much prettier than my wife haha!" The conversation would not evolve much past that accept that when they entered the city, the man would warn McNutt of a few things. "Icelandic customs may be somewhat different than what you... accustomed to in big America land of the North. I would tell you specifics but I need to let you leave. If anything, make sure you are polite to the King and anyone he likes that he introduces you to." The man would let McNutt out in front of the transitional Royal Palace where an honor guard of soldiers would be waiting. 

 

Once McNutt would get out of his car, he'd finally be able to see what the city actually looked like. Many of the buildings were made of stone, the roads were clean but mostly endured horse-drawn carriages or pedestrians. Electricity was all be available to the city as well. Gas lanterns lit the streets that afternoon as citizens lit candles in their own homes. A small company of capital guards marched by the foreigner, paying him no attention as they made their afternoon route. The city was flowing around him like water, totally undisturbed by his presence except for the honor guard awaiting his presence. 

 

The soldiers were dressed in their full military uniforms and wielded their muskets with shiny bayonets fastened on top. All twenty of the stood in pairs of two in front of the entrance to the temporary palace and would change their stance when McNutt would walk past them to a more "at ease" position. Once he reached the large doors, they would slowly open up and reveal a well-dressed servant. "I am Simon, Secretary McNutt, head of the King's servants. I am sure you are here on urgent matters so I will bring you to see him immediately."

 

Walking quickly, Simon would pass through halls filled with historical art and maps and scripture like it was nothing. Beautiful stained-glass windows littered many of the rooms they passed by while magnificently colored carpets and rugs scruffed beneath their feet on the way. The structure itself was somewhat chilly, but Icelanders were use to the cold. The butler stopped dead in his tracks and gave a short bow to the seventeen year old girl before him. She was in a conservative blue dress and wielded an innocent smile. "Secretary of State McNutt, this is Princess Sophie Nightfall - Crown Princess of Iceland." The Princess blushed at the announcement of her title and curtsied back, "Nice to meet you Secretary McNutt. I will escort you to the meeting room, thank you for your help Simon."

 

The butler nervously walked away at the request of the Princess, he just hopped she wouldn't talk McNutt's ear off. "I hear they have tall buildings in North America, do you work in one Mister McNutt? Why doesn't your country have a King? Do all men wear those in your country?" She pointed to his tie before the two of them felt the temperature around them drop and suddenly get colder. A tall, dark-haired man grabbed the Princess's wrist and pushed it back down to her side, "It is impolite to point Sophie... Go back to your French studies.." She wanted to protest but let her father win this battle, leaving the two men alone in the hallway. 

 

Galdur was very tall. 6-foot 3-inches tall and he tended to use that to look over other people which he did to McNutt. Observing his foreign, or arguably modern, way of dress. The King finally extended his hand and shook McNutt's, "Welcome to Iceland, Mister Secretary, I am the King of this island - Galdur Nightfall. I am happy your President changed his mind. Please, come into my office and sit." Galdur walked towards a large wooden door and it opened slowly on its own. Inside the room was his lavishly, yet still modest for a King, decorated office complete with animal furs and leather seats.

 

Once the King was seated, he looked over to McNutt and offered him some water or whiskey and also a few ice cubes and then proceeded to discussion. "So, Mister McNutt, what changed your President's mind about negotiation? I felt this situation was going to turn into a conflict very soon."   

Edited October 5, 2013 by PresidentDavid

[MostGloriousLeader]

Secretary McNutt would take in the sights along the way, noting with some marvel how different this was from downtown Washington D.C.  It was quaint and the people seemed nice enough.  McNutt went through the motions, greeting people, smiling, shaking hands, answering barrages of questions asked by princesses.  Greeting the King, McNutt shook his hand and followed him into his office, sitting down and getting a glass of water. 

 

"King Nightfall" he began.  "As you know, military action is the most serious of acts to be undertaken by a nation.  President Nelson's term is coming to an end and he does not intend to run for another.  Even so, he is concerned about the legacy and future he will provide for both his successor and our nation.  As you've probably heard, due to recent events the American Commonwealth is the last major power left in North America.  This is a responsibility that we bear, one that we will uphold.  Greenland's strategic position in the North Atlantic serves as a buffer zone between Europe and North America.  One we intend to maintain.  Because of this the territorial control of Greenland is, unfortunately, not something we can offer.  But this is a matter we do wish to resolve without bloodshed.  We are willing to discuss alternative measures to ensure peace and stability in the North Atlantic region.  Greenland is a pretty undeveloped area, one which holds a fair amount of natural resources.  One which we ourselves will most likely be unable to tap into on our own.  If the claim to Greenland is dropped and Icelandic troop are withdrawn, we shall allow the use of a large portion of Greenland's eastern exclusive economic zone by Icelandic fishing vessels, provided they follow our nations safety and fishing regulations while they are there.  We are also willing to institute policies to make it easier for Icelandic citizens and companies to conduct business in Greenland".
 

[PresidentDavid]

"It must be interesting to be the leader of a Republic, let alone living in one," Galdur sipped tea from a cup and thought over what the foreign diplomat had said. "Just like you do not believe the Greenland belongs to or is a part of Europe, I do not see this island that way either. Separated by a vast ocean, this island is more a part of Greenland than a part of North America or Europe. In fact, scientists here tell me that the reason the Earth shakes and fire rises from the ground on this island is because half of it is in your part of the New World, and the other half is in the Old World. So if your goal is to keep Greenland from being controlled by Europeans, then you have no fear of this Iceland and the Greenland being under one King." The monarch sipped his tea again and thought some more before he continued. 

 

"Your reasons for wanting to have Greenland under your banner are much different than mine however I believe that you and your President think you are doing the right thing. Most people, especially leaders, do not always have good intentions - even for their own people - but the American Commonwealth has not wronged anyone before." The King pulled out a yellow piece of parchment that was cracked and burned around some of the edges. It was to fragile to fold or roll up, and so he handled it with care. 

 

"This is a map of Iceland and Greenland from hundreds of years ago. Before your continent was even settled by Europeans." Galdur traced his finger from where they were in Reykjavik to Greenland's eastern coast. "A great King ruled over much of this Iceland and his people loved him. While the island was fair and its people prosperous, he sent ships around this ocean," he said as he traced his fingers over the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, "to find a holy place he had dreamed of for his people." 

 

Galdur was by now running low on tea but continued the story anyway, "Once it was found, he visited the place with some of his people and had a stone structure erected to honor the spirit that brought him there and hopefully to please it so that it would protect his people and his holy men would have a place to go and pray if the island ever needed guidance or help in times of need. The people here worshiped the spirit and enjoyed their Kingdom and their King for seventy-five more years however everything changed when the King died."

 

The King's voice got deeper and his eyes wandered down to the map, "After the seventy-five years of prosperity and happiness, the King died and his stepson, a greedy tyrant, took control of the island and took as much wealth for himself as he could. Leaving none for the people and bringing the island into chaos and civil war. The spirit perhaps could have saved this land from decades of war, but in order to save funds and supplies for himself, the stepson stopped sending holy men to the place long ago and thus abandoned the shrine that his father worked so hard to build." 

 

Galdur's eyes stayed fixed on the map and looked at Greenland, "This is a story brought down from generation to generation throughout Iceland. No matter what clan or religion you believe in, no matter who or what fjord you live next to, everyone knows of that story... Days before our incident I had a dream and saw the shrine in the legend covered in snow and blended with the landscape. No one was there but a deep, billowing voice told me the island was North of where I and my people were. That it was called Haven, but now known as Traill Øer, or Traill Island in your English. If you can secure Iceland with fishing rights to the East of Greenland and the island of Haven, then I will call the troops back home and head to the island myself to find the shrine..." 

 

The King knew, that by this point, he must seem insane to the foreigner, but he also knew he had no choice but to be honest. "I know you must thing I am insane, but this shrine is sacred to the people of this island and all of the lands of the world could not be traded for it. If you agree to this, I can promise that no soldiers except for those of Iceland to protect the holy men and no army shall ever establish a fort on that sacred land and that I will return it to you before I would allow that to happen... Do you believe we can make this work, Secretary McNutt?" 

Edited October 7, 2013 by PresidentDavid

[MostGloriousLeader]

"While I admit you're offer is strange but I believe it is acceptable on the part of my nation.  We have an agreement".

[PresidentDavid]

"I am happy we could come to an agreement. I will order the withdraw of Icelandic troops from the rest of the Greenland and relinquish my claim to all of the landmass accept for Haven. Please," he said before McNutt got up to leave, "Have some tea. It is very good for you." The King would hand the Secretary of State a hot cup and lead him out of the meeting room. Princess Sophia, or simply Sophie as she liked to be called, spied behind a stone statue and listened to the two men as they conversed and made their way to the thrown room where the Secretary of State could eat before returning to his homeland. 

 

To contend with the agreement, an international statement would be made by the King that he relinquishes his claim to all of Greenland except the island he and McNutt agreed to for... spiritual reasons. All Icelandic troops would be sent back home to where they belonged. 

Edited October 7, 2013 by PresidentDavid