Gunboat Diplomacy

Duke Aiden received the grim news: the mission to capture the USS Tecumseh had failed disastrously. The loss of a flagship and fifteen escorts was a severe blow, though most of the sailors managed to survive and reach land. His attempt to succeed where his cousin, Prince Ethan, had failed ended in a catastrophic defeat at sea. The surviving sailors regrouped with their allies in the rebel faction within the Imperium, but the cost of the lost ships was staggering.

As Aiden traveled with his retinue to retrieve his cousin, his thoughts grew darker, weighed down by his compounded failure and the Crown Prince’s earlier defeat. The prisoners he was trading remained defiant, their spirits unbroken. The Imperium’s grip was undeniably stronger this time.

Aiden’s warband, numbering about 1,500 men-at-arms, approached the agreed meeting spot. There, the formidable 1st Imperial Legion awaited them, with 6,000 elite Imperial Guards, most of whom were bonded and married pairs of women. At the forefront, in her personal armored vehicle, was Imperatrix Aurellia, overseeing the entire legion. This was unmistakably an Imperial Triumph parade.

Walking beside the Imperatrix were strangers from the ship. Behind them, the Crown Prince and the remnants of his personal retinue were led forward, their defeat evident.

“Duke Aiden, I believe this stray belongs to you,” mocked Aurellia, her voice dripping with condescension as she relished the barely concealed hatred in Aiden’s eyes.

“Here are the prisoners we are trading for the Crown Prince,” Aiden replied, striving to maintain a stoic and professional demeanor despite the turmoil within.

Aurellia’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she observed the exchange. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent testament to the power dynamics at play. The Imperatrix’s presence was overwhelming, her authority unquestionable.

As the prisoners were handed over, Aiden couldn’t help but notice the strangers from the ship. They were unlike any he had seen before, their attire and demeanor hinting at advanced technology and a different way of life. Whispers among his men suggested they might be the fabled “Sky People,” rumored to possess knowledge and power beyond comprehension.

But Aiden and Ethan knew better. The Sky People had informed the Muricans of the ship’s arrival, hinting that it would change the balance of the war. This ship was not of the Sky People, but something else entirely—an unknown variable that could tip the scales in unforeseen ways.

Aurellia’s voice cut through his thoughts. “You must be wondering about our guests,” she said, a sly smile playing on her lips. “They have much to offer, and their allegiance will ensure the Imperium’s dominance.”

Aiden’s gaze shifted to the Crown Prince, who stood with a mixture of defiance and resignation. The once-proud leader now seemed a shadow of his former self, his spirit battered by the relentless might of the Imperium.

“Your cousin’s failure is now yours, Duke Aiden,” Aurellia continued, her tone mocking. “But perhaps you can redeem yourself by proving useful to us. The Imperium always has room for those who know their place.”

Aiden clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure. “We have fulfilled our part of the bargain,” he said evenly. “The Crown Prince is yours. Now release our men.”

Aurellia nodded, and with a wave of her hand, the prisoners were freed. As they rejoined Aiden’s ranks, the Duke couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger conflict. The presence of the Sky People hinted at a future where the balance of power could shift dramatically.

As the Imperatrix and her legion departed, Aiden turned to his cousin. “We need to regroup and rethink our strategy,” he said quietly. “The Imperium is stronger than ever, and we must find a way to counter their new allies.”

Prince Ethan nodded, his eyes filled with determination. “We will find a way, Aiden. We must. For the sake of our people and our future.”

With renewed resolve, the Duke and his retinue began their journey back, knowing that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. The stakes had never been higher, and the fate of their world hung in the balance.

-----------

Captain Cullen turned to the Imperatrix, and said, "would you prefer to return home by sea? We got room for a few guests. " He pointed at the ship waiting at the harbor. The Tecumseh proved to be a major presence. 

"I see this as the start of a wonderful friendship, I accept your offer.  The Tribune can get the legion home."

As the Imperatrix stood on the upper deck of the Tecumseh, her thoughts drifted back to the events that had led her here. The alliance with Captain Cullen was a significant step, one that could alter the course of her people’s future. She felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. Relief, because she had found a potential ally in a world where trust was a rare commodity. Apprehension, because alliances were fragile, and the stakes were incredibly high.

She looked out at the horizon, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The beauty of the moment was not lost on her, but her mind was occupied with the weight of her responsibilities. As Imperatrix, she had always been the pillar of strength for her people, the one who made the hard decisions. This new alliance was another such decision, one that could bring prosperity or peril.

Her thoughts turned to the Tribune and the legion. She trusted the Tribune implicitly, knowing she would lead the legion home safely. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for not being with them. Leadership often meant making sacrifices, and this was one of those moments. She hoped her people would understand and see the bigger picture.

The Imperatrix also pondered the nature of her relationship with Captain Cullen. There was a mutual respect between them, but she wondered if it could grow into something more profound. Trust was the foundation of any strong alliance, and she was determined to build that with Cullen. She admired his leadership and the loyalty he inspired in his crew. Perhaps, in time, they could become true partners, not just in battle but in shaping a better future.

As the night began to fall, the Imperatrix felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was not just fighting for survival; she was fighting for a future where her people could thrive. The journey ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on. With allies like Captain Cullen and his crew, she believed they could overcome any obstacle.

The Great Obelisk

 The AI received an urgent message from Captain Cullen, cosigned by Lieutenant Tanaka.

“Rendezvous with the Away team at designated coordinates.”

The ship’s engines roared to life, systems humming with energy. Weapons systems activated, and the tactical alert blared, rousing the remaining crew from their quarters. A holographic map flickered into existence, projecting a green dot over Washington DC—their destination.

But the path was fraught with danger. Hundreds of red dots swarmed the ocean, representing enemy ships lying in wait. The crew braced themselves, knowing the journey ahead would be perilous. Every second counted as they prepared for the imminent confrontation.

As the ship approached the first cluster of red dots, the crew’s tension was palpable. The AI’s sensors picked up the primitive enemy vessels—rusted hulks with outdated weaponry, yet numerous and determined.

“Enemy ships within range,” the AI announced. “Prepare for engagement.”

Commander Volk stood at the helm, his eyes fixed on the holographic display. “All hands, battle stations!”

The first enemy ship, a decrepit battleship, lumbered into view. Its cannons fired sporadically, the shots splashing harmlessly into the ocean. Tactical Officer Akita , stationed at the tactical console, quickly assessed the threat.

“Primitive but persistent,” she muttered. “Target their propulsion systems. Let’s slow them down.”

The ship’s advanced weaponry locked onto the enemy vessel. With a series of precise strikes, the enemy’s engines were disabled, leaving it dead in the water. But more ships were closing in, their sheer numbers a potential threat.

“Incoming torpedoes!” a crew member shouted.

The AI activated the ship’s defensive measures, intercepting the torpedoes with pinpoint accuracy. Explosions lit up the ocean, sending plumes of water skyward. The crew worked in unison, their training and the ship’s advanced technology giving them the upper hand.

“Focus fire on the lead ships,” Commander Mercer ordered. “We need to break through their line.”

Laser beams and plasma bolts streaked across the water, tearing through the enemy fleet. One by one, the primitive ships were disabled or destroyed, their crews abandoning ship in lifeboats.

As the last enemy vessel sank beneath the waves, a brief silence fell over the bridge. The crew took a moment to catch their breath, knowing this was just the beginning.

“Status report,” Commander Volk demanded.

“Minimal damage to our ship,” Tactical Officer Akita replied. “We’re clear to proceed.”

“Good. Set course for Washington DC. We have a rendezvous to keep.”

The ship surged forward, leaving the wreckage of the battle behind. The crew knew there would be more challenges ahead, but they were ready to face them together.

After only a day the ship glided into the harbor of Washington DC, its engines humming softly as it slowed to a halt. The crew gathered at the observation deck, peering out at the city that lay before them.

Washington DC was a shadow of its former self. The once bustling metropolis was now overgrown with dense vegetation. Trees and vines had reclaimed the streets, their roots breaking through the asphalt and concrete. Buildings were draped in green, their facades hidden beneath layers of foliage. Wildlife roamed freely, with deer and other animals moving through the urban jungle.

Yet, amidst the wild overgrowth, one structure stood untouched—the Washington Monument. Its pristine white obelisk rose majestically above the treetops, a solitary sentinel in the heart of the city. The sight was both awe-inspiring and eerie, a stark reminder of the world that once was.

As the ship hovered silently above the harbor, the crew’s sensors picked up unusual activity near the Washington Monument. Commander Volk and Tactical Officer Akita analyzed the data, their expressions growing serious.

“Commander, I’m detecting two groups converging at the Washington Monument,” Akita reported. “It appears to be a meeting between the Murican delegation and the Imperium delegation.”

Our away team marched down there with the Imperium delegation.  Can we get communication with Captain Cullen or Lieutenant Tanaka?

The Prisoner exchange

 Prince Ethan Mercer knew he would survive to be ransomed.  The battle to take the ship in the Imperium dock was brutal.  The three soldiers that got through the Imperial perimeter did not survive long.  They were surprised by the crew of the ship still on board armed with primitive weapons, firearms.  Another surprise was the crew of the ship seen were male.  They are obviously not Imperial soldiers as the Imperium are female only.  They also aren't Imperial prisoners, as they were allowed to keep their weapons on the ship.

Remembering those details, he started thinking of how to perhaps use persuasion rather than force to secure the ship.  That will have to happen later.

Imperial guards entered the room along with strangers the Murican prince never saw before. 

There were several men in the party, and they had names on their uniforms written in Ancient Murican.  The man in the party with most appearance of authority had the name Cullen.  The female had on her uniform Tanaka.  The cyborg was named Smythe.  The cyborg was seen nearly 5 generations ago.  The Imperial government calls him the Oracle.  

"What sorcery is this?" asked the prince.

"These are the crew of the ship, our guests.  You underestimated us again Prince Mercer," answered the highest ranking guard. "we will be escorting you and your personal retinue to the traditional exchange point.  Your cousin Duke Aiden will be waiting for you."

Ethan’s heart sank at the mention of Duke Aiden. His cousin was not just a skilled diplomat and strategist; he harbored ambitions for the Murican throne. Aiden’s desire for power was well-known within the royal circles, and Ethan knew that his cousin would seize any opportunity to advance his claim. The ransom exchange could be more than just a simple negotiation—it could be a pivotal moment in Aiden’s quest for the throne.

As the guards led him away, Ethan’s mind raced. He needed to be cautious and clever, not just to secure his freedom, but to navigate the treacherous waters of Murican politics and his cousin’s ambitions.

Smythe and Cullen discussed the incidents of the night before.

"The exchange point is by the great obelisk, south of here. You remember it as the Washington Monument, but names and landmarks get remembered differently over the centuries." 

"Are the roads there safe? I don't need members of the away team getting attacked."

""Considering the Imperatrix herself is coming along, I seriously doubt we will have any bandits along the way.  She enjoys these exchanges, as a way to maintain a psychological advantage over the Muricans.  She personally defeated the Murican forces in a few battles, the most brutal one was the siege of Richmond. The sacking of Richmond resulted in the only thing left of Richmond being a pillar with a sign on it, overlooking the mass grave."  

"So this Murican prince has fought the Imperatrix before.  Are there laws of war we don't know about?"

Smythe’s expression turned grim. “The Imperatrix plays by her own rules. The Muricans learned that the hard way. But remember, Cullen, this isn’t just about war. It’s about power, control, and the future of our empire.”

Cullen nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Smythe’s words. “Then we must be prepared for anything.”

-------

The prisoner parade procession began its march on the fractured highway from the Imperial Base, once known in ancient times as Newark, to the Great Obelisk in the forsaken city formerly called Washington. The scouting cavalry led the way, their banners fluttering in the wind, followed by the disciplined ranks of the Vanguard Infantry. Behind them, the Main Force advanced, with Imperatrix Auriella observing from the parapet of her imposing armored vehicle.

Trailing behind were the prisoners to be exchanged, including Prince Ethan Mercer and his personal retinue. They were permitted to wear their armor, though their weapons were securely locked inside a wagon that followed closely. Tension simmered among the prisoners, their eyes darting to the surrounding terrain, searching for any opportunity to escape.

The away team, consisting of Elizabeth Tanaka, Carl Cullen, and Calvin Smythe, walked behind the wagon alongside the baggage carriers, with the rear guard bringing up the end of the procession. Each day’s march concluded with the Vanguard constructing the resting camp, only for the rear guard engineers to dismantle it the following morning. Whispers of dissent and plans of rebellion circulated among the ranks, adding an undercurrent of unease.

As they traversed the ancient highway, they passed signage pointing to cities long since destroyed and rebuilt. Despite their dilapidated state, these ancient interstate highways still served their purpose, bearing the scars of ages past, including the two world wars fought on this very soil. The haunting remnants of battles fought and lost seemed to echo through the cracked asphalt, a grim reminder of the cost of conflict.

After eight arduous days, punctuated by rest stops for eating and sleeping, the Great Obelisk finally came into view. The sight of the towering monument brought a mix of dread and anticipation.

A slight smile played on the lips of Imperatrix Auriella as she gazed upon the towering monument. She remembered the past times she had personally delivered Prince Mercer to the Obelisk, each encounter a testament to her dominance and his repeated failures. Unbeknownst to her, Prince Ethan Mercer had managed to communicate with his allies, setting the stage for a daring escape attempt. The tension was palpable, and the fate of many hung in the balance as they approached their destination.

-----------

---

Duke Aiden strode into the grand meeting hall, his presence commanding the attention of his Ducal guards and his uncle, the King, who awaited him with a stern expression.

“Your Majesty,” Aiden began, his voice steady but laced with underlying tension, “the Crown Prince failed his mission to capture the ship the Sky People informed us about. Three of his guards returned in funeral boxes. Their wounds were not consistent with the weaponry we know the Imperium uses.”

With a grim expression, the Duke tossed a handful of mashed bullets onto the polished table. The metallic clinks echoed through the hall.

The King picked up one of the bullets, examining it closely. “These are ancient-style bullets,” he murmured, his brow furrowing. “I haven’t seen these used since the Fourth World War, when Murica and the Imperium fought side by side. Has my son fallen victim to this atrocity?”

Aiden’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile at the thought. “No, Uncle. Ethan survived. He is being taken to the Great Obelisk to be exchanged for the noblewomen we captured over the past year. The Imperatrix is certain to relish his humiliation. It might be the only reason she spares his life. Humiliation is more satisfying to her than mere execution. I despise that woman.”

As he spoke, Aiden’s mind wandered to the complex web of emotions he harbored. The thought of Ethan’s failure brought a twisted sense of satisfaction. For years, he had lived in the shadow of his cousin, the Crown Prince, always second in line, always overlooked. The possibility of Ethan’s downfall stirred a dark hope within him—a chance to step out of the shadows and claim the power he believed was rightfully his.

Their rivalry had been a constant presence in Aiden’s life. Ethan, with his charm and natural leadership, had always been the favored one, the golden child destined for greatness. Aiden, on the other hand, had to fight for every scrap of recognition, his achievements often overshadowed by Ethan’s effortless successes. The resentment had festered over the years, turning into a silent, burning rivalry.

Yet, beneath his ambition lay a layer of guilt. He knew the dangers Ethan faced, the pain and fear that came with being a pawn in their political games. Aiden’s hatred for the Imperatrix was fueled not just by her cruelty, but by the way she manipulated and destroyed lives for her own gain. He loathed her for the suffering she inflicted, and for the way she forced him to confront his own darker impulses.

The King’s eyes darkened with a mix of relief and anger. “We must tread carefully, Aiden. The Imperatrix’s thirst for power and vengeance knows no bounds. We cannot afford to underestimate her.”

Aiden nodded, his mind already racing with strategies. “Indeed, Uncle. We must prepare for every eventuality. The Sky People’s involvement complicates matters further. We need to uncover their true intentions.”

As the meeting continued, Aiden’s thoughts remained divided. He was determined to protect his family and his realm, but he could not ignore the personal stakes. The shadows of the past and the uncertainties of the future loomed large over the hall, setting the stage for a conflict that would test the limits of loyalty, power, and survival.

5 pages

 The USS Tecumseh sat in the NYC harbor.  Prototype with new technologies, regenerative armor, replication technology for ammunition and food supply,  The hull is made from polymer titanium alloy able to absorb up to a million joules of energy in one hit.  The final touches are put on the paint to prepare it for the crew selected to man it.  The AI computer brain of the ship connected to the secure net to select the crew.

The Captain list was long but one name stood out to the AI... Captain Carl Cullen, Summa Cum Laude from the Naval Academy in 2014  with a BS in nanotechnology.  Selected.

Engineers, Calvin Smythe, graduate from MIT in robotics.  Elizabeth Tanaka, AI linguistics.  Selected.

Orders for each crew member selected got sent ... 35 officers 65 enlisted.  

Sensors for the active and passive radar and sonar passed the data to the AI instantly.  The fuel system is a fission/fusion reactor, prototype.  The "waste" from the fusion reactor is reused as material for the replicators.

The stream of data from the quantum net processed rapidly, anomalies have been detected on the quantum level.  Something from another time, another place flashing as being in the Atlantic.  First mission on this maiden voyage is to find the anomalies and investigate.  

The energies in the anomalies do not appear natural.  

Through the rift

Captain Cullen picked himself up off the deck. "damage report," he ordered.

"The hull on the port side had damage, the self sealing system is repairing the hull. Should be

safe again in about 5 minutes," said the first mate.

"Several crew went overboard, trying to track them, but the biosignal tags are not showing,"

reported the second mate.

"As in dead?" asked the Captain.

"The biosignal tag would show a flatline on that event. The tags are not showing any signal at

all, as in beyond a hundred kilometers range, which should not even be possible."

"How far have we moved?"

"We dropped anchor. We should not have moved at all"

"Navigator, what is our position?"

"The GPS system is returning errors, as if the satellite uplink got cut off."

"Maintain General Quarters," ordered the Captain through the microphone. "Any alternate

means of determining our location?"

"Using telescopic cameras to see where the stars are. But the sky has got something I never

saw before. I'll put it on the main screen for you"

The camera showed a solid line of light in the sky, extending past the horizon on both ends.

"What the hell is that?"

—----

Crewman Smythe was on the top deck, when the storm suddenly started. He pulled on the

anchor lever, then pushed the alarm button.

A large wave of ocean came his way.

"Oh shit"

The wave knocked him off his feet. He got up again and saw the large object come out of the

ocean. The next wave knocked him overboard.

His signal tag started beeping and measuring vital signs. The object glowed green, and

disappeared.

The ship also disappeared.

The storm ended right then.

Smythe looked around in all directions. The ship was gone and the night sky was suddenly

daytime. The signal tag kept beeping, then said "incoming communication"

He pressed the button and a voice spoke "Do you require assistance? Rescue drone is enroute

to you."

"Yes, my ship is gone. So I need a rescue, because I doubt I can swim back to New York

Harbor."

"There is no trace of a ship in your vicinity. Your antiquated emergency signal tag just

appeared on our network. We will transport you to a medical facility in New York."

"Hopefully not the VA."

"The VA? I don't understand that reference."

------------------

“The mysterious storm ended as fast as it started. Who did we lose?” asked Captain Cullen of

his 2nd mate”

“Crewman Smythe. He dropped the anchor and pushed the alarm. The cameras captured

what happened in the 5 minutes.”

The screen showed the storm starting suddenly, then the camera shook as the wave hit it, but

the view still showed the large object coming out of the ocean. After it was fully above the water

it glowed green, as did the ship. Another wave hit, and Smythe went overboard, and with a

green flash, he disappeared before hitting the water.

“So that object…hostile?”

“It doesn’t look like a Russian, or anybody else we know.”

The video continued with the object flying away toward the light line in the sky.

“ Navigator, can you get us back to New York harbor?”

“ Course laid in. There are a lot of changes to the terrain, as the stars are in slightly different

positions, and the magnetic field has been altered. That line in the sky is an artificial construct

and it appears to alter the magnetic field of the earth, possibly to strengthen it?”

“We need to get some answers. Hopefully we can find out what exactly happened.”

—----

The drone appeared over Crewman Smythe and a light from it started lifting him out of the

water. The light bubble held him securely as it flew behind the drone. The skyline of New York

City appeared rapidly. The hospital landing pad had a medical crew waiting. The light bubble

placed Smythe on the hospital gurney.

“Hello. Can you tell us your name? Are there any medical procedures against your deeply

held beliefs?”

“Calvin Smythe. I can’t remember any medical procedures that offend my religion.”

“We’ll get you taken care of Mr. Smythe. Your birth date?”

“ June 2, 2021.”

“ That is not possible sir.”

“I was born in Brooklyn , at that date.”

“How can you be over 300 years old?”

“What year is it? I left here in 2047 on the USS Tecumseh. We were crossing the Atlantic

when a storm kicked up, and I was tossed overboard. I got my ID right here”

“Let’s take care of your injuries. We’ll figure out the rest of this after we make sure you are

okay.”

After they put Smythe into a hospital bed, the medical team tried to return to routine, but the

John Doe stirred up speculation.

“These are ancient documents, but so well preserved, as if they were new.”

“I did a search on the ship's name. That name hasn’t been used in 300 years. The ship of that

name disappeared August 14, 2047. The ship crew was listed as MIA, feared dead. Cause of

the disappearance was unknown.”

“Calvin Smythe was a member of that crew.”

“Our John Doe was one of that crew? We need to do a DNA match to prove it. If he is who he

says it is, we need to inform the Admin so we don’t have a media circus.”

“Or worse.”

—---

The Tecumseh sailed smoothly, and the coastline near New York came into view. The skyline

though is different. The buildings overgrown with foliage loom over a harbor littered with

destroyed ships, covered with plant life and animals nesting on parts.

“Looks like the neighborhood went to hell.”

“There is an open dock on the New Jersey side, initiating docking procedure”

The ship slowly moved to the dock, which suddenly filled up with a crowd of people.

“Captain, I don’t think that’s the USO waiting for us.”

“Try the radio.”

A little bit of static hissed on the radio, then a woman’s voice speaking a strange language

spoke through.

“Can the AI figure out that language?”

“Not in the known languages database. The AI is deciphering it.”

The voice repeated what she said. Then after a 5 second delay, the AI was able to translate it.

“Unknown ship, identify yourself. This is the Imperial Naval Command demanding to know

who are you?”

“Imperial Command? This is the USS Tecumseh, Carl Cullen commanding, requesting

permission to disembark and purchase supplies.”

“Tecumseh, why do you have an abomination in command?”

“We are obviously from a different culture, but I assure you we intend no hostility.”

“Intention and results are two different things Mr. Cullen. You may disembark. The Imperial

Guard will escort you to your permitted guest quarters. You will be subject to search of your

persons so you don’t smuggle weapons to the other abominations residing there.”

After the radio turned off, Captain Cullen looked confused.

“AI, why did she refer to me as ‘abomination’ ?”

“In their language, male and abomination are the same word.”

“Who is the highest ranking female crewman on the Tecumseh?”

“Ensign Elizabeth Tanaka.”

“Ensign Tanaka to the bridge please?”

Ensign Tanaka arrived at the bridge looking confused. “You needed me on the bridge, sir?”

“You are getting a brevet promotion to Lieutenant, right now. We might need you to speak for

us with the locals. The AI has deciphered the language, so we can use the translation gear.

The culture here takes a xenophobic attitude towards males, so we need to adapt accordingly to

avoid incidents. Let’s set up the away team. Tanaka is lead. Rojas, and I follow along. Note

everything. We are trying to find out where we are and how to get home, if possible. Smythe was our first casualty. Let’s keep him as the only one for as long as possible.”

-------

"Mr. Smythe? We ran your DNA, matched the archive.  You've been MIA for a few centuries.  There is now a board of inquiry getting opened.  When you are able, you be questioned and recorded."

"Am I being charged with crimes?"

"No.  You are literally a relic from a time as far from us as the use of crossbows was to your time.  And your ship is still missing.  Our hope is to find that ship, as the wreckage was never found."

"No wreckage?"

"None.  Every time a new technology to search underwater has been invented, it was deployed.  You appearing on the GPS suddenly took us by surprise.  Central admin has arranged housing, food, and all other needs fulfillment, and is asking you to record everything you can remember.  Maybe you can help us rescue your crewmates."

----------

The away team climbed down to the dock, which had a small squad of "enforcers" clad in armor similar to old time riot police, carrying polearms that look like 2 pronged spears,with a crackling spark between the two prongs.

"The billet is ready for you.  Keep your pets under control, miss. Follow me."

The path opened in front of the team, and closed behind them, keeping the electrified spears pointed at hem as they passed.  A large building painted in blue and yellow was the place, the lettering printed in red was not the same as what the team saw before.  Tanaka activated the translation mode for her visor.  After a few seconds, the writing translated to "The last bastion against the chaos. Home of law."

The enforcer laison put her hand on a touchpad opening the doors. 

"I will see you at first light tomorrow, the officer of the billet will take you to your room.  After breakfast, you will see the Imperiatrix.  She is studying the oracles concerning you.  She thinks you are the prophesied coming"

The team went in the chamber, the outer doors closed and the inner doors opened.

A small reception desk greeted the team with the lettering "Home of law, unit A barracks 1" 

"We have you signed in, for billet 1.  The bunks should be enough.  There are entertainment items in the cabinets.  Snack food is available.  Quiet hours start at 2200 and end at first light."

-----

Alarms started ringing and lights flashing. The enforcers started barricading the doors. 

"We got confederate raiders attempting an assault.  Shelter in place.  Most of the raiders are attempting to take the dock.  We radioed your ship, just in case the enemy pierces our perimeter."

The sound of explosions and weapons fire sounded nearby.

After a few minutes, total silence.

Then a voice over speakers said, "secure from general quarters, alert level 3."

An enforcer stepped into the room.  "Sorry for the interruption to your sleep. We increased the security perimeter around the dock to keep your ship safe.  We captured a few of the enemy and are interrogating them to find out what they know and what they were trying for."

--------

The last implant got put into him, Smythe was now more machine than human.  Twenty years after being fished out of the water from being tossed overboard, the ports and wires and prosthetics replaced most of his body.  With 24/7 connection to the communication grid, his memories are now a database with AI enhancement.  The United States no longer a unified nation, and a fourth world war the project to find the USS Tecumseh to try to fix the temporal damage is now down to just this one man, who is more machine now.  The AI calculated the Tecumseh will reappear in approximately 1700 more years.  The problem is who will be greeting the ship.  The American Imperium fractured during the fourth world war, East Asia made peace with the European Republic.  Russia is still recovering from losing the Third World War, and regaining some of their losses in the Fourth World War.  

"Oracle, how soon will the ring be finished constructing?"

"1200 years.  The materials are being sourced outside of the Terran environment, which slows the speed of construction but guarantees the supplies cannot be interrupted by any wars on the Terran landscape."

"Chances rescue of the ship by the Northern Imperium?"

"70%.  There is a 30% chance the Southern Imperium will try to capture the ship.  The resource imbalance of the two factions make it certain that would would be conflict with the Northern Imperium having advantage. "

---------

First light came too soon after the alarms,  

"Good morning guests.  Breakfast begins in an hour.  The mess hall is only 100 meters from here, within this building.  You won't need to sign out with the CQ.  After you eat, we assemble here."

"Like a navy base, only improved?  Sounds good.  Do we have a schedule for the day?"

"The full schedule of the day will be handed to you at assembly time.  The Imperatrix and the Oracle will be on site.  The Oracle specifically woke up after 1700 years... and informed us all about you, and the ship.  The Oracle wants to see you.  The security measures have been increased since the Oracle woke up from his sleep, per his instructions."

---------

The Murican prisoner woke, body still aching from the electrified halberd strike he took.  

"By the laws of war, you are being sent home as a prisoner exchange.  You're worth an entire squad.  What is so valuable to have a royal leading the attack?"

"The sky people told us the Tecumseh,  ship that could reset our world was here.  We now know they spoke truly.  We'll make our nation great again."

"By losing again?  The ship is never going to be in your navy. That ship is at our dock, and the crew is our guests.  We will use them to defeat those aliens. The sky people will fall to the Imperium."

The prisoner’s thoughts turned to his personal guard, a loyal and fierce warrior who had stood by his side through countless battles. He feared the worst, imagining the brutal fate that might have befallen them.

In the dim light of his cell, he recalled the last moments before he was captured. His guard had fought valiantly, trying to protect him from the onslaught of the Imperium’s forces. The memory of their final stand was etched into his mind, a mix of bravery and desperation.

The young woman, sensing his distress, spoke softly. “Your guard… they were taken as well. The Imperium doesn’t show mercy to those who resist.”

He clenched his fists, anger and sorrow welling up inside him. “Were they…?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know their fate. But I can try to find out. There are ways to get information, even in a place like this.”

The prisoner nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “Please, if you can. They deserve better than to be forgotten.”

She stood up, determination in her gaze. “I’ll do what I can. But you must stay strong. We need you to help us change things.”

As she left the cell, the prisoner felt a renewed sense of resolve. He would find out what happened to his guard, and he would do everything in his power to ensure their sacrifice was not in vain. The fight was far from over, and he would see it through to the end.

Mueller report link

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5955118-The-Mueller-Report.html

Does this election even matter?

Update: 2019

With Brexit, and Trump and obvious Russian stirring of the shit pot we call our sorry excuse of a voting system, things went from bad in 2012 to orders of magnitude worse.

We went from Obama, a pragmatic rightish centrist to Trump, a solipsist criminal without a shred of conscience or humanity in him.  With Obama, our objections were about the degree of progress.  With Trump, human survival is possibly going to go bye-bye with an extinction event either by a wag the dog nuclear war or simple acceleration of climate change.

Unless Trump is brought to heel forcefully in a coerced manner (since he never does what is right voluntarily), there really may not be an election in 2020.  President-for-life Trump ruling over the ashes of a once wonderful nation.