SHIELD wasn't the only organization scrambling to respond. The UK Governnt, too, was locked in a desperate struggle to determine how to handle the situation.
As always, opinions were divided, and clear answers were nowhere to be found—so, in other words, just another day in politics.
The only atypical aspect was the topic of today's urgent eting, which was causing chaos and attracting attention worldwide.
Pri Minister Gordon Brown had been inundated with phone calls since the mont he woke up.
Everyone was clamoring for answers: the US, NATO, and all the significant players, alongside many who were not. He, too, sought so clear information, but in truth, there was little to offer at that mont.
He was already sick of hearing the word Calot. If it wasn't Calot, people would be disappointed. If it was, the situation beca even more ridiculous. Either way, the world was watching, and the UK was expected to act first.
"The question remains." Brown said, trying once more to steer the conversation back on track. "What do we do?"
Predictably, silence followed.
"Pri Minister." General Michael Harper finally interjected, leaning forward, his voice slicing through the room's distracted chatter. "We can't remain passive. This is a potential national security issue. We have an ard force mobilizing behind those walls without any understanding of their intentions."
Brown pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes, General, I am aware of the knights marching around inside the city. But I have trouble believing a bunch of dieval soldiers—no matter how shiny their armor is—pose a real threat. One armored vehicle, and that's ga over."
General Harper's expression hardened. "Pri Minister, with all due respect, it would be a serious error to underestimate them. We are unaware of what we are facing. Additionally, the origin of the city remains a mystery."
"And that is precisely the question I want resolved." Gordon reiterated for what felt like the millionth ti.
At the far end of the table, Sir Richard Cole, one of the country's foremost historians, adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. "Pri Minister, if I may? The how of the city's appearance remains unknown, but the what—what we're seeing inside those walls—might offer us so insight."
"If this is Calot, then we're dealing with a society deeply rooted in dieval traditions. Their intentions may be discernible if we approach them with the correct frawork. And may allow us to learn the how from them."
"And what would that frawork be?" Brown gestured for him to continue.
"Hierarchy, honor, and a deep sense of duty," Sir Richard responded. "If the legends hold true, their society follows a rigid code of chivalry. Approaching them with anything less than respect and understanding could lead to disaster."
"But what if they don't react to respect and understanding?" Harper interrupted. "You're asking us to stake national security on fairy tales."
"It's not a gamble, General." Sir Richard maintained, remaining composed. "It's a strategy. If we enter with tanks and soldiers, they'll interpret it as a declaration of war. However, if we engage them on their terms, we might avoid conflict altogether."
Evelyn Crawley, a senior diplomat known for managing delicate situations, cleared her throat from across the table. "Pri Minister, with all due respect to General Harper, the knights haven't exhibited any signs of aggression. If this is Calot—and I acknowledge that's a big if—we're dealing with a society grounded in honor and tradition. Military force would likely escalate tensions unnecessarily."
"And what if they refuse to talk?" Harper retorted. "You want to enter without a plan, just hoping for the best?"
"That's precisely what we'll circumvent by sending the appropriate representatives," Crawley replied calmly. "A historian, a diplomat—soone capable of engaging with their culture. And yes, a discreet security operative, but no overt display of force."
Brown interjected, stopping the escalating argunt. "Alright, let's concentrate. Sir Richard, this was your idea. Would you like to add your thoughts?"
"Pri Minister, assuming they adhere to dieval values, we'll require individuals who can engage with them on their terms. A historian well-versed in chivalry and Arthurian legends would be a good place to start."
Harper scoffed. "A historian? What are they going to do—recite poetry?"
Sir Richard brushed off the jab. "If this is Calot, then understanding their customs and culture could be crucial for ensuring peace rather than hostility. They won't respect soone who barges in without comprehending their world."
Crawley nodded in agreent. "And a diplomat. Soone skilled in cross-cultural negotiations. This isn't rely a dostic issue; the entire world is observing."
"And a linguist," Sir Richard added. "We're assuming they converse in modern English, but what if that's not the case? Old English, Norman French, or even Latin might be more fitting."
Brown leaned back, exhaling deeply. "Alright, let's piece this together. Sir Richard, would you be willing to go?"
The historian adjusted his posture. "Certainly, Pri Minister. I feel I'm particularly suited to interpret their actions and motivations."
"Very well. The diplomat?"
"I recomnd Sir Andrew Farrow," Crawley suggested. "He has experience with high-stakes negotiations and a calm presence that may appeal to them."
"And for the linguist?" Brown inquired.
"Professor Alan Marlowe," Sir Richard replied. "He's fluent in Old and Middle English as well as Latin. He can manage any language barriers."
Harper crossed his arms, clearly unhappy. "What about security? I won't deploy civilians without protection."
Brown exhaled. "Alright. One security operative—plainclothes, discreet, and only ard if absolutely needed."
"Agent Emily Ross," Harper imdiately proposed. "She's MI5, experienced in the field, and knows how to remain off the radar."
Crawley raised an eyebrow. "Off the radar or intimidating?"
"She'll follow instructions," Harper replied tersely.
Brown stood up, signaling the conclusion of the eting. "Here's the plan. Sir Richard, Sir Andrew, Professor Marlowe, and Agent Ross will make up the first-contact team. They will evaluate the situation, establish communication, and provide a report. We will exercise diplomacy first, avoiding aggression and provocation."
"And if diplomacy fails?" Harper queried.
"We'll address that when necessary," Brown responded. Then he turned to the others in the room. "I want this team briefed and prepared by tomorrow morning. The world is watching us—failure is not an option."
As the room began to clear, Sir Richard paused by the screen displaying Calot's imposing walls. The knights within moved with efficiency and intent, their shining armor reflecting the sunlight.
"They're gearing up for sothing," he whispered to himself.
"Let's hope it's not war," Crawley replied, appearing beside him.
Richard adjusted his glasses. "If it is, then God help us all."
"Indeed," Brown groaned. "If this doesn't end well, the public will be furious; they're already concocting all sorts of wild theories about the city and its inhabitants. If this city fails to beco the next major tourist destination, I might as well pack my bags."
Everyone recognized the truth in his words. While many were asking the usual questions of how and what, a significant portion of the populace was already contemplating when they could gain entry.
-----
As the UK governnt assembled its special team, the day slowly ca to a close. The decision was made to postpone the eting until the following day to ensure ample preparation ti and to avoid appearing discourteous by arriving too late.
Back in Calot, the city was winding down as well. Mordred had been fighting Lancelot for hours before finally half admitting his loss. Likely, Lancelot had held back so due to lingering guilt, and Mordred, ever stubborn, refused to truly admit defeat.
Following that confrontation, many others took place; everyone seed eager to challenge both Mordred and Lancelot, along with others.
However, as the sun set, hunger and thirst set in. They hadn't been summoned as servants but given real bodies and full incarnation, and as such, they had needs, even if less than normal humans.
Typically, they might have headed to a tavern for a al, but none were open. The ss hall stood empty, leaving them no choice but to look toward the castle and their king.
-----
While the other knights relished in their battles, Sir Agravain worked tirelessly. Having consulted with others and compiled a list of the city's imdiate needs, he returned to the throne room.
"My King, I bring the list as you requested." He announced upon entering, standing behind as I overlooked the city from the highest tower.
"As diligent as ever." I mused, watching my knights brawl below. It stirred mories, so fond, others less so. "Are you certain you do not wish to join them?"
Sir Agravain, ever composed, straightened his posture. "My King, with all due respect, there is little ti for revelry. The city's needs must be addressed. Our provisions are nonexistent, and we lack even the basic resources to sustain ourselves should the situation demand it."
I turned to him, a faint smile playing upon my lips. "Always so diligent, Agravain. It reminds why I entrusted you with so much. Very well, let see this list."
"The list is as comprehensive as the circumstances allow," he replied curtly, producing a parchnt from beneath his cloak. "I have prioritized the city's fundantal needs and the knights' requirents, filtering out so… less rational requests."
He stepped forward and presented the parchnt while calmly detailing its contents. "As you know, the city is mainly self-sufficient in water and infrastructure. However, provisions for feeding our knights—food, trading materials, and tools for maintenance—are lacking.
I nodded as I glanced at the list while he continued.
"Additionally, the knights have submitted personal requests," Agravain said, his tone tightening. "So of these are rather... perplexing."
A raised eyebrow showed my intrigue. "Please, continue."
Sir Agravain's face remained stern as he elaborated. "At the top of the list is my own request, My King. I believe it is crucial we summon more enforcent knights to patrol the city for order, particularly more archers for defense."
Pondering, I nodded. "I will grant you another hundred. I prefer not to raise too large a force until the city blossoms a bit; too many would feel oppressive, not liberating.
"Understood. I will revisit this matter if necessary later. As for the other knights, their requests mostly revolve around indulgence and entertainnt—various drinks, from wine to brew and tea, and food, Sir Mordred desires grand feasts."
I couldn't help but grin; that certainly sounded like them. "And no doubt so gold for trade with the outer world? For this once, I shall use the Grail to fulfill the desires and needs of my knights and my city; all reasonable requests are permitted, so add them to the list."
I handed him the list back so he could add the more personal requests. I had taken them from the Throne of Heroes, so it was only fair that I took care of their needs.
Sir Agravain nodded subtly, his deanor resolute. "As you wish, My King. I will prepare a comprehensive list that includes all our requirents and manage its distribution effectively. We mustn't squander the Grail's power, so I'll focus on prioritizing only the most essential requests."
Turning back to the window, I gazed at the sparring knights below, their laughter and shouts softly echoing up to the tower. "It has been too long since they've had such camaraderie," I reflected aloud. "Let them enjoy a little, Agravain. Morale is as important to our kingdom as walls or swords."
Agravain's tone remained calm, though his practicality influenced his words. "Indulgence has its benefits, my King, yet discipline remains our foundation. A kingdom's prosperity falters when excess becos the norm."
"That's why I count on you to temper their enthusiasm," I replied, turning to him with a slight smile. "But don't suppress it entirely. Even you could use a bit of joy occasionally."
He straightened even more, as if the concept of "joy" was unfamiliar to him. "If I may, my King, I find fulfillnt in my duties. That is sufficient."
I chuckled softly. "Ever the stoic pragmatist, Agravain. Now, share more about the knights' requests. Who has dared to make an outrageous demand?"
(chapter is over! go on, nothing to see here!)
So, a great city, but without anything inside it, what would you add to such a list? or what do you think they might add to it?
and Agravain, he sure is working hard, which is good, Mordred sure isn't gonna be a help, so yeah, Arthuria is recruiting people skilled in managing a kingdom, please post your resu below!
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