In the sky became filled with a sound that was very alien to it as nothing of that sort had made such a sound. Then in the blink of an eye, a dark grey metallic object flew by as it headed for what looked like land. Only this land was completely alien to it as well.
A lone elven wyvern rider who was on patrol checked his surrounding as he saw nothing out of the ordinary lately. He reached down an pet his steed below him. Wyverns of the elven kingdom were not the strongest, but were considered the most beautiful to all the lands as their scale colors were like gem stones and had long furry manes running down their neck. "Just one more sweep girl and we'll return home." However they were little aware of the fact today was going to hold an interesting series of events.
"Sixteenth Wyvern patrol squadron! Unidentifiable object flying at top speed through main land! Unable to catch up!"
The magi-comms blared to life as a panicked rider sent the message.
"Confirm Sixteenth Squadron. Can you make out features of object and current location?"
"Object has stiff appearance, dark grey, and multiple emblems and symbols unable to recognize! Current location is south-east of the plantation district! It's on a direct corse for the trade city of Tymain!"
"This is control. All wyvern squadrons intercept and engage contact. Use of deadly force is permitted."
"All grounded wyvern squadrons prepare to scramble immediately to assist."
From multiple smaller wyvern pens, many of the winged beasts began take flight and fly off towards Tymain to intercept what ever is invading their territory. The elven kingdom wasn't much of having large scale armies, but they did have an adequate defense force that could respond to protect the kingdom in the event of an invasion.
"This is seventh squadron! Target sighted but has evaded us! It's too fast! I've never seen anything like it!"
"Nineteenth squadron! Failed to intercept target! Unable to pursue!"
From the walls of Tymain after receiving the warning message, several archers and ballistas began to set up on the battlements, preparing for what is to come.
"Archers! Ready your bows and prepare for combat!"
Several archers drew their bows back ready to let loose a barrage of arrows at the offender. Ballistas were primed and armed, ready to shoot. Wyvern that previously took flight to defend the city flew circles around the walls. Then they waited.
Over the course of a few minutes, they could hear a faint rumbling sound coming from the sky as their target drew closer, and closer, and finally being in eye sight.
"Target spotted!"
It looked like a wyvern, only it was stiff and had not flapping from it's wings. How could it possibly be flying? Magic?
"Wyvern riders, fly up and destroy it at all costs!"
The wyvern took flight up as they charged up fire balls in their mouth, a fatal attack that not even a fully matured wyvern could survive. However they're plans were ruined as the object began to increase altitude at such an alarming rate, putting it out of range of the wyverns.
"First squadron to Control! Target as increased altitude! It's too high for our wyvern to reach it!"
They watched as the object began to circle around the city as if it was stalking out it's prey, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
"Do not break! Hold steady and prepare to fire!" The archers kept their weapons trained on the object as it continued to circle them. Then the most unexpected thing happened. It turned back to the direction it came from, and flew off at alarming speeds.
"It didn't attack? But why?" They questioned as it flew off out of sight. "Perhaps it was just looking and didn't want a fight?"
Little were they aware that what they just encountered was a powerful aircraft sent on a reconnaissance mission from a very powerful nation.
An F-35 Lightning II of the United States Naval Air Force. But was the United States doing in this world? Or a more bigger question, how did the United States get here?
In the Situation Room of the White House, members of staff and advisors were talking amongst themselves with bit of worry and panic as they're current situation was out of this world, literally. However they all quieted down and settled in their seats as the head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief took his seat. The president himself had their attention.
"So it's confirmed. We're not on earth any longer." He stated as that's what the reports and intelligence have said so far.
"Mr. President, I know this hard to take it and all very confusing but we have many issues presently that require attention and solutions." One his staff members informed as several crisis's were on the rise.
"Alright, state the obvious."
"Well sir, all satellite feed is lost due to our satellites being non-present at the moment." The Secretary of Homeland Security informed. "However we have managed to get in contact with Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Hawaii Islands. We've also managed to pinpoint they're location."
He pulled out a hand drawn map for reference as it showed the US mainland with Puerto Rico just off the coast of Florida, The Hawaii Islands South of the mainland between Texas and Florida, Guam was just off the west coast of California, and Alaska was where it should be, however the area separating the rest of the mainland from Alaska was labeled with a question mark. All they knew was that is wasn't Canada anymore.
The Secretary of Defense Chimed in. "Also with the loss of satellites, most of our communications and services are down. We're working to get the reserve satellite network up an running."
"How long till we get those satellites launched?" The President asked as he continued looking at the reports.
"They should be ready in about a week at minimum. But we do have some good news. We're receiving contact from our military bases that were across the globe. We believe they have all been transported into what Canada has been replaced with. And all our fleets that were on deployment have been sighted off our coasts."
"We also have another major issue." The Secretary of Commerce spoke. "With the loss of our trade partners, we run the risk of an economic collapse. If we don't find away to stabilize ourselves, inflation will rise and we may face major civil unrest."
"Our reserves will only last us so long as well." The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources informed. "If we ration our petroleum enough, we should be able to last them for about half a decade. But any longer and we're gonna be hitting the dirt."
"We may have a possible solution for those issues." The Secretary of Defense informed gathering their attention.
"Explain." The President ordered.
"The USS Abraham Lincoln of the Pacific Fleet was out on Freedom of Navigation exercise in the South China Sea. However before she could arrive, she some how ended up just off the coast of where Guam is now."
"Okay but what does that have to do with anything involving our resource crisis?"
"They found land further west."
Everyone went silent.
"They launched a series of reconnaissance missions with their aircraft and one of them found what looked like civilized land. However they were engaged by what could, well, only be described in a fairytale. Multiple winged reptiles that could only be described as a dragon like creature."
"...what?" The President asked baffled. "This has to be some kind of a sick joke."
"This is no joke Mr. President. What the pilot said he saw was proven real after analyzing video footage recorded from the aircraft's camera pods."
He handed a picture to the President and every member of staff. On the pictures was multiple flying lizards that looked like dragons. However on the backs off them looked like armored figures, and saddles.
"Holy shit. You weren't joking, this is actually real." The President was at a loss for words as what should be a fantasy creature was now on a photograph.
"They attempted to make intercept runs on our craft but they were too fast and managed to evened them. We believe they may have taken our sudden intrusion into their territory as an act of war."
"That is something that we simply cannot allow." The President put the photographs down. "We must not plunge into a state of war, especially when we're in the middle of a crisis."
"Mr. President, if we can establish a friendly relationship and trade with this unknown nation, we may have a chance at stabilizing our selves. However it's a long shot, but we don't have many options as of the moment."
The President sighed as he gathered his thoughts before coming to a conclusion. "Send a diplomat to USS Abraham Lincoln, establish contact with this country and inform them of the misunderstanding and that we would like to establish a establish a diplomatic relationship and trade."
"It will be done sir."
The fate of what was the greatest nation in the world hanged on the balance of the events that would transpire next.
The Grand Hall which was the meeting area of the Elven Kingdom's political and royal leaders was a buzz of activity as the Queen and her advisors were gathered for a very disturbing event that has occurred.
"My Queen, recently our Wyvern Riders were scrambled after encountering an unidentified flying object which invaded our airspace and circled the trade city of Tymain in the plantation district before flying off." One of her advisors announced as the reports came in.
"What of the object? Have we managed to find any affiliation with it?" The Queen asked as she worried that the Trogram Empire has finally began an invasion of their kingdom. They've been under threat of invasion from the Trograms for several decades but so far they haven't made any moves against them.
"No your majesty, we have not found any affiliation with the object. However our third fleet has set sail out towards where the object came from. Within time we're hoping to get some answers."
As if on queue, the main doors boomed open as a servant rushed in carrying a message. "Apologies for the intrusion but I bring an urgent message from the third fleet."
"You are excused." The Queen said calmly. "What news does the fleet bear for us?"
The servant began to read the paper.
"Encountered Unknown fleet of massive metal vessels."
"The occupants are human and have declared themselves as the United States of America."
"They were claim responsibility for the flying object encountered and would like to extend a hand of apology for unintentionally violating airspace."
"They wish to send a diplomat and to establish friendly relations if possible."
The United States of America? Neither the Queen or the Advisors had ever heard of a human nation with such a name. "They want to send a diplomat?" The Queen asked as the servant nodded. "That's what the messages said my Queen."
"Very well, report to the fleet that the Americans are given safe passage to our capital's main harbor and that they may send their diplomat." The Elven Capital was located in a strait that separated the Elven and Dwarfish kingdoms, and acted as a huge trade route between the kingdom.
"Yes your majesty." The servant bowed before leaving to meet her demands.
"Your majesty, are you sure this is wise?" One of her advisors asked skeptically. "We not not of their true intentions."
"Exactly." The Queen retorted. "Which is why we need answers, and receiving their diplomat may get us the answers we need."
The Elven Admiral had received new orders from her highness and was now currently sailing back to the capital as escort for ships of the so called 'Americans'.
He looked back at the ships his fleet was in charge of guiding and saying they were big was an understatement. They were massive, towering over they're own ships many times. Huge magnificent flag waved from the masts as they showed their red and white stripes, and gold stars surrounded by blue. At first he couldn't believe his eyes at the scale, especially when he laid eyes on that flat one they called 'USS Abraham Lincoln' where he made contact with the humans, knowing what their intentions were.
He remembered how his ship was tiny compared to it, and on it's deck was dozens of the object that had flown over their land, signifying it was sent by them. But so far they claimed to have no ill intentions and now they were headed back to the capital.
It wasn't long before they reached the entrance into the strait as both dwarven and elven trade or merchant ships sailed by. Many of the ships tried sailing closer to get a better view of the behemoths, never had a ship like this entered the strait before. Residence of the many harbor towns came out of their housing to see the ships as well, the Americans were gathering quite an audience.
Eventually they arrived just outside of the capital harbor, however due to size of the American vessels they were unable to dock like the elven ships. Instead they dropped anchor outside the harbor and deployed an inflatable dinghy that carried the Diplomat to the docks, where royal guards were waiting for them.
The commander watched as the strange ship came closer, how it was moving without sails was still unknown. Eventually they came close enough that workers were able to toss rope and moor the ship in.
About three humans stepped out, one was dressed in a black suit and tie and the other two were wearing combat uniforms and vests, equipped with m4a1s as a security detail for the Diplomat.
They approached the elves who were waiting for them and the Diplomat made himself known. "Hello, my name is Mark Khan, diplomat on behalf of the United States."
The elven commander eyed to two other humans flanking the diplomat before nodding. "Very well. If you would follow us, the Queen has been waiting."
The humans followed behind the guards and towards the main castle which was a beautiful sight to behold. If one were to look at it from a distance, they would believe it to be made of gems. It stood out from most of the towns and small cities that surrounded it.
The humans soon entered and were greeted by what they believe to be the elven government. "I believe you are the diplomat sent by the 'Americans'?" The Queen asked as the diplomat who stood before her. "That is correct. My name is Mark Khan and I'm here on behalf of the United States of America."
"And I am Queen Alfreda of the Elven Kingdom." The two exchanged formalities and the talks began.
"I must point out, never have I heard of a human nation under the United States of America. Are you a newly formed nation?" The Queen asked.
"No your majesty. My nation has existed for almost three hundred year, and has established itself as the sole world superpower." The diplomat explained to which the Queen was confused.
"That's impossible!" One of her advisors shouted. "If you were a superpower, we would've been informed by the other leading powers. And you claim to be the sole superpower? You speak of balderdash!"
"Perhaps I should correct my self." The diplomat continued. "We were the sole superpower, of our world."
The Queen raised an eyebrow. "You claim to have been transported from another world?"
"Yes your majesty. One minute we were going about our business as usual...then the next, the whole world we were familiar with just vanished, and was replaced by another."
"I see." The Queen said as she understood their predicament. "We know of the transportation as many of the other kingdoms and nations were transported here, some even before us."
"You know how it works?" The diplomat exclaimed as more questions came to him.
"No." The Queen shook her head. "We know not of how it works or why it does what it does. But all we do know is that your nation was chosen for a reason, like the many others."
"Well, this is big news for our government." The diplomat scratched the back of his head.
"However I also heard that your nation wishes to establish both trade and diplomatic relations?" The Queen decide to move on, changing the subject.
"That is correct. Though we are a formal superpower, our economy has had a huge influence on trade. With our old trading partner nations gone, we fear our economy will take a massive hit if we don't find a way to make up for the loss of trade."
"You wish to make trade with us to stabilize your nation. But what will we receive in return? Or do you plan to just use us as a tool for your own benefit?" The Queen asked a bit skeptically as it was rare for a country, even a formal super power to rely on trade.
"We don't wish to use your kingdom as a tool." The diplomat responded. "We may come to an agreement of sorts to find out what you wish for in return."
The Queen thought for a moment before coming with her answer. "I wish to send someone to your nation, to learn of your culture and cities. If that wouldn't be too much to ask?"
"I'm sure we could work something out in agreement." The diplomat replied as the Princess came forth.
"If we are to send someone, then I wish to go."
The Queen and her advisors were shocked. "My daughter, I can not allow such a thing."
"Mother," The Princess debated. "I have spent most of my life in our territory, barely being allowed to leave our home." She looked at the diplomat. "I wish to be sent to the United States of America as an ambassador."
The American diplomat and his escort were waiting outside the royal chamber as the royalty discussed their who would be sent as ambassadors. A few servants brought them some bread and fresh water while they waited for the discussions to finish.
At last, the door opened as a guard poked his head through. "The Queen has given made her decision."
The diplomat and his escorts stepped into the chamber again.
"My daughter and some of my noble advisors will be sent as ambassadors to your country to discuss trade and relations." The Queen declared. "However they will be accompanied by royal guards to protect them if there is no issue with that."
The diplomat nodded. "Send who ever you feel comfortable sending your highness."
"Mr. President, we've received word from the USS Lincoln and the diplomat we sent."
"Good, so how did it go."
"Very promising sir. The elves shall be sending their Princess and several noble advisors of the Queen as ambassadors to discuss trade agreements."
"That's very good news. When shall they depart?"
"Tomorrow sir, they will be transported aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as she returns home. We may also have the possibility to also receive dwarven ambassadors as they may also take part in the the negotiations."
"Well, the more nations we have to trade with, the better. With time, we'll slowly be on the route to a full recovery."
"I'll take my leave then sir, I'll keep you updated if anything else turns up."
"Good. Dismissed."
The next day, a crowd had gathered at the capital harbor as the elven princess was about to take leave to another nation. However she and the elven ambassadors were not alone as the dwarves had become curious of the massive ships and decided to sent their own ambassadors as well. Most notably, the dwarven prince who was quite intrigued by the massive ships.
"Ahh, such magnificent ships those are." He commented at the ships that were anchored just off the port.
"I guess those are the ships the Americans will be transporting us in." The Princess stated.
A sudden distant thumping sound like a blade slicing through the air repeatedly echoed from the distance as something lifted off from the USS Abraham Lincoln and began flying to the shore where the elves and dwarves were waiting.
They gasped as the helicopter made a sudden stop above them and began to descend, landing before the ambassadors as the rear door lowered.
"Are you the ambassadors?" A human crew member wearing flight gear and a massive helmet with a black eye cover shouted over the wind generated by the rotors.
The Princess nodded as she tried to cover her face from the strong winds.
They all boarded the massive machine which was a CH-53K King Stallion as crew helped them into their seats and bringing on board what ever luggage they had on them. They looked around curiously as the looked at the interior, from the wires and metal bits, to the open area further down the machine where the cockpit was as crew flicked several switches and pressed buttons, preparing for take off.
"Clear the ramp!" A crew member shouted as the rear ramp began to close and the helicopter began to shake lightly as the rotors began increasing speed, allowing for the massive behemoth to take flight.
From the palace balcony, the Queen watched as the human flying machine took off with her daughter and headed back for the flat decked ship. She gave a small prayer wishing for safe travels of her daughter and for the future.
The ambassadors looked around in wonder as they stood upon the massive ship. Several other flying machines littered the flight deck as crew and high ranking officials aboard greeted them.
"Hello." The captain said as he extended his hand. "I am Captain Stanford."
The Princess took his hand and shook it. "Princess Aerin of the Elven Kingdom."
"Prince Damol of the Dwarven Empire." The dwarf prince said as he shook the captain head.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hope you enjoy your stay on board the USS Abraham Lincoln during our voyage back to the United States mainland."
"I must say, this is quite the fine ship you have." Prince Damol said. "I appreciate the compliment. If you would follow my first officer," The captain pointed at the man standing next to him. "He'll lead you to your assigned quarters, and we'll be on our way."
The Captain turned and left as the first officer stepped forward. "Right this way please."
They were led down deeper into the ship as they made several turns down what seemed like an endless maze. The ambassadors wondered how a nation could operate a ship like this, fearing they would just get themselves lost if they could.
The nobles and guards were led into quarters where they would share, but wasn't as crowded as the crew quarters.
The prince and Princess however were led to their own separate rooms where high ranking officials or political members would reside in during a visit aboard the ship.
"If there's anything you need help with, there will some crew members stationed nearby so you can ask them." The officer informed as he showed them their rooms. "The captain is also willing to give a full tour of the vessel tomorrow so if you're interested a crew member will come to retrieve you when it starts." Damol's intrest was peaked as he was very curious at how this ship worked.
"And that's pretty much it so far. Again if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask." He then left them and headed back to the bridge where he would be need.
Princess Aerin set her luggage down and sat on the bed which was quite comfy. Her room wasn't up to expectations of a royal like her but it would do just fine. She had a small table and desk she planned to use to write as she went on her voyage to the United States of America.
She could here serval sounds of the ships inner working power up as the ship then began to sail out of the harbor. Proving her correct she looked out the small port hole window and watched as the waves moved and the smaller American vessels took formation beside the Lincoln.
Many ships of elves and dwarves waved their goodbyes to the massive ships as they exited the strait, and set course to San Fransisco. A voyage that would take three days to fulfill.
