Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter.
Let's get to it.
Chapter 3- Meeting with the President
(March 6, 2017)
Tillerson bends over a bit as he and the others emerge on the DC side of the portal. "Oh, man. Gonna take me a bit to get used to that," he says.
As Tillerson straightens up, he sees several Secret Service agents walking towards him and the others across the lawn. As they get closer, the lead agent says, "Secretary Tillerson, we got your advance message. President Trump is waiting for you and your guests in the Oval Office."
"Good. We need to speak with him immediately," Tillerson says.
The agent nods, and the three agents turn to escort them into the White House. They lead the two men, along with Manwe and Ingil, through the hallways of the White House until they finally reach the Oval Office.
"The President is waiting for you," one of the agents says, and they all step aside to let them into the Oval Office.
Tillerson opens the door into the office and walks in, Rasmussen and their two guests from Valinor following them. As they enter, they see President Trump sitting at the Resolute Desk, going over a paper. Trump looks up as they enter. Ingil and Manwe take moment to take in his appearance. He's not quite what they expected, and in fact looks a bit older than they thought he would.
"Welcome," Trump says. He stands up from behind the desk and walks around to greet his guests. He extends his hand to Manwe, who politely shakes it, and then does the same to Ingil.
"A pleasure to meet you, President Trump," Manwe says.
"An honor to meet you too, especially as I understand you are known as the King of Gods in your world," Trump says.
"Somewhat," Manwe says with a slight smile.
"Well, why don't we sit down and talk business?" Trump says. Manwe nods, and the five individuals in the Oval Office sit down on couches to talk.
Trump looks to Tillerson. "Well, Rex, how was your trip to their land? Valinor, was it called?"
"Yes, Mr. President. It went quite well. We were entertained by one of the kings of the Elves in Valinor, and spoke with the rest of the Valar. In addition, Lord Manwe took us to the highest mountain in Valinor, and there he showed us the lands where the war is taking place, as well as the forces of this Morgoth," Tillerson responds.
"And what do you think?" Trump asks.
"I captured a number of pictures and videos, as well as audio, that help to confirm the story first given to us by these two. We also saw, through Lord Manwe's assistance, Morgoth's forces attacking a small human settlement. I will tell you, what we saw will give me nightmares for days. Morgoth's main soldiers, a race called the Orcs, are the most hideous, depraved creatures you could imagine. They kill anyone in their path, combatant or civilian alike, and the sheer number of war crimes I saw being committed…it sickens me. If we could show footage like that to the country, they would demand action," Tillerson responds.
Trump then turns to Colonel Rasmussen. "What about you, Colonel? What is your assessment?" he asks.
"Mr. President, although the Free Peoples, as they call themselves, are greatly superior individually to most of Morgoth's forces, they are still heavily outnumbered. From what I understand about the forces from all races that the Free Peoples could expect to wield against Morgoth, combined with the forces they would face, they could be looking at a decades long war that would cause hundreds of thousands of casualties on their part. If we were able to commit a significant force to the fighting, we could prevent immense numbers of casualties and shorten the war drastically, as well as saving many non-combatant lives. The level of advancement in Arda is medieval at best. With our weapons and resources, we could devastate Morgoth's forces. And, given what Lord Manwe showed us of Morgoth's depravity and that of his forces, I believe we will be no better than the Axis of WWII if we refuse to help," Rasmussen says.
"I see," Trump says. He then turns and addresses Manwe directly, "And what is that you and your allies wish of the United States?"
"As much help as you can," Manwe responds.
Ingil pipes up and says, "I have studied your military a bit since we first learned of you. If you could send large numbers of your troops, and some of your aircraft, we could gain a great advantage over Morgoth and keep our losses down. We do not ask such help without reward. The matter has been discussed, and we are prepared to reward your nation with treasure, access to resources, and possibly territorial claims in exchange for you help."
Trump raises an eyebrow in interest. Knowing Trump was a businessman before becoming president, Ingil thought that would be especially likely to help convince him.
After a few moments, Trump speaks up and says, "For such reward, and to help stop the cruelty of this enemy of yours, the United States will be willing to help. However, the rest of the country will not likely be convinced so easily. I can likely deploy one division of soldiers, and possibly a carrier strike group, to assist you. However, any further deployment will require further debate from Congress and the approval of the American people. Unless this Morgoth attacks America, that will not be likely to happen."
"Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated," Manwe expresses.
Trump is quiet for a few moments, then says, "Very well. I will speak to members of Congress, as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tomorrow. After my meetings with them, and further discussions with you, then I may be able to give you an answer."
"Thank you, Mr. President," Manwe responds, hoping that it is the will of Illuvatar that the Americans will be willing to help.
(March 11, 2017)
Manwe and Ingil wait patiently outsid the Oval Office. It's been a nerve-wracking last few days.
The last few days have been busy. The meetings with members of Congress and the Joints Chiefs had not gone as smoothly as hoped. Many of the members of Congress Trump had met with were opposed to any involvement beyond token involvement, which many of them felt should be limited to air support with no boots on the ground. Some have begun to sway with descriptions of Morgoth's cruelty, but many of them are vehemently opposed to extensive involvement.
In addition, there had been further discussions with Trump about Arda and the nature of the threat. Trump had even travelled to Valinor on the 9th for a few hours, and spoken with other Vala, Ingwe, and Finarfin. Despite his initial skepticism, Trump has begun to sway further towards aiding the Free Peoples.
Suddenly, the door opens, and Tillerson walks out. "The President will see you now," he says.
Manwe and Ingil both walk in to see Trump waiting for them on a couch. "Welcome back," he greets them.
"Thank you for having us back, Mr. President," Manwe says.
"Of course. Now, I have a decision for you," Trump says. Manwe and Ingil nod and sit down.
Trump is quiet for a moment before he says, "After all of my meetings over the last few days, I have been able to secure agreements to deploy some forces. I have ordered the Army Chief of Staff to direct that the 1st Armored Division, a unit with over 20,000 troops and about 400 tanks, be made ready to deploy. I have also ordered the head of our Navy to prepare one of our aircraft carriers and its escorts to deploy to Arda. In addition, I will be able to rotate fighter squadrons from our Air Force in and out of Arda to provide aerial support."
"This is great news, Mr. President. We cannot thank you enough for being willing to aid us," Manwe says.
"You are welcome. However, that is where the good news ends. Congress will not condone further support of your cause unless Morgoth proves he can get through the breaches, or worse, conducts an attack on American soil through those breaches. I have already ordered attempts to locate breaches throughout the country and have them defended. For now, that is the extent of how much the United States will be able to help you," Manwe says.
"That is okay, Mr. President. You are generous enough to be sending us as much help as you are. For that, we are deeply grateful," Manwe says.
Trump nods as he stands and extends his hand. Manwe takes it, sealing the budding alliance between the United States and the Free Peoples.
And, I'll end there.
I know, another short chapter, but they'll start getting longer soon.
Next chapter will be a turning point in the events of the story. It should be up soon. Until it is, please leave a review and stay tuned!