Chapter 15: Prime Minister

Location: Government House

Five hours later…


Touching down on the manicured lawn, the engines of the government-owned transport slowly winded down. Emerging from the vessel, Prime Minister Carmichael found himself welcomed by Wyn Eastaughffe.

"Welcome home, Sir," the Majordomo greeted, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Thank you, Wyn. I'd like to speak to the Ambassador if she's available."

"Of course, sir. Shall I request that she meet you in your office?"

"No. I'll receive her in the den."

"Understood. Have the Missus and the children returned with you?"

"Don't you worry, Wyn," a feminine voice stated.

Emerging from the vessel was an older woman with short blonde hair, dark blue eyes and wearing a yellow sundress. She was quickly joined by their two children, a girl in her late teens and a boy who was no older then seven. The expression displayed by the children told him that they weren't pleased to have their vacation cut short, despite the fact it was meant for their father's recuperation. Handing his carryon over to the Majordomo, the Prime Minister retrieved his forearm crutch and carefully descended the stairs. Hobbling towards the front doors of the estate, Carmichael entered the building and headed into a neighboring room. The rest of his family had immediately separated from him, needing to return their bags to their rooms.

"I'll see if the Ambassador is available."

As the Majordomo took his leave, the Prime Minister's aching left leg forced him to settle into an armchair. He began methodically massaging the offending limb, hoping it would be enough to reduce the pain. After several minutes Wyn returned, accompanied by a Skunk, a Squirrel, and a blue Hedgehog.

"Greetings, Your Highness. Please forgive me for summoning you at such an ungodly hour."

"That's quite alright, Mr. Prime Minister," she said, "Sleep is something that few of us have been able to achieve."

The Prime Minister nodded his head, Sally immediately went about introducing her companions.

"Allow me to introduce Sonic the Hedgehog and Agent Geoffrey St. John of the Royal Secret Service."

"It's a pleasure."

Taking seats in the surrounding chairs, the three Mobians settled down for a less then orthodox meeting.

"I was hoping we could discuss Robotnik and the possibility of joining our alliance alongside your kinsmen in the United Federation."

"I'm going to make some calls to the other party leaders for an emergency session of the Assembly, but that's not likely to happen for several days," he stated, "I would strongly suggest pleading your case to the National Assembly."

"What? You just can't say yes or no to helping in the fight against Eggman?"

"Sonic," warned Sally.

"It's a little more complicated then that. The Terran Republic is current governed by a minority parliament."

"Admiral Gaskaville had mentioned there was some sort of impasse within your government."

"It's the legislature that's the issue," Carmichael sighed, "The recent federal election resulted in a minority government."

"What does that mean?" Sonic questioned.

"In short; I don't possess the necessary votes in order to get bills passed."

"How do you acquire the necessary votes?" Geoffrey asked.

"I'm required to negotiate with the other political parties in order to garner the necessary votes. At anytime, I could face a vote of no confidence, which automatically would trigger an election."

"What can I expect if I where to speak in front of the Assembly?"

"Humanity First will unanimously oppose anything you have to say."

"You mean they won't even bother to hear me out?"

"Humanity First was founded by those who opposed your people being granted refuge within the Terran Republic."

"They're racist, is that what you're saying?"

Shooting a look at the Secret Service Agent, Sally found it ironic that it was Geoffrey who had made the statement. It was no secret that he harbored hatred towards the Overlanders, blaming them for the death of his father. Shifting her attention back to the Prime Minister, she found Carmichael had a look of resignation on his face, knowing that there was no way of explaining it away.

"Yes, as a matter of fact they are."

"How lovely," the Hedgehog grumbled.

"If it would help, I'd be willing to hand over all tactical information regarding the Eggman Empire."

"Uh...Your Highness, remember what resulted the last time you did that?"

Geoffrey was correct in his concerns, given that it had resulted in a nuclear strike that had obliterated the Metropolis Zone.

"Please explain," Carmichael asked, genuinely interested.

"The last time I offered information regarding Dr. Robotnik, it resulted in an accidental nuclear strike against his Capitol."

"I understand your concern, but rest assure; the Terran Republic's nuclear stockpile are limited to small tactical nukes, and those can only be launched by Ghost Operatives."

"Ghosts?" Geoffrey asked.

"Individuals with Psionic-based abilities; telepathy, telekinesis, etcetera," the Prime Minister explained, "When such individuals are located, they are conscripted into the Ghost Program for specialized training."

"Whoo-boy! Good thing Sticks isn't around to hear this."

Sally was relieved that she wasn't, as such a revelation would've caused the Badger's paranoia to skyrocket.

"Any theories as to how your people came to develop these abilities?" Sally inquired.

"It's believed that it was the result of a genetic mutation that resided within our DNA, one that began to manifest itself over several generations."

"And what do these gifted individuals do? It sounds like they're military."

"Not all end up in the military, those that possess a low PI will normally be assigned to the Wranglers to seek out new recruits. Some, however, are deemed inadmissible to the Ghost Program."

"What if an individual is high-profile?" Sonic asked.

"Depends on how high-profile we're talking about," replied the Prime Minister, "The Confederate Old Families maintain enough political influence to avoid the conscription of their family members."

"What are these families you spoke of?" Geoffrey asked, "Is it safe to assume they're some sort of aristocrats?"

"They're a group of oligarchs that used their wealth and influence to rule the Terran Confederacy from behind the scenes."

"Would it help our case by turning over this intel?" Sally asked, realizing that her question had gone unanswered.

"It certainly wouldn't hurt your case."

Wyn Eastaughffe immediately cleared his throat, causing everyone to quickly shift their attention in his direction.

"Breakfast is ready, Sir," he announced.