Spirit of the West
Duncan II
Duncan, like many days before in his long service, followed behind his King. Aegon had been busying himself, his Master of Whispers, his Hand and of course Duncan himself. As far as he knew, Egg had given all of them the task of learning from the four foreigners the Colonel had left behind. The four 'Agents' had stayed in Kings Landing at the behest of Colonel Adam. They had been asked that a moon ago, the time since the four Americans were left by their leader to serve as his representatives.
If what Wisdom Pyle had reported had been true, the Agents weren't a manner of normal men at all. They never seemed to have left their designated quarters at all. They were only left to spar in pairs or whenever they had been summoned by Aegon. From what Pyle reported, the Agents supposedly did not attempt to contact any outsiders. No letters, no journal nor did they converse with one another within their quarters. The Colonel picked the queerest men to represent his people. The way they behaved seemed too disciplined, it was near inhuman.
Duncan's task, while similar to the Master of Whispers task, had involved lesser subterfuge than the Alchemist's. He was assigned to endear the Agents to the Dragoncloaks, not that he needed help in achieving the opposite. The men had loved the performance the Agents gave them whenever they decided to spar. The Americans ways of combat, or 'martial arts' as they called it, enamoured almost all of the men-at-arms. Since the Agents had refused any requests of tutelage, several had taken to watching and copying the American techniques.
The Agents themselves didn't seem that much interested in the Westerosi, in the way the Westerosi were with them. They rejected all offers of land, fealty, riches, marriage, whores or even a meal or drink. It didn't take that lurker Pyle's spy's to know how that the Agents didn't leave for a tavern, let alone a brothel. If one were to consider their lack of interest, they would assume the Agents to be eunuchs or even sword swallowers. Duncan assumed simply that the foreigners were especially disciplined warriors. Presumably whatever vows they made to their order involved their abstinence from women and drink.
The four Agents, Mr Williams, Mr Fergus, Mr Abel and Mr Tabios, all sat across from the Small Council. Some carried bags with them, which to Duncan's inspection held only papers. King Aegon sat at the top of the table, with the Lord Hand to his right and Pyle to his left. Duncan had stood guard behind his liege as was customary. Their guests had requested this meeting, the first and so far only request they made in the near moons turn they stayed here. The Small Council of course took advantage of this queer occurrence, there was no telling when such an opportunity would next present itself.
These men didn't appear to have much of any care of politics. Their faces were devoid of strong if any emotions. Then again, if they were completely ignorant of dealing with the nobles, then they would act more flustered or more uncomfortable than they appeared to be. Most smallfolk usually acted in such a manner.
The meeting had barely started, the Small Council and the Agents had just exchanged pleasantries when the foreigners got straight to the point. They had handed the King a written, 'letter' is the best Duncan could explain it. From what he saw and little he understood, they gave the most stiffly written request for a grant of land Duncan had ever seen. It was more like a city charter or a Bravossi trade agreement. After the king passed the letter between Lord Baratheon, Grand Maester, Master of Laws and Master of Coin, he addressed the Americans.
"If I am to understand your intentions. You simply wanted to write permission to purchase a manse?", said Aegon.
"Yes, Your Grace. Well, this purchase is one of the few actions we have any capacity to carry out. Acting Ambassador Adams entrusted us with a select few of the limited powers he was given.", said Agent Williams.
"And the purchase of a manse was one of them?", said Aegon.
"Correct, Your Grace. Specifically, we wish to purchase a property to serve as the United States Embassy to the Iron Throne.", said Agent Williams.
"An embassy?", asked the Lord Hand.
"The residence of the ambassador and their deputation.", clarified the Grand Maester.
"While it is courtesy to ask express permission from the King to purchase a manse within his city, why would you need it in written form?", asked Lord Baratheon. He was the most cautious of the foreigners. He had been suspicious of any influence from the Americans, ever since the explanation of their nobility.
"Well, Lord Hand, your legal apparatus allows your word to become law, ours in contrast works within the constrictions of bureaucracy. The maintaining of that bureaucracy through written forms of contracts is paramount to the legality and legitimacy of our governance. If it may please you, we can negotiate within our capacity a compromise.", said Agents Williams.
"A compromise you say?", piqued the King.
"We have been aware for some time that your men have been trying to pry information from me and my compatriots. Although no threats have been made to our bodies or spirits, they have been persistent in their efforts despite our refusals.", said Agent Williams. If that surprised Pyle, he didn't show it.
"We, therefore, request in exchange for our terms of purchase being fulfilled, we directly answer your questions to the best of our ability.", said Agent Fergus.
"I must first commend you Americans for your resilience and also your astute observation. While it is true I have directed men to gather information from you overtly, I shall be honest that I find it impressive in that you have also avoided any attempts made by my Master of Whispers.", said the King.
"Before we can agree to this deal, what are the terms you've set? I assume you have it in written form, given how you described your applaudable bureaucracy.", said Lord Baratheon.
"Lord Hand, have a read of this if you may?", said Agent Williams. The Hand passed the letter into his Kings hands. As he read it, double-checked it and re-read it again for clarity, he was left dumbfounded. He passed it around to the other lords. The King could only look bewildered at the Agents.
"Agent Williams, this... proposal of yours... it's...", said Aegon.
"Ludicrous. Strange. Unprecedented. We could never have an example of such an audacious request.", declared Lord Baratheon.
"My sers, what you ask of Kings Landing is much more than a simple embassy. You've requested of us nothing short of an entire quarter of the city!", alleged the Grand Maester.
"We are aware, my Lords. But it is simply the precedent of our people. The proposed 'Green Zone' of Kings Landing is a norm for the Americas and the Pacific.", assured Agent Abel.
"Your own President allows for such exclaves within your capital?", questioned the King.
"But of course. Our allies, the Pacific Empire and the Brazilian Empire are entitled to their exclaves. We even allow our rivals, Japan and New Russia, their boroughs within Boston."
"What proof do you have of your claims. We know nothing of these nations, nor if what your propose is just and fair.", piped up Wisdom Pyle.
"Very well. We don't have hard evidence of our claims but as an act of good faith, we shall fulfil our end of the bargain first, and afterwards, you may add your modifications to our initial embassy plan. Or if you so may choose, refuse our end of the exchange entirely, we will still answer your questions regardless. It is our hope by the end your minds may be changed.", proclaimed Agents Williams.
"You would allow us to modify or even outright dispose of your proposed plan?", asked Aegon.
"It would be agreeable to us, our goals are flexible. We have many contracts prepared for different scenarios, if you add your signature at the appropriate places, we may continue.", said Agent Tabios. All the while said Agent procured bag several other pre-written contracts, the details of which were too finely written to read from where he stood.
"Very well. Firstly, what intentions do the United States of America have of the Iron Throne?", asked Lord Baratheon. The Stormlord had been the most sceptical of the foreigners and the most suspicious of their intentions.
"It very much depends upon the people of America, Your Grace. Our people are all already abuzz with excitement with possible extended contact with the east. With what you have told us of the Slavery Republics of Essos, your nation in comparison to your neighbours would already be a preferred trading partner, if not an ally.", Agent Williams informed them.
"How much sway do the... common folk hold over your government?", asked Egg. Duncan had seen how much interest Egg had with America, especially at any mention of the lives of their small folk. This brought a small hopeful smile to Dunc's face, one he hoped his helmet hid from view.
"America is a constitutional democratic republic. The state is empowered by the Constitution, the Constitution empowers the people and in turn, all those within the government serve the people.", explained Williams. "Every six months, we hold minor elections, every two years we hold major elections and every four years we hold a national election. These elections allow the average citizen to pass laws, determine who represents their interests at a local, regional, state and national level, and even impeach government servants.", explained Agent Williams.
"What is this Constitution then? How can it both empower the people and be empowered by the people?", asked Lord Baratheon.
"Well, a constitution is by definition the principles and precedents by which a nation is governed. The Constitution is the document the Founding Fathers bestowed upon America in the name of Lady Liberty. It allows the citizens of America inalienable rights and is at the same time only able to do so with the continued belief of its citizens.", said Williams. It wasn't Duncans place to assume what his Lords was thinking, but he considered how the Agent spoke of his Constitution akin to how the Septons preached of the Seven-Pointed Star. He was by no means unfaithful, but he could smell the shit from the mud.
"You call your leaders servants? Impeach government officials?", asked Aegon.
"Yes, Your Grace. If the majority of the populace is unhappy with anyone within our government, they may vote to strip them of their position.", said Williams. This peaked Aegon's interest. Duncan could see connections being made, the tapestry Egg would weave in his mind. Dunc could already tell a dozen different reasons why this couldn't be adopted by Egg, but that wouldn't stop him from trying.
"Who within your government is bound to this law?", asked Egg.
"Everyone, including the President. The previous President had to resign due to impeachment.", clarified Agent Abel.
"Oh, which President may that be? What could have they have done to be so disgraced?", asked Lord Baratheon.
"Former Madam President Dion Valentine, she was President Caesar Valentine's aunt. She inflamed our rivals to the north, the New Russians, which led to the unpopular war, the Alaskan Intervention.", explained Williams. They had enemies that could match them in battle? Duncan could already see interest grow with some of the lords, the Lord Hand in particular.
"How large of a nation truly is the United States of America?", asked the Grand Maester.
"The approximate land area of the United States is 8,984,000 square miles. That is taking to account the lightly inhabited but claimed northern territories.", explained Fergus. Duncan had his letters and numbers but such measurements were the place for mapmakers to know. He knew the length of a league and not a mile. If the American used miles in the millions, it must be too vast for him to comprehend.
"May we have a copy of this map.", asked Aegon. This time it was Agent Fergus to take the meetings attention, producing a map roll from his belongings.
"You can have this one right here. Agent Fergus is a cartographer by trade, he made this map recently for your purposes.", said Williams.
"Our most populated lands are divided into 14 Commonwealths and further divided into 80 States.", explained Fergus. "The States may vary in size, from as small as 20 square miles to as large as 190,000 square miles." The Agent swept his hand across the blue-tinted regions of the continent. The map was for sure biased, displaying the length and breadth of America, displaying only portions of their neighbours.
"What if the other nations of the Americas? You mentioned that the United States have rivals and allies?", asked Lord Baratheon, pointing to the other nations, mostly to the south and east.
"Yes, our most paramount of peers are the other great empires. The Brazilian Empire, the Pacific Empire, New Russia, the Japanese Empire. There are also the smaller regional nations of Central and South America; Mexico, the Yucatán, Estellaria and Venezuela.", said Fergus.
"Please elaborate, good sers.", continued Lord Baratheon.
"The Most August Empire of Brazil or Le Império do Brasil, can almost match America in terms of land area. In all other aspects, Brazil falls behind America. Brazil can however boast a longer era of stability than America could, for 600 years America had suffered through a Dark Age, 200 of which we had no President to lead us.", said Fergus.
"The Golden Empire of the Pacific, or 'O Ke Aupuni Gila o ka Pakipika is our closest ally. As their name suggests, their empire stretches across the entire length and breadth of the Pacific Ocean. They can trace their roots back to the former American State of Hawaii, and their current regime of Yudkow Emperors once ruled California up until the late 27th century.", explained Fergus.
"The Tsardom of New Russia, or Tsarstvo Novorossiya, is our largest and only neighbour to the north. They hail from across the Bering Sea, in the North Pacific Ocean. The New Russians are descendants of Pre-Event Russia, an enemy of Old America. The failed Alaskan Intervention was intended to reclaim the ancient State of Alaska from the New Russians.", continued Fergus.
"The Empire of Great Japan, or Dai Nippon Teitoku, act as partners or detractors to America, depending on the Emperor at the time. Antediluvian Japan acted as trading partners, then enemies and after being defeated in the Pre-Event Legendary War, acted as our allies.", said Fergus.
"You spoke of the Event? You also speak of such in terms of Pre-Event and Post-Event, what is the Event?", asked Aegon.
"The Event ended the Old World. Different people have different interpretations of what exactly occurred. Some say poisoned light rained down from the sky, that the ground erupted in fire or that the god's clashed with each other and mortals. It has been centuries since the Event, that no definitive accounts exist of what truly happened.", explained Williams.
"And this 'Legendary War'?", asked Lord Baratheon.
"The Legendary War was a war that brought peace to the world for a century. Because of the threat of the Mad Prince of Europe and the Silent Emperor of Japan, Old America had allied with their sworn enemies, the Mad Tyrant of the Redcoats and the Steelman of Communist Russia.", explained Williams. It almost sounded as grand in proportions of the Long Night.
Aegon appeared to want to ask more questions but stayed his tongue to contemplate. The Agents had been calm if not disinterested for the most part. In the time he had to observe them, he still couldn't tell when or whether they lied or not. Some of what they said sounded like complete tripe, but he doubted that with the conviction and vigour the Agents spoke with.
It seems as though the others thinking along similar lines. He spotted the Hand and the Master of Whispers exchange glances at one another. The Baratheon was cautious, if not passively hostile to the outlanders and it seems he has several in his camp. The King himself at several points in the conversation seemed interested. If what Dunc suspected was correct, Egg would inquire more about the protections American common folk had.
Aegon looked to his Small Council, then to his Hand. The resigned and tired expression on Lord Baratheon prompted the King on. Aegon held a quill and the first contract that was given to them at the start of the meeting, he signed his name.
"You have fulfilled your end of the bargain, it wouldn't be fair for us to not consider your entire offer. While unusual, we will give you a chance. There are no free Manses for purchase, you may buy land within the city by your own accord.", explained Aegon.
"You may buy no more than 3 acres. If your method proves beneficial, you may then buy more. If not, you may not buy more land. Do you find these terms agreeable?", continued Aegon. The Agents looked to one another, although their glances were shorter than a second, it was as if we're debating among themselves. Agent Williams once again took the leading role.
"We find these terms agreeable. We hope you have found our services to be satisfactory.", said Agent Williams. As he wrote in the amendments, he signed his part of the contract while also producing a copy. He gave to copy to be signed again before the four Agents packed to leave. He stood up and made to shake the Kings hand. A habit which the Americans preferred to kneeling or bowing. Taking their belongings with them, they excuse themselves.
The Small Council excused themselves from the King's presence as well. The room was vacant for anyone except Dunc and Egg. Where the tired, weary and increasingly desperate King sat, for a moment returned the bright friendly lad Dunc once knew. The one who once shared roofs with, who ate with and once fought alongside the small folk. The renewed vigour in his friend brought a smile to his face. The Kingsguard saw a light in the Kings eyes that have been dimming for quite some time. That light seemed to have been reflecting the visage of the map.
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please favourite or follow if you enjoyed it and review if you have any thoughts.
Guest: Wow.
last admiral: Yes, yes it is. I explained it in the author's notes at some point.