Chapter 13: Touchdown
Location: Capitol City
Several hours later…
Disembarking from the Daedalus, Antione piloted Acorn One in the direction of where the Terran Capitol was located. The Battlecruiser had descended into Mount Murasia, confirming suspicions that the Terrans had settled inside.
"Acorn One, Admiral Gaskaville has assigned us to serve as your escort," a voice informed over the radio.
Pulling up alongside the Freedom Fighter's aircraft were a pair of sleek-looking fighter crafts, which appeared to be gunships. Overtaking them, their escort immediately led them in the direction of a city the distance. following their escorts, they passed over the warehouses of the harbour before heading in a north-easterly direction. Arriving in the outskirts of the metropolis, they soon found themselves approaching the airport.
"Acorn One, this is the control tower. Hanger fifteen has been assigned to your aircrafts," a voice reported.
"Copy zat, Control Tower," Antoine acknowledged.
As they made their approach, the aircraft touched down on the tarmac and came to a complete stop once it pulled into an open hanger. The X-Tornado landed mere moments later, with Tails transforming it into its X-Cyclone mode. Once parked into the hanger, the Liberators immediately departed, having competed their assignment.
"We made it," Amy cheered as she trotted down the loading ramp followed by the others with bags in hand.
"Remember this is a diplomatic mission," Sally reminded, "We need to set a good example to these Terrans if we hope to persuade them to ally us."
"Isn't there suppose to be someone here to meet us?" Sonic asked, approaching with Tails and Chris.
"The Prime Minister's aide was supposed to be here to greet us, but-" Sally began as she was interrupted by Muttski.
"Someone's coming."
Sure enough, a black limousine was tearing across the tarmac and was headed in their direction before slowing to a stop in front of the hanger allowing a young woman to step out and began approaching them. She was of Asian ancestry with neck length black hair and dressed in a short black skirt with a white blouse, high heels and a pair of reading glasses.
"Miss. Acorn?" she asked, "I'm Corrin Burlingame; Prime Minister Carmichael's aide. I apologize for him being unable to greet you when you arrived."
"That's quite alright," Sally replied, "He's already explained his situation."
"That's good to know," she said, "Well then, shall we get going?"
The passengers immediately piled into the vehicle, which then took off down the tarmac. Exiting the airport, they were joined by vehicles from local law enforcement and two SUVs containing members of the Internal Security Division. Entering the downtown core of the city, Miss. Burlingame began an explanation of the city's history.
"Following the reforms, Capitol City was selected to serve as the seat of government."
"You underwent government reforms as well?" Sally questioned.
"Yes. The predecessor state to the Terran Republic was known as the Terran Confederacy, but it grew increasingly authoritarian and corrupt. Eventually, the people rebelled and those seeking to overthrow the regime were successful."
Sally tensed at the remark, remembering how perilously close Mobotropolis had come to descending into civil war.
"What did you mean when you said: 'Capitol City was selected to serve as the seat of government'?" Chuck questioned.
"The Terran Republic isn't limited to one city, there are numerous settlements spread across several provinces. Under the Terran Confederacy, the capitol was Tarsonis City."
"How large is the Terran Republic?" Geoffrey asked.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly tell you off the top of my head," Miss. Burlingame said, "But the city itself covers 22.43 square miles, and is divided into five districts: the Airport, the City Center, Beacon Hill, Jackson Heights, and Coal Harbour."
"And where would the Prime Minister's residence be?" Tails inquired.
"Government House is located between the Beacon Hill and Jackson Heights neighbourhoods."
"It looks like there's some sort of festival," Sonic commented, noticing the banners and lights hanging from the numerous building and trees.
"That would be for the upcoming Republic Day, celebrating the establishment of the Terran Republic," Corrin explained, "Your arrival couldn't have come at a better time."
"What's that building over there?" Chris asked, pointing to the gleaming white building with a bronzed roof.
"That's the National Assembly building," she replied, "It's where the elected members of the legislature sit. The sunsets are spectacular when reflecting off the rooftop on a clear evening."
The motorcade eventually reached its destination, passing through a large rot-iron and made it way along an interlocking brick driveway. A sprawling estate was located at the far end of the property, its position putting it within Jackson Heights, but was technically located in the chic Beacon Hill district.
"Whoa!" Chris exclaimed, "It's huge."
Coming from someone that lived within a mansion, the teenager's response seemed especially striking. As the vehicle slowed to a stop, the passenger immediately disembarked and gathered up their belongings.