Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 1, 2012 15:57:07 GMT
The doors to Duncan’s chamber opened and Tom strode confidently into the room, hands in his pockets. More cautiously, Kelly followed him in, keeping in step with the Brigadier and supporting the old soldier. Behind them, the Master skulked into the room, stepping cautiously around the room as he was nudged towards the desk.
“The prisoners as ordered, sir,” the guard reported.
“Thank you,” Duncan smiled. “You can wait by the doors.”
“Sir?” the guard asked, confused.
“You heard soldier,” Duncan replied calmly before turning back to his assembled prisoners. “Now, lady, gentlemen; I believe that I owe you a most overdue and humble, heart-felt apology. I know I can’t take back what happened to you last night, or what I said to you in the heat of the moment. All I can say is; I am sorry. And I hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. I have been foolish and egocentric these past few days, thinking that it’s all about me and forgetting that there are those to whom change cannot come so easily or those who struggle with change.
“I’m also aware that I haven’t endeared myself upon you four, and possible several other people and I know that this sounds cold, but you cannot please everyone all the time. My accession to the throne of England is undoubtedly going to ruffle quite a few feathers and if I’m honest, I’m still in shock about it myself. This has all happened so very fast and my head is still in Scotland Yard at my old desk, not the desk I got after September, but the one before that. This country seems to have gone crazy these past six months, ever since all the trouble up in Derbyshire. Oh, thank you for that, by the way, Mr. Rowan.
“No probs,” Tom replied, half-heartedly, looking around the room as Duncan spoke.
“Now, as I’ve said, I cannot apologise enough, but I do intend to make it up to you,” Duncan continued.
“How, may I ask?” the Brigadier cut in.
“I’m glad you asked that,” Duncan said with a smile, sitting back in his chair, pointing at his finger as he did so. “My dear Lethbridge-Stewart. I’m well aware that I am far from your favourite person at present and you voiced your displeasure to me last night. I only hope that you, as an old soldier, can forgive me. I’m sure you, yourself, have said something that you deeply regret. What happened in the courtyard last night was not my doing. Kortath is a loose cannon, and I am starting to feel more and more sure that he has ulterior motives, most of all for yourself,” Duncan finished, looking at the Master.
“I’m sure that Kortath has given you some account of our last meeting,” the Master purred. “But I hardly imagine that Krra Kortath’s account is one hundred percent accurate. He seems to have rather a warped view on the universe.”
“And that’s where you and I have similar aims,” Duncan said before pausing and screwing his eyes up and shaking his head before looking back at the Master. “Look, is there something I can call you? I feel a bit silly calling you ‘Master’.”
The Master pursed his lips before smiling and nodding. “Why not call me ‘Victor’?” he suggested. “That was the name I was tried under the last two times I’ve been tried on this planet.”
“If you insist, Victor,” Duncan said. “Kortath has plans for you, my friend.”
“This isn’t news to me,” the Master replied, sounding bored. “Kortath has made that perfectly clear ever since we first met. The moment he gets his first chance, he will do it. To be perfectly honest with you, Mr Duncan, I’m both surprised and somewhat insulted that he didn’t attempt to pull the trigger himself last night.”
“I’ve told you how sorry I am for that,” Duncan said. “It was not my doing and-”
“My dear Mr. Duncan,” the Master chuckled. “I’m not upset. Oh, I can’t speak for my associates here, but I found the situation rather amusing. I knew that you wouldn’t have allowed it. We’re in England for goodness sake, you don’t execute people here. At least, not any more. At my first trial, there were some who wanted me executed, but it didn’t happen. Even if you did, we’re not in the middle ages any more; you wouldn’t want to begin your reign with bloodshed.”
“I sincerely hope that you don’t have that low an opinion of me,” Duncan said, his mouth agape. “I would never condone any form of action such as execution. I would also hate to think that you people believe that I am trying to buy your forgiveness.”
“Buy our forgiveness?” Tom asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Duncan replied. “I really cannot apologise enough, and I am aware that Miss Humphreys here has never been in a situation such as this before. I have behaved incredibly off hand with you all.”
“Then why did you lock us all in a cell?” Kelly asked.
“Because admittedly, at first I was unsure about you all,” Duncan replied. “I hope that you can see that. I had strong evidence that all four of you were conspiring, and in two cases, I was found to be correct. But I hope that this meeting we can talk through our differences and I can present you with the very same evidence that I have so that you can see that I am telling you the truth.”
“So, you want to sit down with the people who were plotting against you and have a chat and hope that we can all be friends afterwards?” Tom asked. “Ok, I’ll buy that one, but what are you going to do with Kelly? It was me who brought her into this. Whatever you decide, keep her out of it, yeah? She shouldn’t be here, it’s my fault.”
“Mr. Rowan,” the Master said, fixing Tom with a steely stare. “Remember what we discussed earlier, about showing Mr. Duncan some respect.”
“You’re right, sorry,” Tom said after several seconds, realising what the Master meant.
“Thank you,” the Master replied turning back to Duncan. “I’m sorry for that,” he continued, “it’s only fair that if you are apologising to us and expect us to take on your side of the story, that we listen to you and take aboard what you say.”
“Erm, excuse me,” Kelly said, speaking up nervously. “But can I say something please?”
“Of course,” Duncan smiled. “We’re just trying to sort this rather messy situation out. Please do go ahead.”
“Well, Tom was just trying to protect me,” Kelly continued. “I don’t mean that what I did was right or something, but, y’know, I did side with what he was saying. I don’t want to be treated as though I’m not here. I mean, I am and I did do things that were illegal. I don’t want that to mess up my life and future. I know that it was wrong, but can I please accept whatever punishment I have to and then carry on?” Kelly paused, her mouth open slightly before hurriedly continuing. “Unless of course, treason is still death, I don’t wanna die. I’ve never seen a real gun before the other day and being in front of that firing squad was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever had to do.”
“Oh, of course,” Duncan said, his face folding in sympathy. “As I said earlier, I doubt that you are familiar with the world of your companions here. I can totally understand that this is horrifying for you. And please, believe me when I say that I hold you no malice or have any idea of inflicting punishment upon you. You did what you thought was right, but I hope at the end of our conversation today, you will see things as they really are, that we all will. You have nothing whatsoever to fear from me. And I can assure you, that I will personally do all I can to give you a character reference as a strong and driven young lady. You’re a student, I know that, but what is it you study?”
“History,” Kelly replied, taken aback. “At Lincoln, but what does that have to do-?”
“Tell you what,” Duncan smiled warmly. “After all this is sorted, we have a chat about history, it’s a pet subject of mine, and if we can come to some agreement, then maybe I can have a word with some people who work in your specialist field? I would hate to think that this whole situation has put you off your study. I do so love seeing people do what makes them happy.”
“Erm,” Kelly stammered. “Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it,” Duncan replied.
“Excuse me, sorry,” Tom said, putting his hand up slightly. “What about all that you said last night?”
“The heat of the moment, Mr Rowan,” Duncan replied.
“You spoke of becoming King of the World,” Tom said, raising an eyebrow. He was trying to keep the Master’s instructions to him in mind. He’d try to bait the man if he could, but on his terms. He didn’t want to work completely to the Master’s plan if he wouldn’t tell him it all. His mind was racing.
“Oh, that,” Duncan laughed. “A misinterpretation, allow me to explain. What I meant was, that this is an important time in Humanities development. I don’t need to be a Time King or whatever you are to know that. We’re reaching out into space. The Mars Probes may have been a disaster but we’re ready to start again. I know that there is life out there, and the more we go out there, the more we will encounter them. All one has to do is look to history; wherever we have gone, we have encountered aboriginal peoples and natives. And what have we done? Destroyed them! It’s a shameful part of our past. The only way we can progress is to co-operate and live with those out there, not destroy them.
“I have already made contact with one such race. Whilst I do not necessarily believe all that Kortath has told me, I do believe that the Ikthaari have a strong role to play in the future of Earth’s development. I have got in touch with the Ikthaari home world, and I know of what happened; Korthath’s uprising and how it was quelled. I also believe that with their guidance, we can shape the future of Earth.”
“We?” Tom asked.
“Indeed, Mr Rowan,” Duncan replied. “And Magister there,” he added pointing to the Master who stood silently, his hands folded behind his back. “Together, we three, you two with your foreknowledge, can steer Earth down its rightful course. Of course, we will need a strong hand to lead. I don’t state that I should be King of the World, as you put it, but Earth will need an ambassador. We will need to unite to further our development.”
“Do you think humanity is ready for unification?” Tom asked. “From what I’ve observed, and don’t get me wrong, I like humans, well some of them, and I’ve lived with Humans for years, but this time, they don’t strike me as being ready for uniting. Not unless there’s someone, someone strong, who can pull them all together. Make them see what they need to do for the greater good.”
“Exactly!” Duncan cried, sitting back in his chair. “I know that my species has many faults, and most of this country can be just as bad. We have some serious issues, underage sex, underage drinking, teenage pregnancy, ASBO’s, criminality, cruelty. You see, I do know our limitations, and those people, believe me, I shall deal with them in the coming years. We have that time before we take our place in the universe, but I have here with me, people who I know can help me strengthen my, sorry, our country.
“Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, you have such a history with the army that you could advise me on all I need to know and on all military matters. Magister, you have such criminal knowledge that you could help me eliminate criminality within months. Rowan, you are so up front and straight talking. You are sat talking to the head of state of this country and you still act as you would anywhere. You treat me no different than you treat others.”
“Is that a compliment?” Tom asked.
“What I am saying is,” Duncan continued. “You have a disregard for status. You treat everyone as the same. Oh, you may do it with the arrogant air of an alien, but you still have that element. You could advise me on all matters. You have been out among the stars; you can help me forge our path.”
“The Master has seen more than I have,” Tom replied. “Why not use him?”
“You will both be important to me,” Duncan replied. “But you will help me to put all other world leaders in their place. They are no more important than the rest of us. As you so charmingly see us, we are all the same. We’re all brought into this world naked and screaming, no one is born in a more dignified way than anyone else. We are the same.”
“But some are more equal than others?” Tom replied. “And you see us leading the world into its rightful place in the universe, a standing beacon of humanity, a guide for all other forms of life to follow?”
“Not quite, but you’re almost there,” Duncan replied.
“So you won’t as much be king, as an emperor, or a president or something?” Tom asked.
“Oh, don’t disappoint me, Mr Rowan,” Duncan replied.
“But you did say last night that you wanted to take back the old colonies,” Tom continued. “That speaks to me of Imperialism. You did mean what you said about taking back the colonies, and the Americas?”
“Not in the way that you seem to have interpreted my words,” Duncan replied. “Yes, the Americas’ used to belong to England, but I don’t intend an invasion of them; merely that we, as a united Britannia, will help guide them along the right course.”
“And what is that?” Tom asked.
“Most certainly not the course that Magister has told you,” Duncan said, looking fixedly at the Master. “Whilst I have the upmost respect for his knowledge and believe that he can indeed help me with the way that I wish to guide the world, I would imagine that he has told you exactly what you want to hear. I know that change does not come easily to people, and I do not claim that this transition will be easy for everyone, but the evidence does seem to suggest the opposite to what you have been told.”
“And what do you know what I’ve been told?” Tom asked, before realisation dawned on him. “Crompton of course.”
“Of course,” Duncan replied. “I do like to keep an eye on those who are deemed as dangerous. You yourself fell into that category. I would very much like it if you worked with me. You’re here on your own, I’m aware of that, and that cannot be easy for you. You are a man of principles and very strong beliefs. You fight for what you believe in. I admire that greatly.”
“Excuse me, is this a private conversation, or can anyone join in?” the Brigadier cut in. “Also, might you allow an old man to have a seat?”
“Please, do. My apologies, how rude of me not to offer,” Duncan replied, indicating one of the seats before him.
“Now, am I to take it,” the Brigadier said as he sat, “that you intend for me to become your head of the army? I am an old man, after all.”
“With a wealth of experience, sir,” Duncan smiled.
“So, can I just ask,” Tom said, stepping round the room, “Do you believe in God?”
Duncan was thrown back by the question, stunned to silence for several seconds. “What do you mean?” he asked eventually.
“Y’know, God; the Almighty,” Tom Replied. “I thought it was the main religion of the UK; Christianity. Oh, I know that you’ve got Judaism, Sikhism, Hindu, Muslims in this country, but I thought the main faith of the lineage of the crown was Christianity?”
“I, uh,” Duncan stammered.
“Never really thought about it?” Tom asked. “Clearly if you were, you’re a lapsed Christian, otherwise, well, it’s Sunday and you’d be in church otherwise. That must mean that you don’t believe in the Devine Right of Kings. In fact, do you really believe that you’re a king?”
“I will be king,” Duncan said.
“Will be,” Tom countered, “but you don’t really feel like a king, do you? I mean, you’re not of the house of Windsor, not related to the outgoing royals. You’re a watered down descendant of Elizabeth the first. You’ve no real royal blood in you. Not that I really believe that any royal families in this world have any special blood to anyone else; it’s just provenance: captured during war, power playing and the likes. It’s all just a game.”
“What are you trying to say?” Ashfield asked, finally getting bored of his silence.
“What I’m saying, Sir Daniel,” Tom continued, placing a heavy influence on Ashfield’s name and title, “is that Mr Duncan is less a king, more a Lord Protector. He’s got more in common with Cromwell than Henry the Eighth. I wouldn’t say an emperor, as you’re claiming to not want an empire. Or are you? If you feel that by working with the Ikthaari, you can help unite the world and lead it along its new path to its rightful place in the universe, then maybe Lord Protector of the whole Earth? Guardian of the Earth? Earth President?”
“I think you’re getting slightly fanciful there, Mr. Rowan,” Duncan replied. “But I do believe that there is something to your claims.”
“Oh?” Tom asked, grabbing a chair from the side of the room. Quietly he brought it over to the desk and sat down, staring intently at Duncan. “And what is that? Please, I’m interested,” he added after a slight pause.
“I think you’re right,” Duncan said. “I think the Monarchy is becoming an outdated system. Look at all the other countries in the world; how many of them have monarchies? Presidents seem to be the way forwards; presidents and their first ministers. Why not restore the Lord Protectorate? Do we really need a system that’s so old? How else is Great Britain going to continue? Lord Protector, I like it. Maybe I should congratulate you on that decision, Mr Rowan.”
“You’ll need to rethink the national anthem then,” Tom replied, smiling and sitting back.
“What do you mean?” Duncan asked.
“Well, you can’t have “God Save the King” when you’re not a king,” Tom replied. “I suggest something like “Land of Hope and Glory”, “Jerusalem” or “Rule Britannia”. Oh no wait; what about Queen and “We Are the Champions?” Tom asked.
Duncan gave a short laugh. “You must be clairvoyant, Mr Rowan,” Duncan said. “I wouldn’t dream of going as far as using a pop song, but I was never really fond of the old anthem. It seems rather dull and dreary, very slow and not very stirring. “Land of Hope and Glory does seem rather fitting, does it not? After all, we shall be a land of hope and glory, with the knowledge and power the Ikthaari will bring. This will extend to become a world of hope and glory.”
Tom stood up and smiled, extending his hand towards Duncan. “Then I accept,” he said with a smile.
Smiling back, Duncan shook his hand. “Thank you, Mr Rowan,” he said. “I knew that at least one of you would see sense.” Duncan then looked purposefully at Kelly and the Brigadier. “Are you two going to follow your friends lead?”
Kelly looked from Tom to the Brigadier, then shot a look over her shoulder at the Master, who was still stood away from the conversation, absorbing it all. Subtly he nodded to her.
“Mr. Duncan,” the Brigadier started, only for Tom to cut him off by holding his hand up.
“Please, let me finish, Brigadier,” Tom said before turning back to Duncan. “I accept that you are completely mad.”
“How dare-?” Duncan started before Tom cut him off by shouting.
“I accept that you are someone who has contacted an alien force and have fabricated this whole thing to get you to where you want to be; the sole position of power in this country. You have attempted to create a police state, tried to get unwavering control of the whole armed forces and attempted to imprison and intimidate anyone who believed, quite rightly, that you are fabricating this whole thing.”
“Guards, silence him,” Duncan shouted to the two soldiers stood either side of the door.
“I’d like to see you try,” Tom roared. “James Duncan, you have admitted to wanting to take control of the whole world, you are planning to stab your allies in the back and tried to bribe and coerce us into working for you.”
“Duncan!”
Kortath’s voice was only lessened by the sound of the heavy wooden doors slamming open, causing everyone in the room to spin and look at the Ikthaari General as his stormed into the room.
“You stupid primitive,” he yelled, thrusting the cameras which were dotted around the room out of his way. “You have allowed yourself to be baited; you’ve just revealed to everyone, including me, our plans.”
Duncan’s face dropped as did his colour as he took in the red lights, on steady on the top of each of the cameras. Each camera was linked to a live hook up and had broadcast everything that had just transpired in the room.
“The prisoners as ordered, sir,” the guard reported.
“Thank you,” Duncan smiled. “You can wait by the doors.”
“Sir?” the guard asked, confused.
“You heard soldier,” Duncan replied calmly before turning back to his assembled prisoners. “Now, lady, gentlemen; I believe that I owe you a most overdue and humble, heart-felt apology. I know I can’t take back what happened to you last night, or what I said to you in the heat of the moment. All I can say is; I am sorry. And I hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. I have been foolish and egocentric these past few days, thinking that it’s all about me and forgetting that there are those to whom change cannot come so easily or those who struggle with change.
“I’m also aware that I haven’t endeared myself upon you four, and possible several other people and I know that this sounds cold, but you cannot please everyone all the time. My accession to the throne of England is undoubtedly going to ruffle quite a few feathers and if I’m honest, I’m still in shock about it myself. This has all happened so very fast and my head is still in Scotland Yard at my old desk, not the desk I got after September, but the one before that. This country seems to have gone crazy these past six months, ever since all the trouble up in Derbyshire. Oh, thank you for that, by the way, Mr. Rowan.
“No probs,” Tom replied, half-heartedly, looking around the room as Duncan spoke.
“Now, as I’ve said, I cannot apologise enough, but I do intend to make it up to you,” Duncan continued.
“How, may I ask?” the Brigadier cut in.
“I’m glad you asked that,” Duncan said with a smile, sitting back in his chair, pointing at his finger as he did so. “My dear Lethbridge-Stewart. I’m well aware that I am far from your favourite person at present and you voiced your displeasure to me last night. I only hope that you, as an old soldier, can forgive me. I’m sure you, yourself, have said something that you deeply regret. What happened in the courtyard last night was not my doing. Kortath is a loose cannon, and I am starting to feel more and more sure that he has ulterior motives, most of all for yourself,” Duncan finished, looking at the Master.
“I’m sure that Kortath has given you some account of our last meeting,” the Master purred. “But I hardly imagine that Krra Kortath’s account is one hundred percent accurate. He seems to have rather a warped view on the universe.”
“And that’s where you and I have similar aims,” Duncan said before pausing and screwing his eyes up and shaking his head before looking back at the Master. “Look, is there something I can call you? I feel a bit silly calling you ‘Master’.”
The Master pursed his lips before smiling and nodding. “Why not call me ‘Victor’?” he suggested. “That was the name I was tried under the last two times I’ve been tried on this planet.”
“If you insist, Victor,” Duncan said. “Kortath has plans for you, my friend.”
“This isn’t news to me,” the Master replied, sounding bored. “Kortath has made that perfectly clear ever since we first met. The moment he gets his first chance, he will do it. To be perfectly honest with you, Mr Duncan, I’m both surprised and somewhat insulted that he didn’t attempt to pull the trigger himself last night.”
“I’ve told you how sorry I am for that,” Duncan said. “It was not my doing and-”
“My dear Mr. Duncan,” the Master chuckled. “I’m not upset. Oh, I can’t speak for my associates here, but I found the situation rather amusing. I knew that you wouldn’t have allowed it. We’re in England for goodness sake, you don’t execute people here. At least, not any more. At my first trial, there were some who wanted me executed, but it didn’t happen. Even if you did, we’re not in the middle ages any more; you wouldn’t want to begin your reign with bloodshed.”
“I sincerely hope that you don’t have that low an opinion of me,” Duncan said, his mouth agape. “I would never condone any form of action such as execution. I would also hate to think that you people believe that I am trying to buy your forgiveness.”
“Buy our forgiveness?” Tom asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Duncan replied. “I really cannot apologise enough, and I am aware that Miss Humphreys here has never been in a situation such as this before. I have behaved incredibly off hand with you all.”
“Then why did you lock us all in a cell?” Kelly asked.
“Because admittedly, at first I was unsure about you all,” Duncan replied. “I hope that you can see that. I had strong evidence that all four of you were conspiring, and in two cases, I was found to be correct. But I hope that this meeting we can talk through our differences and I can present you with the very same evidence that I have so that you can see that I am telling you the truth.”
“So, you want to sit down with the people who were plotting against you and have a chat and hope that we can all be friends afterwards?” Tom asked. “Ok, I’ll buy that one, but what are you going to do with Kelly? It was me who brought her into this. Whatever you decide, keep her out of it, yeah? She shouldn’t be here, it’s my fault.”
“Mr. Rowan,” the Master said, fixing Tom with a steely stare. “Remember what we discussed earlier, about showing Mr. Duncan some respect.”
“You’re right, sorry,” Tom said after several seconds, realising what the Master meant.
“Thank you,” the Master replied turning back to Duncan. “I’m sorry for that,” he continued, “it’s only fair that if you are apologising to us and expect us to take on your side of the story, that we listen to you and take aboard what you say.”
“Erm, excuse me,” Kelly said, speaking up nervously. “But can I say something please?”
“Of course,” Duncan smiled. “We’re just trying to sort this rather messy situation out. Please do go ahead.”
“Well, Tom was just trying to protect me,” Kelly continued. “I don’t mean that what I did was right or something, but, y’know, I did side with what he was saying. I don’t want to be treated as though I’m not here. I mean, I am and I did do things that were illegal. I don’t want that to mess up my life and future. I know that it was wrong, but can I please accept whatever punishment I have to and then carry on?” Kelly paused, her mouth open slightly before hurriedly continuing. “Unless of course, treason is still death, I don’t wanna die. I’ve never seen a real gun before the other day and being in front of that firing squad was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever had to do.”
“Oh, of course,” Duncan said, his face folding in sympathy. “As I said earlier, I doubt that you are familiar with the world of your companions here. I can totally understand that this is horrifying for you. And please, believe me when I say that I hold you no malice or have any idea of inflicting punishment upon you. You did what you thought was right, but I hope at the end of our conversation today, you will see things as they really are, that we all will. You have nothing whatsoever to fear from me. And I can assure you, that I will personally do all I can to give you a character reference as a strong and driven young lady. You’re a student, I know that, but what is it you study?”
“History,” Kelly replied, taken aback. “At Lincoln, but what does that have to do-?”
“Tell you what,” Duncan smiled warmly. “After all this is sorted, we have a chat about history, it’s a pet subject of mine, and if we can come to some agreement, then maybe I can have a word with some people who work in your specialist field? I would hate to think that this whole situation has put you off your study. I do so love seeing people do what makes them happy.”
“Erm,” Kelly stammered. “Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it,” Duncan replied.
“Excuse me, sorry,” Tom said, putting his hand up slightly. “What about all that you said last night?”
“The heat of the moment, Mr Rowan,” Duncan replied.
“You spoke of becoming King of the World,” Tom said, raising an eyebrow. He was trying to keep the Master’s instructions to him in mind. He’d try to bait the man if he could, but on his terms. He didn’t want to work completely to the Master’s plan if he wouldn’t tell him it all. His mind was racing.
“Oh, that,” Duncan laughed. “A misinterpretation, allow me to explain. What I meant was, that this is an important time in Humanities development. I don’t need to be a Time King or whatever you are to know that. We’re reaching out into space. The Mars Probes may have been a disaster but we’re ready to start again. I know that there is life out there, and the more we go out there, the more we will encounter them. All one has to do is look to history; wherever we have gone, we have encountered aboriginal peoples and natives. And what have we done? Destroyed them! It’s a shameful part of our past. The only way we can progress is to co-operate and live with those out there, not destroy them.
“I have already made contact with one such race. Whilst I do not necessarily believe all that Kortath has told me, I do believe that the Ikthaari have a strong role to play in the future of Earth’s development. I have got in touch with the Ikthaari home world, and I know of what happened; Korthath’s uprising and how it was quelled. I also believe that with their guidance, we can shape the future of Earth.”
“We?” Tom asked.
“Indeed, Mr Rowan,” Duncan replied. “And Magister there,” he added pointing to the Master who stood silently, his hands folded behind his back. “Together, we three, you two with your foreknowledge, can steer Earth down its rightful course. Of course, we will need a strong hand to lead. I don’t state that I should be King of the World, as you put it, but Earth will need an ambassador. We will need to unite to further our development.”
“Do you think humanity is ready for unification?” Tom asked. “From what I’ve observed, and don’t get me wrong, I like humans, well some of them, and I’ve lived with Humans for years, but this time, they don’t strike me as being ready for uniting. Not unless there’s someone, someone strong, who can pull them all together. Make them see what they need to do for the greater good.”
“Exactly!” Duncan cried, sitting back in his chair. “I know that my species has many faults, and most of this country can be just as bad. We have some serious issues, underage sex, underage drinking, teenage pregnancy, ASBO’s, criminality, cruelty. You see, I do know our limitations, and those people, believe me, I shall deal with them in the coming years. We have that time before we take our place in the universe, but I have here with me, people who I know can help me strengthen my, sorry, our country.
“Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, you have such a history with the army that you could advise me on all I need to know and on all military matters. Magister, you have such criminal knowledge that you could help me eliminate criminality within months. Rowan, you are so up front and straight talking. You are sat talking to the head of state of this country and you still act as you would anywhere. You treat me no different than you treat others.”
“Is that a compliment?” Tom asked.
“What I am saying is,” Duncan continued. “You have a disregard for status. You treat everyone as the same. Oh, you may do it with the arrogant air of an alien, but you still have that element. You could advise me on all matters. You have been out among the stars; you can help me forge our path.”
“The Master has seen more than I have,” Tom replied. “Why not use him?”
“You will both be important to me,” Duncan replied. “But you will help me to put all other world leaders in their place. They are no more important than the rest of us. As you so charmingly see us, we are all the same. We’re all brought into this world naked and screaming, no one is born in a more dignified way than anyone else. We are the same.”
“But some are more equal than others?” Tom replied. “And you see us leading the world into its rightful place in the universe, a standing beacon of humanity, a guide for all other forms of life to follow?”
“Not quite, but you’re almost there,” Duncan replied.
“So you won’t as much be king, as an emperor, or a president or something?” Tom asked.
“Oh, don’t disappoint me, Mr Rowan,” Duncan replied.
“But you did say last night that you wanted to take back the old colonies,” Tom continued. “That speaks to me of Imperialism. You did mean what you said about taking back the colonies, and the Americas?”
“Not in the way that you seem to have interpreted my words,” Duncan replied. “Yes, the Americas’ used to belong to England, but I don’t intend an invasion of them; merely that we, as a united Britannia, will help guide them along the right course.”
“And what is that?” Tom asked.
“Most certainly not the course that Magister has told you,” Duncan said, looking fixedly at the Master. “Whilst I have the upmost respect for his knowledge and believe that he can indeed help me with the way that I wish to guide the world, I would imagine that he has told you exactly what you want to hear. I know that change does not come easily to people, and I do not claim that this transition will be easy for everyone, but the evidence does seem to suggest the opposite to what you have been told.”
“And what do you know what I’ve been told?” Tom asked, before realisation dawned on him. “Crompton of course.”
“Of course,” Duncan replied. “I do like to keep an eye on those who are deemed as dangerous. You yourself fell into that category. I would very much like it if you worked with me. You’re here on your own, I’m aware of that, and that cannot be easy for you. You are a man of principles and very strong beliefs. You fight for what you believe in. I admire that greatly.”
“Excuse me, is this a private conversation, or can anyone join in?” the Brigadier cut in. “Also, might you allow an old man to have a seat?”
“Please, do. My apologies, how rude of me not to offer,” Duncan replied, indicating one of the seats before him.
“Now, am I to take it,” the Brigadier said as he sat, “that you intend for me to become your head of the army? I am an old man, after all.”
“With a wealth of experience, sir,” Duncan smiled.
“So, can I just ask,” Tom said, stepping round the room, “Do you believe in God?”
Duncan was thrown back by the question, stunned to silence for several seconds. “What do you mean?” he asked eventually.
“Y’know, God; the Almighty,” Tom Replied. “I thought it was the main religion of the UK; Christianity. Oh, I know that you’ve got Judaism, Sikhism, Hindu, Muslims in this country, but I thought the main faith of the lineage of the crown was Christianity?”
“I, uh,” Duncan stammered.
“Never really thought about it?” Tom asked. “Clearly if you were, you’re a lapsed Christian, otherwise, well, it’s Sunday and you’d be in church otherwise. That must mean that you don’t believe in the Devine Right of Kings. In fact, do you really believe that you’re a king?”
“I will be king,” Duncan said.
“Will be,” Tom countered, “but you don’t really feel like a king, do you? I mean, you’re not of the house of Windsor, not related to the outgoing royals. You’re a watered down descendant of Elizabeth the first. You’ve no real royal blood in you. Not that I really believe that any royal families in this world have any special blood to anyone else; it’s just provenance: captured during war, power playing and the likes. It’s all just a game.”
“What are you trying to say?” Ashfield asked, finally getting bored of his silence.
“What I’m saying, Sir Daniel,” Tom continued, placing a heavy influence on Ashfield’s name and title, “is that Mr Duncan is less a king, more a Lord Protector. He’s got more in common with Cromwell than Henry the Eighth. I wouldn’t say an emperor, as you’re claiming to not want an empire. Or are you? If you feel that by working with the Ikthaari, you can help unite the world and lead it along its new path to its rightful place in the universe, then maybe Lord Protector of the whole Earth? Guardian of the Earth? Earth President?”
“I think you’re getting slightly fanciful there, Mr. Rowan,” Duncan replied. “But I do believe that there is something to your claims.”
“Oh?” Tom asked, grabbing a chair from the side of the room. Quietly he brought it over to the desk and sat down, staring intently at Duncan. “And what is that? Please, I’m interested,” he added after a slight pause.
“I think you’re right,” Duncan said. “I think the Monarchy is becoming an outdated system. Look at all the other countries in the world; how many of them have monarchies? Presidents seem to be the way forwards; presidents and their first ministers. Why not restore the Lord Protectorate? Do we really need a system that’s so old? How else is Great Britain going to continue? Lord Protector, I like it. Maybe I should congratulate you on that decision, Mr Rowan.”
“You’ll need to rethink the national anthem then,” Tom replied, smiling and sitting back.
“What do you mean?” Duncan asked.
“Well, you can’t have “God Save the King” when you’re not a king,” Tom replied. “I suggest something like “Land of Hope and Glory”, “Jerusalem” or “Rule Britannia”. Oh no wait; what about Queen and “We Are the Champions?” Tom asked.
Duncan gave a short laugh. “You must be clairvoyant, Mr Rowan,” Duncan said. “I wouldn’t dream of going as far as using a pop song, but I was never really fond of the old anthem. It seems rather dull and dreary, very slow and not very stirring. “Land of Hope and Glory does seem rather fitting, does it not? After all, we shall be a land of hope and glory, with the knowledge and power the Ikthaari will bring. This will extend to become a world of hope and glory.”
Tom stood up and smiled, extending his hand towards Duncan. “Then I accept,” he said with a smile.
Smiling back, Duncan shook his hand. “Thank you, Mr Rowan,” he said. “I knew that at least one of you would see sense.” Duncan then looked purposefully at Kelly and the Brigadier. “Are you two going to follow your friends lead?”
Kelly looked from Tom to the Brigadier, then shot a look over her shoulder at the Master, who was still stood away from the conversation, absorbing it all. Subtly he nodded to her.
“Mr. Duncan,” the Brigadier started, only for Tom to cut him off by holding his hand up.
“Please, let me finish, Brigadier,” Tom said before turning back to Duncan. “I accept that you are completely mad.”
“How dare-?” Duncan started before Tom cut him off by shouting.
“I accept that you are someone who has contacted an alien force and have fabricated this whole thing to get you to where you want to be; the sole position of power in this country. You have attempted to create a police state, tried to get unwavering control of the whole armed forces and attempted to imprison and intimidate anyone who believed, quite rightly, that you are fabricating this whole thing.”
“Guards, silence him,” Duncan shouted to the two soldiers stood either side of the door.
“I’d like to see you try,” Tom roared. “James Duncan, you have admitted to wanting to take control of the whole world, you are planning to stab your allies in the back and tried to bribe and coerce us into working for you.”
“Duncan!”
Kortath’s voice was only lessened by the sound of the heavy wooden doors slamming open, causing everyone in the room to spin and look at the Ikthaari General as his stormed into the room.
“You stupid primitive,” he yelled, thrusting the cameras which were dotted around the room out of his way. “You have allowed yourself to be baited; you’ve just revealed to everyone, including me, our plans.”
Duncan’s face dropped as did his colour as he took in the red lights, on steady on the top of each of the cameras. Each camera was linked to a live hook up and had broadcast everything that had just transpired in the room.