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Chapter 27
🕑 Added 2025-03-29 00:23:35 +0000 UTCWhile Arthuria had a headache due to what was happening outside her walls, others had one due to what happened inside them.
Once again, the powers of the UK called a high-level meeting to discuss events, ensure everyone was up to speed, and ensure that everyone worked towards the same goal.
Christopher Geidt, the Queen’s own secretary, was the first to speak. “Alright, I believe we can begin the meeting now.”
“Thank you, Christopher.” The aged queen spoke. “We thank you all for your hard work these past two weeks; we know how much this sudden event has increased your workloads.”
“It is our job, your majesty.” The Prime minister said.
“Well, I will begin then.” Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, stepped up.
“As Mr. Miliband and Sir Scarlett are also aware of, a foreign journalist has been allowed into the city today, with unrepresented access, this will likely lead to a large amount of new information.”
Sir John Scarlett, the chief of MI6, took over. “We are working with SHIELD on that front. Stark backs the journalist, and he forces our hand in allowing her in, but the man holding the camera is SHIELD, and we will get the footage first.”
David Miliband, Foreign Secretary, nodded in confirmation. “We can, therefore, plan for the information before it comes out and censor to a limit.”
Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, sighed, getting the room’s attention. “Stark really twisted our arm. We need his tech, and he doesn’t really need our money, you know how he is, caring not for stock price or anything.”
“We do not blame you for this.” The Queen reassured. “We have met the man, and he is indeed not easy to deal with.” She said while remembering her last meeting with that man.
“Yes.“ Sir Davis King, the Chief Scientific Adviser to the government, couldn’t help but agree. “Stark’s tech is the best, and if we want a chance to explain what has happened, we need to have access to that.”
“Is there even any chance of this being a technology-based event at this point?” The Queen asked, feeling rather sceptic.
“Well, yes, but I do admit, it is unlikely that the event itself was caused by any known or even theoretical technologies.” Sir King admitted.
Christopher Geidt took the word once more. “Why don’t we take it slow, last time there was a meeting like this. Right after the event, a lot of questions couldn’t be answered due to not enough time, can they be answered now?”
Everyone turned their eyes to Sir David Cannadine, the Senior historian they had invited to share his knowledge, he was joined by Dame Lynne Brindley the National Librarian and Chief Executive of the British Library.
Sir David Cannadine adjusted his glasses, glancing at the expectant faces in the room. "Your Majesty, distinguished colleagues," he began, his voice steady, "I’ll provide context where I can. However, I must caution that much about the event remains speculative."
Dame Lynne Brindley nodded in agreement. "While we have combed through historical records, myths, and even folklore that might align with what transpired, there is no precedent in our archives that fully matches this phenomenon."
"Still," Sir David continued, "there are echoes—references to anomalous events throughout history. We must consider the possibility that this is not a wholly unprecedented occurrence, even if its magnitude is beyond anything previously documented."
Jacqui Smith leaned forward. "Can you give us an example of what you're referring to? Even a tenuous connection might help frame this for the public—or at least for us."
Sir David hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “I don’t believe we can share much with the public, but there are many events in history that show more… supernatural aspects. Enough that we can safely assume as such this time.”
Dame Lynne added. “These are events from under the Blitz, accounts of miracles, or even just the event of 1995, though that is more science based I guess.”
“Yes, pretty sure we can rule out aliens this time.” Peter Ricketts the National Security Advisor.
“It was merely a recent example.” Dame Lynne defended.
“When it comes to Camelot, and Arthurian legends.” David Cannadine continued. “We have been able to find some things. Though nothing that outright explains this.”
“Why didn’t you start with that.” Prime Minister Brown said, eager for some answers.
“Yes, well, we have some historical evidence that Camelot was real, that Arthur was real, and other figures as well, including Morgana Le Fey, who is still likely alive today based on some possible sightings.”
“Could she be behind this?” Christopher interrupted.
“Can’t rule it out.” Dame Lynne took over. “But it seems unlikely; she and King Arthur didn’t get along well, and Camelot seems under his control.”
The Queen couldn’t help but sigh. “We miss the days when the biggest problem was the Germans; these days, it seems it is one unbelievable thing after the other.”
“If history can’t tell us how this happened, can it tell us what to expect now that it has happened?” Sir John Scarlett asked.
Sir David Cannadine straightened in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Only so much can be assumed, stories and legends are often written to be better or grander than reality.” He cautioned.
“But” He continued. “We can likely assume that all the knights are somewhat superhuman, possibly little more than the level of Captain America, Arthur possibly slightly higher thanks to Excalibur.”
The room fell silent as Sir David’s words sank in. The idea of a group of individuals with abilities on par with—or even exceeding—Captain America was both fascinating and deeply concerning.
Jacqui Smith broke the silence. “Superhuman knights roaming the modern world… If this is accurate, they could represent either an invaluable asset or a major threat, not impossible to handle, but still difficult.”
“And even more troublesome.” Earl Peel, the Lord Chamberlain, finally spoke up. “The importance of Arthur and his legend to the people isn’t something that can be ignored, a fight against them, could bring the legitimacy of the government in question.”
“With how Camelot and King Arthur are outright denying the legitimacy of the government, it is almost a foregone conclusion that we will come in conflict with them though.” Brown said.
“Yet doing such should be avoided; this is something that should be used to unite the people, improve lives, and enrich the economy; the possibility for tourism alone is enormous.” Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, added.
The Queen tapped her fingers lightly on the table, a rare display of the weight of the moment. “You are all correct in your assessments. If handled poorly, this situation could spiral into chaos—political, social, and economic. We must tread carefully.”
Jacqui Smith leaned forward, addressing Alistair Darling. “Tourism and economic benefits are certainly worth considering, but only if the situation remains stable. If Camelot and Arthur’s knights present themselves as an opposing power, any economic advantages will quickly be overshadowed by civil unrest or worse.”
Earl Peel nodded gravely. “Indeed, the symbolic power of Arthur and Camelot cannot be understated. For centuries, Arthur has been seen as a beacon of hope, a figure of unity and strength. If his return undermines the government’s authority, it could split the public—those loyal to the Crown and those swayed by the idealized image of Camelot.”
Sir John Scarlett interjected, his tone measured. “If Camelot openly denies the legitimacy of the government, we must determine their endgame. How do they intend to act to right what they perceive as wrong?”
Alistair Darling raised a hand slightly. “Before we jump to conclusions about conflict, we should consider the possibility that Arthur’s goals are more symbolic than political. He may be seeking to inspire rather than govern.”
Jacqui Smith frowned. “Inspiration is all well and good, but symbols have power. If Arthur’s message undermines faith in our institutions—parliament, the monarchy, the courts—that could lead to unrest without him ever lifting a sword.”
Earl Peel added, “And if his knights begin to enforce their own interpretation of justice, they could create a parallel power structure. That would be devastating to the government’s credibility, both at home and abroad.”
Sir John nodded. “Our intelligence will focus on identifying their priorities. Are they gathering resources? Establishing alliances? Engaging in actions that suggest long-term planning? We’ll need to track their movements closely.”
The Queen turned to Christopher Geidt. “And we must also consider how to engage with them diplomatically. If Arthur claims legitimacy through Excalibur or some divine right, we must counter that narrative while acknowledging the cultural weight of his return.”
Geidt inclined his head. “Perhaps a private audience with Arthur himself, Your Majesty. If he respects the monarchy as an institution, he may be open to negotiation. It would also send a message to the public that the Crown is proactive in addressing this matter.”
The Queen’s brow furrowed. “A private audience may be prudent, but it is not without risk. We must first establish a clearer understanding of his disposition and motives. I will not walk blindly into a negotiation with a man who may see me as an obstacle to his vision.”
Alistair Darling interjected, “If I may, Your Majesty, any engagement with Arthur should also address potential economic benefits. If this situation can be framed as a revival of national heritage—a boon for culture and tourism—it could help stabilize public opinion.”
Des Browne leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “That’s assuming it doesn’t escalate into a direct conflict. If Arthur and his knights reject any overtures of peace or cooperation, we’ll need contingency plans to protect the public and maintain order.”
The meeting continued for hours, finally ending when the elderly Queen couldn’t handle it anymore. Yet despite the long meeting, the many different ideas and priorities prevented much agreement.
Other than that, a new meeting was needed to discuss things further.
As the Queen left, she couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit of understanding for King Arthur’s views, democracy did come with its fair share of challenges, yet she still believed in it.
But for someone raised outside of it, without even the idea of it, she could see why he might resist the idea, as it was all too easy to see only the bad, and none of the good.
