New Scottland: Freedoms ring

To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Here’s the first installment

Damn, finally gave up on the Ameri data pad and bought a NS one. It’s how I am communicating with you.

I guess the first bit of cultural shock to report was when I came down to the New Scottland Branch of the Times. I was picked up in a hover limo and driven quickly (told about 300kph) to the building. I was surrounded by four private security guards. I was shocked by the necessity of it, at least till I walked into the top floor of the building.

Every single person in that building was armed to the teeth. Even this leggy blonde in a short red mini-dress that yelled take me, had an old marine core blade on her beautiful right calf. Her hips were each mounted with what appeared to be what I thought where illeagal side arms. (at least in the USA)

My first meeting with the editor of the NS Times cleared up the issues. I was escorted to the building directly because this nation is too much of a cultural shock to most citizens of the united states. I was selected due to my service in the ‘conquering of Canada’ (First time I heard it called that), in the US military.

I was handed two micro-auto’s (completely illegal in the US) and told to holster them. I was given a warning to mind my manners. I didn’t find it too funny but I was also given a badge that stated I was from the US.

“Amos listen your from a sick and perverted culture. It is dying slowly and eventually it will keal over. Here in New Scottland your completely free. Do you understand?”

I was thinking not really, I was busy checking the micro-autos. “Youll have to explain this to me.”

Nodding, ”All right you’re a good reporter. We have ha d a few incidents with our reporters from up north running afoul of the natives.”

“Its barely been thirty years since these parts have left the union. “

“Son its been a long thirty years. When I say your free I mean you are free. The little badge our American reporters wear, give them only a slight excuse. It lets the natives know your not from these parts. Otherwise you may end up in a duel or two. When’s the last time you practiced with those.”

“Never have,” As I slid back the micro Gatling chambers and tripled check the load bearings.

The editor smiled, ”Good, you might make it. Heres the skinny. Don’t go moral no matter what you see. If you do, draw and prepare for multiple duals. Jane over there will be your escort through these streets and your little angel keeping you out of as much trouble as possible. “

I turned around and it turns out the angel was the same one in the little red mini. I couldn’t help but smile.

He caught my good ole boy smile, “Don’t let the look fool you, shes the one who went and hunted down the Austin rapist. It wasn’t a snipe kill from
what little I was told.”

Hearing our conversation,” Nope, I tortured him slowly.” As she plopped down and took out her knife.

Even I whistled, the US Gov had said that those responsible had been dealt with. I had a buddy looking into that case. He had found out the Austin Rapist was the son of a prominent US Senator attending college in New Scottland. (oddly enough before he died in a car accident)This means my little angel was the on the team that took out the Austin Rapist.

Seemingly almost telepathic, “No, it was just me. No team. He squealed like a little pig. I made a recording and sent it to the good senator.”

“Back to now please. Well your little assignment is quite simple. It seems that the good director himself sent a request for you. He is paying all your bills here. He wants an honest look at life here from the perspective of an outsider.”

That caught my ears pretty quickly, “Why did he choose me?”

“Well you may not have known it, but it seems he has read your books. He likes your style and wants you to write a book for him. All he request is a signed copy.“

Something seemed off with his statement but I quietly filled it in the back of my mind. “So the director wants me to go get interviews with people from all over New Scottland?” I looked over at my attractive bodyguard, yeah that explains the high quality muscle.

“Do you want the assignment? “

“I'm here, but Ill look around. No guarantees. “ Great I get the same feeling I got several times out in the cold Canadian outback during operation Canadian freedom.

“BTW, he has given you access to all his staff for interviews if you like. “

Like all thunderbolts it comes as a shock and you realize you should have known. “Does this include..? I mean do I get to interview the Admiral General of The New Scottland Militia’s.”

“Why your so d@mn fascinated with that reptile I’ll never know. Its your first scheduled appointment in three hours. The A/G has consented to be interviewed by you and you alone. Apparently the Director has a lot of pull.” The editor laughed.

The A/G Irons is part of a set of those now outed legendary reptilian shape-shifters.
There are those still in the US government who deny that they even exist. Kinda hard to argue when they are so open in NS.

Irons was a legend. It seems the director somehow convinced Irons and few other younger reptiles to aide them in a war for freedom. In this libertarian society of New Scottland they are not feared or hunted. They have the same rights as all other citizens. Its just that Irons was the Patton of the group. He gained had gained a reputation as one of earths great tactical minds. He was the driving force behind the organization of the Defense forces here in NS.

“Let’s go Jane. This is one interview I am not going to miss.”


[edit on 22-2-2010 by ripcontrol]