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Monday, May 24th Ottawa, Canada

High above the flag of the Peace Tower, the Cormorant Helicopter hovered, then began its circuitous sweep of the Parliamentary Precinct once again. The Canadian Forces security team kept watch visually and electronically for un-identified activity. It moved out over the Ottawa River, and along the escarpment and cliff face that sheered straight down to the river’s edge. The whole of Parliament was built on this rocky bluff that jutted out slightly along the river bank. It was part of the pre-Cambrian shield, 400 million years old – solid and impregnable casting its shadow on the glistening water below and under the burning spring sun above. The chopper continued its patrol over the bridge to Hull; the river was the dividing line between Ontario and the State of Quebec.

Satisfied, it continued along the series of locks that raised the boats from the Ottawa River to the Rideau Canal, built originally to keep supplies open in defence against the invading U.S. Continental Army which, in 1784, never made it that far north.

Turning west it patrolled above Wellington Street, the main government promenade, and skirted the great lawn in front of Parliament. At the base of the lawn, just inside the old low retaining wall that ran along the length of Wellington – stood the moat pool surrounding the eternal flame monument.

Underneath Parliament, in the crisis centre, the Prime Minister and his inner cabinet had gathered, along with his closest and most trusted advisors. The room had rarely been used but was a stark reminder of the precautions that had been put in place after the terrorist attacks on the United States. Most of the inner cabinet were seated, a few were standing behind their swivel chairs, quietly talking.

The Prime Minister called the meeting to order and everyone sat down to begin the work at hand. Each participant had a thin, green, leather bound folder resting on the table place mat in front of them. On the face of each folder was the great seal of Canada, embossed in gold. He began in French by introducing everyone to Theodore Underwood, Special Advisor to the President of the United States.

Ted was seated halfway around the circle of the table – and acknowledged the introduction. In his best French, tinged with his un-avoidable New York accent, Ted thanked the Prime Minister and Cabinet for allowing him to attend the meeting and to brief them on recent developments. The Prime Minister interjected with a gracious smile on his face: "You made a valiant effort en francais not too long ago in Montreal, as I recall – and I think I speak for everyone here in saying we can easily continue in English." Everyone laughed, the tension relief was immediate and welcome. "Please continue with your good news, Ted."

"The President and the entire Administration and Cabinet wish you the best in your deliberations. In a signed and sealed document that I was tasked to hand deliver to you today, the President outlines in writing his unconditional support for all of the decisions you are about to make for the people of this country.

"As you know, Prime Minister, you need no messenger or liaison between yourself and the President. You will always have immediate, personal access.

"What the President wanted conveyed to all of you, is as follows.
Nunavut, British Columbia and Alberta shall become U.S. States, without delay; the State of Alaska shall be redefined to include The Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and continue to be known as the 49th State; and from this time forward, all peoples and all properties from the 49th parallel north to the arctic circle will receive the same protection, security, and freedoms enjoyed by all the people of the United States. This includes all United States Air, Land, and Sea Armed Forces protection within continental perimeters, borders and territorial waters.

Finally, the President welcomes you and all of your people to join in a week long celebration of Canada Day through Independence Day, July 1st - July 4th."

After a pause, the Prime Minister began: "Thank you for your words and your messages today, Ted. It is my understanding that you still have much work ahead."

"Yes, Prime Minister, we do indeed."

"Well, my friend, let me not detain you from your work. Thank you for all you have done, Ted, and thank you again for being with us today."

Ted walked around the table, shook hands with everyone, ending with the PM, who thanked him again and said goodbye. Once Ted left, the Prime Minister and each member of the inner cabinet opened their briefing books.

The last leader of Canada read from the official proclamation document:

"1. By an Act of Parliament, Canada, as we know it, no longer exists."

"2. By an Act of Parliament, The Mace, the symbol of power in Parliament, shall be returned to our Head of State – the Crown – as the last Official Ceremony of Canada."

"3. By an Act of Parliament, the Parliament of Canada is now dissolved."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this meeting is adjourned."