US State Visit

[Jamie]

"That sounds ideal. I shall arrange to get a draft written up formally and sent across." responded Emma, taking a moment to write a note as a reminder "I'd also like to suggest, on top of the prospect of a trade agreement, a Joint Economic and Research Partnership Agreement. Again, I'd be happy to compile a draft to send to your office but I'd like to know your interest first. It would work rather well in line with the trade agreement and would focus on fostering collaboration in renewable energy projects, educational exchanges, joint degree programs, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, and the sharing of healthcare data. It would be quite a broad spectrum and not limited to one certain agenda, but an overall focus on research and technological advances together."

Emma paused, shuffling some paper "To give a couple of instances on that I'd be suggesting:

Collaborate on biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, particularly in areas like genomics, personalized medicine, and vaccine development.

Share healthcare data and best practices to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes.

Partner on large-scale renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms, solar energy advancements, and the development of hydrogen fuel technology.

Create joint research programs for climate change mitigation and sustainable practices.

Expand exchange programs between universities and research institutions, focusing on STEM fields, business, and public policy.

Share best practices in agricultural technology, pest control, and climate-resilient farming.

... That, of course, is a summary. I could formalise it and send it along with the trade agreement but if it's something you'd not be keen on, or if you have any ideas to support it, then I'd love to hear it." Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

President Gore had seemed nominally invested in the discussion about trade, thus far. It admittedly was not his favorite topic, nor the one he had the most faith that Congress would tolerate as they had been very protectionist since the attack on the Capitol in 1997. However, the President seemed to perk up when Emma mentioned renewable energy projects. Gore had been, for quite some time, both fascinated and in great support of renewable energy projects and starting a green revolution in the United States, but those desires had to take a back burner to foreign policy as the United States had been very active on the international stage during his presidency. He couldn't help himself.

"That all sounds very good," the President said as he tried to contain himself. "You know, I think we could both benefit significantly from the green projects that you mentioned," he said. "I especially like the idea of a joint effort between us for the development of hydrogen fuel technology. See, hydrogen fuel is regularly misunderstood. I think that the Hindenburg disaster really undermines discussions about hydrogen technology today. See, the Hindenburg was filled with pure hydrogen - but it was not using a hydrogen fuel cell or using the hydrogen as a fuel, it was just using hydrogen to float. In fact - I have spoken to scientists at the Department of Energy about this extensively - while a car accident involving a vehicle with a hydrogen fuel can result in a fire if the tank was ruptured, it would still be a safer accident then if the gasoline tank of a car was ruptured. This has to do with the nature of gasoline, versus the nature of hydrogen. See-" Gore said, but then he noticed Charlie Price looking at him funny.

Gore cut off his statement, "Well, anyway, hydrogen fuel for vehicles is a very promising scientific enterprise. I think that the first, and easiest, vehicles to use it on would be mass transit, such as busses, in confident metropolitan areas. Also, while a lot of power is needed to perform electrolysis to produce hydrogen, it would just take investment in some renewable energy resources in strategically located locations to get it set up... Detractors of hydrogen fuel will argue that it takes large quantities of power to produce the hydrogen, and it is not as efficient as gasoline. But, those same people fail to realize how inefficient gasoline and diesel is! Think about it: first, extensive exploration has to be done to find deposits of crude oil, then it has to be drilled for, then it has to be transported, then it has to be refined, then it has to be transported again, and then finally it is used in a combustion energy. Hydrogen has several less steps in the supply line... If your government is serious about working with us to make advancements in hydrogen technology for transportation, I can promise significant funding from the United States," he said.

"In addition to that, I think that partnering on renewable energy projects is also something that would be very beneficial for both of us, as well as researching more efficient means of renewable energy production. There are also innovations waiting to be made in geothermal and hydroelectric," he said.

"I look forward to the proposal, I can't wait to review it," Gore said sincerely.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Emma nodded to acknowledge her interest in the Presidents response, a brief second of silence as she processed what was said but most importantly, it highlighted a key interest of the current President. She took a couple notes down "I'd definitely have to take your word for it as I thought electric vehicles were the future, rather than hydrogen" she smiled before chuckling "But.. I suppose that's why I'm not the Energy Secretary. What I'll do is write up a draft to send along with the trade agreement and on the joint research agreement, specifically raise the idea of working together on progressing hydrogen fuel to see if it's something that can gain enough traction within the science community and perhaps it'll be an endeavour we'll be working on together providing what I send across is something your government would be keen on."

Perhaps she'd bitten off more then she can chew but she acknowledged the massive mood shift from talking trade agreement to energy as a positive. It's something she could work with to develop relations that much more. "I think that satisfies the points I wanted to raise and I'll work to get you the drafts of the proposals sent ASAP. Unless you have anything else you'd like to raise economically, I'll defer the conversation to Jason to discuss Defence which I'm aware is a much more exciting topic." she concluded in jest.

If any further points did need to be raised, Emma would happily continue the conversation. Failing that, Jason took over "I don't know about exciting but it's certainly of great importance. Now more than ever." begun the Defence Secretary "The world is forever changing and each day, new potential threats emerge. Been prepared to deal with them is the challenge and fortunately the military relationship between the UK and US is rather solid. Through the Transatlantic Security Arrangement and the Treaty of Washington, we have a nice foundation but I'd like to discuss ways to build upon that. To summarise what is currently in place...

The Transatlantic Security Arrangement confirms that an attack on any member party, that of the US, UK or Sweden, is considered an attack on all. This also covers the encouragement of cooperation on joint exercises and joint military doctrine which I think could be improved on as I do think it's perhaps the one area that's lacking. The unfortunate side of TASA is the vacancy that we're seeing with Sweden. Meanwhile, the Treaty of Washington is a bit more intimidate, only consisting of the UK and US but echo's our commitment to protecting each other, supporting us politically and providing strategic facilitation of our armed forces."

Jason paused, taking a sip from his water "I'd like to discuss options to really push on the cooperation front on how we can promote joint exercises, encourage research into joint doctrine and how better our armed forces can support one another." Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

"If you send something over to us involving renewable energies and trade, we'll look at it and I will personally make sure that we send you something back," Gore said to Emma, essentially giving her his word (which was taken seriously in his family's home state of Tennessee, even for a politician).

"Secretary Glass, I think you and I share the same opinions on these matters of defense," President Gore said as he looked at his Secretary of Defense, giving him the queue to speak.

"Yes we do, Mister President," Glass said as he looked the British Defense Secretary, Jason. "President Gore will not deny that, of course, that he is at the end of his second and final term as President of the United States. During his presidency he has ensured that Congress has approved funding for all of the branches of the armed forces, most especially the United States Navy. Right now, assuming that we had unequivocal support from the United Kingdom, the United States could deploy a significant amount of armed forces anywhere in the world outside of South Asia and East Africa, and even then we could still send in a powerful force if needed. What the Defense Department is currently concerned about is the specialization of our general forces, as well as our special forces. The Defense Department thinks that, in order to face the growing threats of the twenty-first century, it is imperative that we focus on non-temperate environments. Marines, Navy SEALs, and regular Army soldiers should be able to survive in all kinds of environments," he said.

"I think that our navies can work closely together, but I would really like to see coordination between American and British special forces, as well as British and American Marines. Is that something that you," Glass said collegiately to the British delegation, "would be interested in? If so.... and please, if this is something that you are not interested in we can alternate our plans, but we thought that it would be an interesting major exercise to have the United State Marine Corps and Royal Marines participate in a mock-invasion of Bermuda. Also, it would be interesting to have specialized forces from the Marine Corps participate with the Royal Marines at Gibraltar in a training exercise... I realize that these are both British locations, but they are of interest to the Marine Corps. We could also reciprocate by having similar exercises in the Florida Keys, or Hawaii, or Alaska, or the Pacific," he said, clearly wiling to offer American alternatives.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Jason nodded in agreement to the entire response posed by Secretary Glass "I'm in agreement on everything you've said. We currently have a growing list of deployments to exercise our own strength which sees air assets or naval assets deployed in Asia, the Med and North America. We're hoping to expand on this further but specifically towards Asia given that seems to be where the current climate is. Not unlike yourselves, we've had an increase of funding to our defence budget and are currently undergoing some modernisation in key areas which we consider the Navy and Air Force to be at the forefront of that. This includes new fighter aircraft which you'll see as we introduce our new Typhoon squadron and our intention to upgrade existing airframes such as the Chinook among others. That is something I'd like to discuss, some of the upgrades would involve your own defence sales but if there's a better way or time to bring that up, I'll happily follow through the preferred process you set out.

We can accomodate for any joint exercises in Gibraltar and Berumda for sure. As for other elements, perhaps a joint UK-US Naval Patrol to begin with? Perhaps we ought to start with a small scale complement over a shorter period of time and gradually improve our working relationship during that?" Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

"A joint American-British Naval Patrol could be an excellent opportunity for us to work together. This is just a suggestion, so if you would prefer something else I would be happy to hear it," President Gore said. "Secretary Glass and I have discussed the relevance of Navy's two battleships, which I reactivated during the war with Turkey. He and I both firmly believe that while the role of battleships are much more limited to aiding marine invasions, providing shore cover, or being used to conduct a sustained bombardment in a small area for an extended period of time, battleships have also throughout their history been used for diplomacy. While joint deployments between the United Kingdom and the United States are normally disproportionately American, I think that it could be an interesting if we did the following deployment: the United States Navy deploys a battleship battlegroup, which consists of one battleship, one cruiser, two destroyers, three frigates, and an oiler. The battleship battlegroup could sail in coordination with one of the Royal Navy's carrier groups.

"This would be an interesting scenario where our Navy would have less strike power and could even help escort your carrier. The goal of this mission would be to circumnavigate the world, starting and ending in the English Channel. I understand that this would be an ambitious and logistical operation," President Gore said, "but I think that it would be a good exercise for our forces to work together in a unique and unusual situation," he said.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"That could work, we're intending to see the formation of a new Carrier Strike Group in 2005 with planning taking place on the build up to January. Perhaps that would serve as the opportune time to have it as a Joint UK-US venture. We'll put forward our Carrier with a complement of aircraft including Harriers and Sea Kings. They'd naturally be supported by a couple of our own escorts and accompanied by your battleship group. Our initial intention was to have it patrol in the most active region at the time which based on current happenings, would be Asia. Is January 2005 a suitable timeframe for the US Navy? If so, I'll send the details to the Ministry of Defence and get the formalities rolling.

We currently have the Royal Air Force deployed to Edwards Air Force Base as part of Operation Pacalis which was a result of the tensions with Thailand and then the situation with Canada. At the moment, this also sees a Carrier Group off the coast which will be returning to the UK to conclude its deployment and begin its maintenance routine whilst the new CSG prepares for January as mentioned. The RAF, however, is stationed at Edwards with 12 Typhoons, a couple E3 Sentry's and tankers. Our intention is to keep them stationed there indefinitely with the exception of the E-3s if this is all OK with yourselves?

The only other Operation we have worth mentioning is Medio. It's the deployment we have in Cyprus as a response to the Egyptian Interdiction Zone. Fortunately, we've had no issues since the Egyptians announced it but we remain cautious. I'm not sure if you have any assets still in the area as a result of the Interdiction Zone?" Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

"January 2005 is a suitable start date for the patrol," Secretary Glass said. "The stationing of those Royal Air Force assets at Edwards is perfectly fine with the Department of Defense and the Federal Government. The mutual stationing of assets and troops in each other's countries has been beneficial for both of us. As long as our armed forces are working together, we will be able to face any military difficulties that come in the future.

"In regard to Cyprus, we no longer have any naval forces stationed in the area. I think that the international presence in the area, including the British presence, was an excellent deterrent to any further aggression from the Egyptians. If they start to act up again, we would be happy to deploy some Navy destroyers or Coast Guard cutters to conduct some freedom of navigation deployments - this is something that we could do together, if it were ever needed," the Secretary concluded.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Fantastic, I'll ensure everything is in place ready for the patrol and we'll certainly keep it in mind for Cyprus. We'll be continuing to retain a presence indefinitely. The only other topic I was intending to mention was procurement but it's not something concrete from our side in terms of interest so I won't waste any time on it. Unless there's anything else defence-related you'd like to raise then I think we can call it there." responded Jason, still prepared to discuss defence if his US counterpart had anything to mention. If that wasn't the case, the Prime Minister checked his watch before speaking "I don't have anything else to bring up myself either but I'm conscious about the timing given your next visit, is there anything else you'd like to discuss in general?" he'd ask.

At this point, Prince Charles was already nearby ready for him to depart Buckingham Palace with the President for their visit to Neist Point for the afternoon, something that both parties would be made aware of by a Courtier who entered the conference room where the discussions were taking place. Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

"There is one more thing that I want to bring up," President Gore said. "We don't have to iron out the details today, but I think it is imperative that the greater powers of the world gather and discuss the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and strategic weaponry. I have spoken to the Russian President about this, briefly, and he has agreed that it would be worth sitting down and discussing. I would like to include the government of any nation which has the ability to produce strategic weapons, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as vehicles that can launch them such as mobile platforms or submarines. I strongly believe that the nations of the world who can produce these weapons should pledge to not export strategic weapons, or platforms, to other countries. An example of a worst-case scenario would be an American-made submarine owned by some third-world country which launches an American-made ICBM at Russia, or China, or the United Kingdom, and then at first glance it looks like the United States has launched an attack on one of those countries...

"I know that it is in the strategic interest of all of our countries to guard against that from happening. The United States," he said, not speaking for himself anymore, "will hold a summit in Washington to discuss this in 2005. Hopefully the summit will bring forth a treaty that we can all sign and ratify... I hope that this is something that the United Kingdom would be interested in, and could use its influence to bring others to the table? While I wont be President anymore, I can assure you all that this is a subject matter that any American President, from any party, would be in alignment with," he said.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary nodded simultaneously, Lawrence writing something down on his notepad "That would be no problem, we'll definitely attend. As soon as your government know a more concrete time in the year when it'll occur, please let us know and we can book it in fully. It may be an argument to bring Thailand into the mix. Slightly unorthodox given their lack of manufacturing of such weapons but it's no secret that the scale of their progression and their continued outputs have led them to be ranked above the once-greats of Russia and China. Having them on-board to focus on preventing conflict could be valuable and maybe, a positive step forward for relations too." Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

"Well gentlemen, I think that this was a very productive conversation. Thank you for your time, and hosting us," President Gore said, if there was nothing else to add. "By the way, Prime Minister... while I don't know who will win the election in November, I imagine that they would be happy to have the British Prime Minister present for their swearing in at the Capitol in January of 2025. I will see to it that you are invited, if you wish to come. It would not be anything along the lines of a formal state visit, just a one or two day trip where you could stay in Washington and maybe have a brief opportunity to meet the next President... Think about it," he said sincerely.

If there was nothing else to discuss, the Americans present would shake hands with their British counterparts. President Gore would meet up with Prince Charles.

As previously discussed, a C-17 landed at RAF Lossiemouth. On board of the aircraft was the primary vehicles and personnel of the President's motorcade as well as a limited number of special officers from the Secret Service and a handful of Air Force personnel. The limousines were unloaded and checked by the Secret Service in advance. Then (as previously requested) the Scottish Police would escort the motorcade to Portree Helipad in Scotland to await the arrival of President Gore. From there, the motorcade would take the President and any guests to Neist Point Lighthouse.

President Gore would meet up with Prince Charles and they would shake hands once again.

"Your Royal Highness," the President said as they greeted each other, "would you like to join me on Marine One for the trip to Scotland? I figured it might be easier if you and I travelled together, and if I had some good company," he said, unsure if British security would allow it.

If it would be permissible, Marine One, Marine Two, and Marine Three would have the proper amount of fuel and all pre-flight checks performed before the pilots and crew manned the aircraft and prepared them to take off. The President and Prince Charles would be escorted onto Marine One. President Gore would give Prince Charles a brief tour before they buckled in. The President would open a secret refrigerator behind one of the seats and pull out a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. He would pour himself a small glass of the scotch and offer a glass to Prince Charles as well.

"Are there any domestic initiatives that you have taken the lead on, as Prince of Wales? I have been told that you are quite the environmentalist," Gore said, himself an environmentalist. The flight of American helicopters would fly at the appropriate cruising speed and altitude to Portree Helipad in Scotland where the President's motorcade and the Secret Service were already waiting. They would, at all times, maintain contact with the Royal Air Force and the appropriate civilian ATC, while flying within the bounds and rules of British aviation standards and laws.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Lawrence nodded with a smile as he extended his hand to shake the President "I'll be there without a doubt." he confidently spoke, already having made up his mind. "It's been a pleasure to see you all. I'll be at RAF Coningsby tomorrow so I shall see you then before your departure home." he concluded as the Defence and Foreign Affairs secretary shook their hands and exited the room to go their separate ways. Meanwhile, Prince Charles nodded "Oh, yes. I'd never turn down the opportunity to be on Marine One" he spoke, "These will have to come too, unfortunately.." he added in jest, referring to the two security officers behind him. Already, motions were underway to have members of the Diplomatic Protection Group at Neist Point Lighthouse with former Prime Minister Andrew Evans already there.

Charles didn't hold back on accepting the glass of scotch "I've always been a keen lover of scotch... did you know, I'm the patron for the Scotch Whisky Association" he duly informed the President before reverting to the question that was actually asked of him "I have some planned but as of recently, I have had my focus on a Sustainable Markets Initiative. I am looking to encourage businesses to adopt sustainability and to invest in green technologies. I suspect it'll be frowned upon as many don't see the importance of it, but we ought to be prioritising sustainability and addressing it through innovation." he spoke softly, yet confident by his words. Looking around Marine One with a slight chuckle "Good job these are environmentally friendly helicopters." Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

The Secret Service spoke to the President, privately, and raised objections to allowing British security to join the flight on Marine One - armed foreign security was never allowed onto any flight that the President was on. President Gore told the Secret Service that they would have to make an exception to this policy this one time. The Secret Service had no choice but to acquiesce.

Gore chuckled when Prince Charles said that he was the patron of the Scotch Whiskey Association, "Now that is a title that I wouldn't mind having." Gore raised his glass and offered a brief toast, "To the patron of the Scotch Whiskey Association," he said, and then took a sip.

"I have not gotten to address as many environmental concerns as I would have liked, during my presidency. I still have some time left, but I hope that I can convince the next man to fill that role... Sustainability through innovation is the absolute best that we can hope for, you are noble for pursuing that initiative," Gore said, unintendedly making a pun. The flight to Portree Helipad in Scotland was uneventful, but beautiful. Marine Two and Three would fly to RAF Lossiemouth to refuel. Marine One would be refueled on the ground while at the helipad. Armed officers from the Secret Service would stay with Marine One and guard it while President Gore and Prince Charles entered the President's motorcade which brought them close to Neist Point Lighthouse.

President Gore was taken aback as they approached the scenic outlook. "Now this is just magnificent," he said. He remembered former Prime Minister Andrew Evans "gifting" the lighthouse to the American Presidency. He was not sure what the actual legal status of that gift was, or if it was symbolic, but he quietly imagined the lighthouse being used as a meeting place in the future for some important diplomatic summit involving an American President and the British Prime Minister, or perhaps it would be used as a neutral location for an American President to meet another head-of-state who America didn't have the best relations with (but wanted to take steps to improve them). Or, perhaps, it could also serve as a wonderful place for a former President to visit and clear his mind. Regardless of the legality or symbolism of the gift itself, Gore was still reminded of how much it meant to him at the time and how happy he was to be here now. Perhaps the only other person that would be as excited as him would be Vice President Sinclair who lives in a lighthouse in Maine.

The President's motorcade came to an abrupt stop. The Secret Service looked confused, and one of the senior agents looked back and spoke to Gore.

"Mister President, we're going to have to go back," the agent said, seriously.
"Why, what's going on?" Gore asked, almost sounded outraged.
"Someone overlooked.... well.... the road does not go all of the way to the lighthouse, it will be a little over a half mile hike to get there," the agent said.

The President looked at the agent, and then looked at Charles. Gore raised his eyebrows and waited to see if Charles had any reservations, "I'm wearing my good shoes but... I think I could go for a short hike, what about you, sir?" Gore asked Charles.

If Prince Charles was up to it, they would depart the motorcade. Gore took off his tie and left it, along with his suit jacket, in the limousine. He put on a dark blue windbreaker over his shirt which had the seal of the president embroidered over his left breast. One of the agents quietly spoke into his radio which was embedded in the sleave his shirt, "Phoenix and Unicorn are on foot, proceeding forward to the destination."

President Gore brought his black walking cane with him. Since he had been shot, Gore still had some occasional back pain, but he was feeling euphoric at the moment. Since Prince Charles was older, Gore would match his pace and keep some friendly conversation. Charles could probably tell that Gore had not had the opportunity to spend much time in the great outdoors. Agents from the Secret Service hiked 100 or 200 feet ahead, and 100 or 200 feet behind the President and Prince Charles to give them some room while they walked to the lighthouse. Meanwhile, someone in the CIA or Secret Service back in Washington was preparing to either resign, get fired, or be demoted for failing to realize that the road did not go all of the way to the lighthouse.

The half mile hike was stunning, at least to Gore. The President would not shut up about lighthouses. He spoke about Vice President Sinclair's lighthouse in Maine, which he had spent a couple of nights at, as well as the United State Lighthouse Service which he had restored at the start of his presidency. As they approached the lighthouse, Gore mentioned to Charles that he admired the United Kingdom for preserving their beacons and keeping them as aides to navigation, and that Trinity House and the Northern Lighthouse Board were good examples of how a country should maintain their lights. "If a solar flare, or war, ever made us loose navigation - or even a bad storm in a region - we can always rely on our lighthouses," Gore told the Prince passionately.

 

[Jamie]

"Mhm... it's the best title I hold" laughed Charles before attention continued on the environment "The environment is something we take for granted, I am sure over time it will become talked about more. It doesn't take Presidency to address them" he smiled reassuringly before looking out the window "Oh, that was quick" he quipped at the end before transferring to the motorcade with the President. After coming to a complete stop, the Prince couldn't help but chuckle "I forget you are used to having roads everywhere, but I am prepared" he spoke, indicating to his shoes that although for presentation, are perfectly suitable for hiking "The walk is the best part" he enthusiastically spoke, leaving the vehicle and looking to the President.

Although slower than the President, it was a choice. Prince Charles enjoyed the slow strolls and to take in and enjoy his surroundings. This was no different. Security was always a big risk but it wasn't as public as the American system. It was likely that aside from the two officers not far behind Charles and the President who came on Marine One, they weren't aware of anyone else. However, at some distance, numbers of Diplomatic Protection Group officers observed, scattered around. All armed and simply in the distance but capable of moving in swiftly. There was two exceptions, civilian-attired officers walked ahead of the path; just a bit further then the secret service. Another two officers were concealing arms but sat on the grass further up.

"Perhaps after the election, you ought to move into this lighthouse" the Prince chuckled, referring to the amount of information the President knows about the lighthouses of the UK, but he did take in the information and expressed his interest in what was been said. At the end of the path stood the Neist Point Lighthouse, at the entrance was a familiar figure. Not in a suit or anything formal, but hiking gear. Former Prime Minister Andrew Evans stepped closer "Your Royal Highness" he led a small bow, "Mr President" he smiled between the pair, having spent time with them both before "How are you?... I did wonder if you'd make it".

Charles couldn't help himself before quickly responding, not giving the President a chance "He did slow me down some." Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

President Gore looked at Prince Charles when he suggested that he move into the lighthouse after he leaves office. For a solid five or six seconds, the President contemplated if that was genuine offer or not, and then he remembered that the British had a famously dry sense of humor.

"Ha," the President retorted, not trying to sound disappointed that Charles was just making small-talk, "I don't think that Misses Gore would feel the same way as me," he said, since his wife was now adays more of a city slicker.

President Gore laughed at what Charles said, and then responded, "And you both are underdressed!" followed by a laugh. His $800 leather shoes were likely ruined, but he did not care at all. Gore approached Evans and shook his hand, and then leaned in to give him a half-hug and pat him on the back - a very American greeting typical of a man from the American South to another man that he is friends with (including Tennessee where Gore was from).

"We wrapped up our discussions in London - I am so happy that we were able to make this work and to meet here. It feels like it was just yesterday when you were at the White House and we were exchanging gifts and..." he said, as he looked around, "your gift was much better than mine. It's wonderful to see you Andrew, truly. How are you, how is the family?... Look, I have to ask - if you don't mind," Gore said as he looked to Prince Charles, "but could we go up, into the lantern room? I just... I have to see it," Gore said honestly.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"The trick is to invite Misses Gore on holiday to the lighthouse ... but bring everything with you and lock her in the lantern room." he responded sharpish during their pleasant walk up. "Oh you are correct, we are very undressed. We stubbornly, dress for the occasion. How are your shoes" Charles asked rhetorically, the former Prime Minister laughed before nodding "It's good to see you too, friend. We're doing great, when I heard you were visiting, I had an inclination you'd be keen on visiting here. How is everything on your side? I was going to ask how you are feeling about the election but perhaps that's for a phone call, we can leave the politics out of this visit and just enjoy it."

Charles looked to the President, a gentle smile forming on his face "It's your lighthouse, would we be invited to see it with you? We'll give you a head start to get up the steps" he joked again, beginning to make his journey up with Andrew and Gore. Truthfully, Charles was there just for the walk and engagement with the President. He didn't mind what they did or what the President wanted to do. Been out in nature was sufficient and satisfying enough. Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

"I'm well, thank you for asking. So is my family and my friends, we're just counting down the days until I'm out of office now... The election will be interesting," Gore said, not adding anything else.

President Gore had no idea what the floorplan of the lighthouse and its keeper's quarters were, but he led the trio through a series of rooms until they found the tower itself. They ascended a white, winding stairway; the President took the lead.

"Before this lighthouse was electrified, it was like all of the others. The lamp at the top had a Fresnel lens - the best of which in the world were manufactured in Great Britain - and the light itself was illuminated with kerosene. The keepers, who had the nickname of 'wickies' in the United States, would have to carry canisters of kerosene up these stairs to refuel the lamp multiple times a day," Gore said as they made their way to the top. The President was excited, but made sure to take his time so that Charles didn't feel like he had to rush up the steep stairs to the top with the two younger men.

Once he made it to the top, Gore made room for the other two men and admired the view of the sea before them. After a few moments, he said, "The Fresnel lens use to be here, where the modern light is now. It was probably six to eight feet tall. It was made of a series of glass plates that were lined up to make an egg-shape, with the light in the middle. The lens was precisely made so that, of course, a powerful beam of light could be shot out for miles, or even to the horizon. This lighthouse was first lit in 1909, almost 100 years ago. It has guided countless fishermen, pleasure craft, and warships to safety... At Yale, in one of the entry level political science classes I took, we were taught what a 'Public Good' is. A public good is something that costs a person nothing to use, and it has virtually no requirements. We were told that a lighthouse is the purest example of a public good. It doesn't matter if you're a commoner, or... the Prince of Wales. It doesn't matter if you're a Cunard-class ocean liner or a two-man fishing vessel, it doesn't matter if you're a millionaire or someone who has no money in his pockets.... Anyone, and everyone, can use a lighthouse for safe navigation. There is no payment or subscription required, it simply exists for the benefit of the public.

"I think that, in part, is what makes it a symbol of hope," Gore said. "Lighthouses are here to help everyone; and maybe during a harrowing storm, when all seems lost, the captain of a ship can see a flash of light that he recognizes to be a nearby lighthouse on his navigation charts, and that is when he realizes that he's only a mile from shore and that soon he will be in a safe harbor. While we live in a world where people try to demonize everything in the past, I will be damned if anyone can say anything negative about lighthouses. They are here, exclusively, to further the survival of mankind," he said, and then stopped his monologue, realizing he was probably embarrassing himself.

"That's quite a view, isn't it?" he asked. Gore took out a small disposable camera and snapped several pictures of the view and the surrounding area. After a few minutes of being up there, once the men had their fill, they would likely retire to the keeper's quarters. Gore could only imagine that they would have tea, or something along those lines.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Andrew nodded, having an answer from Gore regarding an election, the pair could now opt to cast politics aside and just enjoy the moment. Evans directly behind Prince Charles, the three made their way through the lighthouse. Charles interjected at one of the facts presented by Gore "If I remember correctly, we still have around 60 light houses that still have a Fresnel lens today..." there was a pause for dramatic effect "That's all I have." he laughed before the trio made it to the top. Charles and Andrew took the moment to really look out and observe the landscape on which it sat. Although the Presidents fascination with lighthouses was surprising to Charles, his passion and excitement for it was refreshing "An old friend of mine volunteers for the Association of Lighthouse Keepers. Perhaps I could put you in touch with him and you could be a guest speaker for one of their sessions. You'll definitely be in your element, Mr President." Charles offered.

"Let's have a drink, shall we?" Andrew perked up after a few minutes of enjoying the sight, wondering if Gore would lead the way to the facilities available and were grateful to have such an opportunity. Time was getting on and it wouldn't be long until it was time to move on. However, the plans from London had changed. Due to some maintenance issues at Coningsby, it was decided that a full 12-squadron of Typhoons would carry out a flypast over Buckingham Palace as a symbol of them becoming operational and some members of the Squadron would be on the ground at the Palace to commemorate this. Gore's family and advisors were informed. Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

President Gore walked through the rest of the lighthouse and the keepers quarters with Andrew and Charles, taking in some of the scenic views from the windows and just exploring the facilities as he made a guess at some of the purposes of the different rooms (some of which were used for fuel storage while most of them were living quarters). They finally had the opportunity to sit down for tea to talk a while longer about anything other than politics. Gore was approaching sixty years old and, other than some of his passions for environmentalism, he was growing tired of politics. While it had been the honor of a lifetime to be the president, he felt that he had served his country to the best of his abilities and that he had left his country in a better condition then when he was first elected Vice President under Clinton.

After a wonderful time of catching up with Mister Evans and enjoying the company of Prince Charles, Gore would invite Charles to return with him back to Buckingham Palace, in a similar manner into which they got there, for the Gore family's final night in London.

Jamie