These Very Disunited States

[lightninglynx89]

Chapter 1: A Home Away From Home

Morning of April 10th, 1861, Washington D.C.

In a pristine room sat a simple man. Simple, would actually not describe this man. He was in a place of high power. He had just been placed in his seat of power, and he was probably the one in that position with the most on his plate. None of his predecessors who sat in his chair had to deal with this situation. He was currently sifting through documents, and drinking every so often fromhis cup of personal whisky. He never usually did this, but the past few days had taken stress on the man in the chair. He took a side glance to an attendant placing more wood in the fireplace. Anything at this point to take his mind off what was happening. He heard a knock on the door to his spotless office, and watched as the attendant scurried off to the door to answer. When sheopened the door a man in a crisp and clean blue and gold uniform walked through the door. His aged face adorned with a white hair, with bits of color on the sides, along with equally white facial hair. A simple salute was given before the man sat down in a chair across from the one behind the desk.

“Mr. President.” The white haired man said to the now identified president. The president put the papers he had in his hands and neatly stacked them off to the side.

“General Lee, it is safe to assume that ourarmy is in top condition?” The president asked to the now identified General Lee.

“It is. Though if I may say this Mr. President, is it absolutely necessary we go to war? Most of these men have never seen the carnage that war holds. They may know how toshoot a gun, but it does not mean they are fit for war.” The white haired general said to the president.

“Are you doubting your own soldiers? I don’t think a general of any army should be doing that.” The president said with a sly smirk.

“I do not doubttheir full capabilities Mr. President, but who knows what will happen once these men step foot on the battlefield. Plus I fear a war with our brothers will only further cement our differencesif we do go to war.” Lee told his leader. He did have heavy doubts with the conflict nearing the horizon. Before either of the two men could continue a figure was seen with a very high forehead, and the remaining hair on his head was fairly wavy.

“Sorry,if I’m interrupting anything gentlemen.” The man said as he took a seat next to General Lee.

“Robert.” The man said with a grin on his face whilst also extending his hand.

“Joseph.” Lee said as he took the man’s hand into a firm handshake.

“Ah, the oldmilitary grip. Quite the strong one you have on you. Tell me again how many poor young girl’s hands you broke. Whilst they awaited your return home as a war hero.” Joseph joked as he looked at the white haired general.

Lee himself couldn’t help but laugh. “Not that many Joseph. I would’ve expected your handshake to be much firmer with all that time you spent governing the Oregon Territory.” Lee jabbed back at the man sat next to him.

“Robertyou slay me.” Joseph said placing a hand dramatically over his heart. “I would have stronger hands had I not been sat in my office all day and dealing with Indian problems.” He chuckled back.A short cough brought the two men’s banter to an end. Joseph quickly extended a hand to the President. “John.” He said plainly.

“Mr. Lane.” The president replied as he took the man’s hand toshake it.

“Come on now John, how long have we known each other? You can drop the surnames.” Joseph Lane said with a smile.

“Iwish I could Mr. Lane, but as president I have to keep an air of profession among our peers. And as my Vice President, I hope you do the same as well. At least in a public.” John said back toLane.

“Well then, Mr. Breckinridge, how is the president feeling today?” Lane asked with a smile.

“Well besides the few gray hairs my wife said she saw already growing, not so good. I’m either going to be the first president to go to war with his own brothers, or be involved in very long talks with them.” Breckinridge said back to Lane.

“At least with the war option we are assured a victory.” Lane said with a smile, earning a queer glance from both Lee and Breckinridge. “You both look at me like I’m mad.” Lane exclaimed.

“I have no doubt we can win Joseph, it’s just the matter of time we win. The secessionist have a greater industrial base, and has a greater manpower base then we do.” Lee replied to Lane.

“Which is why we end the war quickly. If we knock the Yanks out of the fight from the gate, we win. It’ll take time for them to actually build an effective navy, and how long can they pull the common city folk, give them a gun and a uniform, and then send them off to war.” Lane countered.

Breckinridgemeanwhile was simply observing what he heard between the two men, taking anything said and saving it for later. Before he inserted himself into the conversation his Secretary of State marchedinto the office. The three men’s attention quickly shifted to the new comer.

“Mr. Breckinridge, I’m sorry for interrupting your meeting, but something has happened.” The secretary said to his president. All three men were expecting the worst. Lee and Breckinridge sharing glances at one another.

“Well Mr. Davis, out with it then.” Breckinridge demanded softly.

“The secessionist Mr. Breckinridge, they’re gone.” Davis said unsure even to himself.

“What?” Breckinridge questioned.

“The forces in Wilmington, reports are coming in that the North is gone. The city of Philadelphia isn’t there. What else is strange, is that the terrain north of Wilmington is also different it's all so strange.” Davis replied.

“What do you mean it’s all gone and stange Jefferson?” Lee asked, disbelieving just as much as Breckinridge was.

“It’s gone, all gone, the North is all gone, the Yanks no longer exist. We just can’t explain it. You’ll have to see it yourself sir.” Davis said to the three men in the office. Lee quicklystood up to follow Davis out of the office. With Lane followingsuit. Breckinridge however simply sat there trying to soak the information he was given. He was just as curious and worried as the others, but he chose to hide it. A President had to look andstay strong for his people. He finally lifted himself off his chair and followed the three men who had left the office.

So yeah... I'm making this. Go ahead and read if you want. Make fun of my writing or how stupid this is. Because this scenario is very, very, very ridiculous. Also points to people who can guess what is going on.

[lightninglynx89]

Chapter 2: Settling In


Mid Day of April 11th, 1861, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


By mid day the city of Philadelphia was in a bustle, but not in the downtown area for any large events. Or even the large rush of workers off to their factory jobs. The building of Independence Hall was the center of the highest activity in Philadelphia and the newly founded Republic States of America.


In Independence Hall the sounds of politicians and political leaders could be heard marching and moving quickly through the small historic building. At the head of the Assembly Room sat the young Republic’s first president. None other than John C. Fremont, leader of the Republican Party and now president of the Republic. His shaggy brown beard having a few more strands of grey since his earlier nomination in 1856. To his left sat his Secretary of State. A tall man, with wavy black hair, and large ears. Abraham Lincoln.


The duo had been working nearly around the clock since their notification of the current situation at hand, the United States of America was gone. What didn’t help the situation was also apparently the nation of Canada was missing as well, and to make matters even more strange was the areas bordering their nation were vastly different as well. Apparently a large jungle had seemingly grown overnight and now bordered their nation. It was indeed strange.


“Never expected this to happen during your term now did you John?” Came the wise voice of Lincoln beside him.


“I never did, but I guess it’s better than preparing for a war against the Union.” John said a bit disbelievingly. He let out a huge sigh before continuing, “I could never imagine a war with them Abraham.”


Lincoln put his papers down to take a sip of water before asking, “Well now that we’ve avoided war. How do you think the war would have gone John?” Lincoln inquired before returning to his paperwork.


“In my honest opinion… there were too many variables.” Fremont said tiredly. “Think about it Abraham. They had a professionally trained army, the best generals the US had to offer, and a full fledged navy under its command. It would’ve been a short war.” Fremont said honestly looking Abraham.


“But, we could’ve dragged it out given the time. We may have been able to drag the war out long enough for a simple stalemate. Our population per the census was larger than there’s, and given enough time our industry would’ve kicked in and we may have even had a navy to help relieve some pressure from a potential blockade. But, that’s just wishful thinking.” Fremont finished before getting back to work.


“Well luckily we avoided said conflict John, and our focus is needed elsewhere. I feel like we won’t be heading anywhere anytime soon.” Lincoln told the bearded president.


“What makes you say that Abraham?” Fremont asked his Secretary of State.


“Think about this John, the Great Lakes may have came with us to this strange land, but the United States and Canada are gone. As is Kansas and the rest of the territories to the west. Who’s to say that Mexico and South America are gone. Who knows? Maybe even the rest of the world.” Abraham inquired.


“Who’d you hear the rest of that from Abraham?”


“If you open your ears John, you are able to hear quite a lot. As president you should always keep an open ear.” Abraham told his president smiling. “I heard this from the scholars and professors in the other rooms. Some say it’s the work of science, and others are even throwing out that god has something to do with this. People are just looking for an explanation, to put their minds at ease.”


Before Fremont could continue his response his Vice President was seen walking into the room summoning him. “Yes William?” Fremont asked.


“John there is an urgent telegram coming in from New York. Apparently reports of large animals in the water.” William said fixing his combed white hair.


“Well what are they describing these strange animals like William?”


“Uh, large turtles sir.” William explained unsure of even the description he was given. Fremont gave a look disbelief.


“Large turtles? How big William?” Fremont asked his Vice President.


“From what they’ve described sir, very big, about the size of a horse carriage.” William said seriously. Fremont’s expression of disbelief quickly shifted as he lifted himself out of his chair.


“Mr. Seward, as your president, I order you to take me to the telegram, I need to speak with those transmitting at once.” Fremont ordered.


“Yes, Mr. Fremont, this way.” Seward said quickly as he led Fremont out of the Assembly Hall and into the next room.


Lincoln was the only one left at the head table in the Assembly Room, still going through his papers thoroughly. He took a few glances over at Fremont’s stack of paperwork. After a few seconds on contemplation he took the stack of papers and it to his own. ‘He could use a bit of a break. I’m sure he will not mind.’ Lincoln thought.

“I miss Kentucky, things were much simpler back there.” Lincoln said to himself, chuckling a bit. It seemed as though the Republic was indeed looking towards a future of settling down.

[lightninglynx89]

Chapter 3: This Very Strange Land


Afternoon. August 11th, 1861, Washington D.C.


It had been exactly three months since the strange moving of the United States of America, most were still looking for an explanation, but many had decided to settle down in this new land they’d call home. In the capital of the United States a new venue had just opened up. A public zoo. Many of those of the public who could afford it made the trek to see the brand new venue in the capital. Most of the enclosures housed many animals that are native to the United States. Such as your Alligators, Black Bears, and even your Opossum. Those animals however, were not grabbing the attention of the attendees. No, it was this strange new animal no one had ever seen. A small pack of five strange looking creatures inhabited a large enclosure. This new creature was what scientist and researchers were called Mare Lupus, or more commonly, the Sea Wolf.


“Mommy look at that animal!” Yelled a small child as she held her mother’s hand. “It looks so weird.” She said to her mother as she caught her attention.


“Well Abigail, we’re in a different place than where we once were. Of course there’d be new animals.” The mother said smiling at her daughter. She turned her focus to her bearded husband holding their son on his shoulders so he could catch a better look of the new animals.


“Pa, they look and act like dogs.” The son said from his perch.


“They do William, but they sure don’t look like dog is the only thing in them.” The father said to his son.


“What do you mean?” The son questioned.


“They look like a whole bunch of other animals in them. Lion with those large whiskers and mane, Boar with that ridge running along its back, and… and… oh!” The father said looking like he was trying to remember something.

“What is it darling?” The wife questioned with her hand still held onto her daughter’s.


“I’m trying to think what else these animals look like, some sort animal from Africa. It also looks like a dog.” The father said to his wife.


“Hyena?” The son added in a questioning tone.


“Ah yes! That’s what it was. A Hyena. I knew you were a smart one my son.” The father said proudly at his son knowledge of the animal. The family of four turned their focus back to the Sea Wolves. They as two of the orange coated creatures splashed in the large artificial lake they were given. The two eventually went into a session of playful wrestling. Two of the animals were resting on a small mound, with one’s head on top of the other. In the center sat the largest one, lazily moving its head back and forth, as if on guard and waiting for trouble to come its way.


In a private section of the observation area sat a painter commissioned by the zoo to paint a picture of the Sea Wolves, and he was near completion. On his side was the sponsor of the zoo, Joseph Henry, and the head of research on the Sea Wolves, Quinten Cornell.


“Now Mr. Cornell where exactly did you find such strange animals?” The white haired Henry asked the researcher.


“Well Mr. Henry, we found these beasts making their home just across the small sea between Delaware and Maryland. They are rather unique animals.” Cornell responded to his boss.


“Yes, not quite a dog and not quite a cat either. And they love the water you said?” Henry inquired further.


“Indeed, they spend about a half their life in the water. It may not look it, but their excellent swimmers as well as brilliant hunters on the land. These animals being called a Sea Wolf fit all too well.” Cornell informed Henry smiling.


“Well I’m sure we’ll find more strange animals in this land, hopefully they’re just as pleasant as these creatures here.” Long said gesturing to the Sea Wolves. “Now, Mr. Cornell, if you had to make a guess, what animal are they most like?” Henry asked.


“From what I’ve gathered, the closest thing they look and act like are a strange crossbreed between a Wolf and a Hyena. But, it does not explain their strange skull shape in comparison to those two species, and their webbed feet and half aquatic lives does not help either. If I could find a dead one and examine its bones, then I could make a fair assessment on it.” Cornell said to the main sponsor of the zoo. Quentin Cornell could only help but focus in on the Sea Wolves even more. These animals were indeed a mystery and he wanted to find out what these beasts were.

‘Maybe a whale of some sorts…’ Cornell thought jokingly to himself, laughing aloud a bit.

1861, Artists' drawing of the Sea Wolf (Mare Lupus) at the Smithsonian Zoo

[lightninglynx89]

Chapter 4: The Geography of This Land


Afternoon, October 24th, 1861, Durham, North Carolina


In one of the many halls at the prestigious Duke University a meeting of current geographers and scientists were currently meeting, to discuss recent findings on the land they currently inhabit. Many in attendance were some of the social elite, the expeditionary crews, and of course scientists. Currently in the front of the room was explorer Errol Reynolds, currently showing a large charts and graphs that were currently held up on many boards.


“Now as you gentlemen can tell from the map as shown here,” Reynolds said whilst using a pointer rod, “that the regions east of the state of Texas are heavily filled with hills and forested landscapes. However beyond that lays a large mountain range, spanning from what we assume is the tip of this section of land, most likely all the way to the south. Again, this is just a theory.” Reynolds finished looking at his peers before continuing.


“Now as you can see by this photo here. There is a mountain that is very distinct from the rest.” Reynolds said before pointing to a picture of a large shield shaped mountain. “From what we can tell, this a shield like mountain, with individual smaller mountains on top of it. From our estimates this mountain is at least 60,000 feet tall.” A deadly silence could be heard from the room as many in the room could not believe what they had just heard.


“Excuse me Mr. Reynolds, but could you repeat that please?” Asked one of the scientists.


“From what our geographers are saying the mountain in question is at least 60,000 feet tall.” Reynolds reiterated.


“Mr. Reynolds I hope you know that sounds absolutely preposterous. The British estimated that Mt. Everest itself was over 25,000 feet.” The detractor said with a bit of a disbelieving laugh.


“Has it ever crossed your mind Mr. Richardson that maybe we’re not on Earth?” Reynolds said irritatedly.


“What are you trying to say Mr. Rey-” Another member in the hall tried to ask another question before Reynolds cut him off.


“What I’m saying is we’re not on Earth, we’re not in a land that’s Earth-like either. We’re in an entirely new world.” Reynolds quickly responded. “Hell, these mountains to our east, they make the Appalachians look like mere toddlers, the Rockies like mere children, and the Himalayas are mere dwarves compared to the titanic mountains.”


“Now Mr. Reynolds these maybe be tall mountains, but this land we’re on is Earth-like is it not?” Another detractor asked.


“That doesn’t matter, we’re not on Earth anymore. Mexico didn’t magically grow leviathan mountains overnight. Nor did the continent of Avinsula, that sits right off the coast of Florida. These shifts in geography take centuries to occur. They didn’t pop up overnight. The sooner we come to accept we’re not on Earth anymore the better.” Reynolds said calmly finishing his rant. It was deadly silent in the room no one wanting to speak. It was not until a bald headed and white haired man spoke.


“Well now Mr. Reynolds, I do believe some credit is given don’t you think. I mean you stumbled upon probably the tallest geographic landscapes in our new… home.” The man said to him. “I believe a reward is in order. So I’ve decided and have the upper echelons of the scientific community, have named the mountain in your honor, and I have the pleasure of giving you this news.” The white haired man smiled. Reynolds was shocked at the news, he had just spent the ending portion of his presentation yelling at his peers, but here he was having the mountain he discovered being named in his honor.


“Well… thank you Mr. Duke. That is very much appreciated.” Reynolds said accepting the man’s hand whom had extended it.


“Mt. Reynolds certainly does have a ring to it, doesn’t it.” Said Duke smiling. “Now, then I believe there is more that needs to be presented today.”

---

Late Evening, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


President Fremont was currently finishing his dinner when he saw the group of officers into and take a seat at the dining table. Fremont had heard the Republican Navy had discovered something big, but he wasn’t quite sure.


“Well, gentleman. You wanted to inform me of something, correct?” Fremont asked as he set down his silverware and whipped his mouth.


“Yes Mr. President. Yesterday morning, the RSS Concord discovered a large island in the ocean to east. We are currently unsure of its size, but it is quite large.” The officer informed Fremont.


“What is the climate of the island gentlemen?” Fremont questioned.


“From what we have seen it’s mainly forests with a small mountain range on it sir.” The officer informed his president.

“Well then, I guess we have more suitable land to colonize and expand, much more favorable than those jungles.” Fremont responded smiling, before going back to eating.

1968 photo of Mt. Reynolds from a United States jet.

[Bfoxius]

Top tier work, LL. I'd like to see some stuff about expeditions and all that jazz being sent into the brave new alien wilderness. It'd be an interesting Lewis and Clark meets Expedition scenario.

[lightninglynx89]

Story to come...