Side Chapter: Robert's Reflection
Robert sat on a low crate, watching the camp's hustle as refugees filed into the portal one by one. Captain Scotty's words echoed in his mind. It made sense: the capital of Edinburgh had been devastated, and no one from the government had been located. Since the city fell, no one's heard from the government. The thought settled heavily in his chest.
Snow approached, her turret floating lazily behind her. "You're brooding again," she said, folding her arms. "Care to share?"
Robert sighed. "Scotty's right. We haven't seen anyone in a leadership position. The military's doing what they can, but without orders? It's chaos. It's like… there's no one left to run the show."
Snow raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the plan?"
Robert pushed himself off the crate, brushing the dirt from his coat. "For now, Scotty and his men need a place to regroup. Doras Dagda can give them that. It'll keep them protected, and they'll have a place to figure out what's next."
Snow nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That sounds like you."
As if on cue, Scotty walked over, his expression calm but serious. "Robert, you wanted to see me?"
"Yeah," Robert said, motioning for him to sit. "I've been thinking. I want you and your men to come to Doras Dagda. It's safe, and you'll have everything you need until we can figure out what's happened to the government. I'd also like you to act as an ambassador for Scotland while you're there. You'll keep in touch with whatever's left of the military or civilian leadership, assuming they're out there."
Scotty's eyes widened slightly. "An ambassador?"
Robert smiled softly. "You're already holding things together here. You've earned the trust of your men and the people you've helped. I can't think of anyone better suited."
Scotty leaned back, scratching his chin. "I'll admit, I didn't see that coming. But… you might be right. I'll talk to the men. If they're on board, we'll head through the portal and set up."
"Good," Robert said firmly. "Let me know what you decide."
Before Scotty could respond, Jacob, Jenny, and Jaylee approached. The family looked more rested now, their faces showing traces of hope amidst the exhaustion. Jacob extended a hand. "I guess this is where we say thank you… and goodbye."
Robert shook his hand warmly. "It's not goodbye. You'll be protected on the other side. My people will take care of you."
Jaylee stepped forward, clutching a stuffed animal tightly to her chest. "Thank you, Mister Robert," she said softly. "For everything."
Robert crouched to her level, smiling. "You're very welcome, Jaylee. Take care of your mum and dad for me, okay?"
Jaylee nodded seriously, her tiny hand gripping his for a moment before she turned back to her parents.
Jenny hesitated, glancing at the portal. "It's… strange, isn't it? Stepping into something that looks like a window but isn't?"
Snow stepped in, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "It's magic, Jenny. A new start for you and your family. You'll be okay."
With a final nod, the family stepped into the shimmering portal, appearing directly in Doras Dagda. They turned and waved goodbye. Robert watched them go, his expression thoughtful. Snow nudged him gently. "You did good," she said. "But what's next?"
Robert considered Snow's question, a serious look crossing his face. "Good question. Hey, Scotty?" Scotty jogged lightly over to Robert. "Yeah, whatcha got, boss?" Robert paused subtly at Scotty's deference, wondering why the captain saw him that way. Because you saved thousands of Scots, hero, Moira's voice rang in his head. I gave you a blessing of leadership, and it's grown through your trials here.
Those who receive your spark will see you as their leader, Moira continued. Stay worthy of that trust, and his loyalty will deepen. Treat him well, and he'll become one of Doras Dagda's fiercest warrior mages. Robert stared blankly at Scotty, lost in Moira's words.
Scotty shifted nervously. Glancing at Snow, she shrugged. "He does that sometimes. He's talking to Moira."
Scotty lifted his bushy eyebrows. "Ah, that sexy voice in my head a while back? Taught me how to…" Lacking words, he launched flames from his hands, twin streams like a flamethrower. Snow's eyes gleamed in the firelight, and she smiled softly. "Aye, that's right. She's the one who teaches us to be stronger, to fight corrupted creatures and the Warlock's evil allies."
Scotty blinked at her, intense. "The war—who now? Is that the one behind all this?" Before Snow could answer, Robert snapped back from Moira's voice. "Aye. He's the one who opened the way for the Nuckelavee. Seems he's got a twisted sense of humour, sending folks' worst nightmares and darkest myths at them."
Chaucer scoffed, spitting on the ground. "That's what ye do when ye've no imagination. Steal other people's ideas and try to cash in. Plagiarists. I'd love to shove my sword in their neck."
Robert rested a hand on Chaucer's shoulder to calm him. "Right now, while the Nuck's trapped, I'd like to head back and prep an assault on that portal, with the beast stuck in the canal we made. Scotty, if you've got a satellite phone, bring it. Magic's grand for travel, but long-distance chat? Science still wins there."
"Come with us to get out of this hellhole," Robert added. "Breathe fresh air. Eat good food, and rest. Try reaching out tomorrow."
Scotty nodded sharply. "Yes, sir!" he said out of habit, then jogged off to grab maps, the satellite phone, and set lieutenants in charge. As he returned, a strange buzzing filled the air. Everyone looked up. Drones, silver and white, with a black stylized "E" on their sides, hovered above. The Enclave, it seemed, wanted eyes on Edinburgh.
To everyone's shock, one drone dipped low and dropped a package at Robert. Hamish tackled him behind a table with a loud crash. He had feared a bomb, but it was just a parcel, labelled "For Robert MacCallum." The drone rejoined the others, heading north over the city.