The newspaper arrived the next morning at the Prime Minister's villa.
The article, regarding the death in Windsor DC, was one of the few clippings, along with the sports section, that made it to the Prime Minister's desk. As with every morning, Prime Minister Gregory Mitchell had a briefing at precisely 0800 every day. Today was no different. As the other representatives entered his office, he took up small talk.
"I see our boys brought home the W last night, sir" The intelligence official, Gustavo Malachanko noted.
"Oh yes! Great game! I haven't read the newspaper yet, but I hear the GM will be benching Hamms for the season. That's a damn shame."
As the final ministers filed in, the meeting was able to be called to order.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen! I was not awoken, so I can assume the world did not fall apart" A drowsy chuckle came through the chamber. "So, what's new in the world?"
The various department heads gave their respective briefings. Intelligence matters, foreign policy, and internal affairs were all briefed on.
"Very well. Will that be all?" Mitchell inquired.
"Well sir," Jorge Newman piped up "There was a death in the region recently. One of the members of the royal family of Windsor DC. Clarice Charlotte Rinaldi-Windsor I believe. She's the Queen Mother."
"Oh what a shame! I'll be sure to send our condolences!"
"Well... Sir... there is one more thing..."
"Go on."
"Windsor DC is being rather stringent on details... We aren't exactly sure the circumstances surrounding her death. There is a... possibility... foul play may have been involved. We're looking into it."
"Hmm..." Mitchell pondered the information for a minute. He wasn't sure who'd have it out for the nation. But as a close regional neighbor, unrest or possibly subterfuge could represent a security concern for his nation. He stored the information in the back of his head. "Very well. Thank you. Is that all?"
The room was silent.
"Very well. Thank you all." Mitchell rose, and the department and ministry heads went to begin their daily grinds.
The Commonwealth of Scandigrad
Official Communique
TO: The Royal Family of Windsor DC
FROM: Prime Minister Gregory Mitchell
SUBJ: Condolances
ENCR: FORCA
Your Majesty,
On behalf of the entire nation of Scandigrad, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to your loss. She will not only be missed by the people of Windsor DC, but also The North Pacific as a whole. May she rest in peace.
If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I would be more than happy to oblige.
With deepest sympathy,
Prime Minister Gregory Mitchell
Commonwealth of Scandigrad
Scandigrad City, Scandigrad