Earth

[Ashley Walker]

Ashley wasn't exactly sure when she had last been on Earth, and even longer since she had been in London. She knew that date. The day she left Buckingham Palace for Starfleet Academy.

Sighing Ashley rolled out of bed. The chamber maid was standing esger to assist.

" Good morning mistress."

Ashley swung her feet to the ancient floor and yawned. "Good morning. "

"The Queen has requested that you join them for breakfast today m'lady."

Ashley groaned, and rubbed the cobwebs from her eyes. She stood, absently adjusted her shorts straight. She ran her fingers through the tangles on her head.

"Can I suggest the yellow sundress?"

Ashley frowned. She would have preferred to just go down as is, or walk in wearing one of her old Starfleet uniforms. Anything to annoy her pompous family. With resignation she nodded unenthusiastically.

An hour later hair primped, makeup smeared on her face she appeared in the dining room for the Royal breakfast which presented a dozen faces. Some familiar, and more were strangers

She forced a smile, and curtsied. "Sorry I'm late."

[Marissa Windsor]

"Oh quite alright." Marissa said with a smile as she put a few padds she was looking at aside. "We're still waiting for your brother and they burnt the bacon." she said with a slight frown. "Well you look lovely this morning dear... let me introduce our guests. This is Duke Nile of Essex, he will be helping with our military build up. Admiral Liam O'Connell of our newly revamped Royal Navy. Lady Eleanor who will be working with our press corps and these fine black suited specimens are our new security detail. I already have dibs on Harrison, the tall one." she said with a smirk. "They'll be assigned to you and George, I do not want you going out in public without one of them in tow. Oh and do try to stay made up... we have an interview with the Times this afternoon." she handed her a padd. "And... I have decided to let Governor Underwood and Councilwoman Porter attend the coronation ceremony as your guests. Considering try as I might, you have no real friends here and they are the closest you have, so lovely of them to visit you. Wouldn't do for you to be standing there with your brother alone, when he'll have some of his friends with him. At least you finally made friends of status."

[Ashley Walker]

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course your majesty" she replied. ~Still a complete bitch I see,~ she thought to herself.

She took a seat smoothing out her skirts. This was exactly why she hadn't been home since she was eighteen. How George managed was beyond her. "So, Duke of Essex, did my loving sister manage to tell you about what a freak I am, your grace?" It was said so matter of factly, and with a tone it could have been a compliment of his tie.

[Marissa Windsor]

"Ashley!" Marissa exclaimed and sighed.

"As a matter of fact Princess... she has. I am quite amazed that such a talent exists in this family, it is my understanding people with your abilities are quite intelligent and capable." Niles said with a sideways glance to Marissa. "The Crown would do well have to someone like you as a part of it. At least that is my humble opinion." he leaned over and whispered. "Pity it doesn't exist in the rest of your family." he said with a smirk.

Marissa rolled her eyes and shot Niles an icy glare but took a sip of her Mimosa and shook her head. "Anyway... yes. And I do not like that word used about a royal. You are not a freak Ashley. I would kindly like you to stop referring to yourself as one and putting words in my mouth. Even if they did once escape these lips. Past is past dear sister."

[Ashley Walker]

Ashley smiled sweetly, "So, that's what we're calling it now? I'm sorry I wasn't sure."

[Marissa Windsor]

"Oh let's just be civil for one meal shall we?" Marissa said with a perky tone of voice. "Besides, if something horrible happens, you ARE next in line. And I do worry about you dear."

[Ashley Walker]

"You shouldn't say that," Ashley replied. "I want it even less than George wants it. I suggest you hurry up and get in the family way before one of your flemsy allies decide you're more trouble than you are worth."

[Marissa Windsor]

"Well the way the law is written my heirs would still need to be at least 16. Think you can hold out that long dear?" Marissa said with a smirk. "And it is not as if I haven't tried sister. I could say the same of you... you had more boyfriends than I did once. You were the nice one." she shrugged her shoulders. "Speaking of, whatever happened to that chap you fancied before you left us to go play explorer with Starfleet?"

[Ashley Walker]

"Dead. He ran afoul of Tiberius," Ashley replied coldly. "And I don't need an heir. You do."

[Marissa Windsor]

"Well, then I guess I need to find myself a suitable mate." Marissa said and looked at those gathered. "Remember gentlemen I am single and picky."

Those around the table politely laughed and nodded their heads. "Although she has a point... you do need to find a spouse and produce an heir, otherwise... it will fall to your siblings. This monarchy is still pretty shaky given that we haven't been sovereign in over 200 years."

"It's a new world." Marissa said. "And if Earth could handle an Emperor and an Empress, it can handle a Queen."