Smoke kept ascending from the damaged buildings. The bodies were still being accounted for as the morning sun was barely arriving. Big Mac stood atop one of the buildings. His dyed mane swaying in the wind. The sun was beautiful, he’d think. Even though there could’ve been beauty, if they’d have done their job right.

He trotted forward, observing what was below. Where the countless bodies of the resistance fighters were being lined up, covered in tarps. He’d seen their faces, it made his stomach revolt every time he thought of them. All he could do then was sit on his belly and look out into the sky.  He briefly gazed over his sniper rifle, and instantly he felt as if he had died a little inside. It only made him imagine that both his rifle and his alias didn’t exist in the first place. But he knew that that would be futile nonetheless.

The last time he remembered not having to see that rifle was when he went home after the badlands incident. It felt great to not have to have it by his side at the moment. His sister was happy too, remembering her gallop over to him and hug him greatly to the point of actually knocking him to the ground. She’d plant a solid kiss on his lips, making his heart… “Grrrr!”

He felt happy then, even though the sight of that only made him feel more pain than ever. It had been a long while since… since…

“Since the Marriage was canceled?”

He turned around, finding that Maribelle was there. Leaning against her katana. He only looked back at the ground below, sulking. He then found Maribelle sitting right next to him.

“I’ve already told you that it was in the past, Big Mac.” she said softly.

“’Ah know.” he said. “It just popped in out of-”

Maribelle was leaning her head up to the sky. “I get it. Had to bring it up in front of Ivan, right?

Big Mac sighed. “Eeyup.”

She clasped to fingers together. “I knew it. I think it’s best that he doesn’t know what happened you two. Or he’ll end up hating you even more… I think.”

“Eeyup.”

“Hmm, and poor Applejack too.” Maribelle added. “Must’ve devastated her when she made that choice.”

He nodded.

“Yeah.” Maribelle frowned. “You really don’t know what to do, don’t you?”

He was quiet.

“Don’t worry, down the line, you’ll figure something out.”

“It seems likely though.”

“Hmm?”

He pointed his hoof at the bodies “Those people, Ivan and his friend are working with them.”

Maribelle frowned. “And that scares you?”

“Eeyup.”

Maribelle gripped the scabbard of her katana.

“You two don’t have to worry about that, either.” They found Pierre standing there, with one of his hands in his pocket. Holding a cigarette in the other. “We all know Ivan very well. He wouldn’t join a cause, even if it bit him in le cul.”

Their heads tilted.

He rolled his eyes. “Ugh, in his ass.”

“Oh~!” they’d say.

“Hmm, Ivan probably split with ‘ze ALM once they left. So we simply have another chance.”

“Still though.” Pierre would find Marianne behind him. “The ALM is a very persistent group. Which is why we have to be quick, and careful.”

“I do not want to cause more damage than I already have.” Now Trevor was joining them also. “So expect for this chase to be a difficult one.”

“Got it.” said the others.

But Big Mac was quiet.

“Uh, Big Mac.” Marianne whispered aggressively. “G-”

“Don’t worry about it, Marianne.” Trevor assured. “He doesn’t have to.”

He walked towards him. Big Mac looked back up at him, his height, combined with his demeanor, and his way of speaking made him want to curl up into a ball.

“But I expect to see you up and running again. I never guaranteed that this would be a quick and easy job. Understand?”

With a little hesitance, he nodded.

“Good.” He then smiled. “Now get up, we still have work to do.”

“Uh… E-Eeyup.” He got on his four legs.

Marianne too smiled. “Great, now then, let’s get going.”

They were about to leave when… “Hold on.”

They all stopped to pay attention.

He took a deep breath. “You’ve all been with me for a long while now…. By now, I hope you all know what my organization does.”

Marianne would comment on this also. “We do, sir.”

“Good,” He began to walk past them. “Now let’s get going.”

“Yes sir.” They’d respond in unison.

The four were quiet for a bit. But Pierre would be the first to speak up. “Let’s just hope that we don’t take part what they do. Once this hunt is over.”

Marianne grimaced at this. “Hopefully.”

The two began to walk towards the stairs. Leaving Big Mac and Maribelle behind.

“Big Mac?” she whispered.

“Mmm?”

“Can I…” Blushing, she pointed towards his back.

He instantly got the message. “Oh, that.”

He bent down, giving Maribelle the chance to hop on. She instantly beamed with joy. “Yeah, like the good old days. Am I right?”

“Eeyup.”

They followed the two down the stairs. But Big Mac couldn’t help but bring Ivan back into his mind. ”But still, he’s in more danger than ever. Especially since he’s out there, somewhere…”

“Then why do you care then?” she asked.

Big Mac didn’t know what to say.

“That boy is just a lost cause, so don’t worry about it.” However, she too couldn’t help it either. “Or… at least that’s what I want to believe.”

“Recording, complete!” the clunky android declared, its glowing red eyes growing dim underneath its metallic hat.  Connected to its ear was a wire that was connected to a recorder. Which was being held by a man about the robot’s height, hiding alongside the robot underneath a blanket of the same color as the dirt.

“Is there anything of interest sir?” he asked in a burly voice.

“Nothing at all, damn it!” said the person on the other line. “Withdraw immediately, both of you.”

“Yes sir.”

Static!

“Just nothing but personal stories from the group, huh?“ said the woman beside him.

“Yes, Emma.” Redmond said, a hand over his face. “We won’t be any closer to ending our war with that information. It’s the Danville incident all over again!”

Alice, sitting to his left, would add, “Well, to be honest, your plan was kind of all over the place and…”

“Ugh, I know Alice, I know!” He took a deep breath.

Emma interjected. “Mister Redmond sir, don’t you think it would be easier if we forged a task force to find Ivan ourselves?”

He uncovered his face. “What?”

“My Generals have approved of a plan to take the fighting to the wanderers, sir.”

Thomas looked up at the two of them, who were standing behind her with their war faces. His shoulders tensed as he looked away from them, hoping they didn’t see him.

“Buck up, Thomas!” Olivia whispered to him. “I expect more from a commander like you.”

He nodded, hesistantly.

“And how do we do that?”

Emma raised his eyebrow. “I just said it, our own task force.”

Redmond giggled. “Heh, oh, right.”

“It should be a joint task force also, combining some of my best and some of your best to find him.”

“Excellent!” Redmond complimented. “So… I’ll get… um…”

Her smile was fading. “Let me guess, your best are either on the front, or behind the enemy’s.”

He nodded.

She groaned. “Well then, do you have a plan of your own?”

He didn’t say anything for a little while, but when he did, “I got it. Thomas, Alice?”

The rest were dumbfounded. Even as he stood up to find and ask, “Olivia?”

The two looked down, finding an irritated Olivia standing there with fists clenched. “Yes, sir?”

“I’m contracting the three of you in the capture of Mister Ivan Bentley.”

“What?” Alice said with a gasp. “Redmond, you can’t be serious!”

“I agree with Alice on here, sir.” Thomas said. “There’s no way we can do such a thing.”

“I third that emotion, Redmond! Out of all the people you pick, you pick them?”

Redmond raised his voice to say, “Didn’t you just hear what I said?”

They were silent.

“My Military is stretched thin. And not to mention that Blutarch has an elite group that has been hunting for him long before we have. Or at least that’s what I heard.” He then added, “Now, there’s an even better reason to choosing them…, Alice has improved since the Danville incident. No longer a personal assistant but my top diplomat.”

“I’m sorry?”

Alice could only give an angry stare.

“Think about it. She practically secured my relationship with the world. Also…, Thomas over there.” He’d point at him. “That poor man was blatantly used as a bargaining chip by the Legion’s top lady, Marianne.”

Thomas only looked down, visibly clenching his fists over the table.

“Now that the regime is gone, I’m just happy that he quickly joined once I asked.” He laughed again. “Which is why I’m appointing them to the post.”

Emma raised her hand. “Sorry to ruin your celebration, Redmond. But don’t you think they’ll do the same here?”

Redmond only groaned. “As long as Alice doesn’t break, then this operation will go flawlessly.”

Alice did the same as Thomas.

He sighed. “Personally I would do it myself, but we don’t live in the medieval era… so, what do you say?”

The three looked down, finding that he was holding onto his high-tech pistol.

“Yes sir.” the two said.

“Olivia?” He looked down to the hesitant girl, who in return, gave a reluctant salute of her own. “Good, now get going. Your new jobs begin tomorrow.”

They nodded before making their way towards the door. When the door closed, Redmond only took out a cigar and sighed.

“Wow, that was quick. Didn’t take much to convince them.” Emma said, filing her nails. “Anyway, it’s kind of risky to put a couple like them into a job like that.”

“Madame, if we had Celestia’s magic in our hands, we wouldn’t need them.” Redmond blew some smoke. “But hey, war is all about luck. Isn’t it?”

Outside, they walked down the hall. Olivia would look up, finding that Alice and Thomas were walking hand in hand. Their upset faces saying a lot.

“Looks like I’m with you guys then.” Olivia pointed out. “Hopefully, this’ll be a worthwhile endeavor.”

“Yes.” Alice said.

They kept walking down the hall, both Alice and Thomas disregarding the others who stared at them with their own reactions.  

“So, where do you think they’d run off?” muttered Olivia.

They all faced her.

“I said where do you think they’d run off.”

By the time she repeated her question, they had already entered the elevator.

“I don’t know.” Alice said stressfully.

Olivia groaned. “I guess you’ll be second in command then.”

The two chose to hold each other as the elevator descended. Seeing this made Olivia cringe. “Well then, to get things started, I know the first place to look for him.”

“And where would that be?” asked Thomas.

Olivia smiled. “Simple, have you heard of retracing your steps?”

The two were shying away at the implication. Olivia would groan, “Not back there, you idiots.... Nngh, you both really need to take advantage of the treaty more often.”

Ivan was looking out the window, thinking back.

”A quick question, you know what a doctor should do to his patients, right?”

Ivan muttered, “Why am I on this again?”

“Our top story at this hour, Princess Celestia is coming to visit Washington as of tomorrow. Where she and the president will discuss various issues revolving around the world.” The volume would increase with every word said. “One being the recent evacuation of the Italian Parliament to Monaco. Which the Princess still holds a firm belief that the Soviet Empire’s intelligence agency: the KGB, was behind it. Something that the Soviet Premier persistently denies.”

Ivan was about to change the channel, but…, “In other news, the city-council at Fort Xavier has released the identity of one of the escapees.”

The two briefly froze at this.

“Her name is Madelyn Fuentes, a twenty-three year old resident from the California yellow zone. Authorities say that she has the possibility of being armed and dangerous. Which will easily raise the bounty up to twenty-thousand for anyone who catches her dead or alive… Meanwhile, more than twenty nine people were killed in London today…”

The channel was quickly changed, to some more instrumental music.

“They really know how to bring us down, don’t they?” Ivan groaned.

“Mmm Hmm.”

They were silent again. Letting the music play as they kept looking out into what the outside had to offer.

“Heh.” Jacklyn chuckled. “I never knew that Wyoming was that empty. Am I right?”

“Uh, we’re in Montana now. Don’t you remember?”

Blushing, she’d answer. “Oh, heh, clumsy me.”

“Also we’re not going to any of the populated areas. So don’t expect to see anything else.”

“True…” Jacklyn sighed, “It… it looks nice though… Untouched by anyone, no fires, no bodies, no debris. It’s just lovely.”

“Whatever you say, Jackie… Whatever you say.”

Jacklyn kept her eye on the road, catching every neat sight she had the chance to see. “Hey Ivan, do you ever wonder what life was like before the war?”

“Uh, no, why ask?”

Her heart sank a bit. “Oh, well, after seeing all of this… I was wondering how life was like if this war never happened.”

“Well now that you mention it, if you want my honest opinion, it wouldn’t be any different.”

“Why so?”

Ivan looked out at the empty plains. Nothing but dirt and shrubs was what he saw. “To be honest, your question was rather vague there. I mean, which war are you talking about? There are several ones that happened in recent decades and…”

“Well..,” she gripped the wheel. “I don’t see that! I just see… I just…”

Ivan could see it coming.

“I just see a world where there’s no such thing as a yellow and red zone, where those two…” she instantly stopped to take a deep breath.

Ivan leaned back against his chair. “Well then, do you know what life was like before Idy came in and screwed us over?”

Jacklyn was had an idea formed in her head.

“Keep in mind that there was also a third world war before that. Not to mention the brief cold war and a second world war.”

The idea was beginning to vanish. “Honestly Ivan, I don’t know… That’s why I’m asking you.”

Ivan grimaced at her answer. “Well, what answer is there? Except that it was all the same.”

Jacklyn waited for another remark to come out. None came, and got something put together at that moment. “Well, I sometimes think that life would be a lot different if this war never existed. People safe and happy, no one being conscripted to fight, just all that stuff you know.”

“So, why ask what life would be like then?” Ivan chuckled. “You just figured out what…”

“Not like that Ivan.” Jacklyn affirmed. “I just wonder how it would feel if it never happened. Being there, seeing everyone alive and well. Putting down the guns for once and not make anyone suffer. Get it?”

Ivan kept looking out at the plains. “Personally, it’s kind of impossible. Even if there was no war, both sides still wanted to scare each other into submission. It would’ve led to some kind of war at some point. I mean, we all know it started in Berlin. But no one really knows who tore through…”

Jacklyn groaned. “You still don’t get it, do you?”

“I’m sorry?”

“You yourself aren’t making any sense right now.”

Ivan rolled his eyes. “Well what do you want me to say? You just told me what life would’ve been like if this damn war didn’t exist.”

It was Jacklyn’s turn to grimace. “I… I was hoping your thoughts would’ve been a bit more positive than…, it’ll be the same. With the whole, life in Chicago stuff and all.”

“Well, you got a point there.” Ivan scratched his head as he continued. “Honestly, I never gave it that much thought. But hey, if I subtracted all that, nothing would be different.”

“Well, I say it would’ve been a bit better for us.” Jacklyn would smile. “More opportunities would’ve made it much easier, right?”

Ivan sighed. “I guess.”

“Can’t wait for that day, you know.”

“Hmm, sure.”

Their seats began to shake underneath them, as they heard the engine go into a coughing fit. Moments later, the vehicle stood still, not making a sound. Jacklyn tensed up as she briefly glanced at Ivan’s shocked face. Hiding once he looked at her.

Seeing this, Ivan groaned. “Do you really think I’m going to get mad at you for this?”

Timidly, she nodded her head. Making him roll his eyes again. “C’mon, you know the drill.”

The walk eventually lead them to another forest close by. At that point…

“Ivan, my feet are tired again.” Jacklyn complained.

“Fine, hold on.” Ivan took hold of her right arm, and placed it over his shoulder.

“Hmm, thanks.” Jacklyn said, a hint of disappointment in the back of her head.

“No prob.”

The two walked in silence, listening to the gentle breeze that culminated through the many trees around them. ”Life without war, huh?”

Ivan looked down at the heaving Jacklyn. The sight of this still served as a little reminder in his eyes.

”Well, there’s the checkpoint.” Ivan said, pointing at the large gate in front of them. “I guess I’ll be seeing you…”

He felt her grab until his hand, pulling him down the sidewalk and towards the gate. “Um, hey, what…”

“Where’s your ID, sir?” the heavily armed officer in front of them spoke. The deep and firm tone of that voice was enough to make them jump.

“Uh…” He reached into one of his pockets, finding the card and taking it out. “Here.”

The officer quickly skimmed through it, finding the information he needed. “Sorry sir, this area is off limits for the working and poor class. Having a good day.”

“But sir, can’t we work this out?”

“Not a chance, ma’am.”

She was already putting a hand in the pocket of her uniform. Taking out a wallet.

“You do realize that I can arrest you for bribery, right?” Jacklyn found him glaring back down at her. “I suggest that you put that away.”

She lowered her head in defeat, sliding the wallet back inside. With her discontent visible through her eyes, she turned around and told Ivan, “Well, I guess this is goodbye then.”

“I guess so.”

Jacklyn placed a hand on her arm. “You know, I really did wanted you to come.”

Ivan smiled a bit. “Heh, I knew that.”

She began to hold a firm grasp on her arm.

“Heh, life must be swanky where you live.” Ivan said, looking past the gate to find the well-groomed buildings and homes that lined each and every street. All of which having their color all shiny and new.

“Well, not really. But still, I wish you could’ve come.”

“Hmm.” Ivan smiled. “Alright, see ya.”

“Yeah, see ya.” She chirped with a flamboyant wave.

They then went their separate ways. Ivan would briefly glance behind him to find that Jacklyn had already walked past the gate. Which made him relieved. He’d look back in front, though. Finding the run down, tarnished buildings in front of him. He took in a breath of somewhat fresh air and began walking down the sidewalk.

He instantly flinched at the sound of a gunshot coming from down the road. Which would be followed by even more. Ivan sighed, walking across the empty streets to the sidewalk adjacent to him.

He looked up at the road, still feeling her arm above her shoulders. “How’s your family doing?”

“Huh?”

“Since the last time you saw them, how were they doing?”

“Well, my uncle and aunt are still doing their best to not get out of the middle-class. Last time I checked, they were denied raises down at the insurance company they work at. Meaning that we’re struggling to keep our head above water.., while our hand is stuck in the filter.”

Ivan was aghast, but quickly repressed it. “Hmm, how creative.”

“Well, that’s how it feels.., no, felt like.” Jacklyn chuckled. “But hey, relations between me and them wasn’t as… great as you thought.”

“Really?”

“Nah, time to time things would deteriorate. It’s one of the reasons why I left.” Jacklyn looked past the guardrail. “I think it would be best if I wasn’t around, you know?”

“Well, you and me both.”

Jacklyn took in the fresh air. “They probably don’t care about me leaving, anyway. I mean, with all the laws and all.”

With nothing else to talk about, Ivan would say. “They probably do. I mean, we all fight, don’t we?”

“I guess. But you don’t know what it’s like, though.”

Ivan shrugged. “Hmm, touché. People like you were allowed to go anywhere you wanted. Kind of envious if you asked me.”

“Yeah.” Jacklyn grimaced at this. “… Hey, do you feel like we had this conversation before?”

Ivan looked up to the clouds. “Yeah, I think I remember. Good times, huh?”

She smiled. “Yep.”

“I guess, I mean…”

He felt his feet stumble over the road, before feeling his back crash against the rock.

“Ow…! What the…”

“Shhh.” Jacklyn looked above them. “You hear that?”

“What do you mean, ‘lost’?” someone yelled.

“Quit denying it, sister!” another screamed. “The HUE have forced us to retreat!”

“Damn, call for reinforcements, we need to fortify this outpost!”

“Roger!”

“The HUE?” Jacklyn mumbled, her hand over her mouth.

“C’mon, let’s find an alternate route.” Ivan said, getting up.

“Ivan, what’s worse, clearing an outpost or fighting a hell ton of reinforcements?”

Ivan stood still. Making Jacklyn make the finisher. “Come on, follow me.”

Where the slope began, they ran into the nearby forest, observing what was down the road. “Two soldiers at the checkpoint.”

“Hmm, not going to be easy. Trying to bypass the enemy will make us dead on arrival.”

“But look at where the troops are at?” she used what little she could move of her arm to point at the outpost.

“Uh… they’re nowhere.”

“Busy defending themselves from the Harmonists. Take out those guards, and we might have enough time to get in and hide before they arrive.”

“But look up there.” He pointed up at the sniper tower.

“Oh shoot.” Jacklyn muttered.

“Yeah, we’re gonna have to do more killing if we want to get to reach the base.”

Jacklyn sighed. “Do it then.”

“My pleasure.” he aimed his rifle at the soldier standing in front of the checkpoint.

Pff-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f!

Blood spewed from his head and chest as he collapsed onto his back.

“Shoot, man down!” the soldier cried, ducking in her booth.

He then switched to the grenade launcher.

Foom!

  The booth was obliterated to pieces, replaced by a blaze of fire and a cloud of dark smoke.

“Oh Celestia!” Jacklyn gasped, her hand on her mouth.

“Go, go, go!”

They ran down the road and past the entrance.

Foom!

The grenade flew all the way towards the center of the outpost. Striking the support beams of the tower. With that explosion, it was enough to break them into pieces and topple the tower onto the ground. With that out of the way, they’d make it past the entrance and towards the nearest tent.

Ivan looked back towards Jacklyn. “Follow me.”

“They’re attacking from the rear?” one soldier cried. “Celestia damn it! Secure the check point, check if the snipers are all right, and I need squad three to search for the enemy!”

“Yes, brother!” they’d chant.

Ivan peek around the tent, finding the white and gold greatcoat wearing troops brandishing their pointed rifles for their enemy. At that moment, he took out a knife.

“Ivan, you’re not really going to…”

He did. The force of the stab was enough to make her burgundy Tricorn fly off.

With his hand covering her mouth, he pulled her to their positon, placing her corpse onto the ground. “Ugh, quit your sulking and let’s get going.”

Shwwoooom!

BOOM!

They looked up, finding a puff of smoke ascend.

“Shoot, they’re here!” a soldier cried.

“Heh, right on time.” Ivan said with a smirk. “C’mon, the less soldiers the better.”

As they ran towards the next tent, Jacklyn would find another tower firing a barrage of rockets at the enemy front.

“Take out that tank!” another soldier cried.

She saw the tower fire another barrage. She gasped as she witnessed the distant explosions that followed.

“Jackie, what the hell are you doing? Let’s get…”

She switched to her rifle and armed the grenade launcher, then pulled the trigger. The bomb would volley through the air and crash onto the tower, enveloping it with smoke. Ivan would be left in shock. The trails of smoke quickly led the soldiers to find their location. She was out in the open, walking casually towards the outside, switching to her shield.

The soldiers, both shocked and enraged, were already pointing their rifles at her. With swift moves, she instantly switched to her shield and expanded it to its triple-protection. Once that was activated, she bolted towards the ones in front of her.

“You bitch!” One would say in rage before a bullet would be punched into his brain thanks to Ivan. This gave Jacklyn the chance to knock out the remaining two with one blow.

“God damn it, Jackie.” Ivan mumbled, before shooting two more soldiers to his right.

At that moment, Jacklyn began to go further ahead. Taking out every soldier in her sights.

“God damn it!” Ivan muttered, choosing to take out the soldiers in the opposite direction. Quickly, the strategy worked…, until he felt bullets being punched his back.

Thwap!

With a grunt of pain, he collapsed onto the ground. However, he managed to take it his pistol. Instantly killing the perpetrator with one shot to the head. He felt the warm blood ooze from his belly, creating a large pool of blood underneath him. He struggled to get back on his feet, but it was too much. The noise of gunfire would become hollower with time, even the sound of an explosion felt muffled.

”This is it then.” he thought, gradually closing his eyes. The sound of war became less and less with every second. He felt numb, as if he were flying in the air. All of that was accomplished before blue faded to black.

”Ivan, have you ever wondered what Snowdrop’s life was like after that ceremony?” asked Marianne.

Ivan was looking at the sky. It was grey, steadily dropping snow onto the ground, but at that moment, he could care less. Even when his cheeks were reddening. “Uh… yeah, she must’ve had a really freaking wonderful life after that. What with no one bothering her anymore. S-something like that.”

“Well, I think her life was all the same.”

Ivan shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Because, c’mon. Do you think just because she showed them how much value winter had, meant that the world is now a better place?”

“Hmm.” Ivan shrugged again.

She sighed. “Not much is said in the story, but I believe life just went on after that. The only difference being that they learned something new about the world.”

“I guess so.”

“Snowdrop made something out of her life, but she had other things to worry about also.” she sighed. “Don’t you think so, Ivan?”

“Kind of.., but…, do you think she pulled through?”

“Just to stay on the positive side, I believe she did.”

His eyes were opening. “Uggh~.”

The first person he’d see was Jacklyn, who was looking back at him with tears in her eyes.

“Oh thank Celest-”

“Careful, he’s still recovering.”

She looked up wiping away the tears. “Oh…heh, s-sorry.”

“It’s all right, ma’am.”

She looked back at Ivan with a shy look. “Heh, sorry. Just happy, that’s all.”

Ivan sighed. “Oh… well, what happened?”

“The HUE took the base.”

Ivan was quiet, his eyes narrowing. He quickly felt his body move, and slid out of bed.

“Uh… Ivan, I don’t think you should…”

“Grrr.” Ivan grumbled, the pain making him flinch. “I’ll be fine.”

He stood up, looking at the bandages that covered his torso. “Ugh, God damn it. What else?”

She let go of him. “Well, there’s something odd about them.”

“What makes you say that?” he deadpanned.

She led him out the tent. “Well, they say they’re militia.”

“Militia?” He felt credibility to her claim. For many of them wore regular civilian clothing. With a blue bullet proof vest as protection.

“I don’t know what got the HUE to form a militia though.” Jacklyn questioned, a hand over her chin. “They’ve actually told me they’ve been active for months now.”

His kept glancing at each of them. “Hmm, probably just a publicity stunt.”

“Uh, not really, sir.”

Ivan found one of them standing right next to him, a nurse to be specific. “Well what do you want?”

“Well…” the lady flinched back. “U-um…, I was…”

“Can’t ya see that… Ow!”

Jacklyn giggled, muttering. “Heh, sorry Ivan.”

She then turned to the lady. “What were you about to say, ma’am?”

“What the hell was that…”

“Shhh!”

Ivan rolled his eyes, politely standing behind her.

“Well, uh, I was saying that this isn’t a publicity stunt or anything.” she said modestly. “It’s just that… this was all voluntary.”

“Oh really?” Ivan scowled.

“Yeah,” another person said, walking towards them; “We’re tired of being on the defensive the whole time. Which is why we’re taking action.”

  The man then stood beside them. “Oh, and thank you two for saving our asses there. If that rocket launcher wasn’t blown to bits, who knows what would’ve happened.”

Jacklyn smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“The name’s Will, by the way.” he said, reaching his hand to Ivan.

Ivan only glared back, standing as still as possible. Will kept his smile, though awkwardness was rearing in the back of his head.

“Hey.” Ivan muttered, feeling his hand bump straight towards his.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you mister…,”

“Simon Hel-” He felt her elbow bump his hip. “Ow…! Grr, Ivan, sir.”

After the rest of the greetings were out of the way, the four sat next to the old tank. Which was already weakened by the barrage.

“We call it the Rainboom.” said Will enthusiastically.

“Oh, like the Sonic Rainboom incident, right?” Jacklyn asked.

“Yep.” the nurse said beamingly. “After that! Boy, I wonder what was going through the filmmakers’ minds when they witnessed such a marvel.”

“Me too, Leila.” Will said, taking out a soda from the cooler nearby. “Soda?”

“Sure!” Jacklyn conplied.

Leila too would ask for one.

“Hey Ivan, want one?”

Ivan wanted to say, ‘no’. But…,

“C’mon Ivan.” Jacklyn said, handing him one. “We’ve been out here for a while, don’t you think you deserved something to drink.”

“Pff!” Ivan rolled his eyes. “Soda’s not exactly a…”

Rolling her eyes also, she shoved the soda right into his hands. “Just drink some.”

Ivan groaned. “Fine.”

Before going any further, he decided to check the label. “Huh, ‘Megaspell Fiz’.Never heard of it.”

“Well, try it!” Will encouraged.

“Alright.” When opened, he was hesitant at first. But knowing that they were watching no-less, was all he needed to drink it. After taking one large gulp, he pondered a bit. Before looking at the label once more. Underneath the green mushroom cloud logo and the cartoony brand name, it read, “Rainboom Cola.”

“Ha, a mix between Fruit punch and Cola!” he proclaimed. “Do you like it?”

He took another second to ponder it. Not knowing that Jacklyn’s face had more worry than it did encouragement. After a few seconds, he came to a conclusion. With a sigh, he’d say, “Meh, it’s all right.”

The others were in silence a bit, either with an awkward smile or a disappointing frown. Instead of Will, Leila would go on to say, “Well, so far, things have been looking up for us. Ever since the Militia was formed, we were able to make a huge difference in the war against Celestia’s hoof and the Sisterhood.”

“Really?” asked Jacklyn.

Leila stood up on her two legs, reaching her arms. “Yeah, I mean, we just took this outpost, didn’t we…?”

As she sat down, Ivan had a comment. “Don’t you have a job to do, lady?”

“Well, not really. We had some casualties, but they were easily treated.”

With sarcasm, he’d say. “Oh, perfect.”

“Mmm Hmm.” Leila smiled. “Thanks to you guys.”

“Will, sir!”

Will stood up. “Yes, Hugo?”

Hugo stood in front of them, a walkie-talkie in hand. “You dropped this…, again.”

“Oh, heh, sorry about that.” he said with a cheeky grin.

“It’s all right. Oh, and Roxanne called, she’s telling you guys to report back to the town!”

“Oh, okay. We’ll be on our way!” Will hopped off the tank. “C’mon Leila, let’s head back!”

“Well then, that’ll do then.” Ivan said, stretching his arms. “Guess we’ll be on our way too.”

“Oh yeah, and Will?” Hugo called.

“What is it?”

“She told me to bring them two with you!”

Ivan was left aghast, completely oblivious to Jacklyn’s more excited reaction.

“Uh… are you sure?” Will got ahold of the walkie-talkie. “Roxanne, this is Will….”

Ivan was looking down at the tank’s sky blue armor. Clearly gripping onto his rifle.

“Oh, okay…, out! Alright then!” Will answered with a salute. Then turned to the two. “So it looks like you’ll be getting to know our commander and chief here! I’ll go get the jeep!”

“Okay!” Leila and Jacklyn shouted cheerfully.

Jacklyn then turned to Ivan. “C’mon Ivan!”

Realizing what she was saying, her tone decreased. Doing so to say, “Please.”

He loosened the grip of his rifle.

“C’mon you guys!” Leila shouted with a wave, making Ivan snap out of it. “Let’s go!”

Jacklyn turned around, smiling. “Coming!”

And with that smile, she faced Ivan. “Just cheer up, okay?”

Ivan scoffed. “As usual right?”

He hopped off the tank, and a befuddled Jacklyn would follow. She held her hands together, briefly looking at Ivan’s harsh manner. She began to fiddle with her fingers, and continued even when they were entering the jeep. The same thing applied to Ivan’s face.

“People are becoming more divided as the bodies from the battle for Harpington return to their loved ones.” said the radio DJ.

“Oh really?” the female guest replied with interest.

“Yeah, heard that they were up against a massive fortification when fighting them off. Now we’re at a loss here, just check out the thoughts of these people. This guy’s from Sioux Falls.”

The recording played.

“Man, they weren’t prepared. I knew we shouldn’t start strolling into a town like that. Now hundreds of soldiers are dead.” There was a sniffle, “Including my daughter.”

“Ouch.”

“And this lady from Denver says otherwise.”

And that recording played.

“It may not be the best offensive. But I believe that it was worth the chance.” Another sniffle. “My boyfriend was brave enough to fight off those monsters. His death won’t be left unavenged.”

When the recording ended, the lady started to speak. “Well…”

“You don’t have to say anything there. It’s fine. But for now, the united council’s gonna questioning why a security commander was in charge of the operation that cost the lives of eight hundred soldiers." the DJ interrupted with. "Not to mention the fact that the town doesn’t even hold any strategic advantage over Celestia’s hoof.”

“Well, that’s all you my friend. I don’t wanna start a fight, but let’s just say that I disagree.”

“Alright then, we’ll be taking a break and be back in ten minutes. So let’s ease you worried mind with some music.”

As the music played, Jacklyn leaned forward and said, “Wow that must’ve been a hard hitter for them.”

“Yep,” Will agreed; “and were you tuning in when those three morons were dumb enough to expose the proceeding tactics?”

She nodded.

“Let’s just say they’re careers are on the line now. At least judging by the fact that Mister Gertrude wasn’t on, so who knows.”

“Hmm.” she mused, a hint of sadness being inserted. After a moment of silence, she chose to change the topic. “Oh and by the way, thank you for lending Ivan a new shirt. It means so much to him.”

Ivan glanced at it for a bit.

“No problem Jackie.” Will said with a grin. “After all, Generosity is one of the six elements. It’s just natural for us to take such action.”

Jacklyn too smiled. “Mmm Hmm.”

“So Ivan, you were with the Worker’s Corps?” Leila asked, looking at the torn and bloodied uniform.

“Yep.” he answered flatly.

Leila took a good long look at the logo: a hammer in between two wings. "In what part?"

"Chicago." Ivan answered tersely.

This peaked her interest. "Oh, they now have one over there?"

He nodded. "Indeed they do."

“Heard the US Department of labor and of Health and Human Services are involved in the making of this project.” Will commented.

“Mmm Hmm.”

It was quiet again. Will, though tentative, would say, “And all just to keep the crowd in check, making sure they don’t recreate the O’Eight riots.”

“Yep.”

“Heard one lady and some other person managed to escape from one of the bases.”

Their hearts were racing at the news, doing their best to keep it hidden.

“The city council of that area was baffled as to how they managed to escape.” Will laughed. “But hey, I’d feel the same if that happened, right?”

“Uh, yeah.” Jacklyn said, using her laugh as a guise. “So, about the whole Militia thing, why haven’t I heard about you guys?”

  Ivan leaned away from the window, facing the two. While Leila was the first to answer. “If we’re not in the regular army, then we’re not going to be featured on the Top Stories… Or in any part of the news.”

“Yeah, they want to keep their image afloat. So doing so meant not mentioning us.” Will added.

“Makes sense.” said Jacklyn.

“I came all the way from Montreal to fight for the Princesses, and to put an end to Idy.” he spat. “Not lie around all day and just hope that those two bitches will throw in the towel someday.”

He didn’t realize that Ivan’s heart was aching as he spoke. When he finished, Ivan sat up to ask. “Hey, do you know what’s happening in Canada now? You know, after Bloody Leaf?”

“Um, have you been paying attention to the news as of late?” asked Will.

“Kind of, they never really mentioned what was happening there.”

Will immediately grew melancholic. “The New Canad-I’m sorry, the 'Federal States of Quebec' has no interest in conquering the NVR. They just want them out of Ontario, that’s all.”

Ivan frowned. “Oh.”

“They must’ve mentioned it where you were from.”

“Well, that’s where my answer of ‘kind of’ came from.”

It was awkwardly quiet.

This gave Jacklyn the opportunity to say something. “That’s some neat cover of ‘Beat it’ there?”

“I know, right?” Leila said next. “The guy really did a good job…”

Ivan simply ignored their conversation, choosing to look out the absolute green landscape.

A near terrified Ivan asked, “What, but why?”

“Life in Chicago is… decent and all.” Marianne said, looking out into the lake. “But, I still want to go back nonetheless.”

She looked at him, smiling modestly. “I believe life back there was… better.”

His mind going in every direction, he stammered to say something. “Um… d-do you think I can come with you then?”

Marianne giggled. “Why would you wanna go there?”

“Well..., uh, that home of yours sounds too good to be true, obviously.”

She laughed again. “There’s more to that than you think, Ivan.”

“And what would that be?”

She leaned over, placing her arms over the railing. Making Ivan do the same. “I didn’t want to come here, none of us did. We needed to get away from the Canadian government, so we did.”

Ivan’s lips quivering. “That’s…”

“Unfortunate, I know. And now I’m here trying to make the most of what is Chicago.” She looked at Ivan. “The war in Canada’s been going on for too long, but that isn’t going to make me lose hope.”

Ivan gulped discretely before looking at her.

With determination, she’d say, “When the war finally ends, I’m going back… No matter what.”

When it eased, they looked back out into the lake. That’s when Ivan would mention, “Oh… so… about me going…”

“Don’t worry, Ivan.” She leaned away from the railing, that warm smile still remaining on her face. “I’ll think about it.”

“Ivan?”

He jumped, quickly looking at a now worried Jacklyn. He then asked, “What is it?”

“Uh… you look a bit off there. What’s up?”

He looked back out the window. “Nothing. Everything’s all right.”

“Oh…” she said disappointedly. “Well, why not?”

He looked at the two in front, eventually pointing at them. “Those two are there… I don’t think they want to listen.”

“I’m sure they’ll want to…”

Annoyed Ivan told her bluntly, “Ugh, I don’t want to talk about it. Please.”

She looks at them, and only pouts when she looks back. “Alright then… I’ll let it slide.”

Crossing her arms, she looked back at the front.

A little more time would go by before Will would announce. “You see that?”

Jacklyn looked towards the town in front. “Yeah.”

“Took the town just an hour ago.” Leila pointed out. With that information given out, her mood turned to one of optimism as she announced, “Which means it’s time for a wartime wrap up, let's finish our victory cheer!”

The three laughed.

Upon reaching the entrance of the town, they went through the usual. An armed comrade of theirs verified who they were. It was a simple and quick process, which granted them into the city in no time. Once they were in, Ivan and Jacklyn chose this opportunity to have a look around.

The first thing they’d see was two militiamen at a flagpole, raising the American flag.

“This town was abandoned during the O’Eight riots.” Will explained. “Hopefully, the townspeople will make a safe return.”

“Yeah, hopefully.” Jacklyn cheered calmly.

The Militiamen were everywhere. Walking up and down the streets, helping each other rebuild many of the buildings that were damaged during the battle, etc. Sick of seeing this loop, Ivan leaned back against his seat and watch the road ahead.

It took a couple more minutes before the Jeep would finally slow down to a stop. Ivan looked to where Leila was seated to find that they were beside a large set of stone colored stairs. Will would turn off the engine before stepping out of the vehicle. Then the others would follow.

Outside, Ivan would look up at the brick building.

“Alright you two, let’s get going.”

They complied, Ivan being the reluctant of them all. Ivan chose to have another look around though. Finding the Clock tower in front of them be a sharp contrast to what was below that. Near the entrance, stood a massive pile of flags, posters, and what not. All of which glorified Princess Celestia in one way or another. Ivan only groaned at the sight.

They soon entered the building, where it was as empty as the common desert. After a while, they were now in what looked like the Mayor’s office, where a woman in a blue short-sleeved uniform was waiting. She immediately turned around once the door opened.

“Oh, hey guys!” she greeted excitedly. “You brought the two?”

“They’re right here.” Will said, he and Leila stepping out of the way to introduce them. Jacklyn would wave back with the same enthusiasm, Ivan standing still with a stoic look.

“Good. Hello you two, the name’s Roxanne. That’s all I’m gonna say.” She sat over the desk. “Well, not really. I’m the head of the Militia and the one who found it.”

“And what does that have to with us?” Ivan asked.

She reached for a magazine close by. “Nothing much, I just need to know where you guys came from.”

“What I want to ask is why then?”

She put the magazine down. “Hmm, you’re a very quizzical person. But first you have to answer my question. I can’t move further from-”

“We’re from Chicago!” Jacklyn shouted.

Astonished by her sudden outburst, Roxanne could laugh. “The Bloodied uniform says otherwise. Leila hand the exhibit over.”

She did. Roxanne would then place her fingers through the holes. “The Workers’ Corp doesn’t exist in Chicago.”

“Really?” Will and Leila blurted.

Jacklyn sulked in her defeat. “Oh, heh, right.”

Roxanne would laugh again. Making them feel perplexed with every second. “Heh, the moment I was told that the guy who was shot was wearing a Workers’ Corp uniform, I immediately knew it had to be them.”

She immediately calmed down to report the following, “While Will's squad were taking the outpost, our squad discovered a US chopper dump a body in a nearby forest. According to the radio, it probably was Madelyn’s.”

She took out a photo and handed them over to Ivan. “Is that them?”

Jacklyn nearly fainted at the naked body. Most notably the fact that her throat was slit, and her chest punctured.

“Yep, that’s her.” Ivan answered.

“Hmm.” Roxanne then continued. “However, we were at a dead end with that body. Any mistake and the US Army will easily assume it was us. Worst yet, they left it next to a route that some of the convoys go by. “

Ivan sighed while she was looking at a calendar close by. “Well, I wish we could help. But, we’re also at a deadlock.”

Roxanne crossed her arms. “I see. Since they only released one of the fugitives, so hope they won’t release another.”

“Mmm Hmm.” they agreed.

“Anyways, where are you going?”

“Anywhere but…”

“We’re going to Washington State, ma’am!” Jacklyn shouted. She ignored their surprised expression to regain her breath and ask. “Do you think you can help?”

Once the shock settled down, Roxanne kept her smile in place as she hopped off the desk. “You really need to relax there, honey.”

She looked away, feeling perturbed. “Um, sorry.”

“Don’t be, my friend.” She pat her head. “Anyway, I’m sorry, we can’t help you guys with that.”

“Damn.” Jacklyn muttered, fiddling with her fingers.

She walked towards the window. “If you haven’t realized yet, we’re militia, not regular army. Worst yet, the HUE in general isn’t recognized by the treaty. If we end up at the borders of the Green zone, we’re automatically dead. Not to mention it’ll burn our reputation if we harbor in fugitives.”

This left Ivan free to ask, “So, can we leave then?”

She looked at Ivan, the smile still plastered on her face. “Nice try, bub, but not yet. You wanna know why?”

In a deadpanned manner, he’d say, “Please, tell me.”

“Well then, you know where we are?”

Ivan rolled his eyes. “Obviously.”

“You wanna know how we got here?”

“Let me guess, ripping off the Nazis’ plan to take it in just a couple weeks?”

“Heh, kind of. The new plan was an astounding success. And you know what happens during that time?”

He remained quiet for a moment. “The enemy pulls themselves together?”

“Exactly.”

With his eyes narrowing, he stared at her with scrutiny. “What do you want, ma’am?”

Her expression quickly dropped. “What? Nothing really. Since you don’t want to be here, I thought relaying you this information would be useful.”

His expression dropped also. “Fine then, can we get going then?”

She took out a nail file. “Nope, because I’m offering you a room in the city-hall. Just so you can relax for the night.”

Hearing this worried both Will and Leila.

Ivan wasted no time in objecting. “There’s no way I’m going to-”

“Fine, I can’t force you. Neither of you are my subordinates, after all.”

Ivan sighed. “Thank you.”

“But out there, no back up equals a likely chance of getting caught.”

Ivan was once again quiet.

“And Remember, one wrong move and…”

“I know, I know.” He turned around and headed for the door.

“The Celestianist forces will be attempting to distract us with a small battalion coming in from the west. I suggest you find a way to deal with that.”

“Alrighty then, I’ll think about it. C’mon Jackie.”

“Uh, okay.” she complied, but not before turning back to Roxanne and giving a little wave. Roxanne herself didn’t hesitate to do the same.

When she finished with her goodbyes, and the door closed behind them, Leila had her own question. “Roxanne, do you really think that’s a good idea?”

She sighed. “Leila…, remember.”

“Huh?” It only took her a short time, but she figured it out. “Oh.”

“So are we going to stay?”

“Pff, of course not.” Ivan scoffed. “The bitch forgot the key element in the phrase, ‘Early bird gets the worm’. Which is what the bird is when he got the worm.”

Jacklyn sighed. “Okay then. When are we going?”

“Are you up for a car-” He immediately stopped.

“Huh?” she asked curiously.

Ivan blew a short raspberry. “Nothing, nothing.”

Soon enough, they were out at the entrance, where the pile of solar regalia has increased tenfold.

“Um, so what then?”

Ivan looked at the sky. “We’ll walk I guess? I got nothing, to be honest.”

Jacklyn smiled. “I don’t mind at all, Ivan.”

“Alright boys and girls, this is your new stop!”

They looked to where the shouting was coming from.

“Oh, looks like they’re rounding up the POW’s.” Ivan remarked. “Shall we get going?”

“Mmm Hmm.” she nodded.

As they walked down the stairs, Ivan couldn’t hold the smile much longer. As Jacklyn looked onward, the dread he felt was too much to carry.

“Well, it was nice knowing them though.”

“Mmm Hmm.” he managed to utter as they walked past the jeep.

“I mean, they were really nice to us and all.”

“Really?” he grumbled, one of his hands twitching to form a fist. “So what are you getting at?”

He stopped walking the moment he found that she wasn’t by his side. “Uh…, Jackie?’

Finding her wasn’t hard. She was just a couple feet away, standing with an upset expression. Her grip on her baton was near nonexistent. Turning to where she was looking at, he’d see one of the Celestianist soldiers looking back at her with the same feeling.

“Move along, man!” A militiaman yelled, pushing him with his rifle. Jacklyn’s eyes would follow along to his movement. Not knowing that a now baffled Ivan was walking up to her.

He reached a hand towards Jacklyn’s shoulders. “Jackie, is…”

She immediately moved away. The further Ivan walked, the further she backed off. At this, Ivan only groaned. “Jackie, just tell me what’s-”

Without a word, she darted off towards the road next to them.

“Ugh, Jackie!” While Ivan gave chase.

It would be continuous. Each Militiamen they’d pass would give their inevitable reactions. But despite all the places they’d pass, Ivan wasn’t too worried. She was already seeing her stumble as she approached an incoming bridge. Her speed was reducing drastically as Ivan had already switched to walking.

On top of the bridge, Jacklyn collapsed, grabbing onto the railing as she exhaled repeatedly. Completely oblivious to the fact that Ivan was standing beside her.

“Gee, you got a bit dramatic there.”

As she panted, she let go of the railing and placed her back against it. Ivan did the same.

“Tell me, who was that guy?”

Her body was shaking.

“Was he your friend or something?”

Her eyes were watering.

“Or was he…” Ivan was as still as a statue, quietly gasping as he heard her sniffle. “Don’t tell me…”

She slapped her hands against her face to cover the tears that were streaming from her eyes. She wailed in anguish, unable to control it. Ivan was unable to do anything, he could only stare blankly at the bridge. His mind in such gloom.

“Uh… hello sir, is something…”

“Nothing’s wrong, now piss off!” Ivan yelled.

The Militiaman that was walking by jumped at his outburst, walking away from the scene. When he was gone, Ivan looked to the sky. Watching the clouds whisk away.

It felt like forever, but everything would be quiet after that. The place was filled with an awkward silence combined with the wind. Jacklyn’s tears had dried up according to what Ivan was seeing.

“Done?”

She was quiet for a bit, but slowly, she nodded.

“Geez, you’re such a drama queen sometimes.”

She was quiet, unable to cry anymore. “I’m… I’m sorry… I really…”

“Don’t be… Anyways, I want you to stay here.”

Astonished by what he said, he faced him with that same expression. “Huh?”

Ivan stood on his two feet. “But first, can you ask me what his name was?”

She stared at him with widened eyes. “Uh…”

“We won’t be making any progress if you just look at me like that.”

She looked to the road, fiddling with her fingers. “Um…, Bradford… Bradford Taylor.”

“Thanks.” He began walking down the bridge.

He was walking past countless blocks, hardened and willing.

“Um… Roxanne, was it?”

“Oh Ivan, didn’t know you’d be back.” she said with a smile. “What’s up?”

“Where are the prisoners?”

She lifted an eyebrow. “Uh, why? You’re going to massac-”

“Don’t play games with me or I’ll make sure your Militia will be in total-”

“Alright, geez!” she dropped her feet to the floor. “No need to get serious all of a sudden, Damn! Anyway, they’re being rounded up at the park. We’re planning on isolating them there before taking them to the state prison ten miles north from here. Why?”

“Can I arrange a meeting with one of them?”

Though a bit shocked, she’d say, “Oh, of course. My men and women will see that go accordingly.”

“Alright.” After giving a slight nod, he went towards the door.

“Oh, and kid?”

He turned around. “Hmm?”

She mounted her chin over her hands, making a smile with her mouth. “A bunch of people can really put in a lot of pressure on a girl like her.”

Ivan rolled his eyes while heading out the door. “Whatever you say.”

The park was rather torn and haggard. Its sidewalks filled with cracks, it’s playgrounds battered and rusted. The burned grass barely visible because of the prisoners that lined the place.

“Hello sir, what can I do for you?” a militiaman at the entrance asked.

“I need Bradford Taylor. He’s a Celestianist prisoner.”

His chirpy tone fell at this. “Um, sir, you do realize that none of these soldiers have any sort of ID, right?”

“Grr, just get me any soldier named Bradford, got it?”

The militiaman sighed. “Alrighty then.”

He took out his megaphone, asking for any ‘Bradford’s within the crowd, while the others looked into the iron sights of their rifles. With time, five showed up and were lined up in front of Ivan.

“Hey four eyes,” he said, pointing at a tense and visibly shaking man. “You got some explaining to do!”

The two sat in front from each other in what looked like a restaurant, located across from the park. The man had both his tricorne and glasses off, rubbing his eyes profusely. Ivan’s rifle rested on the table, with him holding it like a Mounted Machine gun.

“Look dude, I’m not going to scold you or anything.” Ivan said. “That whole coincidence was enough to do the job.”

“I was… I was just serving her majesty… that’s all.” he said somberly.

“Well I don’t care. I just want to ask how you got here.”

But he had a question of his own, with hands clenched, he spoke. “What I want to ask is why you and my niece are out here in the Celestia damn red zone?”

Ivan rolled his eyes. “Isn’t it obvious, dude? I just told you.”

He took a moment to think it over. “Ugh, fine. Guess my questions were answered.”

“Yeah, and as for why I’m going there? I don’t know, I just went along with it. I too am being hunted by the authorities, so staying in one place would guarantee death.”

Bradford jeered. “Hmm, I would suspect that it’s because your bad boy charm swept her off her feet.”

Ivan too scoffed at his claim. “Buddy, I’m no bad boy, just a guy who has a job now.”

“Sounds-”

“Now then, can you tell me how you escaped?”

Bradford sighed, placing his arms over the table. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I took a flight to the yellow zone in Alaska. Where my first deployment was. Then I was reassigned to this place, so I was provided a flight by her grace.”

Ivan slapped his hand on his forehead. “Ugh. So you’re not going to tell us, aren’t you? I don’t mind tearing you a new one in front of these people.”

The Militiamen inside gripped to their rifles.

Bradford became panicked at this threat. “Wha… Believe me, I’m telling the truth!”

“Well coming from a guy like you, that has no meaning.”

“Of course it has a meaning! It’s the element of honesty!”

“Element of honesty my ass!” Ivan retorted. “You gave me countless proof to show how much I shouldn’t trust you!”

Bradford hung his head low for a sigh, before looking back at him. “You’re insane. But hey, if you’re not going to believe me…, then I’ll ask this…, where will you go now, since I’m here?”

“Possibly Canada.”

“Well then, good luck trying to get past the border. Not to mention avoid getting hunted down by either side.” he smiled. “They’re very persistent.”

Ivan held a firm grip on his rifle as he bit his lip.

“Which is why I wanna strike a proposal with you.”

Ivan grit his teeth. “Grr, look bub, I don’t want to get involved in any of your silly affairs! We just want to…”

He was digging into one of his pockets, taking out a little card. “And to a new life you’ll go.”

Ivan took the card from him. Reading what it contained.

And he did the same thing on his way back. The card read on the top, Viktor Yolkov in bold black letters. Underneath was a red outline of a star, a red hammer and sickle within it. And underneath that, it read in red, ‘Soviet consul, Salt Lake city’. As he looked at the card, he took some time to reflect…

“I didn’t mean to hurt Jackie, you know.” Bradford admitted, in the same gloomy tone as before.

“Well, she’s a harmonist herself.” Ivan said. “So obviously there’d be some pain to that.”

“I knew that, right?”

Ivan scoffed a bit. “Huh, odd.”

“But…, now that this happened, do your best to keep her safe, okay?”

He stood up, feeling a sense of relief from that. “I can’t guarantee it, but we’ll see.”

Putting it away, he approached to find Jacklyn sitting calmly against the railing.

“Oh no.” Ivan grumbled. “Why now?”

“Well, I came from Sweden.” said one of the three militiamen. “Life there is… okay I guess. But it isn’t as lively as fighting for their majesties, right.”

“Oh, I see.” Jacklyn said, modestly.

“Yeah, I’m not standing by while the Princesses’ good name gets squandered. And…” he found Ivan standing right beside them. With a blank expression on his face. The man immediately looked to his watch. “Oh, I gotta go. Some friends of mine need me now.”

“Us too.” the others replied.

Then after they said their goodbyes, the two of them were alone. Jacklyn’s cheerful attitude dropping with every second. “So…, what did he say?”

“First off,” He handed her the card. “We’re going to Salt Lake to meet some Rooskie there. Your uncle says that he knows a way into the green zone.”

She grabbed it, letting it rest by her side. “But…”

“He’s sorry for what he did, and that we’re on our own. Simple as that.”

“Oh, I understand.” She held her hands together. Ivan could tell by the gritting of her teeth that she wanted to cry again. “So… what now?”

“Honestly, I had a plan to actually get us into the Green zone… But since you don’t have a way in, guess our little road trip’s going to be extended.” He saw another tear flow down her cheek. “Ugh, chin up and wipe those tears already. We still have some chance.”

She used her arm to wipe them away. A smile was forming on her face as a laugh escaped it. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“We’ll leave first thing tomorrow.” He looked out into the sunset, which somewhat toned down his mood a bit. “As much as I hate to say it of course.”

“So are you inclined to our offer?”

“Eek!” Ivan shrieked, quickly shifted to what was behind him. His eyes narrowed again. “Oh it’s you guys.”

“Yep!” Leila responded merrily. “So, you wanna stay a bit?”

Jacklyn nodded immediately. Ivan was reluctant, but complied.

“Great. Just follow us, we already repaired the hotel in the downtown area for you guys.” Will said with a wave.

“What about City hall?” Ivan asked scrupulously.

“I said we repaired it, man. Plus, why stay in City-hall of all places?”

“Touché.” Ivan groaned.

The two caught up to them as they walked down the bridge. While doing so, Ivan was seeing that Jacklyn had a little smile on her face.

“Hmm, that was fast.”

“What?” Asked Jacklyn.

“You’re suddenly all happy now.”

With a modest smile, she’d say, “I’m doing my best… Plus, you know me, Ivan.”

“Then does that mean you wanna confront Uncle Bradford then?”

Jacklyn’s little cheer went for a nosedive with that question. “I… I’d rather not. I mean, we’re finding another way, aren’t we?”

“Well, I guess you’re right.”

Then her soft smile came back. “Yep.”

“Madame, it’s him all right.” whispered someone in the distance, watching them leave the bridge.

“I agree, but do not engage.” said a woman on the other end of the line. “I don’t want to stir troubles with the Militia.”

“So what then?”

“Just let him be. Given what we’re hearing, I say that our paths will cross again someday.”

“Agreed.”

“Good, now return to base.”

“Understood, out.”

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