text: Elaina H Revolutionary Dedicated to Lia because I love you. 
   
   
   Revolutionary 
   Prologue 
     
               “Soldier, I’m going to ask you once more. Where did you place the stolen firearms? We know it was you, no use denying it. It’s all on tape.” 
               Of course, Veronica was bluffing, but nobody besides Derik, her most trusted advisor, knew that. Most importantly, the soldier was unaware. 
               “I…I can’t tell you!” Sweat glistened on the soldier’s brow, and a hint of a smile played on Veronica’s lips. He was about to crack. Soon she would have the information she needed. 
               “Listen, Carl, I promise you,” Veronica leaned towards him, and was close enough to feel his rotten breath on her face, “I will torture the words out of you if you don’t tell me now. It’s your choice really,” she turned on her heels and walked to the cabinets at the back of the dark cellar. 
               She slowly dragged the edge of a blade along the tabletop, a large screech echoed through the room; everyone cringed, but not Veronica. 
               The soldier in the chair took a shaky breath before speaking again, “The guns. I took them because my family needed them! My home,” he immediately notice how those two words made Veronica’s nostrils flare in anger, and he changed them, “The house I once lived in, it’s been repeatedly attacked, and my little brother, he was only ten, was killed in the last raid.” 
               Veronica clicked her tongue, “Carl, can you answer one question for me? Why did I discontinue the sale of firearms? Huh? Carl, answer.” 
               “I…I suppose it was because you needed them, ma’am.” 
               She cocked her head to the left, and ran a hand through her long platinum hair, “Yes, I suppose that is true. But more so, Carl, people, regular people, cannot handle that sort of power. The power to kill. You see, isn’t that what ruined our beloved nation in the first place? The common man having so much power.” Veronica drew the blade across the soldiers upper thigh, and he whimpered, but she didn’t care. 
               “Who should have the power than? Who does the power belong to, Carl?” 
               The soldier swallowed hard, and he looked into his ruler’s eyes, “You, my queen.” 
               “Ah, ah, ah,” Veronica teased, “flattery will get you no where. Don’t you know that silly boy?!” Veronica was growing impatient with her game, and had quickly decided to the end it. 
               “No matter, I’ll have qualified soldiers retrieve the guns from your family. Of course, I imagine they’ll have to use force…” Veronica let the thought brew in the soldier’s brain for a moment before she spoke. “Don’t worry, Carl, I’ll show you mercy.” The hope that glittered in the soldier’s eyes made Veronica giddy, “I won’t make you watch as your family is beaten.” 
               A smile spreads across her face, and Veronica pulled the handgun from its holster before neatly placing a bullet in the middle of the soldier’s forehead. 
     
   2382 April 10: 1400 hours 
     
               “I don’t think you understand, Veronica, the people aren’t happy. I wouldn’t put it past them to do something about it!” Derik slammed his fist on the strategizing table, and Veronica’s heart leapt. 
               It wasn’t often that Derik got angry. She remembered the last time, and bit her lip. That could not happen again. That situation was entirely out of her control. 
               This time would be different. She would allow Derik to get angry, but it would be under her terms. She would stop it when ever she wanted. 
               “Derik, you must be joking! A small group of poor, filthy people trying to beat their way through to our fortress with their own grimy fists? Let’s be serious here, you’ve obviously lost your touch.” 
               Veronica, played with the pen on the table, and Derik grew angrier. The moment was coming where he would burst, and Veronica knew exactly how to contain the explosion. 
               “Veronica! I’ve been advising you for two years! Just because you’re nineteen now, doesn’t mean you’re ready to make all the big decisions! You’re just foolish if you think that’s the case.” 
               She had intended to stop the argument there, but something about his words made her angry too, and she snapped at him, “Oh please, Derik, you’re only twenty-two. You can’t even legally drink alcohol yet!” 
               “Really? Veronica, you’re turning this into a child’s argument! I find this disagreement quite pointless if you’re only fighting against yourself.” 
               Somewhere along the way, Derik had kept his head and Veronica had lost hers. She didn’t like the way it made her feel to be so out of control. 
               So, she did something completely sporadic and unanticipated. She kissed Derik. 
               Veronica had always known that Derik wanted her, and she assumed he always would. To her, this was simply a game. 
               Derik kissed her passionately, but Veronica merely did what the game required. Once she thought the kissing time had been sufficient, she pulled away and glanced at the clock. 
               “I have to get ready for dinner with the General of the West Republic. I imagine it will be a long and boring dinner, but you’re welcome to join us, Derik.” Derik stared at Veronica, and she smiled to herself. He was right where she wanted him. 
               Derik stuttered, “I…I will…I’ll come.” 
               She saluted Derik, and left the room. 
               She had a dinner to prepare for. 
   2382 April 10: 1600 hours 
               With the dinner being so late, Veronica had plenty of time to prepare herself for the evening. She decided on her signature color, black, and usual hair style, a high pony placed perfectly centered on her head. 
               The dress she wore went down to the floor, yet left little to the imagination. A slit cut up the side, and ended abruptly at her upper thigh. I deep plunge in her neckline showed plenty, but she was sure the crusty, old general from the west would wish to see more, as he usually did. 
               Although Veronica wished anything but to marry the old man, she knew it was necessary for the time being to let him believe he had a chance with her. 
               Veronica made her way toward the dining room in her bright, blood, red stilettos. The click the shoes made on the cold, tile floor warned her soldiers and guards she was on the move. 
               The eerie silence that sat like a lurking monster in the hallways made Veronica anxious, and she nearly tripped over her own feet. 
               What was wrong with her? She never tripped. It felt as though she hadn’t made a mistake in years. 
               Of course, her father would certainly argue the point saying Veronica hadn’t done a single thing right. 
               Veronica’s father, General of the Northern Republic, had always been a hard man, and she had always known so. There was only one person The General had ever loved, and she had been her mother. 
               Her mother had died only a week or so after Veronica was born, and the General had always blamed Veronica. It was hard for Veronica not to blame herself, but she pushed the thought away from her mind. 
               She needed to focus. 
               Her father wasn’t here breathing down her neck as he usually was. He had left Veronica in control of The First Territory. She was one of the three Lieutenants in charge. 
               Lieutenant Darren was in command of The Second Territory, as he had been for ten years. Lieutenant Simon had gained control of The Third Territory only in the last month or so. 
               Both men were completely foolish, and clearly ruled their Territory with a weak hand. 
               Veronica knew better, and she proved it too; even if her father didn’t always see it. 
                Two guards stood on either side of the ten foot steel doors that led to the dining room. Both men bowed slightly in acknowledgment of her status, and opened the doors for her. 
               Veronica immediately noticed the General of the West. He sat at the far end of the table munching on breadsticks. His large belly pushed against the table, and a small pile of crumbs sat on it. 
               “General!” Veronica called with a grand flourish. The General looked up, startled, and smiled at her. His grimy teeth were visible from ten feet away, and Veronica felt herself swallow with disgust. 
               “Lady Veronica O’Neil! How is your father doing?” the General was obviously fishing for important information, but he would find it here. She replied simply, “Fine.” 
               He nodded his head, and pulled a velvet covered chair out for Veronica. She gave him a smile. The General grinned back, and he hadn’t even notice how fake her’s had been. 
               “How is the Western Republic, General? I’ve heard rumors or vagrant attacks. Is it true?” Veronica already knew the answer. It was most definitely true, and it was quite obvious he was here to ask for her help since her’s was the nearest Territory beside the Southern Republic, and everyone knew how weak they had become lately. 
               “Well, it’s sad to say, but the rumors are true. There aren’t too many rebels, but there is more than anyone could have expected. It appears No Man’s Land is no longer empty. The rebels have taken to calling the land their home.” The General wiped his mouth. “I haven’t simply come here on a social call, Lady O’ Neil. I’ve come to ask a favor. I’m in need of help with my Second Territory. My First is helping, but the numbers aren’t enough. 
               “They come in the night when we’re least expecting it, and they never kill large amounts of men. They’re basically causing ruckus…” 
               Veronica held up her hand, ending the man’s lecture, “If your problem is annoyance, why do you need be?” 
               The General licked his lips, “You see, they’ve been revealing things to the public. There hasn’t just been uprising from the rebels, there’s been revolts from the citizens; especially those with less money than most. We’ve also realized that a number of people have dropped off the grid completely. We’ve searched over No Man’s Land repeatedly, and seen nothing. There’s been rumors of impossible things. One person even said they saw their sister brainwashed into leaving.” 
               Veronica sighed heavily, she knew the General was making up lies to save his own butt. No one wanted to look like an idiot in front of a more powerful empire. Veronica simply asked the General, “Are you trying to tell me your people are running off with the rebels?!” Her anger was evident, and the General cowered. Some General he was, weak. 
               “Lady, you must understand. The people are hard to control. The riots have gotten out of control, and I’m only asking that you send 500 hundred soldiers to patrol the borders of The Second Territory,” the General’s smile had turned into a frown, and his eyes were darting back and forth across Veronica’s face, searching before the answer before she spoke the words. 
               She picked up the steak knife from the table, and played with the tip while she spoke, “You expect me to send 500 men to your Territory, and leave mine so unprotected? What do I get out of it? What’s my benefit?” For Veronica, there always had to be something in it for her. It was just a fact. 
               “What…What do you want?” his fear was evident, and Veronica almost laughed at it. She didn’t, but she almost did. 
               “I don’t know,” she said carelessly. “What are you going to do with these rebels you capture?” her question had two parts. One, what was this weak general’s plan for getting information, and two, when could she expect to here some information. 
               He ran his sausage fingers through his graying hair, “I suppose we’ll kill them. On sight, of course.” 
               This time she couldn’t help it, Veronica laugh out loud, “You’ll kill them, and then ask them question, I suppose?” it was a dumb question, but she knew it would make a point to the general. 
               “Oh! Oh, I guess, we should ask them for information first.” He looked lost, and Veronica rolled her eyes. She slowly pushed her chair away from the table, and spoke each word with purpose. 
               “I know what I want. I want the captured rebels brought here. I will make sure I get the information from them one way or another. Do you understand? I will be asking the question.” Veronica was happy with the bargain, and she knew he would accept her. To him this seemed too easy, but what he didn’t realize was how much he was missing. 
   2082 April 10: 1900 hours 
               “How are you doing tonight, General?” Derik came through the large doors and smiled. He bowed to both Veronica and the General. 
               The General was happy now that he had help, and he at his large plate of food with no worries now. “I’m well, Sir Derik Landry.” 
               “Sorry, I’m late, love,” Derik said as he kissed Veronica on the cheek. She felt bile rise to her mouth at the word love. 
               She glared at Derik, but he didn’t seem to notice Veronica’s deadly stare. Instead, he simply set his napkin upon his lap, and began sawing into his steak. 
               The dinner continued with friendly conversation, and Derik kept looking to Veronica for answers as to why the General was so happy. 
               She supposed she’d have to tell him eventually, but maybe keeping him waiting would be fun. 
               Veronica patiently waited for the now boring dinner to end. She kept herself occupied by thinking of all things she could possibly do to get the rebels to spill the details of their operations to her. It would be too easy. 
               The General talked with Derik well into the night, and conversation flowed smoothly without Veronica joining in. When the clock finally struck ten o’clock, Veronica had decided it was an appropriate time to excuse herself from the table. 
               “Well, I do have to say this has been a lovely evening, General. I’m so glad we could,” she paused and grabbed the word from her brain that bested expressed their situation, “make a deal.” 
               The General smiled, and wiped his mouth once more before standing and reaching for Veronica’s hand. Reluctantly, she let the General kiss her hand. “It was a pleasure to dine with you this evening, First Lieutenant Veronica O’Niel. Send your father my regards.” 
               She nodded her head, and dismissed herself from the room without as much as a backwards glance. 
               Once the large doors shut behind her, Veronica quickly made her way back to her room. She heard Derik call her name, but she pushed that out of her mind. He was much clingier than she had anticipated. 
               The door to Veronica’s room was opened by a soldier the moment she came into sight. She smiled to herself, she expected nothing less. 
               Veronica’s room was large. It was the largest bedroom in the compound, and she was pleased with the space she owned. The dark red walls cast an eerie glow on the bedroom, and her large king size bed sat against the far left wall with a light gray blanket tossed over it. 
               Lamps were placed all over the room, and she had a series of them lined around her desk. Veronica didn’t plan on doing any work tonight at her desk. She didn’t want to do anything, but sleep. 
               Surely an awful dinner with an equally awful general counted at enough work for the evening? Her father wouldn’t think so, but he wasn’t here right now. The simple thought left Veronica a little more relaxed. Had The General, her father, been here on one of his visits she most likely wouldn’t have been able to sleep. 
               Veronica was glad she got to sleep in the compound. She didn’t take for granted the pleasures obviously given to her because of her status. She was aware that had she been poor, she would have been left outside the safety of the compound. Where rabid, wild animals roamed and mutated human beings crawled from the radiation. 
               She had been outside the compound only once. When she turned thirteen, The General thought it important to show her what mankind had done to itself. She remembered his words very clearly as he showed her the horror the world had become. “Those who do not submit to us, Veronica, deserve to rot out here. This is where the deserve to be. It is obvious to us that man needs someone powerful to rule them, someone like us. But they,” he had said the word with complete disgust, “do not understand and they never will. That is why we must be the ones to take charge and to keep control. We will not let the rebels win.” 
               Veronica had not actually seen a crawling human, but The General had sworn to her that he had. She believed him. She believed him about everything, and she agreed with most everything he said. She would not let the rebels win. 
               She would prove to The General that she was powerful enough to take control one day. That she was powerful enough to become The General of North. 
               If only her father would let her. 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   2382 April 13: 800 hours 
     
               Kyle spit onto the ground, and cracked his neck. He knew the General of the West would be coming for them after what they had done, but he was sure they would win. Kyle would bet everything he owned on the single fact that his small group of vigilantes was stronger than the Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern empires combined. 
               He wasn’t cocky, it was simply a fact he was aware off. 
               “What’s the next plan of attack, boss? Everybody’s asking when we’re gonna strike next!” Harold, his eager advisor, quipped beside him. Kyle had debated whether or not to appoint a new advisor, but he had decided against it in the end. Harold was loyal and was already used to the job. He didn’t have time to train anybody knew. 
               So he kept Harold out of a matter of convenience. 
               “Harold, everyone else does not need to know what going on 24/7. You see we’re on a simply need to know basic with the rest of the group. If we tell them to much, and one of them is captured, what happens?” 
               Harold looked at the ground, his eyebrows bunched together in confusion. Kyle sighed, “We lose the element of surprise, Harold!” 
               “Oh.” Harold stated simply before following Kyle around their meager fort. 
               The fort consisted of four walls that surround a half mile patch of land. There was no roof, no floor, and no electricity, but it kept his people safe from the most forward of attacks. 
               Besides, the bigger the building, the harder it was for Franklin to hide. With Franklin on Kyle’s mind, he asked Harold how he had been holding up. 
               “As far as I know Franklin’s kept us hidden for the past 24 hours. There’s been plenty of crew out searching for where we could possibly be hidden, but nothing found us. Which leads me to believe they can’t see us.” 
               Kyle rolled his eyes at Harold’s obvious statement, “Of course they wouldn’t see us, Harold. That’s kind of what Franklin does,” he said sarcastically. 
               Kyle didn’t mean to be rude to Harold, but he was stressed. They needed to hurry up, and get a move on with another attack. They had stolen ten people from The Western General’s Second Territory. Of course, Kyle wouldn’t just steal any ten people, he stole the people he needed. The people who would actually be worth something to him. 
               Most importantly, he gained another healer. He would have been happy with just the healer, but having the other nine was a nice bonus. 
               Harold cleared his throat, and pulled Kyle from his own thought, “What is it, Harold,” he asked exasperated. 
               “I was just informed of a fight between Gary and another elemental. It’s in the west block by the elemental housing.” Kyle nodded his head, letting Harold know he was now aware of the situation. 
               Kyle raced off with Harold at his heels. It was very important that neither Gary nor the other elemental reveal their powers out here in the open. Kyle was unsure about how they would affect Franklin’s shield. 
               He couldn’t have anybody finding out about the two secrets he kept very well. 1. Their location. 2. The unnatural abilities they had seemed to develop. 
   2382 April 13: 830 houra 
               When Kyle pushed through the large group of viewers, he immediately knew something was off. 
               The sky above the fort was dark grey and swirling. Thunder cracked across the sky, and everyone could feel the electricity in the air. Gary and the other elemental, who he now knew was Carter, we standing not more then two inches apart. 
               A gust of wind whipped through the fort, and Kyle shaggy black hair was thrown into his eyes. That was it. His people weren’t about fighting each other. This had to stop. Kyle took two more steps forward, and the people around him quieted, all except the two elementals. “What could possibly be so important that you need to reveal our location,” Kyle said as he grinded his teeth. 
               Gary’s head whipped around, and he faced Kyle. The storm in the sky settled, leaving a foggy haze. “We’ve heard news.” 
               Kyle narrowed his eyes at them, and glared. What news could they possible have? What news did he not know? “Tell me,” he stated firmly. 
               Carter stepped forward, and the straight winds died down to a mild breeze. “I’ve heard the Western General had gone to the Lieutenant of the Northern First Territory. Rumor has it she’s planning on sending troops over in exchange for…” Gary rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath before Carter finished, “…the right to interrogate any captured ‘rebels’.” 
               Kyle nodded his head, “I’m still confused as to why the fight broke out?” 
               Carter glared at Gary before speaking again, “I just said that if I were in charge here I would send out some men to be captured on purpose. Know what I’m saying? Try to find out some information, and them we’d help them escape in like two weeks.” 
               “If they’re even alive,” Gary argued. “That would be like sending your own people to their death, Kyle. Besides, we all know your Mother would never go for that!” 
               Kyle frowned when Gary brought up his mother. Kyle’s mother had been a topic to avoid between him and his dad for the last two years. Kyle’s mother had died when Kyle was eighteen, and thinking of her only made him hurt. So he didn’t. Think of her that is. 
               “It doesn’t matter,” Kyle finally said. “I’ll bring the idea to my dad, but I actually think it’s not a bad idea, Gary.” 
               Gary glared at Kyle, “That’s only because you aren’t going to be the one captured. It’ll probably be the weaker ones you send. Can’t risk sending anyone special, can we?” 
               “Gary!” Kyle snapped. “That’s enough. I’ll talk with my dad tonight. I’ll let you all know the game plan later.” Kyle turned to leave, but stopped at the last minute, “Also, no fighting about topics that aren’t your decision. 
               At that, Kyle left, closely followed by Harold. “Sir, are you really considering that idea? Does that mean I need to write it down in the book with all the pros and cons? Sir? Sir?” Kyle ignored Harold and stomped away. 
               He couldn’t believe his own people thought he was so haughty as to leave weak ones out to die! At what point had they lost so much faith in him. Sure, he was young. He knew it was hard for some of the older ones to view him as ‘in charge’, but he had the little help his dad offered. 
               Besides, Kyle was one of the strongest! They should all look to him with respect. 
   He could protect the whole group of them by himself. He sighed as he thought of what his mother would say. 
               Kyle knew he shouldn’t look down on any of the people he loved, and he really didn’t do it all that much. Just every once in a while, when his pride was wounded, he’d find himself putting the others down. 
               He squeezed his eyes shut, and pinched the bridge of his nose. That’s not what a good leader would do, he thought to himself. I guess that’s because I’m not a good leader. Duh. 
               Kyle tried to laugh, but couldn’t it was just upsetting to think of his failure. If he ever saw his mom again she’d probably tell him to leave her alone. He wasn’t the son she’d raised, and Kyle knew it. 
               Stopping all thoughts of his mother, Kyle walked towards the small ten by ten bunk room his father and he shared to divulge the new information.    
   2382 April 13: 1000 hours 
          “Wait,” William, Kyle’s father, demanded, “you’re trying to tell me you want to send you, and five other men, out onto enemy lines so you can purposely get caught?! Are you crazy, son?” 
               William scratched his head and stared at his only son. He couldn’t let him go and get himself killed. Kyle licked his lips before speaking, “Dad, you don’t understand. We can get so much information from them. We’ll be taken to the north! Do you know how much we could learn?” 
               “Do you realize this is a death sentence? I can’t have you running off to get killed. It’s ludicrous.” 
               William watched as Kyle chose his words carefully, “I know that it seems crazy, but I already have it all planned out. I’ll bring Carlos, Savannah, Travis, Claire, Warren, and myself. Each of us has the perfect ability when it comes to being captured at getting back out. It’s almost like we were made for it!” 
               Kyle was nervous. The palms of his hands sweated, and he subconsciously rubbed them against his jeans. He watched as his father took a deep breath. “What if none of them want to complete this mission you’ve planned? You can’t force them!” 
               William knew it wasn’t really a problem for Kyle to get them to agree, but he wouldn’t allow that. Especially not on his own people. Never. 
               “I know. I know. I haven’t talked to them yet, but I know they’ll go with me. They’re the most loyal out of every one here,” Kyle kicked at the dust on the bunker floor and waited for his father’s response. 
               A heavy, long sigh escaped William’s lips, “You can ask them. If they all agree, then we will discuss our options. Got it?” 
               Kyle nodded eagerly, and ran out towards those he planned ask. 
               William thought about the matter at hand. It was important he give Kyle advice when it came to serious things such as this, but lately William found himself stepping back more and more. 
               He knew Kyle viewed it as negligence, but really William was trying to prepare Kyle for the time when he would no longer have a father to help him. Unfortunately, that time was fast approaching. William had self-diagnosed himself a couple months ago with cancer. At least he learned something from med school, he thought to himself with a chuckle. 
               William knew Kyle would be fine without him. He was sure it would be hard, but he’d move past it and deal with it, just like he had with his mother’s death. 
               Besides, William was ready to go. He was ready to see his sweet, beautiful wife again. 
   2382 April 13: 1100 hours 
               Kyle jogged quickly to each of his companions and sister’s houses and told them to meet him at the water well in half and hour. He was eager to tell them his father had approved of the idea. Kyle knew in his heart there would be no problem with this mission. There wasn’t a thing that could possibly go wrong. 
               The first person to arrive at the water well was Carlos, closely followed by Savannah. After waiting a few minutes for the others they finally showed. Kyle surveyed the power between the six of them. 
               Carlos was a strong elemental. His specialty was earth and metals. It wouldn’t hurt to have Carlos when you wanted to escape, Kyle thought with a smile. Carlos had only had his abilities for two years and he had already progressed so much. There was no doubt in Kyle’s mind that Carlos would prove to be on of the strongest elementals in the camp. 
               Savannah was blessed with heightened senses. Her eyesight was better than a hawk, she could hear a needle drop during an explosion, and she had a nose like a dog. Obviously, her hearing would be best for the mission, and Kyle was excited to see her in action. It was rare when any of them got to use their abilities. 
               Travis’ strength didn’t even compare to anybody else’s. Kyle had seen the kid (Travis was only fifteen) lift two tons of brick over his head when he was only ten. Kyle didn’t care where you were, having Travis on your team was always a bonus. 
               Claire, the team’s secret weapon, and Kyle’s older sister, could have possibly been their greatest asset. No one was sure exactly what it was Claire did, but almost everyone had witnessed the miracle at the raid. Claire had described the experience like slowing down time. She said it was so easy to pluck the bullets out of the air when they were barely going faster than a snail. Claire said it seemed no one was aware of what was happening until after. Three of their men should have died then, but the bullets never found their mark. 
               Warren’s ability was the most unstable. Kyle was willing to take a risk though considering the fact. Warren caught glimpses of the future. It wasn’t planned, and it just seemed to happen, but Kyle was hopeful Warren could provide them with information pertaining to the enemy. Even if he couldn’t, Warren was a beast when it came to hand to hand combat. He could handle himself. 
               It was Claire who spoke first after Kyle explained the plan. “What do you expect me to tell my family, Kyle? I have a one year old child you know!” 
               Kyle stared at his sister, “Claire, you could possibly be the strongest here! You can’t just back out on this.” 
               “I’m not backing out if I never joined,” she said with a shake of her head. 
               Carlos kicked the dirt under his feet, “I’m in, man. I’ve got nothing to lose, and I’m tired of these pushy Northerners controlling the world.” 
               Kyle nodded and acknowledged Carlos’ speech. He now knew he had Carlos and Savannah because she wouldn’t do anything without him. “Nothing to lose,” Savannah muttered under her breath angrily at Carlos. He just winked at her, and kissed her cheek. 
               Travis cracked his knuckles, “Yea, I’m in. I just got to ask my ma first. You guys know she’ll want to know all the details before she sends me off.” 
               Savannah rolled her eyes at Travis, “Something tells me, baby boy,” she teased him, “your ma ain’t going to let you go on this little trip. I wouldn’t if I were her.” 
               “You’re only three years older than me. I’m surprised your dad even lets you leave the house,” Travis spit in the dirt, and turned away to ignore Savannah. 
               Warren looked at the ground nervously, “You sure you want me around. I can’t really control my…my ability.” 
               Kyle patted Warren’s shoulder, “Of course, I want you along!” Sheepishly, Warren shook his head, and agreed to come. Kyle fondly nicknamed him the gentle giant in his head. “Claire, should I assume I’m not going to get an answer from you tonight? Am I going to tell dad everyone’s in except Claire.” It was a low blow, and Kyle knew it. He was aware of how much Claire wanted their father’s praise. Just like she had been aware of how much he longed for their mother’s. 
               “I’ll talk to Jared about it tonight, but no promises,” Claire spoke. The next part she said to the wind, “I don’t even think you realize, guys, we might never come back.” 
               
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   2382 April 21: 1200 hours 
     
               Derik paced his room anxiously. He was waiting for a call from Veronica, but something in his heart told him it would never come. The morning sun cast its rays of light into his room, and Derik closed his blinds. He wasn’t in a happy mood. 
               He knew today the people of the compound would be celebrating the Easter holiday. Derik was almost positive they had no idea what Easter was even really about. How could they, he thought, they don’t even believe in God anymore. 
               Suddenly, Derik heard a loud pounding knock on his door, and he eagerly went to open it. Was it sad that he hoped it was Veronica? 
               Derik had been in love with her for quite some time now. It wasn’t until she kissed him last week before the dinner with the General that he really fell head over heels. 
               He opened the door, not to the beautiful face of Veronica, but to the head of security, Officer Raven. “What is it, Officer, that could be so important that you must come to my room so early?” 
               “There’s been a security breach in the compound, Advisor Landry. We went to inform the Lieutenant, but she wasn’t anywhere where we could find her.” Officer Raven’s radio went off, and they both listened as they were notified of a young toddler who had escaped through one of the smaller ‘cracks’ in the compound. 
               No one had ever gotten out before. 
   2382 April 21: 900 hours 
               Lilly laughed as her little brother picked up brightly colored eggs from the grass. She had been instructed by her mother to watch her brother while she went to the store. It wasn’t a difficult job, and it usually proved to be boring, but today she loved watching the chubby toddler prance around her family’s front yard. 
               The Smith’s yard butted up to the compound’s outer wall. It was her job to clean off the vines growing around the base by their home. Lately, she thought, it just seemed like she couldn’t find the time to do it, well, that and the fact her parents hadn’t asked her to do it in three months. 
               Lilly stared up at the large, clear, impenetrable box covering the top of the four heavy stone walls. Without the cover, Lilly knew they would all die from the radiation. She laughed at the thought of the rebel makeshift cover. 
               It must have been a poorly soldiered town if the rebels were able to break through the defenses of the Western city so easily. Lilly’s older brother was a soldier, so Lilly felt she knew enough to determine whether or not a place was safe and guarded properly. 
               She had lived here her entire life, and not once had something ever bad happened. At least, anything she could remember. Lilly felt completely and utterly safe here at the compound. 
               Lilly looked away from the smoggy sky to check on her brother, and her breath caught in her throat when she realized her brother was no longer in front of her picking up eggs. “Charlie!” she shouted out in fear. “Oh no!” Lilly ran around her yard, and her neighbors searching and asking about her brother. 
               Lilly sat crying into her hands, “How could I have screwed up so badly!” A light bulb turned on in Lilly’s head. She’d call the soldiers and ask them. They’d be able to find her brother. 
               Quickly, Lilly raced down the street towards the nearest soldier. “Officer,” she screamed. She was sure she looked like a crazy sixteen year old girl. “Officer, you must help me find my brother. Please, before my parents get home.” Earnestly, she tugged on his coat jacket, and he looked at her nervously. 
               “Ma’am, are you sure you’ve looked everywhere? I remember when I was little I used to hide from my older brother all the time.” The soldier glanced around the area looked for anything suspicious. He began to wonder if this girl was sent as a distraction. 
               Lilly glared at him, “You can’t be serious! He’s barely two years old! I swear I only took my eye off him for a moment. You don’t think someone would have taken him, so you?!” Lilly threw her hands over her mouth and gasped. Her parents would declaim her and she’d have to live as an orphan. “Sir, please,” she cried out, “help me.” 
               The soldier nodded his head, and radioed for five disposable soldier near 21 Limestone (Lilly’s address). Five minutes later, Lilly lead the soldiers back to her house to start the search there. 
               All of them searched for half an hour before one of the smaller soldier’s called out. Lilly ran with a smile on her face, and tears in her eyes. “Oh, you’ve found him!” she sobbed. But when Lilly looked over the soldier’s shoulder she didn’t see her brother. 
               Instead she saw a small whole, big enough for a toddler, chipped into the wall, and hidden beneath the vines. 
   2382 April 21: 1500 hours 
               Veronica glared at the soldier in front of her. “Are you asking me to torture a whole entire family?” 
               The soldier swallowed hard, “Lieutenant, we’re only asking that you interrogate them. Torture would be a last resort. Besides, there’s a child. We wouldn’t ask you to torture them.” 
               Veronica sat staring at the table in front of her. She had just been informed one of her citizens had managed to escape the compound, even if it was a two-year old, her father would not be happy. Tensely, she picked at her finer nails, and worried over The General arrival. 
               ‘Maybe he won’t come,’ she hoped. Quickly, she pushed away the thought. Of course he’ll come, the minute he hears of this he’ll come, and scream at me. He might even take away my title this time. Veronica cringed at the thought. 
               “How old is the child?” Veronica asked. “Sixteen,” the soldier replied. 
               Rolling her eyes, Veronica pinned the soldier with her stare, “Sixteen is hardly a child, soldier. You were probably no older than that when you joined the army, hmm?” she said 
               Slowly, the soldier agreed, and motioned for Veronica to open the door to the interrogation room. Veronica rolled her eyes at the skittish soldier, and she walked into the small steel room. "Tell me what's happened." This was not a question, it was a demand. Veronica pulled the chair in front of her out of the way and stepped forward menacingly. The girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, who must have been the “child” the soldier referred to earlier, shuddered. 
               Veronica stared at the girl, and the girl didn’t hold her eyes. “You, girl, what is your name?” Veronica asked the question not because she cared, but she was trying to get the girl to talk. 
               “Lilly,” she shuddered after she spoke, and nervously looked towards her parents. 
               Veronica pulled her platinum hair over her shoulder, and sat down in the chair she had just moved. Veronica never sat during interrogations, but something about this one made her think she’d get further by being nice to the young women. “Why don’t you tell me what happened earlier.” It was a command, not a question, and the girl opened her mouth and proceeded to talk. 
               “My little brother, Charlie, he’s only two. I was…” the girl hiccups and her mother glared down at her. The girl’s father rubbed little circles on his wife’s back. “I was,” she continues, “watching Charlie pick up Easter eggs, and he was just running around the yard laughing, as usual. I lain down for two seconds,” Lilly stresses the shortness of the time, “and looked at the sky. When I went to make sure Charlie was still running around, he was gone. Vanished!” 
               Veronica clicks her tongue in the silence, and the mother jumps. “How do you know your brother left the compound? He could have been stolen or killed?” These words made Lilly’s mother cry out, and tears poured down her cheeks. 
               Lilly nods, “Outside the hole, there were three eggs and his little hat. He must have wandered out. There’s no other explanation because of the eggs.”             Lilly had calmed down, and she had her fingers crossed beneath the table. She prayed the Lieutenant would be able to save her brother. 
               When Veronica finally spoke, everyone flinched, “I’m sorry for your loss, we’ll send you condolence money, and we will patch that hole up as soon as possible.” Veronica stood and exited the room. 
               She wasn’t going to do anything. That much was clear. The Lieutenant was a coward. 
               Lilly stared after the Lieutenant with burning hate. Lilly would have to be the one to save her brother, there was no other option. 
               Veronica walked out of the room and sighed heavily. “Send the Pierce’s one thousand dollars as a condolence for their loss, and make sure you send guards out as soon as possible to get that hole patched up.” She almost added something about her father showing up soon, but decided against it. 
               She was still hoping that The General hadn’t found out about any of this. There was a slim chance, but she was definitely hoping. There was nothing else she could do. 
               Veronica looked up as she heard loud, urgent footfalls running towards her, “Madam Lieutenant, we have been contacted by the General of the West. He wanted to inform you that he has seen small rebel activity, and he plans to have one captured and sent to you within the month.” 
               She rolled her eyes, not at the soldier, but at the General. He was an idiot. Of course she expected news by the end of the month, if she hadn’t she would have sent more troops to take care of the problem herself. “Soldier,” she said quickly, “how long before the troops are sent out to the West?”             “Three days, ma’am. We are sending three hundred men, which leaves us with seven hundred army men at the compound. Do you wish to change the leaving date?” 
               Veronica tapped her foot against the concrete floors of The Compound. “I’m not sure yet. I need to talk with Derik, but I will send word whether or not you need to dispatch the men earlier.”             The soldier nodded and took his leave. Veronica continued on, now she needed to contact Derik. It might be in their best interest to send the men out earlier. 
               If she could just capture one rebel she could torture anything out of them. She was certain in her abilities. All she needed now was a rebel. 
               Unfortunately, Veronica had to be patient, and she was never good at being patient. 
   2382 April 22: 600 hours 
               Soldier Thompson stood in perfect formation along with the other two hundred and ninety-nine troops. 
               He was nervous. This was his first month as troop, and he’s already been flogged once for being late. Things were not looking up for him. 
               The Sergeant already hated him and repeatedly humiliated him in front of the other men. 
               He wasn’t the youngest soldier going to the West, that was Soldier Phillip who just turned fifteen, but Soldier Thompson was still young. He had just turned seventeen last week.  
               The Sergeant walked down the lines of men, and yelled at each one for whatever it was he was doing wrong. Thompson became more and more nervous as the Sergeant came closer and closer to him. 
               Finally, when he stood in front of Thompson, he was ready to be yelled at, instead he simply shook his head and said, “Perfect formation, Soldier Thompson. Good work.” 
               Thompson looked after the Sergeant in surprise. For the first time since he’s become a soldier he was praised. Pride swelled in Soldier Thompson’s chest, and it stayed that way the rest of the day. 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   2382 April 21: 2200 hours 
     
               Kyle frowned at his father’s sleeping form. 
               Ever since his mother had died, his father hadn’t care very much anymore. Kyle felt that he’d been running this show for the past five years, at least. 
               With a sigh, Kyle headed towards his bed and picked up an old, worn book Claire had given him. He’s already read Romeo and Juliet five times, but it was the only reading material he had. Most of the kids in the camp couldn’t even read, he and his sister were some of the lucky ones whose parents were nice enough to teach them. 
               He still remembers those nights when his mother would curl up in bed with him and slowly but surely teach him how to read. Those are some of his favorite memories of his mother. 
               Kyle rubbed his eyes, trying to push away the memories of his mother that always make him weak. Right now he needs to be strong. 
               He already had Carlos, Savannah, Travis, and Warrens agreements, but he was waiting on Claire’s. The chances of her going if she asked her husband, Jared, were slim to none. Ever since she married Jared and they had their little girl Carrie, Claire hadn’t done anything but stay at home and do housework. 
               Kyle thought back to his conversation earlier and grimaced. He sure hoped Travis’ mother would let him go. He was almost sure she would, but there was still doubt. Kyle knew Travis was planning on going, but it wasn’t really his decision to make. 
               Kyle thought about when they’d be leaving for this mission and decided the sooner the better. He had chosen to leave in three weeks, but the chances of the time moving up were high. Kyle wasn’t one to procrastinate. 
               “Kyle!” he heard his father yell. “You back? Is that you?” 
               Kyle groaned, “Yea, I’m here. Need something to drink?” His father muttered something and finally a sleepy yes made its way towards Kyle’s ears. 
               Alrighty, he thought to himself as he poured some water into a pot and began to boil it over the fire in fire pit. Once the water had boiled, Kyle put it into a glass and let it cool for ten minutes; cold water was only available in the winter when you could set it out long enough for it to get pretty cold. Otherwise, it was warm water. 
               “Here you go,” Kyle handed the glass over and watched as his father greedily drank it. 
               “Thanks, Kyle,” he mumbled before going back to sleep. 
               His father was a smart man, and had tons of strategic ideas floating around in his head, but he rarely put them to use. Lately, he’s only been playing the safe ideas. It had taken everything and then some to convince his father to let the camp raid the West. They’d planted ideas and even had Jonathan influence a couple people. 
               Kyle didn’t like the word brainwash; it made the act seem a lot harsher. 
               Kyle went back to bed and lay down; he sure hoped Claire would agree to come. Because Kyle knew if she didn’t they wouldn’t make it out alive.                                
   2382 April 22: 800 hours 
               The next morning Kyle went straight to Claire and Jared’s apartment to see what the verdict was. Also, he went because he knew Claire would be making breakfast. 
               When Kyle got to their apartment, the little room with a door, he didn’t even knock. At this point, he figured he could just walk in. 
               The moment Kyle entered the house he heard yelling and crying. “Great,” he muttered under his breath. He went to the back of the little apartment, and found his niece, Carrie, crying her eyes out in her crib. “Come on, Carrie.” Kyle hoisted her out of her crib, and balanced her on his hip and he slowly made his way towards the yelling. 
               “I can’t even believe you’d say that, Jared!” Claire screamed. 
               “Oh please,” Jared scoffed, “you could not have expected me to say. Oh sure, go ahead, Claire, and get yourself killed! I’ll take care of Carrie and when she’s old enough I’ll tell her how you died!” 
               Claire gasped and glared at Jared, Kyle watched from behind the corner knowing that his brilliant plan is the cause of this fight. “Ever since we married, Jared,” Claire continues, “I’ve been the perfect wife. I stay pretty safe and I only go when I’m needed. I’ve gone to raids before, why is this any different.” Claire’s voice had taken on a pleading tone and Jared grimaced. 
               “Claire, you know why. I can protect you on those raids. I’m right there beside you. This, it’s different. the chances of you making it back home are slim. It’s scary. Carrie just turned one. Don’t you want her to remember you?” 
               Claire nodded her head, and Kyle knows he’s lost. “Yes, but I’m putting the good of the people ahead of the good of our family. I need to do this, Jared. It’s important.” 
               Jared frowned and looked toward the ceiling, “Kyle, you can come out. I’d like to hold my daughter,” Claire said suddenly. 
               Kyle cursed under his breath and stepped out of the shadows. “Sorry, I just went and got her and…” Jared and Claire both held up hands to stop him form talking. 
               He handed Carrie over to his sister, and she kisses her baby on the cheek. “I love you, Carrie,” she whispered. After a few minutes, Claire spoke again. “When are we leaving, Kyle?” 
               Kyle thought about whether or not he was going to move the date up. No. He’s give his sister plenty of time to say goodbye, “We’ll leave in three weeks.” 
               He turned on his heel, and rushed out of the apartment and back towards his closest friend’s barrack.   
               “Carlos!” Kyle shouted into the dark room. 
               Kyle heard mumbling from the back corner of the room, and he lit the lamp by the front door. “Come on, get up. Claire agreed to go we have to go talk to the other, we have to start planning.” 
               “Cuando estamos saliendo?” Carlos groggily rubbed his eyes and yawned. 
               Kyle breathed heavily, “Carlos, English please!” 
               “Lo siento,” Carlos said this time with a teasing grin on his face, “When are we leaving?” He threw the blankets off of himself, and began lacing up his shoes. 
               “I told Claire we’d be leaving in three weeks. That should give us plenty of time to pack up supplies and ready ourselves for departure.” To himself, Kyle thought about readying himself to die, but he didn’t say that out loud. He couldn’t have those negative thoughts going into an important mission like this. 
               Carlos made his bed and began following Kyle out of the barrack, “So, have you told everyone else? And what did Travis’ mother say?” 
               Kyle’s lips started to turn down, “I haven’t had a chance to talk to Travis’ mother, but I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit. He’s one of the best assets we have, but he’s awful young, Carlos…” Kyle let his sentence drift off, he knew Carlos knew what he was saying. 
               With a heavy sigh Carlos replied, “You know, if I wanted to go that badly, I’d find a way to make it happen. Ultimately, it’s the kid’s decision. He doesn’t have to go if he doesn’t want to.” 
               The wind was picking up and it was making the air crisper, and Kyle shiver slightly, “Who do you want to talk to first?” 
   2382 April 22: 1200 hours 
               “Are you kidding me!” Warren tried hard to turn the wheel that would flame the fire for the blacksmith, but it wasn’t budging. Great. This is just what he needed. 
               Warren squatted down and began examining the mechanics of the wheel system, it couldn’t be that difficult. 
               Sweat ran down Warren’s back and down his temple. This damn room was too hot! How was anyone supposed to focus on their work when it was hot as Hades! Warren angry worked with gears before he heard something click. “This better work,” he muttered to himself. 
               Warren stood and heaved the wheel into rotation; he felt the gears click and the wheel spin. Amazing. He’s managed to accomplish something important in this good for nothing shop. He released the wheel and it continued to move just as it was supposed to. Maybe he’s get a bonus from Mr. Fairing, probably not, but it never hurt to hope. 
               The door at the front of the shop smacked open, and a great gust of wind blew through, threatening to put the fire out. Warren held his breath as the strong wind battered the weak fire, but the fire held strong. 
               The door closed, and he heard light footsteps tread through the shop. “Hello,” an airy feminine voice called out. 
               Warren stood up straight and tried to wipe the slick, black oil off his hands, “Hi, how may I help you?” he asked. 
               The girl jumped when she heard his voice, and smiled uncomfortably, “My father sent me down to pick up the daggers he asked to be made.” 
               “Alrighty, what’s your name?” Warren asked as he walked over to the wall of finished weaponry. 
               The girl cleared her throat, “Carter.” 
               Warren paused and gave the girl a curious look, “Why would William Carter need daggers? He has one of the strongest offensive abilities in the camp?” Warren couldn’t possibly come up with an answer to his question, and he patiently waited for the girl to reply. 
               He voice was nervous and slightly scared, “There for me. I need them.” Warren eyed the girl and marveled at the possibility that one of the strongest men in the camp could have a weak child. 
               “Do you not have an offensive ability like your father?” Warren was nosy, and he knew it, but there was no shame in simply asking questions. 
               The girl glared at him and frowned, “It’s none of your business!” she snapped. He held out the four daggers he had made last week to the girl and she snatched them from his rough, calloused hands. “Thank you very much,” she said not quite nicely as she exited the building. 
               As the door slammed Warren’s thoughts began to turn fuzzy and his head felt full like it was ready to implode. The dizziness hit before Warren could sit down and he collapse to the ground. 
               The blonde headed woman glared down at Kyle. “You will reveal your location before I’m done with you, rebel.” She pulled a knife from inside her military jacket, and walked slowly towards Kyle. “Are you ready to give your location yet? You still have a chance to cooperate before I damage you face forever.” 
               A small smile started on Kyle’s lips, “Show me what you got, baby.” The woman sneered and her hand whipped out slashing him across his right cheek. 
               “The fun has just begun, rebel. Do not think that you will win this game because you will be severely disappointed when the Territories eliminate you and your revolutionary friends as well.” She picked up another weapon from a table to the left of Kyle. It looked like a pen, but at the tip, instead of a point, was a mace like device. 
               The girl sneered wickedly and shoved the spiky pen into Kyle’s ear canal. 
               His screams echoed through the metal corridors followed by a malicious laugh that could only be that of his torturer. 
               Warren pulled out of the vision, and his head began to clear. His breath was quick and ragged. That was there fate. They were destined to fail. 
               Kyle was the only one in the torture chamber was it right to assume that the others and himself were already dead? 
               Warren scrambled to his feet and did the only thing he could do. He ran out of the shop. He had to find Kyle. 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   2382 May 1: 1300 hours 
     
               Veronica wanted to kill something. Anything. She even debated killing the General of the West. He simply had to be kidding. Veronica stared at the rebel the general had sent her. 
               This man he must have been at least ninety. At least! She breathed deeply through her nose, “Sir, can I ask you one question?” This was pointless, completely and utterly pointless. 
               “I don’t see why not, although you’re being pretty nice to me. I mean, aren’t ya supposed to be my torturer and all?” the old wizened man chewed on his lip and hacked up a lugie. 
               Veronica frowned, “Don’t push you luck old man!” she snapped. “Are you ever going to break when I torture you?” 
               The ancient man laughed wildly, “You sure are a smart one! I’m almost ninety-six years old! I ain’t got a penny to my name and every one I used to car about is waiting for me on the other side. If I told you a single thing I’d be a traitor to the only good people left on this planet.” 
               Veronica’s head dropped into her hands. This had to be a joke. She’d been so excited when the general had contacted her and informed her that they would be a rebel soon delivered to her. Now, sitting in front of her, she had a pointless old man. “What do you suppose I do with you?” she said slowly. 
               The man cackled, “Well, I am mighty hungry!” it was at this point when Veronica noticed something. She assumed the man was oblivious to what she was witnessing, but she saw it. How could she not have noticed sooner?! 
               Beneath the old man’s chair was a layer of ice; about one inch think, and solid. She cleared her through, “I’ve decided you’re useful yet,” she growled. 
               The man’s smile faded, and he followed Veronica’s eyes to the base of his chair. His eyes widened, and his mouth slacked open. “What???” he said confused. 
               But Veronica could tell he was lying, it was obvious. He knew exactly what was happening. “Sir, I suggest you explain to me what you just did, or I swear you’ll regret the day the General of West sent you hear.” 
   2082 April 29: 700 hours 
               Soldier Thompson stared ahead into the fog. His hands were shaking, and he looked left and right. The fog was so the thick in the West that he couldn’t even see the men next to him. They had received news that there was going to be a rebel attack soon. 
               His breath was coming out fast and hot, it was causing his air mask to fog up. He was going to have to fix that before the rebels attacked. 
               Thompson didn’t know how they figured the rebel attack out, but he assumed they had some reasonable way of discovering the information. He readied his weapon for the third time in the last half hour. He’d sworn he’s heard something. Although the chances were high that it was an animal as it had been the last few times. 
               He lowered his weapon, and raised his hand to rub his eyes. It was then that Thompson heard a loud high pitch shout, and a gun shot shortly followed. 
               Quickly, he raised his weapon. His eyes searched frantically for the rebels. Sweat and tears began to sting his eyes. He couldn’t die. Not yet! 
               A figure emerged out of the fog, they held a stick with fire on the end. Were they planning to burn the village down? As the person came closer, Thompson raised his gun, ready to shoot, he noticed that the man wasn’t hold a stick with flame on the end. The man was simply holding the flame. 
               He couldn’t believe his eyes. His fogged up mask must be messing with his eyesight. How was he supposed to defend himself if he couldn’t see? In a rash decision, Thompson tore his mask from his face and breathed in a lungful of air that didn’t seem much different from what he’d been breathing in the machine. 
               Soldier Thompson began to shake severely, and he pulled the trigger. His shot went wide and missed the man completely; he heard a deep, throaty laugh erupt from the man before he threw the fire in his palm. 
               Thompson dove out of the way as quickly as possible, and heard a light snicker from a quiet girl. His eyes followed the small form of what he assumed was a young girl as she pranced through the battle. 
               When she got close enough and stumbled upon him she stopped, eyes wide. He raised his gun. Could he kill her? She was his age. Could he do it? 
               The girl’s eyes narrowed and she raised a dagger from beneath her military jacket. She threw the first dagger at a form behind him, and he watched as fifteen year old Soldier Phillip was stabbed directly through the heart. 
               There was no time to morn because almost instantly she threw another dagger at a second form to his right. Again, the girl threw her dagger, killing the man as his made a loud thud in his chest. 
               Thompson closed my eyes waiting for the third dagger to make its mark in his heart like she’d done to the others, instead he cried out in pain as the dagger buried itself into his upper thigh. Thompson shouted, and opened his eyes. He stared after the girl as she removed the two daggers from the dead soldiers. 
               Finally, she leaped over his prone form. He waited for the final blow, but she only quickly removed the dagger from his leg, gave him a brief nod, and darted back into the fog. 
               Thompson crawled slowly towards a large boulder that he assumed would offer him some protection. He heard cries of pain and screams of despair for the next hour until it slowly stopped. Just when he thought it was all over, a loud piercing screech echoed across the open land. 
                He threw his hands over his ears and closed his eyes tight. The pain in his thigh was becoming almost unbearable, but he held on. Suddenly, he heard a strange, unfamiliar voice in his head. It simply said these words “You don’t remember.” 
               Thompson began to feel his memories of the battle leave him, he tried to catch. They couldn’t leave; he had to tell the Lieutenant about this. Surely others had seen it! 
               Almost as quickly as it had appeared, the voice left. Fortunately for Soldier Thompson they hadn’t taken everything because he could never forget the girl. 
   2382 May 2: 1800 hours 
               Derik couldn’t decide between the blue tie and the red tie for dinner. He must have stared at them for half an hour before a soldier came to his room and informed him that dinner was being served in ten minutes, and Lieutenant Veronica expected him there on time. 
               He cussed under his breath and yanked the red tie from the hanger in the closet. It would have to do. 
               Quickly, he tied it around his neck, and headed downstairs to the dining room. He imagined they talk strategy and war. What else did they ever talk about? Behind him he heard the steady footsteps of the soldiers who were assigned to be his guard. He wasn’t quite sure what he needed a guard for anyways. What could possibly attack them in these resilient steel walls? 
               The soldiers standing in front of the grand dining room doors opened them with one swift motion allowing Derik to enter. “Good evening, Lieutenant,” he said with a grand gesture of grabbing her hand and placing a kiss on it. 
               She frowned slightly, but that was usual for Veronica. She cleared her throat, “Thank you, but we have more important things to do that try and flatter your boss.” 
               Her tone was crisp, and Derik grimaced. She’s been cold to him since the dinner with the General of the West, and he couldn’t stand it. 
               “Have a seat, we have much to discuss. First, I’m addressing the fact that the General will most likely arrive at a time when we least expect it. You know how he just loves to do that. And don’t ask, do you really think he’ll come? Because he will. Second, there was a rebel attack in the West like we’d expected, and our men captured a rebel. None of them seem to remember much, only that they were badly beat. Forty-five of our men died and fifty were wounded. They delivered the man to be and it was then that I discovered,” she crinkled her nose and sighed heavily, “that he was a day from dying and I’d get absolutely nothing out of him.” Veronica paused, thinking for a moment. Derik took this small amount of time to speak. 
               “Did you kill him? There’s no point in keeping him if he’s worthless. We’ll just have to wait for a better rebel. They can’t stay in hiding forever. Oh, by the way, I talked to Carlton,” a confused look passed over her face, “he’s our geography guy, maps out the land outside The Compound. He told me that the only place the rebels could possibly hide this well is underground. He’s requested permission to send out ten Land Rovers with four men each to search for a possible entrance.” Derik watched Veronica’s face as she thought out the request. 
               She licked her lips, “What happens if all our men are lost? That’s forty men. We’ve almost exhausted our resources as far as soldiers go. None of the boys in the community are old enough yet. We’d limited the number of children families can have to two. We even began enlisting some girls, but they’re not as strong when it comes to combat. Most of the children in this Compound have become lazy with the easy going life-style we’ve provided. It’s getting on my nerves,” Veronica absent mindedly tapped her fingers on the table as she tried to think up a solution to her problem. 
               “We could set two hours out of every school day towards combat training. Toughen the kids up. I agree, this colony had gotten lazy over the past couple years, but I think it’s going to take a little bit more than that to really get them going,” Derik said as he took a bite of the just delivered broccoli stalk (Animals were sparse after the radioactive material covered the earth. On normal evenings, dinner consisted of vegetables grown in water.). 
               “That’s not a bad idea. The colonies population was increasing to quickly five years ago, but now there’s been so much of a decrease that I’m thinking abolishing the two kids per family law. It seem pointless with the problems were having now. Of course, it would still take fifteen year to get a soldier out of a child, and we need soldiers now!” her fist collided with table to emphasize her point. “This is my father’s doing. This stupid law, I can’t believe he thought this would be a good idea!” 
               “Ah, ah, ah,” spoke a voice from the corner of the room, “don’t be too harsh on your father now. You couldn’t possibly understand the seriousness of the situation five years ago.” The General stepped through the doors of the dining room in his gold and silver military suit, and grim smile sat beneath his graying mustache. 
               Veronica’s eyes went wide, but she quickly hid her shock. Like she had said, at a time when they least expected it. “Hello, General. Would you like something to eat?” 
               “That would be quite nice, Lieutenant.” He sat down at the table and gestured for a servant to fetch him a meal and a glass of water. 
               Derik cleared his throat, “You’ll have to excuse the basic meal, we didn’t know we’d be having company.” 
               The General nodded, “Let’s get to the point. Tell me what happened with the child.” 
               Veronica nodded slowly and swallowed hard, “There was a report from his sister that he had disappeared while playing outside. Soldiers helped the girl search for him, and that’s when they discovered the hole in the wall. There was evidence outside the hole that the child had in fact traveled outside the Compound. We sealed the hole immediately and sent the family an appropriate sum of money to cover the loss of their son.” 
               The General cleared his throat, “If you want me to tell you that you did a good job you’re going to have to actually start doing a good job, Veronica!” She flinched, but steadier herself, “I don’t know if you think what you’re doing is a good idea, but it’s not. You need the support of the people to actually do anything. Do you understand that?” The General leaned forward across the table, inches away from Veronica’s face, “You have to make the people feel included. You can’t just be a hard ass all the time. You have to make them feel important, like they’re actually doing something! Are you listening to me?!” His eyes were wild, and during is loud lecture he’s managed to knock a glass of water over. 
               Veronica licked her lips slowly, “I understand you clearly. I understand what you are saying. I…I…” She stopped talking and glanced over at Derik. “Will you please leave us, Derik? Tell Carlton to dispatch the Land Rovers, but only two men per car. We can’t spare anymore than that.” 
               Derik, knowing he wasn’t wanted, left the dining hall feeling more confused and annoyed than he had before. He wasn’t quite sure what private matter Veronica had to discuss with The General of the North, but he was sure it wasn’t something Veronica wanted him to witness. But if he had to guess, he imagined that his brave and fearless Lieutenant was seconds away from asking for help. 
                
   
   
   Text: Elaina H Images: http://www.wallpaperpin.com/wallpaper/1285x787/flames-eyes-fire-red-eye-reflected-desktop-hd-wallpaper-2811.html Editing: Elaina H Translation: none All rights reserved. Publication Date: September 24th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-caaa37ad44bd325