12. Chapter 12(2)

The American president nodded.

"Good... that's good... I want these units tested when possible, in real combat, not just policing operations in their turf. Think we can send some to-?"

The phone rang.

"Oh... hold on... that's probably the meeting I have later today..."

"NASA?" the vice president asked.

"Yup. Goddess or not, she wants space exploration, we're giving her space exploration."

Moscow, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

"Well, that's great..." the new General Secretary sighed to himself.

The reports on his desk painted a very grim picture.

The weapons he had allowed his people to send to the so-called "Special Region" had been intercepted, not by the UN, but by the Americans. His man on the inside caught. Though he knew Victor's officers trusted him, he worried about how much the man might reveal about the involvement of the Soviets in arming random rebel groups within the other world. The previous General Secretary had been too soft. Oh, he could agree the man had some points about reform, but he was getting too friendly with the enemy and needed to be removed sooner rather than later. That much was inevitable. Now he was in charge and able to push for a more aggressive stance against the capitalist West.

But it was soon unfortunately clear that the USSR was almost facing a two-front battle.

He glanced at his second report.

Chinese nuclear research.

It still haunted him, their "ally in name only" had successfully tested the most destructive weapon in human history. In a way, he now understood how the Americans felt when the French did the same against the interests of the United States and the United Kingdom. China, if it felt so inclined, could try and use those weapons against an invading enemy force, Capitalist, or, and terrifyingly more accurate, communist.

The fact was, the world was becoming far too tangled up.

We must be more aggressive!

We must try to ease tensions!

With the enemy?!

On all sides!

He rubbed his eyes, considering his options as the hours ticked by.

The Soviet Union didn't have access to the gate, and research into it had stalled.

It wasn't as important, not after some of the odd news coming from China. China's interest in its bordering states was growing it seemed. Vietnam's government had already been secretly requesting Russian aid should the Chinese get bold and try to take land from a sovereign socialist nation. His spies were also aware of North Korea seemingly planning to ramp up border clashes, though no one was sure as to why or what that would accomplish.

The General Secretary let out another, tired sigh.

It seemed there would be more conflict going forward. Not the glorious kind of the era of the Great Patriotic War, or the Revolution, but a slow, likely unwinnable slog that wouldn't end in a bang, but with a disinterested suddenness, like a child, finishing his homework.

Fields near the Avion Sea

Rory stared silently at the towering structure in the distance with disinterest. The blue ocean reflecting the afternoon sun behind it only added an odd feeling of displacement, as if that structure didn't belong there.

Gisselle suddenly dropped down from the air, landing behind her with a -bang- saying "Sister, I brought food!"

Rory grabbed the bag without a word, sighing.

"What's got you down? Are you not happy your friends were able to so quickly build a platform to explore the skies? Is this not what you wanted?"

Rory bit into the hamburger, not replying.

"Sister?"

Swallowing, Rory finally said, "I grow worried is all..."

"What? Why? The food, the new wonders... the food!"

Rory said, "New wonders bring new problems is all... look at that... metal, steel, iron, wiring... dead... you know what that is?"

"Don't they call it a rocket?"

"It's a weapon, you dolt... yes, they're using it for exploring the vast beyond that exists above us, but... its intentions was and still is to deliver death to their enemies. This is just one of the less harmful uses it has."

Gisselle nodded slowly, saying "Well, so what? Even if a war over there breaks out, it won't reach us here. Right now we're cooperating fine, are we not?"

"I suppose I just understand the fears they have. They're a people on the cusp of many unknowns... they understand how small they are but refuse to let that stop them... despite the world ending dangers."

She took another bite, swallowed, and said "They're children... running in the dark, barely getting through."

"Funny hearing you say that." the winged apostle said, chomping down her hamburger in two bites. Rory glancing at her with some degree of disgust.

"Gisselle... you keep eating like that you'll get fat and won't be able to fly."

"Oh, shut it. I expend the energy I devour and this is tasty enough regardless... I do think it's funny such a dangerous era has also produced such exquisite luxuries."

Rory shook her head, continuing to stare at the launch platform.

Manned missions wouldn't happen yet, but... perhaps someday.

For a while now, the shift had gradually moved from military to scientific, and now it was culminating in sending something the men from another world called "satellites" into space.

She wondered where it would lead even a few years from now.

Dallas, Texas

February 25th, 1966

10:59 PM

"You know, you really shouldn't get your hopes up, Orville..."

"Tom..."

"I mean... she'll leave you the second some nicer guy comes along."

"Tom..."

"Oh, who am I kidding, you two... she's someone's sloppy seconds, she can't do better than you is all!"

"Tom! You're drunk. Shut up before I clock you." Dennis said, loudly. Everyone at the bar already eyeing them with uncertainty.

"No, I'm... I'm Scottish, dumbass, I don't get drunk... And clocking me doesn't change- hic- nothing!"

Dennis glanced at the bartender, the man only gave the red-haired young man a sympathetic look before taking the half-empty bottle away, the Ranger whimpering "no, don't" in a small voice.

He was quiet for a moment and then whirled back to Dennis.

"And can you blame me? Look..." he slurred, handing Dennis a crumpled-up piece of paper.

Dennis skimmed the letter and mumbled a tired "I know, I know, but-"

Tom quickly turned around and said "You don't know! You have your wife, you have your house, you have y-your... your... um... car?"

Dennis only stared, deadpanned. The door creaked open and Rhodes walked in, class A uniform in perfect order in complete contrast with Orville's and Tom's BDUs.

"Tom?"

"Told you he's out of it, captain. If his liver isn't dead come sunrise, he might come back here to finish it off."

Tom muttered something incomprehensible that may have been asserting what Dennis had said, but neither of them could be sure.

Rhodes only sighed in response.

"Alright, come on, kid, you've had your fill."

"N-no I haven't... sorrows... not... drowned."

"Orville give me a hand."

"Yes, sir."

They picked him up, the bartender sighing as he wiped the drool the Ranger had spilled on the counter.

Once outside, Rhodes said, "Sorry to start your leave like this..."

"Not a problem, captain, always happy to help a-"

Tom giggled like a schoolgirl before tripping over and pulling both men down a touch, Dennis and Rhodes quickly balancing their drunken comrade so they didn't fall onto the sidewalk.

"...friend." He concluded.

Rhodes said, "We'll drop him off at the Barracks... he'll sleep it off there and, then he can finish his paperwork..."

He gave the redhead a pitying glance.

...

Leaving the heartbroken Ranger at the bunks in the Army base now formed in the Dealy Plaza, Rhodes turned to Orville with a sigh.

"Thanks for helping me out."

"Don't mention it, captain. I had to pick something up here tomorrow anyway."

Rhodes nodded, saying "Camera, right?"

"Yeah... I think Tyuule's going to like it."

Rhodes nodded slowly, saying "Alright, uh..." he lowered his voice to a whisper before asking "What shop is it?"

"Pardon?"

Rhodes looked around and said "I've been looking into some... stirrings that have been happening this past year... I think you might be able to help me get some information... assuming it's the shop I think you're buying from."

Dennis raised an eyebrow and handed Rhodes a paper.

Rhodes looked it over and nodded.

"You need me to do some undercover work, captain?"

"No, nothing like that... just go pick it up... don't ask anything, don't peek around... but if they start asking you questions, and..." again, lowering his voice to a whisper and leaning in closer, "...if your wife comes up... I'll be outside with five other guys..."

Dennis then asked "KKK?"

"No, although I think they're some kind of supremacists... Just not the kind we're used to."

Dennis pursed his lips, saying "Well... sounds like a walk in the park then."

Alnus

11:30 PM

Delilah slumped in the office chair, the fabric making irritating noises as it ground against her clothes.

She ignored that and stared dead-eyed at the almost empty office. Waiting. Staring at the small flag on the desk, the papers the American had left aside, the strange patterns on the wood furnishing, the noise of the air conditioner, the buzzing of the lightbulb above which was still on despite the sun having already risen past the distant mountains.

Trent walked in, an obnoxious grin on his face, saying "I gotta say, doll, I'm excited about these portal studies... can you imagine?"

She didn't reply, seeing the man was far more interested in the paper he was reading, more excited to discuss potential than empirical results.

"Soviets or Chinese or anyone... they get trigger happy, press the button, initiate Armageddon... then as the missiles rain over Europe and America we open massive doorways over the selected targets, sending all those missiles into a void somewhere else, far from us. Maybe to Venus or Jupiter. Then who calls the shots?"

He placed the paper down, handed the bunny also named Delilah an entire carrot the rabbit in the cage quickly began to feast on and sat down with a grin.

Delilah kept staring at him, the dark circles under her eyes ever-present.

"What? It's a work in progress. A possibility. It could save lives if you're so concerned. Deter any real attempt at attacking us."

"Until the tech falls into someone else's hands, right?"

Trent paused, staring at her.

"I take it something's been on your mind since the last mission."

Delilah scoffed, saying "That's putting it bluntly..."

"Well, I'm all ears. What's on your mind?" he asked, lighting a cigarette.

She sucked in a breath, the sulfur from it going up her nostrils didn't fog up her mind as she spoke.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Trent didn't reply, already knowing his answer didn't matter.

"I... I'd seen the old man before, he... he wasn't some rebel leader."

"Yup."

"But I killed him because he could become a threat."

"Yup."

"But... if the Russian we captured is a threat and turning non-threats into threats, then why keep him alive? Why did we have to throw him in prison? He gets out, he'll go right back to smuggling AK-47s and other guns into this world!"

Trent said "Delilah, I know you're not that naïve. We're not here to solve every problem."

"You guys are the ones who took the challenge from the gods!"

"Yeah, and those challenges don't involve fixing everything. You didn't notice all the challenges involved our technology fixing their problems? I think one of the gods is a living forest who could, in theory, end world hunger, but he's not going to do that and we're not going to force him to... a Forrest that can produce enough fruits and vegetables for two global populations wouldn't just destroy our economy, it would cripple our hold in multiple parts of the world. We're not angels, Delilah, we're people. We do what benefits us best."

"Yeah... I figured as much... so that's why I'm here. Because I'm one of those benefits and I want something in return."

Trent raised an eyebrow, taking a long drag before sighing.

"Alright... what do you want?"

"Tyuule's location." She said, darkness in her voice.

Trent huffed, saying "You could have just asked and avoided the moral grandstanding."

Delilah said, "If you cared about time, you would have given me her location already."

Trent said "Unfortunately for you, I'm not at liberty to disclose that information. You know why."

Delilah stood up and slammed her hands on his desk, growling "Maybe you'd prefer it if I burn my contract and defect?!"

Trent lowered his darkened aviators and made direct eye contact with her; his green eyes appeared almost soulless as he asked "Is that a threat?"

"It's everything except a lie. How much do secrets of the base in Itálica go for?"

"Nothing. The KGB has little interest in the region because it's still, for the most part, in an agrarian state, so any communist uprising would fail because the structure to provide all the bread and peace the reds promise simply does not exist. They're happy to support tiny rebel factions if it distracts us from our overseas conflicts, not the overthrowing of the US in this region. That's just not feasible for them at this juncture. Your information would be worthless to them."

"Oh, Trent, we both know the Russians love an opportunity to mess with your people, and we both know that I know more than just some secrets about Itálica," she said, sneering at him.

Trent replied by letting out a smokey breath on her face.

She didn't wince at the smoke.

Reaching under his desk and placing a paper on the top, he turned it to her with one hand and reached for a pen with the other.

"You can quit... right here... right now. Just sign the paper and I'll inform the higher-ups."

Delilah stared at the paper. She glanced at the pen.

Trent sighed.

"We both know you're not going to quit or defect... and you know I can't give you Tyuule's location. Just get over it."

"I... can't..."

"She was just as much a victim as you... you want me to go and put a bullet in every wife who didn't stop an abusive husband?"

Delilah growled, "You can't understand..."

"Maybe, but the fact remains. Former Queen Tyuule was, is, and will foreseeably be a naturalized American citizen who cooperated with American armed forces to defeat an enemy. She isn't showing up at politician's parties, she isn't pushing for random policy changes... all she does is give advice when asked about your people and write letters of advice to survivors that get published in an advice column for a military magazine that helps the new American citizens adapt properly, your people included, to US culture once they enter civilian life."

"She's a cowardly snake... who escaped justice."

"A cowardly snake who has a husband... I'm sure she's keeping him happy. Can you imagine what would happen if I broke protocol and gave information to a party that wished to harm her knowing what would happen? If that party went and killed her and her husband found out? Forget about the CIA, can you imagine what your people would have to deal with knowing what happened? I can see it now, front page on the papers, Half-Rabbit savages murder wife of American GI, is integration a mistake, are demi-humans worthy of their status as citizens... you'd effectively give Andrew Wallace an actual run at the presidency."

"Trent, what do I have to do?! It's been well over a year, I swore to serve your country! Can't I have this one thing?! I can't sleep at night knowing she got a happy ending but most of my people did not!" she cried out.

"Most of your people also didn't help manipulate the man responsible into such a kill zone his army was wiped out in minutes."

Delilah cried out "And that makes up for the death and destruction?! More death and destruction cancels it out?!"

Silence.

Seconds ticked by as neither of them spoke.

She slumped back onto the chair, ignoring the same irritating sound.

"I can't take it anymore... Parna, the girls... they all seem so alright with everything, but every time I look into her eyes... every time I talk to them, I can't... I can't get the memories out of my head... even the younger girls in the Army, the hopeful ones, they have this... look some days... it's not fair we lost so much and one of... no... the one responsible got away."

Trent stared at her for a moment.

"Is this going to impact your performance on the field?"

She didn't reply.

"Hear anyone too close?"

"What?"

"Do you hear anyone close enough to eavesdrop on our little chat?"

Delilah glanced behind her, then quickly turned to him and shook his head.

Trent nodded and handed her a paper that was already on his desk.

"Alright... I'll tell you what. In three weeks there's going to be an audit and review of the Demi-Humans in the Army. If they do good enough, there's... talks... about sending them to West Germany, maybe elsewhere."

"Alright... what do you want me to do?"

He said, "Volunteer. My boss is already curious about your people being used to spy on the reds from a distance thanks to your, let's be honest, superior hearing, I can convince him to let you come along."

"And... what about Tyuule?"

"The new forces will have a short stay at a certain Army fort in Georgia to give some demonstrations of their abilities since some NATO officers will be present that week..."

Delilah winced.

"If you're with the CIA, you'll have some free time to look around... ask questions, meet the locals... the people there are extremely friendly thanks to the safety of the area. Maybe you'll meet some war brides, too... Maybe."

Delilah said, "Tyuule lives there... is that what you're telling me?"

Trent groaned.

Delilah got up and lunged at him, grabbing his collar and pulling him so her face was inches away from his.

"Does... Tyuule... live... there?"

Trent, as if disappointed by the action, said "Of course she does. Now let go or I won't do anything for you again."

Delilah released him, a hateful glare in her eyes.

"Peaceful community... that whore must be enjoying herself living the high life. I bet her husband stays away from her for the most part!"

"That's what you believe?"

"She's a snake! There is no way she can make anyone happy, not without lying her way out, at least... yeah... I'd bet." she said, though her words were contradicted by her uncertain tone and posture.

Trent said, "Doesn't matter, if you kill her and you get caught, I'm not helping you."

Delilah only nodded, saying "Thanks... where do I sign?"

February 26th

Dallas, Texas

"Alright, sonny, thank you for your service."

Dennis only returned an uncertain but irritated glare at the shop's owner, the dark-skinned man looking at him with great disinterest as he stamped a paper and handed it to him. The man noticed and gave him a toothy grin.

"I meant it, sonny. Take care, now." the man said, emphasizing the word that irritated him.

Sonny? Of all the things to be called...

He pushed the thought aside and picked up the paper before taking it to the receptionist, a younger kid with dark skin and a pronounced southern accent.

Seeing the uniform, the young man said, "Dennis Orville?"

"Yes, sir." He replied curtly, trying his best to appear as pleasant as he could. The dark-skinned young man got up and walked over to another room, coming back with a small package, saying "Here you are..."

"Thanks."

"Uh... say, were you stationed in that other world?"

"Yes, sir..." Dennis replied with a sigh, glancing at some of the other cameras on sale.

"I-I, uh... if you don't mind, sir, what's it like over there?"

"I don't mind." He replied just as courtly.

But he did mind. The memories burned into his mind like a branding iron. Still, courtesy dictated he at least answer the question.

"It's... green... the people are... different. They think differently, they're usually happy with what we've provided, but they don't exactly like some of our customs. Right now, it's pretty peaceful, though."

The young man seemed to beam at the description, then suddenly lowering his voice to a whisper, asked "...is it true the animal women are as pretty as they say?"

Dennis shrugged.

"Enough to marry?"

At this, the 19-year-old raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe..."

"Who's your wife?" the kid asked, equally innocent-sounding.

Dennis only forced a polite smile, saying "Now why would you ask something like that?"

"Because I see the wedding ring, and... let's be honest here, mister... you younger boys aren't exactly mindful."

At this, Dennis said, "Are we?"

"Naw."

Dennis closed his eyes, sucking a breath in frustration as he turned to look at an older man who was flanked by two others.

"I always thought you negroes would have sided with the Demi-humans before siding with other supremacists..." he muttered.

The pale man flanking the older man moved to close the door with a key, saying "I don't mind working with their kind, not for this."

"Same way we don't mind working with your kind... it's one thing to want equal rights, it's another to push the perversions we're seeing trickling down from the Army."

Dennis stared at the men who had him surrounded. A diverse group if he'd ever seen one, black and white.

Noticing what one was doing as he moved to the entrance, Dennis said "Don't close that door."

The pale man didn't listen, taking a key and locking up.

"Relax." the older man with dark skin said.

He took a step forward and with a seemingly reassuring tone complemented by his southern accent, said "Right now, it's just a talk... understand?"

Dennis didn't reply.

"Tony, how many animal brides have come through?"

The pale man, now laying back against the closed door of the shop said "The Times said it was somewhere between a hundred or two."

"Number expected to increase?"

"Yeah."

Dennis said nothing.

"What kind of girl are you married to, Mister Orville?"

No reply.

"Dog? Cat?"

He didn't even react, the Ranger only staring ahead at the man with a tired expression, as if bored.

"Hmm... alright, answer me this, how long until they replace us? Or worse, dilute our culture?"

No reaction.

"The dogs and the rabbits tend to be more fertile, no?"

No response.

"Alright, alright... your tags say Army, but you remind me of the Marines back in Korea."

"My dad was in Korea. He was Army, too." Dennis finally said.

"Really?"

"Yeah... he landed with Macarthur when I was in grade school. Died somewhere there."

The man didn't react, saying "Lost a buddy there, too... explain to me, why are you okay with... all of that? Looks like you went through a lot, so why add to the decadence of the country you fought for?"

No response.

"What? Don't you disagree? Do you agree?"

"Look, sir, I have a wife I haven't seen in four months. I bought her this camera and I want to get it to her... I don't care who marries who, that's none of my business. So long as you're not a Marxist, I have no qualms with you."

The man laughed.

"You can't exclusively have qualms with people who aren't Marxists!" he said, laughing.

"Sir, what do you want from me?"

At this, the man perked up, Dennis feeling a coldness crawl up his spine as the man eyed him like one would a tool or useful idiot.

A look Tyuule never gave him even when that was exactly what he should have been to her, a look Captain Rhodes never gave him even when that's exactly what he should have been to him, but a look that a certain long-dead Prince had given him on at least one occasion.

Finally, the shop owner said, "We want to send a message... we don't mind the animals existing or nothing, but... but if that Supreme Court case gets through..."

"What case?"

"A couple in Virginia, black woman and a white man... they're challenging certain... laws..."

The Anit-Miscegenation laws... right.

"Oh, I get it. If those laws are struck down, then you guys don't have a case to make against forbidding marriages between the Demi-Humans and-"

"Not just that... think about it. What other forms of degeneracy will follow if we have no say in what marriage can and can't be?"

Dennis rose his arms in surrender, saying "If it's between a man and a woman, I don't care."

"You think it'll stay that way forever?"

"I can't see into the future."

"Then at least you know what the Bible says about laying with animals!"

"Sir, are they human or animals?"

"They're people who are more than likely the byproduct of such perversions. If they live with each other, that's their business, but not only are they a distraction from bigger problems in our country, they could easily become a problem if they outbreed us."

Dennis didn't reply.

"Think about it... the negro community has been fighting uphill since before Lincoln... let's be fair to our Italian and Asian friends, they didn't have easy at first either... but the point is that we had to adapt... how long do you think it'll be before they adapt to our way of life. And given their birth rates, will they replace us before or after they adapt?"

"That reason enough to deny them their rights?"

"Kids can't vote for a reason."

"Funny, I heard a Klansman say something like that."

The dark-skinned man smiled slightly.

"Yeah... there's an irony, right? You ever hear of Marcus Garvey?"

No reply.

"I guess, in a way, he had a point. See, he believed no race in the majority would give a square deal to races in the minority... I think we in the United States have somewhat worked that ideology wrong, to an extent... there's an American race... but the Demi-humans... the animal people this new world is introducing... they could one day change that, so we, as Americans, black, white, otherwise... we should work together to ensure that doesn't happen. Human supremacy will ensure a better future for everyone."

Silence.

"Don't you agree?"

Dennis only said "Do you think starting something like that is a good idea right now? That mess in Selma only galvanized people. Attacking the wives of soldiers isn't exactly a good way of winning votes, either."

"Selma was the fault of racists. We're just concerned with ensuring Americans don't move backward with this new world... can't you see how dangerous it can be to have an alien race taking the place of wives and husbands if they don't integrate properly?"

"I hear they're integrating alright."

"The danger is still there, isn't it? The way it was with the Aztecs and the Indians? They may mix with us and drive us into cultural extinction."

"I don't know. Would any of you object to me marrying your daughters?"

The man on the door, unimpressed, said "That argument? Come now, you're white."

Dennis said, "And you're Italian, what's your point?"

The man winced.

Dennis replied "If you have no trouble with past war brides, then you shouldn't have any trouble with who's marrying who. Their birthrates aren't that much higher than ours and, frankly, there's not enough of them to pose any threat. Those are my two cents, I don't plan on making you think differently, I would appreciate you gave me the same treatment. Now, please open the door, I have an appointment."

The man frowned, saying "Mister Orville, our problem isn't the war brides, it's whether they integrate or not."

You keep going back and forth here...

Instead, Dennis said, "Marriage sounds like a pretty good way to integrate to me."

"I disagree."

Grabbing the camera, Dennis said "Great. Free country. Think what you may. Now open that door, I have an appointment."

The man said, "You're not leaving until you agree to..."

Then he paused as Dennis turned to glare at him with a look of impatience and irritation.

"Agre to what?" he asked swiftly.

Swallowing, the man said "Well... You're a Ranger. You... have connections..."

"I don't."

"But your officers do... tell... them... tell them to stop allowing fraternization between our boys and the locals. The government may allow it, but officers control things on the ground. If you need an incentive, then... we know where many of the soldiers live... we have connections of our own, see."

Dennis didn't say anything.

"We know where you live, as well."

Dennis put the camera down and stormed towards the man.

"Easy, boy, you-"

"What about me, huh?"

The other two men flanking him took a nervous step forward and Dennis paused, glaring at the pair of kids standing between him and the man who had indirectly threatened him. Keyword: "indirectly". Dennis closed his eyes for a second and did his best to reign in his frustration.

He finally said, "Open that door."

"What? Do you think we're just-?"

"Yes. Either threaten me all the way and give me the excuse to kill all of you, or you admit you don't have the support to carry out any threats and are just desperate to push your anti-American garbage down people's throats..."

"Kill? Boy, you're-"

"What? Outnumbered? Outgunned?" Dennis let out what could only be described as a pained chuckle, a sadness in his eyes as he recalled how outnumbered he had been at Itálica, how outgunned he had been at the capital, how close many had come to kill him, and how much blood was on his hands. Killing six men in anger wasn't exactly out of his realm of possibility. It would arguably be easy. But settling on the memory of the girl waiting for him, he only said "Who do you think you're talking to?"

No one replied.

"None of you are killers. You're opinionated and passionate about your opinions, but you ain't killers... not even you."

The older man didn't refute him, Dennis leaving the unsaid part hanging in the air.

None of you are killers... but I sure am...

"Open. The. Door." Dennis calmly ordered.

...

Stepping out onto the busy Dallas street, Dennis turned towards Captain Rhodes, the man quickly moving in step with him as he waited across the street. Before he could even ask, the 19-year-old Ranger was already answering the questions.

"They're just a small group of bored men who don't like the idea of integrating the demi-humans... none of them were armed that I saw."

Rhodes said, "Understood..."

"They're very concerned about the demi-humans taking over. Can't say their worries are entirely harmless, but I don't think they're a threat like the KKK or those armed protestors in California... not yet at least. They wanted me to send threats, not give them information of places to strike."

Rhodes nodded, saying "Still, it could be a sign of things to come... I think the Army's right to be concerned."

Dennis shrugged, saying "They wouldn't threaten me all the way, but they did say they knew where the men who brought a war bride back home lived... including me."

Rhodes smiled slightly, saying "Implicit threats... Well, that should warrant some further investigation, no?"

Dennis shrugged.

I just want to go home...

"I appreciate the help there, by the way."

"No problem, captain. It was a coincidence they sold the camera, and after you helped me with Tyuule... might as well help you out with this op."

"Not an op, just a side project... who knows if it'll go anywhere, but... hey, if it helps, it helps."

"Any word from Hastings?"

"Yeah. He and Persia headed back to New York... they're moving in with his parents until they get settled."

Fort Benning

8:00 PM

She knew it would take him an entire day to get back to her once it was over and done with. The table was set, the home was quiet and clean... but she still felt nervous.

What if he was hurt? What if...?

She placed her hands on her face, taking a deep breath.

Relax... he's alive... he'll come back... he promised he would and he hasn't failed yet... just... sit... and wait.

She heard a familiar engine and Tyuule sucked in a nervous breath as the car parked on the driveway. Her heart was threatening to fight its way out of her chest, as she heard the pair of boots step out and begin half jogging to the entrance.

Never mind!

She held her breath and rushed to the door, only releasing it once she'd opened the door and flung her arms around the soldier, the still nineteen-year-old Ranger letting out a long-held breath himself. They held each other there for a moment before she took a look at his face. Its scar was barely visible, the area he had needed stitches almost two years prior now fully healed, leaving an almost unnoticeable mark. His eyes still had a light in them, his hair, while shorter now, was still the same shade she knew.

He smiled nervously, saying "Hey."

She softly returned the smile, saying "Hey."

Theirs was a quiet reunion. Neither had the family members present to welcome him home or keep her company. They had their friends, but this would be as far as it went for the soldier and former queen's reunion.

He kissed her cheek, held her a little tighter, saying "Brought you something..."

"Hmm?"

She glanced at the box in his hand.

"What is-? Wait... no."

"Come on..." he said coyly.

She frowned, taking the box, feeling its weight. Opening it up, her eyes went wide.

"A... new camera?"

"Yeah. I got a tip they were selling this newer model, and I know you want to get into photography... maybe it can help your writing, too."

"I... you... you... you child..." she whispered, pressing her face into his chest, hiding her reddening face.

"Child? Seriously, Tyuule?"

She laughed, saying "I'm grateful... and... a little jealous I can't exactly make it up to you right now. Starla cooked your welcome home meal after I... burnt... everything..."

Dennis laughed, saying "You burnt the kitchen?"

She made a sound, not unlike a child's whines when a parent denies them candy or a toy, her ears lowering further.

He sighed, rubbing her shoulders before leaning into her ear and whispering "It's okay... you kept me going all this time..."

Her lip quivered as she pulled away from his chest and faced him, a familiar longing in her eyes the Ranger had missed throughout his deployment. Dennis pressed his lips to hers for the first time that night. The 19-year-old was still a touch Awkward, Tyuule noted, and she was sure she wasn't much different after the months apart, but she welcomed it.

After a warm moment, she pulled away.

"Come on... I don't want Starla seeing us..." she whispered.

"Think she's spying?"

She huffed, saying "I wouldn't put it past her and I also don't want her on my mind right now..."

"Ah..."

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No..." He whispered, closing the door behind him.

"Well... then we have dinner for tomorrow... and you can help me with this camera, too..." she said, placing the gift on the couch as she pulled him towards her, her heart rate accelerating.

"Sounds good..." he said, lazily pulling her towards him as she happily closed the distance.

Tyuule closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. She felt his hand slowly wander down her body again, tugging at her blouse a little more, one hand beginning to move under it, and she pulled away with a gasp.

"You okay?" he asked, a touch nervous.

She smiled and pressed herself against his ear, whispering "I'm alright... go on..."

"You're sure?"

"I haven't seen you in four months... I promised you I'd wait..." then, turning to face him, face red and eyes watering, "I've waited enough, haven't I?"

She pressed her lips to his and pulled him closer towards her to the point she couldn't anymore, Dennis now being the one pulling away for air after a moment.

She then whispered, "Hold me..."

He was more than happy to comply, but noticing the fear in her eyes he paused.

"Tyuule?"

She looked at him.

"I'm home..."

She nodded, pressing her lips to his once more. Pushing the fear of losing him aside as she made sure she wasn't dreaming. His hand reached under her shirt, she began pulling at his uniform's buttons, not wanting to let go.

Then, much like a pleasant dream, reality came knocking at the door.

*knock-knock*

Dennis turned around, Tyuule's eyes shot open, both glancing at the door as a familiar voice said "yoo-hoo!"

Tyuule quietly breathed out "No... not now..."

Dennis let out an equally frustrated sigh, muttering "Come on, I just got here..."

"Hello? Tyuule? Orville?"

"She's not leaving..." Tyuule sighed.

Dennis only nodded. They both quickly adjusted their clothes, a displeased expression on Tyuule's face, her cheeks still red but she counted on the night's darkness to hide enough of it.

She opened the door.

"Hi, Starla, Colonel Pearson..." she said, Dennis quickly catching up to her giving an uncertain smile at the guests.

The older couple only grinned, Starla, saying "Here, I cooked up some more Lasagna!"

Tyuule smelled the spices and could feel the warmth of the plate. Internally, she chastised herself as she had wanted to have a certain someone all to herself, but...

"Thank you so much!" she managed to say.

The older woman said, "Well, I saw Little Orville's car and figured... oh, have you gotten not promoted yet?"

Dennis shifted slightly, saying "I'm... actually taking some courses now that we're practically done beyond the Gate..."

The woman said "Good! You should be an officer. A man should take care of his wife, no?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Starla waltzed in, saying "Come on, did Tyuule set the table up properly? I have so many questions!"

Colonel Pearson only gave the 19-year-old a knowing glance with a sympathetic apt on the shoulder.

"Tyuule, be a dear and help me with the utensils?"

With a silently irritated look to Dennis Tyuule said "yes, Ma'am."

Dennis braced himself as he sat down at the table, eyeing the lasagna slice with some interest, but knowing what was to come next was something he was personally dreading.

The question was uttered far sooner than he had anticipated.

"So what's it like over there now?" Starla asked, sitting down to his left as Tyuule quietly sat to his right.

Dennis pursed his lips, unsure of what to say.

"Uh... it's... changing, actually."

The older woman ignored her dinner, placing her hands on her chin like a child would, grinning as she asked "How so?"

Dennis looked away, uncertain, saying "Uh... well, after dealing with some pirates off in the continent's coasts, things have been pretty peaceful. We've been pulling out little by little now that things have mostly stabilized. Uh... the town near the main base has really grown and it kind of looks like other towns in Texas now. Paved roads, the lights, the works... The Red Cross even has some schools for the kids set up further away from the town so more people can bring their kids in."

"Is it safe now?" she asked.

"Uh... yeah, it's still pretty safe. At first, when it was only a hundred or so locals it was safer, but it has seen some serious crimes now that it's grown a lot and more people have moved in... MPs and the local... well, I wouldn't call them a police force yet, but they mostly keep a lid on things."

"No murders or anything, right?"

"Uh... a few..." he said, immediately losing his appetite.

Tyuule kept her gaze low.

Starla didn't seem to notice.

"Oh, that's awful! Nobody you or Tyuule knows, right?"

"No, no one that we know was killed..." Dennis said.

Starla gave a sympathetic glance, saying "That's at least good news... your unit didn't lose anyone, right?"

"Uh, one medical discharge. He's fine but his leg got kind of messed up and now he limps a bit. But he has a wife now and she's... very... uh... enthusiastic about being with him."

"Oh! Another war bride?"

"Uh... yeah."

"That's wonderful! I love, absolutely love hearing about these little stories from the other side, I mean... it's like a pulp magazine story! You ever read those?"

"Ma used to tell me they'd rot my brain, so no, sorry."

"Bah, a little fantasy doesn't... oh, no matter, Tyuule here has been really looking forward to seeing you! Did she tell you about how she helped prepare this dish herself?"

"I-"

"Cause she is a willing student, and with time I'm sure she'll be able to make better dishes than me, you hear?"

Tyuule nodded slowly, forcing a smile.

It was odd how friendly and annoying the woman could be at times, but that's how it went. Starla asking questions, trying to be as friendly as possible to the point of irritation, but basic decency not allowing either her or Dennis to tell her to stop. They simply ate together, and then Starla picked up the plates, taking them to the sink.

As Tyuule accompanied her to wash the dishes, Starla then turned to her, saying "Sorry if I interrupted you two..."

Tyuule only shook her head, saying "You're just trying to be nice. It's no problem."

The older woman laughed slightly.

"Perhaps it's just my maternal instincts... you're both so young, and you both have to carry such weights. I... I don't know... I want to help you out where possible, you know?"

Tyuule forced a smile, saying "Thank you..."

Americans can be such strange people sometimes...

Placing the clean plates down, she then said "Well... we'll be going now. Thanks for having us!"

The Colonel hadn't said a word, only nodding to Dennis, getting up, and turning to leave.

Starla said, "I'll see you tomorrow at Noriko's alright?"

"Yes, I'll be there early!" Tyuule replied.

"Good! Well... have a good night, you two."

Starla closed the door behind her.

Dennis let out a sigh, muttering "You had to live with her for four months?"

"I'm glad mother taught me patience..." she said, sounding tired.

Dennis walked over to her, placing his arms over her shoulders, holding slender frame, and resting his face against hers, he said "Well, at least she's welcoming."

Tyuule took his hand, squeezing it and saying "Yes... but so are most people I've met here."

Then, in a saddened voice, she added "It's more than I could ever ask for..."

Noting the trembling in her words, he whispered "Want me to carry you upstairs? Like a bride?"

"You're such a child..." she sighed, turning to face him.

"Your face is still red."

Wrapping her arms around her his neck, she said "Just let me welcome you home already..."

Then she kissed him and continued where she'd left off.

February 27th

9:56 AM

"Well, aren't you glowing this morning!" Noriko said, smiling as she led Tyuule to the kitchen.

Tyuule felt her cheeks grow warm as she mumbled out the words "Is it noticeable?"

"Very! Like a newlywed!. But hey, don't worry about it. It's great he's back a bit earlier than expected."

"Yes... um... is Rhodes not here?"

Noriko's smile faded ever so slightly, saying "He had business in Dallas to take care of... didn't Dennis tell you?"

"Um..."

Noriko's eyes widened.

"Oh, wow, you really didn't give him a chance to talk? I heard stories about the Warrior Bunnies, but-"

"N-no! It's... it's more like Starla didn't give us a chance to talk... I know she means well, but... sometimes..." Tyuule only sighed, grabbing an apron, Noriko already preparing the ingredients on the counter. "But enough about me. Where's Thomas?"

"Well, you know James Hastings? One of the Rangers medically discharged last year?"

Tyuule remembered the young man's strange words to her two years prior. Right after he had said something rather uncomfortable...

I gotta go... patrol that wall... over there...

"Ah, yes, the one with the cat-girl, right?"

"Well, he was with her in Texas and some guy shot up the restaurant they were eating in, yelling at them."

"Supremacists?" Tyuule asked, tying the apron around herself, concern in her eyes.

"Maybe... Anyway, Hastings called Rhodes a little after, and Rhodes started asking questions to officers he knows. The Army has an investigation unit for crimes within, but they didn't have much to go on, so he asks other people he knows. After a while, he and some friends of his are already pushing an investigation into some small group in Dallas... he said he'd be back soon since they're probably going to make an arrest this week."

"Really?"

"Yeah... Rhodes may not appear it, but he worries deeply about these sorts of things... I remember, when we were still practically newlyweds and Eisenhower had to send troops to Arkansas... he just had this look half the time..."

She sighed.

"He's a bit of an idealist, I suppose... but he's my idealist. And he knows the value of connections."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. If people back in the day used connections to make sure people didn't get ahead in this country, then he wants to use connections to do the opposite regardless if it will work or not... as I said... he's my idealist."

Tyuule smiled, saying "I think it rubbed off on Dennis..."

Noriko smiled at that.

Dallas, Texas

Rhodes held his breath as the police officer shoved the door open, the man's uniform clean and almost prepared for the occasion as he and four other officers stormed into the local shop.

"Jefferson, get your sorry ass out here now!"

A dark-skinned kid was working the counter and an older man holding a newspaper by some stands, his reading now interrupted as he looked up to see the Dallas police officers walking in. The door behind the counter swung open and the store's owner, a dark-skinned man walked out.

"Good morning officers, what seems to be the trouble?"

The officer leading, an older man, stopped a younger cop from charging ahead.

He glanced at the kid, saying "Not yet... search the place first."

The kid nodded, motioning to the other officers.

The man presumably named Jefferson said "I do hope you have a warrant. Abuse by police has not been-"

"Oh shut up, Jeffrey, we all know why we're here. I'm surprised it took this long, to be honest. Warrant's right here." the officer muttered, glancing at the kid by the counter, the young man nervously looking at each officer, almost not noticing the cop placing the warrant on the counter.

Jefferson glanced at Rhodes.

"Army... so, this isn't just about your boss trying to subvert the Civil Rights Act?"

The police officer didn't reply, silently listening as the other officers began turning the place inside out.

The pale man that had been reading the newspaper got up, saying "Come on, I just cleaned up the place..."

Jefferson turned to Rhodes then, asking "So, what's this about?"

"The shooting that happened a month ago. Injured officer. What do you know about it?"

At the mention of the shooting, the dark man visibly paled.

"Oh... oh, that's rich..." he muttered.

"What is?"

"Black people in this country get harassed, beaten, killed all the time and you people didn't bat an eye. Not until now... the second another race comes in and it can benefit y'all the tables turn and you all drop the attitudes and care about it, right?"

"Wasn't right to not care about blacks now, it isn't right to not care about them back then, either," Rhodes said.

"Don't come here with that... no one was hurt! This is just the Army looking out for their own."

"One cop was injured in the shooting." the police officer replied, a dark tone in his eyes.

"Well, my apologies to the department, that doesn't make people marrying animals right."

"Lieutenant!"

All eyes turned to the young man who walked out of the shop carrying an M1928.

"Tommy Gun... found it in the back."

Silence.

Rhodes glared at the store owner, but the man quickly said "Fine... go ahead, cuff me. You want to support this degeneracy go ahead."

At that, the older cop slowly turned to him, saying in a low voice "You know, I never liked your kind. Didn't much care at all. I know many of you feel the same way, and frankly, I don't care what you all think of me or my kind... But if I can't run around blowing up your shops or shooting up the places you eat, then neither can you."

"Does repeating that make it easier for you to sleep at night?"

The officer huffed, saying "Get him out of here. And no one touches him... I want him in prison, so... do this by the book, understood?"

The other officers nodded, albeit reluctantly.

The man opened his mouth to argue but was quickly cuffed, the kid at the counter shaking in place, the other man in the shop only looking in silence. As two officers escorted the man away, a crowd had already gathered to watch the arrest. Some appeared smug, others frowned. The arrest would likely make the news and bring about a fair amount of debate.

Rhodes shook his head, the police officer lighting an almost cartoonishly big cigar before saying "Relax, Captain, even if he doesn't name names he won't walk."

"Because of the crime or because the people of Dallas don't like him owning a shop?" Rhodes asked, appearing disappointed.

"Hey, so long as justice is done... I meant what I said. I don't like them or the gals the guys you're with bring home. But I won't try something like that, and if I can live and let live, then damn it, so can they."

"Yeah, but... be honest, not everyone here thinks like that."

"Of course not... only reason Tim, the younger kid... yeah, the only reason he's still in the force is that his old man is a good friend. Connections go a very long way, you know as much."

"Yeah... yeah, they do... I just wish more people used them to help, I suppose."

"Well, you do what you can."

Rhodes only nodded, leaving the rest to the police.

March 1, 1966

Fort Benning, Georgia

Her eyes flew open, seeing the shifting figure next to her before hearing his discomfort before the young man awoke with a gasp.

She shifted over to him, placing a hand over his chest, asking "Night terror?"

Dennis rubbed his eyes and silently nodded.

"Sorry..." he managed.

She shifted over to him, moving somewhat closer, hugging his figure as she said "Don't apologize."

She half expected to see him cry, but instead, he moved over so he could nestle his face under her neck, holding her as well.

"So... he hasn't experienced any... any little earthquakes?" Noriko asked, sipping the green tea.

"Earthquakes?"

"It's what Thomas calls it... somedays are just... tougher than others. It's never healthy to hold it all in, so... somedays it's alright to just..." Noriko shrugged, forced a smile, and said "Let it out, I suppose. Not sure if it goes for even most boys who deploy, but... I think it goes for enough."

"I... see..."

"So?" she asked quietly.

"Well... I don't know, he's just... quieter some days. When we were... back... there... we'd answer our questions directly and... well, we still do, but... I don't know." Tyuule sighed with uncertainty.

Noriko placed the dry plate away, saying "Well, Rhodes doesn't tell me much about what happens in his deployments, either. He rarely talks about Korea. Maybe he's trying to do the same?"

She shook her head, saying "But he talks to me. He knows I can handle his problems and I know he can handle mine. He's just... quieter."

Noriko put her index finger to her chin, asking "But no... earthquakes?"

Tyuule blinked, saying "No."

"Hmm... he might be afraid."

"Afraid? But-"

"No, I know. The issue isn't that he doesn't trust you, it's that he's probably afraid of burdening you with anything more. Men here have to be able to handle things and... well, that's how they're raised. Even if he trusts you and shares his worries, he's probably trying to hold a lot in, especially if he's worried about you. After all, it's not like you just suddenly confess everything to those you care about."

Tyuule fell silent.

She and Noriko brought the rest of the tea to the other Army wives that were sitting in the living room, chatting about something or other. Tyuule didn't really pay them mind, focusing on her own relationship.

She had confessed it all that first night, as had he. Her guilt for failing her people, her desire to destroy the empire, his guilt for failing his mother, and his desire to serve his nation. But as she considered it, she remembered that she hadn't confessed everything. She didn't tell him she didn't plan on surviving until she thought there was no turning back, yet he'd dragged her back from the brink against the odds.

That thought stuck with her as the day went on.

…

"Dennis?"

Dennis placed the newspaper down, his tired eyes changing slightly to calm, saying "Yeah?"

She sat down next to him, asking "You trust me, right?"

"Of course." He said, straightening slightly.

"You don't keep things from me then?"

Dennis winced, saying "Not intentionally..."

"Then..."

She paused, uncertain.

Tyuule huffed, seemingly frustrated with herself, saying "I don't know how to ask..."

"Ask what?"

"I don't know... I worry you're trying to ignore your burdens because you're worried about me."

Dennis glanced away from her.

"Ah..." he said after a moment.

She looked at him, waiting patiently for a response.

Sounding uncertain, he said "I... I've been... having my... worries... I can handle it, of course, so... I just... I don't..."

Now it was his turn to huff in frustration, unsure of how to express himself.

He finally said "Back... back then... that day... I was so... scared I'd lose you, and... and even now..."

She glanced at the newspaper, the story on the page mentioned a protest in California where armed men had stormed the State's courthouse. Even in the safety of the American base, the tension of the world was palpable.

"I have the same fear..." She admitted.

He turned to slowly look at her.

"When you leave, it... scares me... I know you'll be back, but... in reality, I don't."

"We both have nightmares... don't we?" he sighed.

She nodded slowly.

"Well, I don't want you worrying too much about me, I'm supposed to be the strong-"

Tyuule pressed herself against him, saying "Don't be so selfish. You worry about me, I worry about you."

Dennis leaned into her, saying "Yeah, but... I don't... I don't want to... to let my worries... I don't want them spilling out into my daily life. I want to keep those thoughts away and worry about you and... us."

"I know... I still can't help but worry. You can-"

The phone rang.

"...lean on... me... Do you have to answer it?" she asked.

Dennis said "Captain Rhodes told me he was waiting for some information... I'll be right back. I promise."

He kissed her quickly before getting up and walking to the hall.

Tyuule sat there, listening, but all she could hear was Dennis saying a few words. He came back to the living room with an uncertain look in his eyes.

"Good news?" she asked.

He said "I... don't know... the Demi-Human forces we've been training are coming here for a demonstration... Rhodes and I are being called to observe and answer questions as we'd worked with them before."

For a second Tyuule lit up, before realizing what it meant.

"My people are coming here."

"At least a few of them..." Dennis sunk back onto the sofa.

"Other than Parna, have any of them... sent any good word?"

Tyuule shook her head slowly.

"I still can't blame them..."

"And I still don't want them taking you from me."

She responded by leaning onto him, worry lining her tired features as she said "I know... I don't plan on letting any of them try."

Dennis passed a hand through her hair, lightly caressing her ears as he did so, the act shockingly therapeutic as the American's heart rate relaxed almost immediately. She noticed, leaning further into his touch as she asked "When is this due?"

"The sixteenth. It'll be a quick stop as they head to West Germany to participate in some other exercises." He said quietly.

She considered the time frame.

"I can stay out of sight. It's not like they want to see me."

"Yeah, but most of them know about... us."

At this, Tyuule's ears perked up and she turned to him, her face inches from his as she asked "Did they try something against you?"

Dennis huffed, saying "Try, no... they asked me where you were until they saw my wedding ring. Once they found out we were married, they left me alone."

She sighed, leaning back into his chest.

Then, quietly, she whispered, "Maybe... maybe I should try and talk to them... bake something for them, give them something back..."

Dennis frowned, going back to caressing her ears, saying "Come on, you already sacrificed so much for them."

"Not enough..." she whispered in such a small voice he felt she was shrinking away.

Dennis said, "You asked me if I ignore my burdens because I worry about you?"

She nodded, not looking at him.

"Then... then don't ignore yours, either."

She looked at him, fear in her eyes as she said "You'd be okay with me tagging along?"

She saw him look briefly terrified before he said "I'm terrified that... that if they try something... but if I'm not around and one of them sneaks out and tries to..."

She could tell his mind was bringing back bad memories. Those of combat, fearing for those around him, the knowledge that at any point any of them could be ripped away by an attack... she could hear his heart rate increasing dramatically.

And what could she do?

It wasn't a matter of whether she tagged along to the exercise or not. His fear came from knowing that, for the next few days at least, her life would be in danger and there was nothing he could do about it. If she stayed home, it wasn't impossible that one of her people would just sneak out and find her, if she went with him, who was to say she wouldn't be "accidentally" hit by a stray bullet?

So, she braved a smile.

"I'll go with you... if they wish to speak to me, then... then they may speak to me. I'll keep my distance from the exercise, less risk of getting shot." then, taking his hand in her own, she said, "Surely we can do that?"

Dennis stared at her.

Theirs was an odd relationship. Both worried, both not wanting the other to worry, both trying to be a source of comfort and assurance for the other.

The worries didn't leave, but...

Dennis nodded, and said "I'll... I'll be in... well... soldier mode..."

She shook her head, knowing his concern but not wanting to dwell on it.

"Then you can play my bodyguard..."

"Do I look a bodyguard?"

She laughed, saying "I said play, didn't I?" then, pressing herself against him a little more, added, "Just... stay with me, alright?"

He only nodded; his mind still worried about what he would have to do if push came to shove.

March 16th, 1966

10:00 AM

"But... Parna, how can you forgive her?!"

"Del, if it wasn't for her, this war would still be going!"

"I bet she would have extended the war if it meant killing Zorzal! That woman-"

"After three years of abuse, has she not paid enough?!"

"No! The families that were destroyed because of her, the people who were killed in her name, those she betrayed... she has to pay, Parna, she has to pay! You of all people should understand that!"

"Del... I beg you... don't hurt our former queen. She paid for her weakness and is still working to help us. Don't ruin our people's reputation over something that wasn't even her fault."

Delilah's eyes shot open, the memory of Parna's words stinging her very core as she sat up, the American land spreading ahead of her as the bus continued to drive down the highway, the sun high in the sky, the radio on a news broadcast about something or other. She yawned, deciding to listen in.

The Launch of Gemini 8 will mark the sixth crewed space flight to space in the Gemini program. Eyes and ears have, of course, have already begun to gather around the launch site here in Florida...

Immediately bored, Delilah tuned out the radio as best she could. It was oddly eerie how downright entranced by the news of people piercing through the sky was to her fellow cohorts.

The dogs, oh, those she could understand. Their ears perked up, paying attention, the American uniform easily fitting the demi-humans despite the dog ears and tail.

As well as brains, probably...

But to Delilah's shock, her fellow Warrior Bunnies were equally interested in the subject!

Patricia, the blonde child sitting next to her, her new Army BDUs still creased, her ears enthusiastically kept high as she listened in, very quietly whispering "Man, they might actually reach the moon at this rate!"

Oh, you already adopted American slang, too?

One of the dogs muttered, "That would be a surprise... even with all this success I read their moon is much too far away to reach."

Patricia shrugged.

The bus lurched to a stop, and the doors popped open.

One of the dogs, Delilah really didn't care about their names, said "Fort Benning... whose it named after Kowalski?"

"Please stop calling me that." a female one sighed.

"Isn't that a designation?"

"No."

Delilah pushed past them, saying "Some general who owned slaves."

"Really?" the girl asked.

Delilah turned to get a better look at her.

There was a subtle scar across the right side of the girl's face, more than likely caused by a merciless whip from either a former master or an especially cruel boss.

Delilah sighed, saying "Look, kids, you're in the American South... they all owned slaves here and fought, killed, and bled to keep their slaves. Don't blindly assume your liberators are any better than your oppressors."

The American guard by the building's entrance overheard her, glaring at Delilah as if her words had offended him.

She only showed him an ID, the man reluctantly looking away realizing her rank.

More specifically, her position...

Patricia groaned.

The dog girl asking "Why is she so...?"

"...Bitchy?" one of the other bunny-girls concluded.

"She's not with our unit... she's American Intelligence... just try to avoid her..." Patricia answered.

The young man with pointy, wolf-like ears said "I know your people had it tough, so I can't blame her, but..."

Patricia said "Look, she's on her own mission. Just don't mess with her, and let's focus on our own job, alright? We have officers to impress!"

The mixed group walked into the building, noting Delilah was off near a corner and quickly locating the NATO officers who were in a circle, chatting with some familiar figures.

Patricia overheard a man with an English accent say "And they can leap that high?"

"Yes, sir, give our Olympic players a run for their money. Saw it in action myself."

"Dennis Orville? Why is he here?" Patricia muttered aloud, glancing in a few directions, searching for any sign of a certain white-haired former queen.

Before she could really ponder the thoughts, their own CO's quickly organized them and put them in their proper formations.

Delilah kept her eyes focused, eyeing the American she knew would take her to her target.

Dennis would face her, but not say anything, continuing to answer questions for the NATO officials present.

She strained to hear his words over the commotion but managed well enough.

"You saw one leap over a treeline?" the French officer asked.

"Yes, sir. The blonde over there."

"And they're all capable of such feats?"

"The warrior rabbits, yes. The, uh, unit of dog demi-humans have different abilities, like enhanced hearing, a better sense of smell..."

"Hmm... would have been great having them in Algeria..."

"Or in Vietnam... in fact, how well are their bomb-detecting capabilities? Are they as good as regular bomb-dogs?"

"Eh... that's what we plan to test today. Unlike dogs we can actually communicate more directly, but... well..."

Delilah's eyes narrowed.

Where are you, you snake?

As the 19-year-old kept chatting with the officers, she kept her eyes peeled, searching, trying to see if the woman she wanted to kill was there. There were several civilians outside, curious to see the strange and new sight of the demi-humans in person, but she couldn't see any white hair.

Delilah frowned.

Then, as the officers were inspecting the troops, her eyes went wide.

Tyuule walked out of a room, wearing a quaint little dress as she quickly walked over to take hold of the young man's arm. He was somewhat taller than her, but not by a lot, and her hair was still straight, waste-length, and snow-white. Her blood-red eyes briefly darted to her own.

Delilah didn't have her sidearm, but it didn't matter. She started approaching the pair.

I'll punch her throat, snap her neck, anything... I'll do it immediately... too fast for anyone to react... then... then...

The young man made eye contact and immediately took a step so he was almost in between her and her target.

Dennis raised his hand, half to greet, half to halt.

"Queen Tyuule..." she growled.

Tyuule swallowed nervously but held her ground.

"Hello..." Tyuule said as Delilah stopped, Dennis now standing in between them.

Forcing a fake smile, Delilah said, "Orville! Long time no see!"

"Yeah... how are you?"

"Well, you know how it is... working hard, oh, I know you've been working hard... you knock her up yet?" she asked, still grinning unnaturally, the question more than confusing the American.

Delilah said "Nah, she'd be carrying the kid with her, right? Thank the gods for rubber, am I right?"

Tyuule forced an uncomfortable smile and said "I'm... glad to meet you in person..."

Delilah said "Well, I'm really, really not!" still smiling, she added, "Last I saw you, you were Zorzal's plaything!"

Tyuule's smile vanished.

Delilah said, "And look at you now... living it up... you got your happy ending..."

Tyuule's gaze fell to the floor, the white-haired girl saying "I wish things were different."

Delilah chortled, "No, don't say that! Then you wouldn't be married to this country bumpkin, would you?"

Eyes were turning to them now.

Dennis said, "Look, she's here to answer questions if anyone has them, not be harassed."

"Oh, that's a shame, isn't it..."

Dennis felt the urge to grab the chestnut-haired bunny girl and throttle her rise within him.

Tyuule didn't reply, only squeezing his hand a little tighter.

Delilah's jaw visibly clenched.

"If... If I could kill you... I would... by the gods, I wish... I wish I could..." she whispered. "I don't care if you wanted to save lives... you can't fix what you did, so why do you get a happy ending?!"

Dennis opened his mouth, but Tyuule tugged at his arm, shaking her head.

Tyuule then said "I'm sorry for what happened... I truly am... I wish things had been different..."

"Don't you regret what you did?!"

At this, Tyuule finally lifted her face up.

"I don't regret trying to save my people's lives... I regret failing... but I don't regret trying to end the war."

"You..." Delilah's words were caught in her throat.

Finally, she said "Don't ever even think of claiming the role of queen back... I don't care if your intentions were noble... what you did... it ruined us... we still haven't recovered. I don't care if everyone else sees you as a hero, you'll always share the blame for our destruction."

Tyuule only said, "I know."

At the words, Delilah felt her fingernails stab into the skin of her palm.

She glared at Dennis, saying "I hope she's worth it."

Dennis didn't reply.

At that, Delilah turned, and walked away, leaving the building and walking the streets of the base without any real aim. There was nothing to be said. Her plan to kill her didn't fail because of someone's intervention, it didn't fail because she didn't find Tyuule, and it didn't fail because of some grand conspiracy.

She failed because she couldn't do it.

Eventually, she found a public phone, picked it up, and dialed a number she knew.

Trent picked up the phone after a moment.

"Yeah?"

"Hey... it's me... Can you coordinate a train or a bus or something to pick me up? I don't want to be here anymore."

"...did you-?"

"No... I didn't kill her... I couldn't."

After a second, she said, "I'm as weak as she is."

Trent said, "Can you still carry out the mission?"

"...Yeah..."

"Great. I'll send someone for you..."

March 20thth, 1966

7:30 AM

The radio played pleasantly calming music as they drove down the road.

"You worked with the Green Berets, right?" Tyuule asked as the man on the radio kept singing about them.

Dennis nodded, saying "Yeah... Captain Thorne... odd man. Didn't talk much. Fought in... someplace in Europe, I think. He never did answer me."

The song on the radio kept going, the forests around them growing as they drove. Subconsciously, Dennis gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, his eyes occasionally darted to the trees, as if searching for something.

Tyuule was distracted, adjusting the camera, a soft smile on her face.

Soon the sign she was waiting for appeared on the road.

Chattahoochee National Forest

She grinned. The incredibly early morning wake-up had been worth it, as there weren't really any other people immediately visible. She snapped a picture of nearby trees,

Their car steadily parked, Dennis said "I think I only came here the one time. I really don't remember anything."

Tyuule hopped out of the car, saying "If it's half as pretty as the pictures your parents took, I'm sure it'll be worth it."

Dennis nodded, pocketing the keys and locking the doors before taking Tyuule's hand and letting her lead the way.

The Park Ranger gave them an odd look, but said nothing, letting them pass without any trouble.

Tyuule didn't hold on to him for long as they walked down the trail, quickly moving ahead and snapping pictures, as Dennis looked around. The first real signs of spring were just beginning to manifest as the transition from winter began to conclude. The leaves were greener, the early morning sun felt a touch warmer, the sky a touch bluer.

The pair walked mostly on their own, occasionally seeing some other people who never got too close, either due to their own interests being invested elsewhere or perhaps because of the white-haired girl.

He appreciated nonetheless, a part of him just wanting to be alone with her for the time being. His eyes kept going from her to the forest. Looking her over, another part of him struggling to keep walking and he wasn't entirely sure why.

No, he knew damn well why...

He kept up with her nonetheless, trying his best to focus on the natural beauty around them. He stared at a branch that gently swayed as a squirrel jumped from it to another.

He imagined bloody bones and muscle on it after a surgical strike on an enemy formation.

He shook the thought aside, glancing at a different tree, noticing a bird of some kind had made a home in it, the bundle of twigs and sticks making a not large, but still noticeable nest for the coming spring. Dennis briefly thought of the dead sons and fathers whose blood was on his hands.

He swallowed the thoughts always at the back of his mind despite his calm and, almost bored expression. After a moment, he was able to simply not think about it for a short while again. So it went, something would bring an awful memory, and he would push it aside. Nothing new. If anything, he'd grown entirely used to it now.

Tyuule's gasp brought him out of his internal struggle.

"This is..." she said, taking a deep breath as she got to the overlook, the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains providing a gorgeous sight for eye and camera, the sunbathing the green landscape in an orange glow that simply wasn't the same as the one seen in the lands beyond the Gate.

Tyuule said, "It's unlike anything back home..."

Dennis had lagged behind, his eyes focusing on her, watching as she snapped photos.

She lowered the camera, saying "I... I wish my parents could see this."

"Yeah..."

"I know it's pointless to dwell on it, but... some days I wonder... what would they say?"

At those soft words, Dennis felt the knot in his throat tighten beyond anything he'd felt in a long time. His mind shooting back to images he'd tried to suppress not because of their gruesome nature, but because he knew he wouldn't ever be able to go back and fix them.

His parents, smiling for a camera as he focused more on a toy car they'd given him.

Dennis felt his breathing grow labored.

A youthful princess, hopeful, but determined to do what was necessary for her people and uphold her ideals.

His vision grew blurry.

Civilians, the downtrodden, the dead... all looking at him.

He swallowed, trying to force the thoughts away with no success.

A little girl with droopy dog ears, grinning with the confidence only a child could ever muster.

Finally...

Tyuule turned, smiling, saying "I'm glad I can share this with you."

The soft smile of a white-haired girl who'd been beaten down beyond the point anyone should.

"Den?" she asked, suddenly realizing the expression he was wearing.

Dennis winced, the feeling of the tears rolling down his cheeks confirming his fears.

"I-I..." he stammered, quickly trying to wipe away the tears on his jacket's sleeves.

They weren't stopping.

"I-I'm f..." he breathed, "I'm... I'm..."

He slowly sat on the ground, gasping as his voice crack not unlike that of a child.

"I-I'm sorry..." he managed, albeit barely, continuing to try and wipe his own tears.

Tyuule had already rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him.

He began sobbing.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." he whispered, shutting his eyes tight as he buried his face on her shoulder, the tears not stopping as he began to shake.

Tyuule looked at him, a sorrowful glimmer in her eyes as she understood.

She nodded slowly, passing a hand through his hair.

"It's just a little earthquake... it's alright... it's alright..." she whispered, trying to hide her own sadness. She reminded herself of the toll it took to do the work of soldiers.

"I-I didn't... I couldn't..." he tried, failing.

Tyuule slowly said "I don't blame you." then managing a sad smile, she whispered, "You let me cry on your shoulder... you can cry on mine... alright?"

Between his cries and shaky breaths, she felt him slowly nod as tears continued to flow in the warm Georgia breeze, the turmoil hidden away now able to be expressed. Despite the problems at home and abroad, despite the nightmares, despite the emotional pain, there, in the old forests preserved through the centuries, they were now able to truly enjoy a moment of respite in each other's arms.

The Fight We Chose

END