Stories from the War: Military Dystopian Thriller

by Autumn M. Birt

Last Battle

  June 2065

  “You need to return to Europe,” Eldridge said, voice barely heard over the static and sounds of battle.

  “What? Why? Is the FLF a problem again?” Arinna asked, worried. Kehm would have told her if she were needed back in Europe. Kieren hadn’t mentioned any issues when they’d spoken a day or so ago. In fact, the fighting had seemed nearly done.

  “No. Everything is fine. We need you for a victory celebration,” Eldridge said.

  “You have to be fucking kidding me,” Arinna blurted, ducking as a bullet struck the wall nearby. She hung up on him, choosing to fight and live than listen to his lunacy. When the comm buzzed to life again, she ignored it.

  The fighting carried on for three more days. The FLF had made a base in a little outpost of Azerbaijan, hoarding a small supply of water and plots of tillable land. They meant to keep it, knowing it was a stable and long term location in which to infiltrate Europe. Arinna was having none of that.

  Unfortunately, they had more ammo. And had put out land mines. That really pissed her off. So she fed the sonic waves of her dactyl’s engines into an amplifier powered by a transport. From there, she transmitted them to the ground. It took some fiddling, but they got the frequency right by midday. The remaining mines blew nearly as one, showering earth and debris skyward.

  The Guard was across the pockmarked field before the FLF fully realized what had happened. The fight lasted until dusk but the base finally fell. One more threat erased from the planet.

  Tired, sore, grubby, but highly satisfied, Arinna signaled Jared to join her as she called Central Command back in Europe.

  “It’s over?” Kehm asked.

  “Yes. There are a few prisoners and we need to tear apart the infrastructure so the FLF isn’t tempted to come back. But the fighting is done for now.”

  “Good. Eldridge wants to speak to you,” Kehm said.

  “Damn him. We’ll give a report tomorrow!”

  Jared glanced her way but remained silent. The look was all the reminder she needed to calm herself down. The man irritated her like no one else, though she tried to ignore it.

  “It isn’t a report. He needs you to come back to Europe for—”

  “Victory in Europe. He called during the fighting, a few days ago,” Arinna said with a wave of her hand to answer the startled look in both Jared and Kehm’s expressions.

  “What did you tell him?” Jared asked.

  “It was a bad time. I hung up on him.”

  “Yes and he appreciated that, I’m sure. He has been calling Command every day ... several times really. He’s serious,” Kehm told her.

  “But we haven’t won. The FLF is barely outside of Europe’s borders. This is ridiculous,” Arinna said, feeling the days of heat and fighting settle on her. She needed food, shower, and sleep. Not Eldridge. Not today.

  “It isn’t that odd. Even during World War II, they celebrated victory on the eastern front,” Jared pointed out.

  “After a peace treaty. After the Nazis surrendered. Unless Eldridge heard from the FLF directly, I think we are missing that piece.”

  Neither Jared nor Kehm said anything. Kehm looked away from the vid display avoiding her eyes. Jared tapped a finger on the dactyl’s console. She knew both of them, well enough to know they didn’t want to argue with her when they saw her mood and mindset. But both thought she was wrong.

  “Shit.”

  “Things are under control here. I’ll stay and take care of destroying the base while we start looking for the next target to push the FLF back further,” Jared said.

  “That won’t work. He wants you too, Captain.”

  “Well, fuck.”

  Arinna laughed. Jared hated Eldridge as much as she. Having him subjected to the same request made it seem a little less loathsome.

  “You are officially the Captain of the Guard,” Arinna told him with a grin. Jared glared at her and then rolled his eyes.

  “I could swear you in right now, promote you, and then this can truly be your baby,” Jared offered.

  “You can’t promote me higher than you, Captain. Being the ‘liaison’ with MOTHER has its privileges.”

  “I thought a ‘liaison’s’ role was to listen to both parties, not to tell them both what to do,” Jared drawled.

  “I’m working on a new definition.”

  “Lieutenants Farrak Assad and Gabriella Faronelli can handle the mop-up ... I would hope,” Kehm added quickly, realizing he overstepped his authority as both Jared and Arinna stopped their teasing argument with sharp glances toward him.

  “Hell with it. The troops need a break. We need to find another target. There is food and water here. I say let them stay a week, run recon from here, and then blow it when we move on,” Jared said. “And he is right. We named them field Lieutenants so they could command when needed.”

  “Fine,” Arinna agreed though still reluctant. “Tell Eldridge we will be back tomorrow.” She signed off, waiting until the vid faded. “We’ll need to give orders and make sure things really are stable here before heading out.”

  “Farrak and Gabriella can handle it. We can leave them my dactyl and fly back in yours so they each have one.”

  It made sense. They hadn’t been able to produce too many dactyls in the two years since she’d found the designs. What had really made it possible was an addendum to the last page listing where specialty parts had been manufactured. Most had been in Europe. They’d located enough pieces to make components to construct four more. An additional three were almost finished. That would make ten. Not many, but considering their capabilities, it was enough.

  And the transport ships that had been in the designs were proving to be essential to moving the war outside of Europe’s boundaries. Those were easier to manufacture and over a dozen had been built. Boxy but stable, they carried troops while converting to small, armored headquarters when settled. With some careful arranging, the Guard could fight and then create a movable base with portable barracks, power, communications, video, and weapons. They made a war that was becoming increasingly long distance possible.

  War. It wasn’t over yet. Eldridge’s request irked her. There were still incidents of FLF in Europe, not to mention incursions. That was why Kieren with her patience and guerrilla tactics made such a good commander back home. Brought up on stories of the IRA, she thought like an armed rebel trying to take down a larger power. Most of the time, she figured out where the FLF would attack next before it even had.

  “I’m going to call Kieren after we sort out things here,” Arinna said to Jared just before they reached the transports and were still out of hearing. “I want her perspective on this.”

  “Let me know when. I want to hear too. And it isn’t all bad news. Eldridge, MOTHER, asked for you first. Maybe they are realizing you are the reason we’ve won and why the Guard follows you.”

  Arinna snorted. “Or they just want to know where I am so they can shoot me.”

  —

  Despite the dactyl’s speed, Arinna and Jared didn’t arrive at the Guard headquarters outside of Prague until dusk. Kieren met them in the hanger as the roof slid closed.

  The youngest of the lieutenants that she and Jared had chosen, Kieren appeared barely old enough to have left home much less hold any command. Kieren O’Dell defied perceptions, and it was part of what Arinna liked about her. Tight russet brown curls brushed her shoulders and contrasted sharply with bright blue-green eyes set above a smattering of freckles. Despite the appearance and occasional skipping step, she moved like a trained fighter, one used to back alleys and difficult situations.

  “So I hear the war is over,” Jared said as Kieren saluted.

  The salutes had become commonplace for Arinna, just like the title. She didn’t merit either, but no one would listen to her on the topic. Considering it was the only time no one listened to her, she forgave it.

  “In Europe it is,” Kieren said with a grin that stretched full
lips wide.

  Arinna snorted to keep herself from smiling back. Kieren was infectious when she was in a good mood. “Are you sure of that?” Arinna asked.

  “Let me show you,” Kieren offered, leading the way back to Command.

  The map of Europe lay placidly green on the large display. Jared stared at it.

  “Nothing? There have been no incidents in the last ...?”

  “Two months,” Kieren finished for him. “And that one was minor and might not have been FLF. He was killed by locals so we couldn’t confirm,” she explained.

  Arinna nodded. She’d read the report but in the fighting and hunting for FLF across Asia, she hadn’t noticed the lack of new ones.

  “You’ve kept tabs?” Arinna asked, sure of the answer but still not believing even a piece of the war was over. And they had won.

  “The communication network with local agents is stronger than ever. We get reports on activity no matter what,” Kieren said nodding to a tidy pile of paperwork on a side desk.

  Arinna picked up the first few, glancing at locations and notes as Jared joined her. The most basic listed no unusual or suspicious activity. The more prolific talked about cowherds growing and crops getting planted. It read more like a farm report than a war log.

  “This one is talking about a mill being rebuilt,” Jared said, puzzling over the paper in his hands.

  “This one is on livestock. Your point?” Arinna asked, amused at his consternation.

  “They’re rebuilding,” he pointed out. Arinna’s breath caught.

  “Yes. A few small industries a few years ago when the public fuel supplies ran out. Carriage and saddle makers, horse breeders, veterinarians at first. But it’s grown. There are businesses now, mills, and schools. Life is fairly normal.”

  “Except the whole horse and carriage thing,” Jared said.

  “And the lack of power. No one has put in place any power stations?” Arinna asked, placing the papers back on Kieren’s desk.

  Kieren shrugged. “They are too much of a target for the FLF. People are still nervous that the war isn’t over and the FLF will come back. A few are resurrecting photovoltaic panels and others are trying to restore the wind turbines, but that is still piecemeal.”

  Arinna leaned against the desk, lightheaded. Kehm had mentioned some of this, of course. And she’d seen the reports, but hadn’t really understood. Not until she stood again in Europe after having left a battlefield. She felt out of place in an altered world.

  “How far out have you pushed the FLF?” Kieren asked.

  “Azerbaijan was the last fight. We haven’t located another base yet, unless you heard from Lieutenant Assad today or Kehm found something?” Arinna answered. Kieren shook her head.

  “There is a safety zone around Europe,” Jared said, stopping when Arinna snorted and cocked an eyebrow at him. “Well not for anything in the zone, but it is safer for Europe that way!”

  “I don’t understand,” Kieren confessed.

  “Most of Russia, at least as far as Moscow and south to Georgia is uninhabitable. I don’t know what the FLF did there ... it was early in the war before Captain Prescot commanded the Guard and different branches of the armed forces responded as they saw fit with little direction from NATO headquarters where I worked,” Arinna explained.

  “And Michael and I were stationed to the south. We didn’t see the fighting that left that wasteland. Must be nuclear,” Jared added.

  “Or chemical. Nothing will grow, little survives, and buildings are twisted shells. Below that is the new desert,” Arinna finished.

  “Which is why incursions have been less or over the sea,” Kieren said. “Of course, I should have seen that. I knew to watch the coast, but never really put the pieces of why that was the main route together.”

  “You were focusing on hunting for spies, which is why we left you in charge here,” Arinna said. Kieren blushed, which made her look fourteen. Arinna chuckled wearily.

  “And the oceans are their own obstacles, which makes our job easier,” Jared said. “Shit. Is it over here?”

  “I’m not certain. I need to see what Eldridge wants,” Arinna said, pushing herself from the desk’s edge. The thought weighted every muscle.

  “Tomorrow,” Kehm said from the doorway. “I told him you’d meet with him at o-ten hundred tomorrow.”

  “I said we’d be back today,” Arinna replied, frozen half-way across the central platform of the Command Center.

  “After a battle while leaving two new Lieutenants in command of a newly acquired FLF base. I really thought tomorrow was being optimistic,” Kehm replied. “Glad to see you made it back early.”

  Arinna laughed on a quiet breath. She shouldn’t be surprised. Kehm had always had her back even when it put him in danger.

  “Thank you,” she said, heartfelt. Kehm nodded with a smile. “In that case, I’m taking a shower, having dinner, and going to bed,” Arinna said, relieved for the first time in two days since Kehm had reminded her of Eldridge’s request.

  “Lieutenant, fine job. So tell me, has the food improved since the fighting ended?” Jared asked Kieren. Kieren grinned.

  —

  “Where are we going?” Arinna asked Eldridge, her words and body tense.

  Eldridge casually glanced at her before turning his gaze out the carriage window. She hated him anew for the ease he displayed in her company.

  “When was the last time you were in Europe, and by that I mean not on a military base?” he asked.

  “You are taking me for a joy ride?” She choked down the laughter the thought spawned, afraid her tight throat would pitch it toward hysterical.

  “No. I want you to see what you’ve been protecting.”

  Those were not the words or sentiment Arinna expected from him. She crossed her arms and sat back, gaze turning to the scene outside her window. The carriage rocked in its slow movement down old paved streets, potholes from the war filled in with cobbles. Above the patched streets, repaired or rebuilt buildings stood solid. People, patrons, entered stores, the scene unchanged from before the war, but for carriages and lanterns. As they journeyed on, buildings under construction rolled past.

  “Has any progress been made on restoring power?” Arinna asked, thinking of Kieren’s assessment.

  Eldridge shifted in his chair. “Most of the transmission lines were damaged, badly. I don’t suppose you are aware of any cable supplies lying around?” He sighed at Arinna’s negative. “Ah well, I had hoped. It will take time. We can scavenge some sections, but the rest will need to be manufactured. Which means building the means to manufacture the cable and towers.”

  “And reconstructing power plants,” Arinna added.

  “Yes. And determining what type: solar, wind. Nuclear is out. I don’t think we retain the technology to handle the raw material.”

  “Hydro might be the best place to start. Or solar.”

  “The oldest and the newest, how poetic of you. It will take time to recreate infrastructure and until then cities will need to fend for themselves. But it is time to rebuild.”

  Eldridge held her gaze a moment before returning to his window. Arinna hesitated, knowing he was baiting her to steer the conversation. But it was why she was there. It was best to get it over with.

  “You really want to declare victory in Europe?”

  “Do you see any reason not to?” he countered.

  “The war isn’t over. There is so much we don’t know about the FLF, what they hold in the world, and whom we might be able to trade with. Saying that Europe is safe seems ... presumptuous.”

  “Perhaps,” Eldridge admitted. He pulled a signal cord to alert the driver. “Come. There is more to see.”

  Arinna sighed, but followed as he exited the carriage. Eldridge led them down a narrow walking path to emerge on a side boulevard that was filled with market stalls. People, more people than Arinna had seen in a long time outside of a battle, swirled by. The first person snaggi
ng her eye was a mother holding the hand of her son. Families, children playing, and young lovers teasing each other over ripe fruit: the scenes stole her breath. Arinna blinked away surprise as they moved slowly along the street market. They stopped by a fountain, water bubbled from the carved stone to trickle into the pool at its base.

  “You use power for this?” Arinna asked, scrambling to focus as her thoughts scattered like seeds on the wind.

  “This? This is old. Roman, I think. Ancient pipes and water lines, something to do with pressure. I have no idea how it still works. But it does. It is a sight. Isn’t it?” Eldridge said, absently pulling at his pants as he sat on the fountain’s edge. Arinna joined him, relieved to be off feet that felt unsteady. A few breaths, and she felt more together. Befuddled instincts sorted out, she evaluated the market.

  “How long has this been here?” she asked, noting stalls showing damage from storms and windblown debris nestled into corners.

  “This one? A year. Yes,” Eldridge said with a grin. “People have been congregating in public for a year.”

  “With a few incidences,” Arinna pointed out. She’d read the reports.

  “True. Across Europe. But not enough to stop this. Look at what is for sale. There is commerce, farms producing and selling crops, even some that manufacture value added products. This is not a war torn country. Not anymore.”

  Arinna didn’t argue with him. She’d only needed to see the smile on the first boy’s face to realize this wasn’t a country under the constant threat of attack. There was laughter here and sunlight, along with smells she’d forgotten existed.

  “I can’t guarantee that there will be no more violence,” Arinna warned him.

  Eldridge smiled as he leaned back on his haunches. She knew the look and action, having seen it when she worked for him in NATO. He’d done the same thing whenever he won an argument. She wondered if he’d worn the same look when he’d changed the order and sent Captain Michael Prescot and the best of their fighters to Kiev instead of north. Arinna shoved the thought aside.

  “I know. But there are no guarantees in this world,” Eldridge said.

  “Then why? Why a victory celebration when it looks like peace has settled already?”

  “Because dates are important. There are still fears. The celebration isn’t for me. It isn’t for Parliament to stand and be recognized. I know it isn’t for the Guard who is still fighting, though I wish that were otherwise. It is for these people. They need to have their efforts to rebuild recognized. They need to be told the worst is over and it is time to move forward.”

  She hated that he could stir emotion, that his words could hit home and ignite in her. But that was why he was a politician. Before the war, during the war, and now after. She waited a breath, feeling the worn stone under her hands and the coolness of the basin against her legs.

  “And if the worst isn’t over?” she asked.

  “It won’t be our first mistake. As long as we don’t make it too many times, people will believe it. The time is right. I hope you see that?”

  He actually looked nervous, darting a glance at her. A tiny line of perspiration marked his brow. Inwardly, she allowed amusement.

  “I do,” she replied. A breath of tension puffed from Eldridge. She glanced at him with a half smile. “Though I would imagine it would take time to organize such an event considering phone lines barely function. How will you let an entire continent know?”

  “Newspapers mostly. The members of Parliament will return home to host celebrations in local cities. And you, the Guard, do have a few planes, which perhaps could take several key members to important locations. Any local Guard would be part of the parades ...”

  Eldridge trailed off as Arinna stared at him. “You have this planned,” she said quietly. Her tone made him swallow and shift away. “When? When is it?”

  “Next week,” he answered hoarsely. “I need you to do this.” He stopped short of please, but there was a hint of pleading in his voice. “The people won’t believe it if the Guard aren’t there. If you aren’t there.”

  “Dammit. You could have ... I don’t know, sent a letter!” she hissed it low, to keep the conversation private from the crowd only feet away. “Does Kehm or anyone in the Guard know about this plan?” she asked, wondering how they could have missed it. How Kieren could have missed it. Newspapers, he’d said. She hadn’t seen any in Command. Would anyone have told the Guard about something they would have assumed the Guard was part of?

  “Parliament knows. We’ve been organizing. The announcements go into the paper when we give the word.”

  The word “conspiracy” popped into her head. This was power. The power to rule a country. But wasn’t that the next step after war? Arinna swiped a tired hand over her face.

  “Fine, do it,” she said standing. “Send a formal plan to headquarters by tonight.”

  “Thank you,” he said, rising as well. Arinna walked a pace away. “The carriage is the other way,” he called after her.

  “I know. I’ll find my own way back,” she said without turning.

  —

  “I stand here, we stand as a nation, due to the leadership of the woman known as the Lady Grey. Her command of our united armed forces, known fondly as the Grey Guard, saved us from the threat posed by the Freedom Liberation Front. But now that threat is gone. Today we declare Europe free from harm and the war ended!”

  Eldridge’s speech was drowned in the roar of the crowd. Arinna applauded politely, gritting her teeth. She had been moved the first time she’d heard the speech. Eldridge gave her quite the gift with his words. He cemented her role, legitimized it actually. Her takeover of the Guard had been illegal at best, a coup at worst. She wasn’t a sworn member of the armed forces. She had been a staffer under Eldridge at NATO, a mere liaison to the Guard that had stepped forward when Europe tottered on the brink of surrender, and found a path forward. Still, she’d expected to be arrested when it was all over. Eldridge handed her accolades instead.

  Now, on the fourth victory celebration of the day, she noticed the flaws more than the praise. Jared was not mentioned for one. She’d bristled over that and it had been Jared’s laughter that had kept her from responding with something other than thanks and joy for the peace and rebuilding.

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m here. They see us together. The war is done. They cannot mention everyone. Besides, you make a much better figurehead!” Jared said.

  It still annoyed her. His leadership mattered just as much as hers. If he didn’t have faith in her and follow her orders, none of the others would have. She kept him at her side all day, he in full dress. Her military uniform matched his minus the insignias and medals. None belonged to her so she would not wear them. Let Eldridge sort out how to explain that.

  More than that bothered her though. Such as all the Guard who were not there: Gabriella, Farrak, and the troops still chasing the FLF across Asia. Even Kehm had chosen not to come. He’d found some likely activity on the satellite feeds and stayed in headquarters to evaluate a potential new target.

  But mostly on this last boisterous speech of the day, it was the lack of mention that the war continued outside of Europe that bothered her. From one city to the next, London, Paris, Prague, and Rome, not once had she heard mention further threats or those still in the field. She was tired though, having needed to fly Eldridge, le Marc, and a few other key politicians around Europe. She pushed it aside as Jared nudged her. It was her turn to praise and give hope. As she stepped forward, the crowd’s yell was deafening.

  The noise was still ringing in her ears as she and Jared walked back into Command. Exhausted, they both slumped in spare chairs still wearing their military best. The silence that greeted them was broken by Kehm attempting to cough down his laughter.

  “Oh shut up. You should have been a part of it too!” Jared said, tossing a ball of paper at the Chief Communications Officer.

  “There wouldn’t have been room on the pla
ne for all the politicians then. Besides, I watched the parades on the satellite feed. It looked lovely,” Kehm said with a grin.

  “Can you imagine the wrangling to figure out which one of those dandies couldn’t go and talk about how they single handedly saved Europe?” Jared asked, glancing at Arinna. “What’s wrong,” he asked when she didn’t answer or acknowledge the teasing.

  “I ... did it bother you that they didn’t mention the fighting outside of Europe? Not once. Not all day,” she said, giving voice to the anxiety that had strengthened since that afternoon.

  Jared rubbed a hand over his eyes. “We’re tired. I’m sure they just didn’t want to diminish their victory day.” Arinna snorted at his rationalization. Jared sighed. “You think something is up.”

  Arinna leaned back, offering Jared a half smile. “Do you trust them? They didn’t even tell us they were planning this grand celebration.”

  “Well you can pester them tomorrow when you see them at the little soiree they have planned,” Jared teased.

  The reminder made her feel worse. Old memories long buried bubbled to life. “It’s a called a ball. Please tell me you know how to dance?”

  “You do?” Jared asked, surprised. “See you make a much better figurehead.”

  “Figurehead? That is a little ... inaccurate,” Kehm said with hesitant surprise as he glanced between Jared and Arinna. Arinna waved a tired hand.

  “You should have heard Eldridge’s speech today,” Jared said. “At least they acknowledged her role. But they are definitely setting my Lady here up for some grand displays when they will cart her out on their little political tours. Actually, you should upstage them and run for Prime Minister.”

  “You are insane. I’ll support you if you’d like, but I’m not jumping into that quagmire. Besides, there is still a war to win.” Arinna turned away from Jared, gaze falling on Kehm as she went to rise. Kehm’s expression kept her in her seat. “What is it?” she asked him.

  “Captain Vries makes a good point. Not that you should run, but what they are up to.”

  “Now you think they are up to something,” Jared said, crankier than Arinna had seen him in some time.

  “Go to bed,” she told Jared. “You think they want a backer for elections? Choose me because without their support, I’d be arrested?” she asked Kehm.

  “The Guard would never allow that!” Jared snapped. All three paused and exchanged looks.

  “Because I control the Guard,” Arinna said. “Claim victory in Europe, send us back to war, and let them keep the continent.”

  “Or split you up. The Guard follows both of you without question. MOTHER made its choice to court you, my Lady.” Kehm looked nervous.

  “They think I’ll be easier to control. Shit,” Arinna said. “Hell with it. I don’t care who is elected Prime Minister. Our job is to make sure Europe is safe.”

  “Really?” Jared asked, green eyes far too serious for her liking. Jared knew her and the truth far too well. “You wouldn’t care who in MOTHER controlled Europe?”

  She knew better than to answer him.

  —

  She struggled with the idea of Eldridge as Prime Minister of Europe all night. It was her familiarity with exhaustion from days of battle that kept her sharp and on her feet at the ball. Jared didn’t know much about dancing, which left them sidelined for most of the night except for the few brave enough to ask if she’d like a turn on the floor while Captain Vries, in all of his finery, glared at them. Most turned away before they were within shouting distance. She and Jared began to make bets.

  Still, those few turns around the room made her nostalgic for times that were impossible to relive. Which made her miss the battlefield all the more. The ongoing war was her exit strategy from the past as well as the future peace offered. She spent the night avoiding Eldridge until a spate of victory speeches gave her little choice but to stand beside him.

  As the applause died down and before Arinna could make an exit hampered as she was by the sleek dress the occasion necessitated, Eldridge caught her elbow.

  “Do you have a moment? I need to see you,” he said in a low voice.

  “That would be lovely. There was something I wanted you to clarify,” Arinna answered.

  Now that the moment she had avoided was there, Arinna couldn’t help but to fight. Irritation at being played flared, but not as brightly as the anger kindled by thousands of lives lost and not acknowledged during the events the day before. She caught Jared’s eye as she turned to join Eldridge in the back of the grand hall, knowing he would follow just in case Eldridge had plans other than talking. She trusted Jared, not Eldridge. And she trusted Kehm. Arinna flicked on the communicator hidden in the folds of her skirt.

  He led her to a book lined study with far too much familiarity of the borrowed estate that had somehow survived the years of fighting. The door clicked behind him before he turned to face her.

  “You had a question?” he asked, voice holding nothing more than warm interest.

  “You seem to have neglected mentioning that there is still fighting outside of Europe yesterday,” Arinna said, crossing her arms.

  “Yes. I know,” Eldridge walked to the desk, shuffling the papers stacked neatly across it as he shook his head. “I warned them we should tell you before, but ... Well, you make MOTHER nervous. The rest of MOTHER. They don’t know you as I do. They were afraid to tell you everything in case you did not go along with it.”

  “Tell me what?” she hissed. The little confession threw her off balance, which she guessed was its purpose. Playing into Eldridge’s game was not a good feeling.

  “The war is to be forgotten.”

  Arinna stared at him. “But ... you expect us to pull back? The FLF ...” her thoughts stumbled, slipping out of order.

  “Oh no. Not that. The Guard is needed to continue the fight. It will be fully funded: technology, weapons, whatever you need. That will not change. What I, we, mean is that it will not exist to Europe.”

  “That isn’t even possible,” she said after a moment, staring at him.

  “Isn’t it? The populace doesn’t even have electricity much less computers, phones, or communications other than letters. There are no news journalists embedded with the troops to send back reports.”

  “There are soldiers who have families, friends. Are you going to declare them all dead?” she spat.

  “Good heavens, no. We’ve made a list of all active soldiers without remaining ties. You are to ask them to volunteer to continue with a silent war for the good of Europe.” Eldridge held out a handful of pages to her. She stared at them.

  “They may want to start new lives, new families,” she said quietly, unnerved by the forethought placed into this. She hadn’t seen it coming.

  “That is why we are asking for volunteers. While the soldiers are active duty, they cannot marry. So those wishing to continue to protect Europe from the FLF will be making a very great sacrifice, one that may never be acknowledged.”

  “That stupid rule which was kept from the French Foreign Legion ... Even you could never have planned this purpose for it all of those years ago,” she said.

  Eldridge sighed, dropping his outstretched hand to his side though he did not put the paperwork down. “No. I never believed the fighting would go on this long or the ‘victory’ to be so tenuous and hollow. That rule was because we wanted the soldiers to focus on fighting and rebuilding the army and not on families. Arinna, it pains me to see it has come to this.” Eldridge looked her in the eye, appearing earnest.

  “Then why? Why do this?” she asked.

  “Because of the same reason I showed you in the market. The people cannot take it anymore. They are afraid to rebuild, believing the FLF will destroy it all again.”

  “They might! There is barely a safe zone around Europe’s borders.”

  “You’ll keep them out. We would have surrendered if not for you. You’ll find a way to keep us safe.”

  “Wit
h just those soldiers on your list? This is insane, David. And it makes no sense. I will have no part in it.” She turned to leave.

  “They will kill you if you don’t. They will kill Captain Vries, whatever it takes to make this happen. And I don’t want to see that. I know you and he are the only two who have succeeded against the FLF. But they will slit Europe’s throat to make this happen.”

  Arinna stopped with one hand on the door knob. A glint of perspiration highlighted his receding hair. But it was more than that which stopped her. There was fear in his voice. She leaned a shoulder against the door.

  “You weren’t here. God knows I don’t want to have seen what you did fighting ... but you were not here in Europe as it fell apart. Even before the war. Did you think just because we only had flooding, and not hurricanes on the magnitude of Lempert and Dexter that we did not suffer? HALO hit Europe just as hard as the United States. We watched your country flounder and fall to martial law, but we stayed free as a beacon to the world. Then the FLF destroyed the USA despite all of their power. Then they came here.”

  “The war isn’t over. Hiding it will not solve anything,” she said, frustrated.

  “What will reporting on it every day gain?” he asked. Arinna stared at him but couldn’t think of a response. “People do not need to be fascinated by a war. They need to be thinking of industry, electricity, and food. We barely have enough crops to feed people and produce seed for next year. Dammit, I think there are only three flour mills in operation! Our coffee and tea is grown in two regions in Italy. A few more years of this chaos and we’ll be living in caves like Neanderthals, one bad winter or disease away from extermination. You’ve gotten the FLF out of Europe. Please, give us the breathing room to save something good of what Europe once was.”

  There were tears in his eyes. Eldridge looked old and tired – not like a good politician playing the part, but like a man who had gone through a war and felt its sacrifice.

  “You’ll restore everything? The government too? Voting and not this inheritance thing? And not this pseudo-oligarchy run by MOTHER?”

  “Yes. As soon as we have a means to vote and count them, of course.” His eyes held a brief flicker of hope.

  “Okay,” she said, closing her eyes to block seeing the victory on his face while hating herself for agreeing. “For now. I don’t think hiding a war will last.”

  “The lie just needs to last longer than the war.” That made her feel dirty. “So once you are done finding the volunteers to continue, you can come back. You’ll be needed as a war hero and—”

  “No.” Her tone in the one syllable stopped him. Eldridge stared at her. “You don’t really want me here full time messing about in your little politics, do you?” Arinna asked. Eldridge paled, which made her smile though it was a cruel one. “Kehm can reach me if you need me for something important. As you said earlier, it takes both Captain Vries and I to defeat the FLF. I’ll be on the front lines. And you’ll get me anything the Guard needs to succeed ... or things will be unpleasant. Are we clear?”

  She left before he answered, not caring what he or MOTHER thought. Jared fell into step beside her.

  “Your orders?” he asked, his sober tone indicating he’d heard the conversation as well.

  “I need to get out of this bloody dress and get my sword and gun. We have a war to win.”

  ###