by John Davis
“But Alicia, you need to think this through. Not just decide in the the moment. Not a decision like this.” Calypso added.
“Every Washington City soldier in this room has been loyal on the battlefield, and was chosen for this very meeting because they have no family. Nothing to tie them down here. They live only for the oath they have taken to protect Human life,” Alicia said, the luster of her hair bringing a bit of peace to Jackson's heart. “We can continue to live here in fear, continue to wait for the Ancients to show up at our doorstep,” she added sternly. “Or we can start taking the fight to them for a change.”
The entire room grew silent as every man considered his own future. They knew the risk, and for some it was too great. Others, however, knew heroes were born because of such courage in the moment.
“I need to know who is with me, and if you are not, I only ask that you remain silent about this meeting until we depart at sunrise.” Alicia said.
“I'm with you.” Jackson said, stepping across the room to join Alicia and the Berlin group, slowly placing his arm around her hips.
“I can't do it,” Calypso said regretfully. “I'm sorry Alicia. I'd travel into the pit of hell with you slinging bullets, but I can't do it knowing if somehow I survived I couldn't return home,” he added, approaching her a bit. “It's no disrespect to you or anyone here, I just can't leave a city I've always called home. Memories of my parents, my friends, it's all here.”
“It's alright you big sap,” she said with a smile. “I understand completely,” Alicia added. “Besides, someone will have to remain in order to continue giving the Ancients hell.”
“Now that I can do,” Calypso replied, extending his hand. “Good luck.”
Bypassing his hand, Alicia lunged forward to hug the muscular man with great emotion. “You take care of yourself.”
“Will do.” Calypso replied, turning his attention to Jackson.
“Sorry, I'm not a man-hugger.” Jackson said, extending his hand.
“You take care of our girl.” Calypso said.
“Don't worry, I'll watch after him.” Alicia said, causing laughter throughout the room.
“May we meet again in more peaceful times.” Calypso said, turning to leave the rundown pool hall, taking with him all but two American soldiers.
“We're with you until the end.” one of the men said.
“Jackson, meet Perk and Saunders,” Alicia said, nodding to the men for their true loyalty. “Two of the finest soldiers Washington City has to offer.”
Perk was a large man with the thick shadow of facial hair, his skinned head nearly chalk-white, as was his body that was covered in tattoos. Saunders wore glasses, the type usually associated with someone well-educated. His medium frame was far-less intimidating than Perk's, with short hair and a clean shave.
“Soldiers before the war as well?” Jackson asked.
“Something like that chief.” Perk replied, causing Alicia to laugh.
“What's funny?” Jackson asked.
“They were soldiers in some sense of the word,” she replied, smiling at the men. “Soldiers in the Dayton Crime Family.”
“Gangsters?” Jackson asked with stun.
“Was a long time ago.” Saunders said.
“Indeed,” Jackson responded while his stare continued. “So you used to collect money for the higher ups, or?”
“Perk was doing life without parole and I was top of the chain when it came to killing people. Is that a problem?” Saunders replied sharply.
“No, not at all,” Jackson said. “Just wanted to know the skill set of the soldiers beside me. That's all.”
“Well, I once saw Perk club an Ancient to death, fist to fist. And Saunders is a master of weaponry. So I guess that's something.” Alicia replied.
“So what's the plan?” Preacher asked, breaking up the reunion as the Ancient eyes of Certes stared into the white eyes of Humanity which reflected from those of Perk.
“We'll stow away on your airship, and bring with us several weapons collected from Ancients outside of Guardian Angel,” Alicia said. “Once in the air, we fly as fast as we can and as hard as we can, using the bombing patterns provided by Jackson. Should be a lot less Ancients on those flight paths,” she added. “Will take us several days, so we'll have to land at nightfall and watch our asses until daybreak. When we arrive at Wernigerode, we'll assess how bad it is and then coordinate a strike on Berlin. Together.”
“And your people won't give chase?” Preacher asked.
“No. Calypso will stall them long enough. But once we arrive in Germany, I need to be assured there will be a place for us?” Alicia replied.
“There is a place in Germany for anyone who hunts those who hunt us. You have my word.” Preacher replied.
“Good. I want you to familiarize Perk and Saunders with the way of things in Germany. They need to know the difference between the Ancients who invade our city and those who invade yours. Jackson and I have one last matter to discuss.” Alicia said.
“Understood,” Preacher said. “I will see you at first light.” he added, extending his arm to shake hands with the bombshell on her last night as an American.
Washington City seemed to glow that night, more hope than usual as the New Kinneston survivors began to settle in. The enemy at their gates had been defeated, at least temporarily. And though Berlin had fallen, celebration was in order throughout the asphalt streets which once claimed the right of being the capital city of Humanity's strongest nation.
“Doesn't seem right that our people celebrate while Germans are hurting.” Perk said, Preacher acknowledging his statement with a nod.
The German sniper remained standing, his back turned to the group as his eyes focused on the celebratory happenings. Bonfires and shouts of independence rang through the nearby streets, though his mind remained with his countrymen in Germany.
“Alicia wanted you briefed, so let's get that out of the way,” Preacher said. “Enjoy the sights of tonight, and forge a memory from them. Celebration, wine and fine meat. Because when we arrive in Germany, there will be no such splendor,” he added with pause. “Only Ancient soldiers who celebrate on the flesh of Humans, while our own people drink of cyanide to escape such a fate.”
“What difference are we to make if an entire army fell?” Saunders asked.
“We will only play a part,” Preacher replied. “Help will arrive from what remains of once-great nations. Everyone looks to Berlin as sanctuary. They will dump their resources in order to help us retake the city,” he added, turning back to the window, his pupils once again filling with sights of American celebration. “Something the United States should have done for us as well.”
“What is it?” Jackson asked. “We should be supplying for the upcoming trip.”
“And we shall, but I wanted you to see something first.” she replied as they walked several blocks.
Entering a tall building, one that once stood for a marketing firm, Alicia entered the stairwell.
“Lace up your shoes, because there are a few flights of stairs before we get there.”
“Sure hope it's something worth seeing, because I'm already exhausted.” Jackson said.
“Oh it is, you whiner.” she replied with a bit of chuckling.
Several minutes later, when reaching the thirty-second floor, Alicia opened an emergency door to her left. Jackson trailed behind her by nearly a flight of steps, very much in-shape, but unfamiliar with the building. As he caught his breath and headed out the door, his eyes seemed to fixate on everything around him.
The rooftop was beautiful, trees on the corners, firmly tucked away into small beds of dirt as a temporary structure stood to the back. It had been intended as a military station, at least on a temporary basis, offering much more comfort than a simple tent. A picnic table, two wooden lounge chairs and a fire pit rounded out the list of things immediately visible.
It was Alicia's home. And rather than ask why, Jackson immediately under
stood as he stared above. The lights of Guardian Angel seemed to burst directly overhead, as if they were only feet away. They were miles above, of course, but still they seemed so close.
“It's like having a fireworks show in my backyard every single night.” Alicia said, walking back to him with two glass bottles of beer in hand.
“I see that.” Jackson replied, still fully-appreciating the sights above.
“And it's like having the same fireworks show inside of me every single time I look at you,” Alicia said softly, Jackson locking eyes with her as he took a bottle from her hands. “This may very well be our last night ever in this country. Under this same grid of lights. I want it to count.”
Rather than reply vocally, Jackson slowly wrapped his hands around her, easing her clothing off as the satin of her skin longed for the warmth of his own. And in that very spot, under an umbrella of brightly colored bursts in the air, Jackson and Alicia made love. Their souls consumed each other as if tomorrow would never come, though it would indeed. The two lovers readying themselves to abandon the only life they had known, readying themselves for the War of Berlin.
“Alicia!” Calypso yelled, making his way to the rooftop several hours later.
What the hell? Alicia thought, as she quickly began to cover herself with the clothes of a warrior.
Jackson was a bit slower, gently gearing back up on the wings of a headache. The couple had drank several beers only hours before, falling asleep together only to be awaken just over an hour later.
“Alicia, we have to go now!” Calypso said loudly, approaching the lovers with haste.
“What are you talking about Calypso, what is this?” Alicia replied and she joined Jackson in walking toward the warrior.
“Some developments have taken place throughout the last hour. The Ancients in our skies and those which hold Berlin have officially declared war on one another.” he replied.
“So what? Let the bastards wipe themselves out, you woke me up for that?” Alicia said, prepared to finish her sleep.
“Congressman Ryan Evans has convinced our people to surrender to the Ancients at our gates. They have agreed to spare us, even treat us as equals if we follow them into battle.” Calypso said.
“Oh no,” Alicia said, her heart fluttering with shock. “Oh no, we can't do that. To do such would be to sign Humanity's death warrant. I've got to go stop him.”
“You can't,” Calypso said, grabbing Alicia by the arm as she passed by. “Evans already has our soldiers looking for you. They mean to arrest you until the deal is officially done.”
“That son of a bitch,” Alicia said, doing her best to figure out the next logical move. “Are all of our soldiers loyal to Evans?”
“No,” Calypso said. “Many of them, at least a third, are loyal to us and our cause of complete freedom,” he added. “But there is something you need to know.”
“Oh?” Alicia asked, slowly glancing to him with caution.
Moments later, Nadia Jacobson walked slowly onto the rooftop to join the group. And with her entrance went the exit of all reasoning, Alicia's heart becoming confused within a single breath.
“What the hell is she...” Alicia said loudly, quickly pulling her battle rifle.
“Relax girl.” Calypso said, grabbing her gun hand while trying to calm her.
“Let loose of her now.” Jackson said, pulling a pistol of his own and joining the conversation.
“Relax!” Calypso said, turning to face Jackson a bit as he continued to hold Alicia's arm. “She's the reason we know about their arrangement, and the reason we have an airship full of soldiers ready to fly with us to Berlin and lay it on the line.”
“She's also the reason G is dead, or have you already forgotten about him?” Alicia asked, forcefully pulling her arm from Calypso's grasp.
“We are prepared to get you to the airship safely and get you the hell out of here,” Nadia said, slowly approaching the group. “Or you can choose not to trust us, stay here and be arrested within minutes. That's your choice, but I assure you, they have sent soldiers to come and get you.”
“She's right Alicia,” Jackson said, seeing a group of six Resistance soldiers approaching their building. “Got a group coming up now. No matter what you decide, I'm with you.”
Pulling the safety pin on her battle rifle to the ready, Alicia took aim on both Nadia and Calypso, her surgical-calm hands never faltering.
“You have sixty seconds to explain the plan to me, in detail. Otherwise, I'll kill you both long before the soldiers get to us.” Alicia said.
“Plan is,” Calypso said, holding both hands in the air slightly. “We rush you both out of here. Got a small buggy at the end of the street, directly on the corner. You get inside, we get you to the airship which is only yards away from the German ship. Those loyal to us are packing it down with supplies and weapons as we speak. When we arrive, we'll have about twenty minutes before dawn.
“And that's it? You're willing to leave your memories behind, just like that?” Alicia asked.
“No,” he replied. “I'm taking them with me, and as far as the place I have always called home,” he added. “The fuckers can have it. I'll make a new one.”
“And her?” Alicia asked, pointing her weapon directly at Nadia after having been convinced that Calypso was talking to her on the level.
“Well we...” Calypso began to reply, cut off by Nadia.
“I regret ever working with the Ancients. I truly do. If you would be willing to forget about my lapse in thought, I would...”
“Lapse in thought?” Alicia asked loudly.
“Look, I made a mistake. I know that. But I've always been committed to what's best for our race, and that's the truth. I have a lot of sway in the German ranks, and if you would be willing to forget about my mistake, I'd make sure they put you in a position of leadership minutes after hitting German soil.” Nadia replied, extending a bridge of truce and hoping it was accepted.
“And Preacher? Does he know about this?” Alicia asked.
“Yes.” Nadia replied.
“We got to hurry people, they're almost up the steps.” Calypso said.
“I told him the truth. I made a mistake, and before I knew it, I was in well over my head with them. I've placed Preacher in command of our unit.” Nadia said.
Alicia continued to hold Nadia at gunpoint, each of them studying the other. She searched for truth in Nadia's expression, while looking her beautiful body up and down. Things had just become very complicated, not just from a military standpoint, but also from one of a more personal nature.
She could read it on Nadia's face. The look of lust unexplored, which in most cases would be a godsend to her in such times. But she had promised her heart to another, and Jackson truly had grown on her in the short time they'd known each other.
“Three. Two. One.” the Resistance soldier said quietly, holding his hand up all the while.
A split-second later, the six soldiers rushed through the doorway, each with a weapon extended and orders to arrest the group.
“You,” the lead soldier said, pointing to another who had position in the rear. “We'll sweep the area, you double back and inform Evans that Alicia and her team are not here.”
“Yes sir.” the soldier replied, turning to follow the stairwell back down.
“I'm sorry for pulling a gun on you.” Alicia said to Calypso as they hurried back, using the cover of night and the cooperation of alleyways in order to remain undetected.
“It's alright,” he replied with honesty. “I'm sorry for springing this on you at the last minute. I felt the same way when she showed up at my doorstep with Preacher.”
“I know it's going to be hard leaving a place you've called home for so long.” Alicia said.
“Yes, it will be, but thanks for asking.” Jackson said, chiming into the conversation.
“Oh you,” Alicia said with a smile, reaching out to grab his hand. “You're such a smart ass.”
�
��Yep, I'm a man of many hats.” Jackson replied.
“I like this guy.” Calypso said.
As Alicia laughed with the group, she noticed Nadia's eyes on her. And though she held hands with Jackson, knowing her place was at his side, she couldn't help but to remain curios about the woman who had kissed her with such intensity.
It brought a lot of questions to light, and a lot of confusion to a time when confusion was a bad thing. She needed to remain sharp, readying herself for the coming war. Especially after seeing what lay before her this very moment.
“Shit, they're here!” Calypso said in a desperate, but quiet voice as the entire group watched a large force of Ancient soldiers marching into Washington City. Only a few hundred feet away from the Ancients, stood Ryan Evans and a large group of Resistance soldiers, welcoming them into what everyone hoped would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.
“Evans is spitting into the face of everyone who has died trying to protect this city,” Alicia said, her glare to him one of stern intent. “I'd like nothing more than to rush down there right now and take my shot.”
“Maybe one day,” Calypso said. “Right now though, we have to prepare to leave.” he added, using hand motions to communicate to the group which remained loyal to them.
“What of the German soldiers down there?” Alicia asked.
“Preacher took his group and tucked them away. They're close and watching, just as we are,” Calypso said. “When day begins to break, we rush for those two ships. The one on the left is ours,” he added, pointing to two air galleons which sat nearest to them. “As we begin our sprint to them, the crew aboard each will pull the ropes and lay down cover fire if needed.”
“Lay down cover fire on our own people?” Jackson asked.
“The only people who are truly still ours, are sitting on those airships. The rest of the people in this city are now lost to our cause.” Calypso replied.
“So, I guess you'll get a chance to prove where you loyalties are, huh?” Alicia asked of Nadia.
