AN: Full Summary: With the country split by a civil war, the brothers are also split with histories on both sides. Sam has become well known for his viciousness in his work for the North, while Dean has left the North and it's corruption for the South and is assuming the identity of Dean Harvelle while he trains new recruits at the Southern Capital. He expects to have to be careful what he says and does; he doesn't expect to find a fiery blonde recruit who will throw his world off kilter. As Elizabeth learns to fight for the South, and defies expectations of being a woman in the army, she meets a young woman, Olivia, with a secret that could turn the tide of the war.
Elizabeth stood outside the recruiting office and took a deep breath.
"Do your part!" Screamed a poster on the door. It showed a very muscular man holding a gun with a serious look on his face. What the poster did not show, and never did, were the women who were fighting along with the men.
She pushed her blonde hair out of her face and walked in. The man behind the counter looked up and raised his eyebrows.
"What can I do for you?" He asked. Elizabeth squared her shoulders, this was what she had prepared for.
"I want to sign up." She said,
"What now?" The man asked.
"I want to sign up."
"Honey, they are going to send you home as soon as they begin training." The man said, whatever his intentions were, they weren't condescending. Elizabeth however couldn't help bristling a little.
"I know what I'm getting myself into." She said a little more force in her voice.
The man raised his eyebrows but didn't comment any further. The paper was pushed towards her, filled with information she had to fill out. She thanked him and left office.
No matter what the man had said, Elizabeth would find herself three months later on a bus bound for the capital to begin training. She looked out the window, her bag was stashed under the bus and her headphones were in her ears. The music thundered in her ears and she tapped her foot in time to the rhythm.
The road signs were slowly counting out the miles until she reached the camp, until finally they winded down the gravel road. The camp appeared to be a bare bones facility, but in fact a large part of the facility was housed underground to shield it from attack by the North.
The bus stopped and she got up, ignoring the looks that she was getting from the other recruits. The hot humid air of the South filled her lungs and sweat was already beading on her hairline.
"Line up!" A voice barked, a tall man in uniform was sneering at the new arrivals. S. Campbell was stamped on the pocket of his shirt.
The recruits got into line, and Campbell began to walk down the line.
"This is the sorriest group of idiots I have ever seen! During the next few weeks, you will have to prove to me and everyone here that you have what it takes to become part of our army! If you fail, if you slack, if you disobey orders, then you will not be welcome here! You will take your bags to your assigned bunker and you will receive your recruit uniforms. You have not earned the right yet to wear the uniform of our country!" He was handed a clipboard and began to name off where people would be staying. One by one the men in line fell out and as Elizabeth chanced a glance around, she realized that she really was the only girl in line.
The last boy was called out and she was left standing alone. Campbell came to stand in front of her.
"Now what are you waiting for?" He asked.
"My bunker assignment sir." Elizabeth said.
"Your assignment is to get back on that bus. You do not belong here!" He snapped.
Elizabeth saw red and opened her mouth to retaliate when,
"I'll take it from here Campbell." A woman's voice said. She saw a woman in uniform, her brunette hair tucked into her cap and dressed in uniform. E. Harvelle was written on her pocket. Her entire presence radiated strength and power. She would have been pretty if she didn't look so damn scary just then. Her eyes met Campbell's and there was a stare down before he turned and left.
"Alright, get your bag and come on soldier." She said to Elizabeth. Hastily Elizabeth grabbed her bag, and followed her across the camp.
"Don't dawdle come on!" She barked and Elizabeth hurried to keep up, her bag was heavy and it was hot outside. Finally, after going past row after row of bunkers, there was a smaller cement structure. It only had a few bunk beds, and at one end a bathroom with showers and toilets.
"The other girls are at training." Harvelle said to her as she pointed out a bunk to Elizabeth.
"Here is your uniform. You and your company will meet under the flag pole in twenty minutes."
"Yes Ma'am." Elizabeth said taking the uniform.
"Soldier, I want to tell you something, and I can guarantee it will be the nicest thing I will ever say to you while you are still in this camp." Harvelle said. Elizabeth straightened up and listened.
"All the girls in this camp are able to fit into this one bunker, with room to spare. The men will be reluctant because you are a woman and you have to prove to them that you are tougher than you look. It's hard, harder than you've ever thought. If you can't take it then you better leave. But it takes a lot of balls to sign up in the first place, so don't disappoint me. We are just as useful as the men here, even more useful sometimes. Whatever you do, even if you do fail in the beginning, don't picture yourself as any less then what you are."
Elizabeth almost felt tears welling up, but pushed them down, she was sure that they would not be appreciated.
"Thank you Ma'am." She said.
"At ease solider, get ready to meet your company leader." Harvelle saluted her and left.
Elizabeth hurriedly changed into the uniform. It was a surreal experience. She had imagined this for such a long time and now it was real. All the saving of her money, trying to convince he parents, the look on people's faces when she had told them, it was all worth it. She strode back out into the sunlight with more confidence then she'd had in days.
The flag pole was a quick walk and most of her company had already gathered there. They were milling about chatting, but she hung back a little. That didn't stop her from getting glances and a few of them were nudging each other and laughing.
"Want a picture?" Elizabeth snapped at them.
"It'll last longer than you here." The guy laughed.
"Leave her alone." One of the boys said. Elizabeth felt a mixed feeling of gratitude and annoyance. Would they think that she needed someone to protect her?
"Oh shut up." She said. The boy who had come to her defense walked over to her. He had very blue eyes and sandy hair. She glared at him.
"I don't need you to fight my battles." She said.
He smiled, blocking her from the view of the rest.
"I know I don't. But it never hurts to have a friend." He extended his hand. "Adam Milligan." He said.
Elizabeth looked at his outstretched hand and then she smiled and shook it. "Elizabeth Curran." She said.
"Soldier's fall into line!" A gruff male voice shouted out. Elizabeth fell into line next to Adam.
"I am Commander Harvelle and I'm in charge of you piss babies!"
Harvelle? Elizabeth looked up as he walked past, and then quickly back down.
He had to be the most attractive man she had ever seen.
"If by the end of your training, half of you are not gone I am either not doing my job right or you are the best damn recruits we have ever seen. I can tell you now, it's not going to be the second one. Most likely half of you will either quit or be sent home. This is not a game, you have seen what the North is capable of and if you are not trained to the best of your ability, you will die." Harvelle said. Elizabeth thought he paused for a fraction of a second in front of her before moving on.
"You will learn how to fight, using weapons and hand to hand, you will learn group tactics, you will be in top physical form! If you do not learn these or train, you will be dismissed. If you are insubordinate, you will be dismissed. If you start fights or cause tension in your company, then you will answer to me."
Elizabeth was sure the last part was directed at her.
"Your training begins now! I want five miles from each of you! You will be timed and be expected to cut that in half by the end of next month. Now get moving!" He shouted.
Elizabeth began to move with the rest of the group. She was falling behind and she knew she was going to be watched, this caused her to push herself further. It felt like hours before she finally reached the mark.
"Ninety minutes, what's your name soldier?" Harvelle shouted at her.
"Curran sir." Elizabeth said, gasping.
"You've got a long way to go if you want to stay here! Now get down and give me twenty!" Harvelle shouted.
Elizabeth hit the ground fast, and began to struggle to work her body up and down off the ground. She could feel Harvelle above her. His boot settled between her shoulder blades, causing her to hit the dirt, she could taste the dust in her mouth.
"Work against my weight." He instructed, Elizabeth managed to put her body up into a plank.
"Again!" He said again.
She finally reached her twenty, and the next solider had to take his abuse. Sweat had soaked her shirt, and all she wanted was a bottle of water. There was a spigot near the canteen, and Adam had filled his canteen, he had wisely thought to bring with him. He was one of the few who had thought to bring theirs.
"Here" Adam said handing it to Elizabeth. She drunk gratefully and wiped her mouth. She handed it back but Adam shook his head, "Hand it off to the next guy, don't want anyone dying the first day."
"Is that so soldier?" Harvelle had come up behind them.
"Milligan sir." Adam said snapping to attention.
"These soldiers were not prepared, and they have to suffer through in order to learn. You babying them won't do a damn thing. If I wanted a baby sitter I would have gotten the one I saw on pay per view cable last night and right now you vaguely remind me of a twenty year old girl with daddy issues! Now get down and give me fifty!"
Elizabeth watched as Adam got down and began to fulfill the quota. It was unfair! Adam had only been looking out for other people in the group! How the hell was that a bad thing? She looked at Harvelle who was watching Adam, sweat had beaded on his upper lip, and his green eyes were fixed on the spot where his boot rested on his back. Harvelle's head snapped back up.
"What the hell are you all standing around for? Go get a shower and get back to the canteen in twenty minutes, except for you Milligan. You're on kitchen duty."
Elizabeth walked away but she looked back to Harvelle and Adam. Her eyes accidently met Harvelle's and she looked away as fast as she could. She did not want his special attention. She got back to the canteen and was surprised to find another girl there. She had light brown hair, round face, and prominent teeth.
"Oh hi." She said, "You're the new recruit!" She came over, standing a little too close. She gave off the air of being sweet and a little awkward.
"Yeah, I just arrived a few hours ago." Elizabeth said.
"You'll like it here! You've just got to work hard!"
"I figured." Elizabeth said wincing as she moved again towards the showers. The cold water would be a relief on her aching muscles.
"I'm Becky by the way, Becky Rosen!" She said.
"Elizabeth Curran." Elizabeth said tiredly. She turned on the shower and ducked under. It was wonderful and far too short. She pulled her wet hair tightly back into a bun and put her uniform back on. Becky was on her bunk reading something.
"Are you going to dinner?" Elizabeth said lacing up her boots.
"Yeah, I just have to finish this last chapter." Becky said.
"What are you reading?" Elizabeth asked, curiously.
"Oh!" Becky said excitedly and she held up the book. It showed two very brawny men on the cover. Swan Song was emblazoned under them.
"It's the latest book in the series!" Becky said. "I used both my study time and rec time to read it!"
"What's it about?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh two brothers and they hunt vampires, and ghosts, and demons, and it is just the most amazing book ever." Becky said intensely. She was clearly a fan.
"Sounds interesting." Elizabeth said. It sounded like the antinovel of most of the best sellers of nowadays. Maybe she'd give it a try.
"And done!" Becky said, closing the book. "Let's get to dinner! You can sit at my table and you can meet everyone!
Elizabeth walked with her to the canteen. They grabbed trays. As she went down the line she saw Adam scooping mystery meat.
"Hey." She said quietly as she passed. He gave her a nod.
"I'm sorry about what happened." Elizabeth said. "I should have spoken up for you."
"It's okay, and that would have been a dumb thing to do, but you better move, you're holding up the line for the finest sloppy joe this side of the border." Adam said, giving her a smile that made her feel almost worse.
"Ooh you made a friend." Becky smirked as they walked to the table.
"I just met him, besides didn't they say relationships aren't allowed." Elizabeth replied blushing.
"They aren't banned, just discouraged." Becky said, she leaned in closer, "I think that just makes them more exciting!"
They reached their end of the table.
"Guy's this is Elizabeth, Elizabeth this is Rufus, Chuck, and Garth." She said
The boys nodded their hellos as they had all dug in.
"Glad we could get another girl at our table. It was looking a little sparse." Rufus said with a wink.
"We've almost got enough girls to make our own play boy mansion compared to the rest." Garth said. Becky kicked him under the table.
"Did you read chapter seven?" Chuck asked Becky.
"Oh yes! Death came in and I just got chills!" Becky said leaning across the table.
"Why are you reading those books again?" Garth said. Elizabeth watched the way he was looking at Becky and Chuck and it didn't take a genius to see the jealousy. Well, well Becky had to be in heaven.
"So who's your squad leader?" Rufus asked Elizabeth drawing he rout of the love triangle.
" Commander Harvelle."
"Oh him, he's a hard ass but he's the best they got. He and his mom are the toughest of the bunch." Rufus snickered around a bite of sloppy joe.
"The woman Harvelle is his mom?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yep, from what I hear his dad's not around much. Apparently Harvelle was with him until a few years ago, he came here to join his mom."
Elizabeth looked around for the pair.
"They don't eat at the canteen, they eat in their apartments."
"Lucky them." Elizabeth said poking the jello.
"It's not so bad, just wait until you get Taco Tuesday!" Rufus said with spunk. That made Elizabeth laugh, maybe it wouldn't be so hard after all.
xXx
Ellen opened the fridge to grab herself a beer. There was a knock on her door and she smiled to herself and grabbed another bottle.
"Just like clockwork." She said opening the door.
"You know how much I love your company." Dean smiled coming in.
"Yeah." Ellen replied skeptically handing Dean a bottle.
"Oh that's the stuff." Dean sighed cracking it open and taking a swig.
"Saw you got a new squad. How they looking?" Ellen said as they sat down in front of the TV.
"About the same as the others do at the start. One of them could be a leader, he's promising, but he needs work. I've also got the new girl."
"I heard, she seems capable, if she's good in the classroom she could go far."
"Yep." Dean said, he did not mention how he had noticed her looking back at him. Or how nice the sunlight looked on her hair. He needed to get laid.
Ellen reached forward for the remote and turned the TV on.
"Breaking news on the mass execution of the POW's who were captured last month. We have obtained footage of the executions and have confirmed that it is indeed the work of terrorist Sam Winchester, please be warned that the following content is of a graphic nature."
The screen changed to a grainy image of Sam standing in front of a kneeling blind folded man. Sam reached forward and as the knife flashed towards the man's throat the image cut off. Ellen looked over at Dean who was staring at the screen his hands clenched on his knees.
"He's getting worse." Ellen said.
Dean nodded, and Ellen thought his eyes looked brighter than usual but then it was gone.
"Ever since she got away, it's like he doesn't care anymore." Ellen said. Dean shook his head.
"It's not just that, he's just enjoys it more. Where the hell did this go wrong?" He said he turned off the TV and buried his head in his hands.
"You can't take what he's done on you." Ellen said.
"He's my brother, I'm supposed to protect him!"
"Dean, he made his choice, he said he was going to stay. You got out. If you hadn't you would be exactly like him." Ellen said.
There was a moment of silence between them cut only as the news woman continued on about Sam.
"I promised, I promised myself I would get him out of there. I promised I would come back for him, and when I did, he said no. They'd already gotten to him." Dean was sounding dangerous. Ellen refused to back down though.
"I can tell you to stop beating yourself up about it but we both know that is not going to do any good. But, I want you to know, that even if people found out about you two, no one would blame you for how things turned out. It wasn't you that tortured Sam, It wasn't you that brain washed him into liking this and you are fighting those people who did it. Now, drink your beer and I'll get you something to eat." Ellen said. She really was like the mom he'd never really had.
In a few moments Dean could smell burgers sizzling in the pan. He obediently brought the beer up to his lips but he couldn't stop watching the last few moments of the news segment.
"Winchester has made several threats this month towards the South and has even spoken at press conferences concerning attacks."
It showed a clip of the press conference. Sam looked huge behind the podium and Dean's stomach gave a jolt as he recognized many of the people behind him.
"The South has always been a selfish place. They believe they can tell us how to live our lives, but they do not live here; they do not know what we are capable of! They began the war when they attempted to take over our government. We refuse to be treated like children who can't take care of ourselves! We are a strong nation of strong people and we will show the South how strong we are!"