Disclaimer: I do not own revolution or the characters I borrowed from the show. However, I enjoyed the characters I created so much and the AU world, I have decided to explore them a little more. I truly hope you enjoy this new visit to the world of the Monroe Republic. Please forgive any errors that result from going without a beta – I did the best I could to proof it myself.
Planning Alone is Insufficient
"Starting and running a country is clearly easier than raising a teenage girl!" – Miles Matheson to Bass Monroe on Charlotte's 15th birthday.
Chapter 1:
History had long been his favorite subject. In the beginning it had been the Civil War and the Militia uniforms reflected that love. But as the years forming the Republic stretched into decades of running a Republic, Bass developed a fascination with the founding fathers. Maybe it was all of the years living in a place that once hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but if he were honest it was more likely his growing fascination with the idea of succession. He didn't believe he was old, but at 57, he knew he would need to continue to lead for at least another 10 years before Ross could step in to this role. Although recently he had begun to think Claire might be a stronger candidate for the role of his successor. It was, as he tossed these thoughts around his brain that Miles walked into the office and dropped into the chair opposite the desk. Bass smiled, before Miles had become a father again, any opportunity, even a morning meeting, was considered a good opportunity to have a whiskey, but it seems the years of marriage and 3 kids had changed those decisions.
Since it was obvious to Miles that Bass was not going to speak, he shook his head and dove in to the conversation they had been exploring for months. "I still think you're an idiot and this is one of the stupider ideas you have developed – and let's be honest that is saying something!"
Bass nodded, leaning forward in his chair. "Yes, but we have agreed leading this Republic into the future is going to take different skills than the ones we have, and needed, to start the republic after the lights went out. If it is going to be one of them then they need to see the people as their responsibility, they need to understand the world beyond this capital city. We're Marines. We had a better education than any of those frat boys in college."
Laughing Miles agreed, "Yes, but you had an academic scholarship and could easily have been one of those 'frat boys' if you hadn't decided to follow me. Besides, I thought when we asked Colonel Walsh to open the Military Academy at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. he was supposed to be teaching the future members of the Militia how to be Marines. We instill honor in our boys; we let him teach them the skills of Improvise, Adapt and Overcome; and we don't have to spend each summer roaming the countryside. We don't have to worry about keeping track of all of these wandering children we foolishly decided to have and we keep the stupid to a minimum." With that Miles lifted his legs and propped them on the corner of the desk, feeling very self-satisfied with today's argument.
"Brilliant! And this means you've discovered an argument that will convince either of our wives to allow ANY of their sons to leave home?" Bass said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Shaking his head, "Hey, it was your stupid idea to situate it in Washington, D.C. I said, 'Philadelphia was the ideal location'."
"Miles, the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian are the largest collections of information; maps, relics – everything. It was the ideal site. The same way we have schools to train doctors here and in Pittsburgh and Boston, because those were the cities that had concentrations of medical research. You remember Gunnery Sergeant Gibbs, 'You don't waste good'." Bass stood and moved toward the door. Reaching for the knob, "Stop your grumbling, we have a final briefing with Jeremy now then we leave in the morning. And get your feet off my desk." Twisting the knob, Bass called into the hall to have someone send Jeremy in, before returning to his desk.
Grudgingly Miles acknowledged, "Nora and the kids are really excited. I told them the middle two weeks would be spent at a beach. You did send the squad to identify and secure a beach house somewhere in North Carolina?"
With renewed excitement Bass dove into discussions of the preparations, "Yes, a messenger arrived back two days ago with confirmation that a beach house has been secured just south of Camp Lejeune. We spend the first 3 weeks traveling through Maryland and Virginia farmland, make a stop in Richmond and then head out toward the ocean. Everyone will love it! When we are done, we loop west across the state and into the farm lands in Tennessee, continue north through Kentucky and across Ohio, before we finally reach Pittsburgh. By the time we get back everyone will have a better understanding of life beyond these streets, and the people of the Republic will have had an opportunity to see us and communicate their needs. It also allows you to ensure the garrisons are administering the regions to your specifications." Just as he finished speaking, Bass noticed their company and stood moving toward the front of the desk. "Ah, Jeremy; you're in charge while we are gone and remember if you screw this up – we promote you."
Shaking his head at the idle threat he had been hearing for years, "Yes, I am very aware of the punishment for fucking up yours and Miles' little kingdom – you return to a mess and I get made a general. Seriously, this place will be fine and I have to agree that the citizens will love actually getting the chance to see and speak to their leaders. You might even decide to use some of the things that Charlotte and Nora learn when they are listening to their people."
"Hysterical." Miles deadpanned.
Bass chuckled and added; "I'm not ashamed to admit I listen to what my wife tells me to do. Charlotte is smart, creative, good at reading people and, since she is frequently right, I look smart; plus she lets me have sex with her whenever I want." Bass ducked quickly to avoid the paperweight that Miles chucked at his head, before laughing and exiting the room. Moments later he popped his head back into the doorframe and added, "In fact that is where I am going right now!" then Bass quickly moved down the hallway, hearing Miles curse him until he was halfway up the stairs.
Later that afternoon, after more effort than he anticipated, Bass finally found Charlotte reading to the children in the courtyard. From the column Bass was leaning against he could enjoy the view of his and Miles' children learning about the places they would be visiting. Charlotte had an old history book on her lap and a hand drawn map of the republic lying next to her on the bench. Danielle appeared to be more interested in entertaining her younger sister Maddie and her Aunt Eve. Bass grinned at the two three year-olds that were attempting to decorate Danielle's golden blonde locks with a crown of flowers. The smiles on all three girls' faces were wide and genuine. At 12 and a ½, as Danielle frequently corrected him, she was torn between trying to look grown up and genuinely loving playing with the younger children. Charlotte was sure she would make a wonderful doctor when she grew into adulthood, always saying she had an ability to put children at ease. Claire and Ross sat with rapt attention to their mother's words, both sponges to any opportunity to experience something new. Bass watched as Ross interrupted his mother for the 5th time, since he arrived, to ask a question about something she had read. Claire simply listened to Charlotte and scribbled with her pencil in a notebook that she carried everywhere. It wasn't until the wrestling match broke out between Marcus, Nate, Noah and Jake that Bass decided to intervene. Calling out as he stepped forward, "Nate, Noah shouldn't you be listening to your mother?" The twins immediately stopped at the sound of their father's voice, which allowed Marcus and Jake to each get in a final swing before stopping as well. Bass shook his head at the boys, they were wild and rambunctious and so close in age that they were inseparable. Barely 5 months after Marcus was born to Nora, Charlotte had given birth to their boys – Nate and Noah; by that point Nora was already pregnant again and so Marcus' little brother Jake was only 11 months younger. Four boys in less than 12 months had completely altered how they approached parenting. They had become a team of four adults against seven wild offspring and eventually against nine when the little girls arrived.
Deciding that she had clearly covered all that they intended to listen to for the day, Charlotte closed her book, before speaking to the children, "Ok, that is it for today. Danielle and Claire will take you all to the kitchen for a snack." She stood and watched the boys trample over each other to get to the door as Claire tried to control them, Danielle and her two hairdressers gathered up their things and moved toward the door as well. As each of the three of them passed by Bass they stopped for a kiss on the crown of their heads.
After the door shut behind the cookie monsters, Bass looked back at his beautiful wife. "So Charlotte, I was wondering if you had plans for this afternoon?"
Charlotte allowed herself to sink into Bass' embrace and smiled up at him. "What? Do you have a suggestion for how I might spend my time? I was going to check the final preparations for our trip."
Bass started to suck on the spot just below ear, before he whispered, "Well, it will be months and months before we get to spend any time in our big soft bed again… I just thought we should really make a little use of it before we go."
Shaking her head, Charlotte turned in his arms and patted his chest, "You've been using that excuse for the last two weeks, but I suppose I would enjoy a nap." She laughed at his dejected look, before taking his hand and leading him into the house and toward their bedroom.
The door had barely closed, when Bass began stripping her clothes off her body between kisses. He was so focused on getting her naked it took a moment to realize that Charlotte was also, quickly attempting to remove his clothes. Pulling away from her lips long enough for her to lift his shirt off, Bass used the opportunity to walk backward toward the bed. He was a step away before he turned her around and tossed her upon the bed. Reaching for her khakis, he slid them down her body and began kissing up the inside of her calf. Charlotte lolled her head back and let her eyes drift closed as Bass worked up the inside of her thigh. The scruff of his beard against the sensitive skin gave her shivers and when his mouth closed over her and began to suck a jolt registered through her body. She could feel his smile and the vibrations of his moan at her wet core. It was only moments later that she arched her back off the bed and exploded in pleasure.
Bass continued to lick and suck at her wet flesh while she rode out her release, before he kissed his way up her body and thrust into her welcoming center. He didn't last long, and as he felt her begin to quake again, Bass pulled out and finished himself off, subsequently collapsing on her side. He pulled her up onto the pillows and positioned the cover over them, so they could both enjoy the nap she suggested.