January 2020- Seven and a Half Years After the Blackout

The invitation had been delivered by messenger- conveniently while both Miles and Nora were out of the house. Mia wondered idly if the young man had been given strict instructions to make sure she was the only one at home when he made his delivery. It wasn't that she thought Bass was deceptive- it was Bass, after all- but she had heard rumors from plenty of people. He had been careful to keep her sister and brother-in-law out of the loop originally. It had to be something to do with that because she saw no other reason for him to invite her to Independence Hall for dinner.

A small thrill ran down her spine as she approached the building. It was Bass, whom she had known since she was a child, and he was at least twenty years older than she was, but there was no denying his good looks, his charm, or the magnetic effect he seemed to have on women. Plus, he had probably been her first crush- and probably the second and third ones as well. Here he was, inviting her- and her alone- to have dinner with him.

She told herself to be rational. She highly doubted he would make a move on a seventeen year old- especially since she was his best friend's sister-in-law. However, there was still a flair of excitement and she was unable to contain her grin as a woman led her down the hallway to Bass's office. He wasn't there but a table had been brought in and set for a several course meal.

"The President will be with you shortly. He is just finishing up another meeting. Can I offer you anything to drink?"

"No, no thank you, I'm fine." she smiled gratefully as she twiddled her fingers behind her back. The woman gave a small nod, then exited silently from the room, leaving Mia to her own devices.

It was an odd feeling being left alone in the office of the most powerful man in the Republic. She wasn't sure what to do, afraid that any movement would be viewed as an attempt to invade privacy. Knowing her luck, he'd stroll in right as she began to look around. He would have requested someone stay with you until he arrived. He trusts you- or has nothing to hide.

Still, she stayed at the window, hands placed gently on the pane, and stared out at the snow that was dusting the ground. The gas lamps lit the street, lining the pavement around the city. People mulled about, either shopping or going to dinner.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were your sister." Bass murmured smoothly from the doorway. She jumped, having not heard his entrance, and quickly pivoted to face him. A lazy smile was on his face as he closed the doors and walked towards her. "You look very nice."

"Thank you." she fidgeted slightly, giving the hem of the dress a tug. She hadn't been sure what to wear. The invitation hadn't included a dress code. But it was Bass and even if it wasn't Bass, it was still the President and there had to be some kind of formality to this. Her dress clothes had seemed too immature, her jeans too messy, so she raided Nora's closet- the perks of being the General's wife, she supposed- and found a dark blue, sleeveless, knee-length dress. It fit her perfectly- though the V-shaped front seemed to dip a little too low- and it would be back in the closet before her sister had any idea.

"I'm glad you were able to accept my last minute offer. I knew Miles and Nora would be out all night and I figured you wouldn't want to be alone. Besides, I haven't seen you that much, especially since Christmas. It will be nice to catch up. Please, sit down." he pulled out the chair for her and she sat, blushing faintly, then edged closer to the table. He smiled at her as he sat on the opposite side of the table and placed his fingers in front of his mouth, mimicking a steeple.

"What's this all about?"

"Just dinner between friends. We're friends, aren't we?"

"I... I suppose so."

An eyebrow popped up at that and his mouth lifted in a smirk, "You suppose?"

"Well, um, I, I mean," she stuttered over her words, feeling flustered over the look he was giving her. She could feel her cheeks heating up from embarrassment when he laughed quietly.

"Relax. I'm teasing you. Maybe saying we're friendly is a better way of describing us." he leaned forward, an elbow on the table, and a grin on his face. "But that will change. What would you like to drink?"

"Water is fine, thank you."

"Nothing stronger?"

"Something tells me Nora would have my head for that."

"Right," a small chuckle and he raised both eyebrows in an agreeing shrug as he grabbed the water jug from the side of the table. "So, tell me. How has it been now that you've had a chance to settle into the city? How do you like school?"

Mia tilted her head slightly, secretly confused. The way he spoke, the way he acted- it seemed like he was trying to make a move- and then he asked about school. Like she was a child. Stop reading into things.

"Ah, the city is wonderful. School is..." she trailed off, trying to find the right word. "Dull."

"Are they not teaching well? We put a lot of work into finding adequate teachers for the schools. Education is very important. If you have any feedback-"

"No, no, the teachers are all wonderful. It's me. I'm not- I'm not the education type. I don't have patience for things I'm not going to use."

"I know they say one day you'll use it and I used to roll my eyes at that too but they're right. Their lessons are built on valuable skills you will need eventually."

"Sure, I guess, I'm just not really one for the history and classic literature... or rigidness and rules." she rolled her eyes a little.

"You're free spirited. Quite understandable. And not every subject is going to interest every one." he poured himself a glass of brandy and took a slow sip, keeping his eyes locked on hers. "So what does interest you?"

"Oh, I don't know. Nothing in particular." she fiddled with the napkin in her lap, tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Spontaneity... horses... sword fighting."

"Seems to me like you want some adventure in your life. Maybe some different literature would interest you."

"Why read it when you could do it?"

"Very true." he let out a short laugh. His eyes roamed over her face, dissolving into a calculating gaze. "What about Nora and Miles? How are they treating you?"

"They're fine. Things have... been... better." she replied, taking a quick sip, "Since I got here, I mean. They're trying."

"I'm sure it's difficult. Miles isn't exactly personable and this is the first time in years that Nora has been around you consistently for an extended period of time."

"No, once things calmed down, it has been fine."

"Fine but... rigid, am I right?" he gave another smile. "Trust me Mia, I know both of them very well. Miles is controlling and Nora still sees you as a little girl. I don't think- no, I know neither of them see you as-or are very understanding of the fact that you are now- a strong, capable, wonderful young woman."

"Well, I don't know about that."

"No need to be modest. You're a lot like your sister- wise beyond your years. Then, you're so much not like her- an individual. I think it is a bit unfair of her to expect you to fit the same mold she does. You have potential."

"Thank you."

"I know they discouraged you from going on a hunt."

"I have to finish school."

"You know, before the Blackout, not everyone finished school. School wasn't meant for everyone. Some started work, or went to trade schools. You would have been one of those people. I've kept an eye on you Mia. I'm glad you've continued your lessons with Jim. You've made substantial progress. Legally, in the eyes of the Republic, you are an adult."

"Nora wouldn't be pleased to hear that."

"Well, that's why I'm telling you. I'm interested in your well being. That's why I'm suggesting that you assert some independence." he reached across the table, placed a hand over hers, and smiled warmly. "Look me in the eye and tell me that you're happy."

She fidgeted in her seat, tried to avoid the question.

"Mia," his voice was low and her heart was pounding slightly, "tell me what you want."

"I-" she started but a loud knock on the door startled her. Bass stood smoothly from the table to let the person in the room. It was the chef, who placed a plate of roast beef and mashed potatoes in front of her with a polite smile. Another plate was set down for Bass, the chef gave a slight bow, and he was gone.

Then, just like that, the moment- if there had been a moment to begin with- was done. He returned to his seat and the conversation was turned to the food. She felt as though she had whiplash, completely sidetracked, and her emotions still locked on the idea that he had been leaning towards her, touching her, whispering her name. But that wasn't what was happening. You're a child to him Mia.

The rest of the night passed smoothly as they discussed a variety of topics. He engaged her, prodding for her opinions on matters, and smiling and nodding appropriately. She found it easy to open up, was relieved that someone seemed to care and appreciate her, that someone wasn't looking at her like the irritating sister or misinformed child.

"I have something for you." he told her quietly. He held his hand out in a pointing gesture, the tip of his finger grazing the skin of her arm lightly.

"For me?"

"Yes."

She watched silently as he stood up from the armchair and walked to his desk. When he returned to her side, he was holding a folder in his hand. He held it out for her to take and she opened it hesitantly, then began to read the contents.

"I thought you would like to know that several of our troops spotted your father. As of the last report, he was almost to Texas."

"Glad to hear it." she held back the array of emotions she felt and plastered a smile onto her face. "But I'm not too concerned with him anymore."

"He is concerned for you though." he held up another piece of paper in his hands. "Wrote to me, asking how you were."

"Why would he write to you? Why wouldn't he come here if he knew I was here?"

"He knew it would cause problems if he showed up. If Nora saw a letter from him, she'd tear it up without reading it. Apparently, he is going back to Galveston. He would like for you to meet him there." he watched her carefully as she read through the papers. "I let Nora know all of this and she said not to bring it up."

"What?" her head jerked up at that, eyes wide with hurt.

"That's what I said. Mia, you're an adult and this is your family. I couldn't keep something like this from you. Remember, I said I'm looking out for your well being. You should get to make the decision if you want to go to him, not her. You know, secretly, I think she was always jealous of you. The few times I met your father, I could tell he had a special bond with you- one he didn't have with Nora. I know she cares about you. I know she wants to keep you here and have it just be the two of you. There is also a bit of well, if I can't, then neither can you. But you should have a say in it as well."

"He- he really wants me?"

"You can read it yourself." he handed over the letter. She studied it, recognizing Patrick's sloppy handwriting instantly, and read his words. "I thought this would be a good time to let you know. I'm sending a diplomatic convoy to Texas for other matters. They leave in two days' time at dawn. While I do think you're capable of protecting yourself, I would feel more comfortable knowing you were in the hands of my men."

"This is for real."

"Yes. The choice is yours if you want it. I have a spot available."

"Yes. Yes, I don't even have to- yes."

"Wonderful. You'll get that adventure you're looking for." he smiled slightly. "Just one thing- you know Nora and Miles will try to stop you."

"I'm not going to say a word to them."

"Are you up yet?" Nora knocked gently on Mia's door. She paused, waiting for a response. "If you're not up, get up. You're going to be late. I've given you two tries already and I shouldn't have to do this. You're the one always yelling that you're an adult."

She waited another minute, banged her forehead lightly against the wood.

"You seriously try my patience. You know that?" she twisted the doorknob, surprised to find it unlocked, and opened the door. Her eyes landed on the empty bed, perfectly made, and scanned the rest of the room. The window was wide open, causing a cold breeze to blow the curtains back and rustle loose papers on the desk. She slowly walked into the room, still looking around as if her sister was going to jump out of the closet, then saw her name looking up at her from the desktop.

She grabbed the folded paper and quickly read over Mia's messy scrawl. Her hands tightened on the paper as a knot formed in her throat, and she weakly called for Miles, forgetting he had already left for the morning.

"What did you do?" she stormed into Bass's office, not caring what could have been happening. He smiled faintly at the window, then turned to face her.

"Good morning."

"What did you do?"

"I'm not sure-"

"Mia! She's gone and she left some half-assed note that she got a lead on my father and had left. What did you do?"

"I haven't seen her Nora, not since Christmas."

"No. No, I know you had something to do with this."

"What could I have done? I have no idea where your father is. Do you think I'd send her on a wild goose chase?" he stepped closer to her and she backed up, eyes lighting up dangerously. He held his hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry. Okay, I'm sorry. Nora, I know I've been... wrong lately. But I meant what I said to you at Christmas. I never meant to hurt you. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize my friendship with you again."

"You said-"

"I know what I said and I take it back. I wouldn't go against you and Miles again. I wouldn't." he had an almost pleading tone in his voice, as if he was begging her to believe him. "The past few months have been rough and I reacted badly, tried to take advantage of you. I cannot forgive myself for that. I would never act that way. You know that. I will find her though. I'll send people out to find her."

"Bass,"

"Nora, please. I care too much about you to do that. I care too much. That's the problem in all of this. I took it a step too far when I shouldn't have. But I'm trying to fix that now."

"No."

"I can have her back here within a few days."

"I don't trust you. There, I said it." she was shaking with fury, eyes filled with a deadly blaze that he knew to avoid. "I don't care what you and Miles do but don't try anything with me. Don't talk to me, don't come near me, don't anything. I want no part of you."

"That'll change."

"Shut up!"

"I'm sorry. I'll prove it to you."

She turned on her heel with a disgusted noise and wrenched the door open. He called out, "You'll see, I promise." just before she slammed it shut. Once the door was closed, his remorseful gaze disappeared and was replaced with a smirk.