Author's Note: First off, an apology. I told you I'd have this completed before the Olympic break ended, but clearly I'm a big liar! Sorry. I tried to jam this and the next chapter (yes there will be one more) into one part and it just didn't fit right. I hope this chapter (its a long one) makes up for the delay. No smut. All plot and dialog, but gets us to where we need to be for the final chapter.

As always, thanks for the reviews, follows, favorites, etc. If you are bored, check out all the Twitter chatter about Revolution & join in on the fun. It's pretty great. :)

Changing of the Guard

Miles, Rachel, Charlie and Bass pile into the wagon and make their way to where the meeting is being held in an old high school gym on the edge of Willoughby. On the way, Miles fills Charlie and Bass in on what's been happening with the Patriot War. The mercenaries that Bass had hired had arrived at just the perfect time. They'd been a bit lost at first since they'd been told to answer to Bass who was MIA. Miles and Rachel were already in the trenches and couldn't be reached. Connor saw that the men needed someone to take charge, and so he did. Connor was a natural leader, and the hired killers (as well as an assortment of men from the town) quickly became loyal soldiers under his command.

The younger Monroe had been patrolling with Rachel one afternoon when a pipe bomb had been thrown their way. Rachel would have taken the brunt of the hit, but Connor threw himself on her. This was how he'd gotten hurt. His little army had witnessed the selfless act and continued to fight. Rachel and Miles called the shots for a while, but as soon as he was able, Connor began to give orders from his hospital bed. The Battle of Willoughby had been brutal, but in the end, the Patriots were soundly defeated.

They reached the old gym and climbed down from the wagon. As they began to walk toward the building, Bass noticed a group of rough looking men lounging next to an old school bus. Bass points at them, "Uh, Miles?"

"Yeah?" Miles comes up beside Bass and sees what Monroe is looking at, "Oh them? Yeah, they don't want to leave."

"But those are Duncan's men. I didn't really buy them, you know. They were more part of a rental agreement." He looks a little tense, "Miles, she's going to want her guys back."

"I don't know Bass. She might not get them back so easily."

"Duncan doesn't respond well to having things taken from her."

"Good luck to her. Those guys may have been Duncan's before, but they are Connor's army now. They will do anything for him. I don't see them going anywhere soon."

"Let's just hope that Duncan doesn't come looking for them. It could get ugly."

Miles shrugs, "The Patriots got ugly too. Didn't work out so well for them."

They enter the crowded gym just as Connor walks stiffly to the podium. He is still clearly in some discomfort from his injuries. His voice is strong though, and carries to the corners of the room. Everyone is paying attention. Connor explains why he has called the meeting. Word of the Willoughby victory has spread. Now there are other groups of citizens standing against the intruders. Patriot insurgencies in all regions are finding themselves being hit, and hit hard. "We've heard of decisive victories in Bowling Green, Austin, St Louis, Hannibal and Des Moines. Other groups are still fighting. We're going to send a squad to Oklahoma City and a second to Indianapolis. They will leave at first light."

The meeting goes on for a while. Connor really has a way with these ragtag soldiers. They are really responding to him – hanging on his every word. Bass is proud of his son. They are so much alike, and yet so different. When he led the Republic, Bass had inspired fear. Connor is inspiring loyalty. Bass smiles. In his heart, he now feels that the Monroe Republic truly has a chance of returning to not just its former glory – but something even better.

As they leave, Miles turns to Bass with a grin, "So a bunch of nobodies in a small town rise up against insurgents and win. That victory inspires others all over the nation to rise up as well. Remind you of anything?"

Monroe looks at his old friend and returns his grin, "Wolverines!" he yells, raising a fist in the air.

Firestarter

"Honey, we're home!" Aaron yells as he clumsily enters the house shared by the Mathesons and Monroes. He looks around and wonders if he got the address right.

Gene appears, as if on cue and Aaron breathes a sigh of relief. "Hi Aaron. Pricilla." He nods to each in turn, smiling. "We weren't sure when you were getting here."

"Well, it wasn't fun, but we made it. I'd kill for a shower."

Gene raises an eye brow in question.

"Not you Gene. I'm not going to kill you. Not today anyway." He chuckles, "Geesh. Set a few guys on fire and everybody assumes that it's all you do."

"Is everyone okay? We heard about the fighting." Priscilla asks, changing the subject.

"We lost eleven. The patriots lost a lot more than that. Connor is in charge of the militia now.

"Connor? Monroe's Son Connor?" Aaron looks surprised. "How did he get in charge?"

"He really proved himself when we were fighting the Patriots. He put himself in the way of danger to save some of his guys. He even got hurt pretty badly saving Rachel." Gene shrugs. "He's the kind of guy people want to follow."

Aaron nods thoughtfully, "And Monroe's feelings about this?"

Gene frowns a little and then sighs, "I think he's totally okay with it - kind of passing the torch or whatever. Plus, he's been busy with Charlie. I guess they're dating." He sees Aaron's shock, "Yeah, I know. We were surprised too, but they seem fairly serious actually."

Aaron sits abruptly, unable to come up with anything to say.

Priscilla puts a hand on Aaron's shoulder in support. "Charlie is very special to Aaron. He worries about her."

Gene nods, "Yeah, we all do, but this might end up being okay. You'll get used to it at least. Once you see them together, it is way less bizarre." He turns to walk away, but then snaps his fingers and faces them again, "Oh and Miles and Rachel are back together. I cook a lot and try to stay out of everyone's way. When I'm needed, I help at the clinic. That's pretty much everything."

Aaron finally finds his voice. "Wow. Charlie and Monroe? I did not see that coming." Clearly Aaron is trying to wrap his head around this bit of news. After a moment he continues, "And Rachel with Miles? Not totally surprising I guess, but what do you mean BACK together?"

Gene laughs, "Let me show you guys where you'll be sleeping. Once you've had a chance to freshen up and unpack, everything else will probably be easier to digest. We can talk more then."

Heart to Heart

Rachel finds Charlie on the practice field. She's been sparring with one of Connor's soldiers. Even though Charlie hasn't been in the midst of fighting lately, it is important to her that she's always ready. She never again wants to be in a situation that makes her feel helpless. Rachel watches from the sidelines. Charlie is a force. She's graceful and quick. Her sword work is steadily improving. Rachel can see Miles in some of Charlie's moves.

She waits until Charlie has forced her opponent to the ground in defeat. Then she calls out for her daughter's attention, "Charlie, can we talk?'

Charlie acknowledges her Mom with a nod before helping her sparring partner get up. They shake hands before Charlie makes her way to her Mom. "Let's walk and talk. I need to get back to the house and clean up."

"Allright."

"What do you want to talk about?" Charlie asks. Her tone is not terribly curious. It's clear that she is not looking forward to this conversation.

"I want to talk about Monroe." Rachel tries to hold her daughter's eyes, but Charlie is on the move.

"What about him?" she asks.

"I just want to know if you are sure. Are you sure?"

Charlie stops. She turns to face her Mother. "Am I sure?" she smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "I'm sure that he makes me happy. I'm sure that he's always there for me. I'm sure that he would do anything for me. I'm sure that he loves me. I'm sure that I love him." With that, she begins to walk again, but she's going at a slower pace now.

"Okay. I get it. You think you love him…"

"No. You don't get it. I didn't say I THINK I love him. I DO love him." Charlie is angry and her voice begins to rise. "You know when we got back from the Tower and we heard about the things that had happened in Atlanta and Philly; you weren't the only one who struggled with that." She takes a breath. "I lost Nora, one of my only friends, and a heartbeat later I lost you too – to your quiet depression or whatever it was. I felt alone. I felt empty. I started screwing random guys in hopes that I'd feel something." Charlie throws up her hands, "that I'd feel anything at all."

"Charlie, I'm sorry I wasn't…"

"No, don't interrupt me." She continues, "After a while I heard Monroe was around. I wanted him dead just as much as you did. I went to find him and kill him. I started to think that his death would fill that void inside me. I hunted him down. I had him in my sights, and fate snatched him away. I chased him down again, and for a while we were prisoners together. He talked to me, really talked to me for the first time. I still hated him, but I also started to understand him a little. I could sense that he had a void too. We were both empty. We weren't friends or allies, but we shared this emptiness. I still wanted to kill him for what his men did to Dad and to Danny, but I also started to see that he wasn't quite the devil we'd all made him out to be – not completely. We ended up fighting together and in time I grew to respect him – to trust him even. Then when he was executed, I felt something for the first time in a long time. I felt regret – even knowing that he wasn't really dying; I still felt this overwhelming sense of regret. Regret that I didn't really get to know him when I had the chance."

Rachel reaches out and puts a hand on Charlie's shoulder. Charlie doesn't move. She continues telling her story, "Then after he recovered and he found his son and things were happening here with Grandpa and the Typhus, and you know things were just crazy? Well, it suddenly dawned on me one day that I didn't hate Monroe anymore. I didn't like him particularly, but I didn't hate him. I didn't want him dead."

Charlie pauses, and Rachel can tell that the pivotal part of this story is coming. "When we went to New Vegas, I had started to feel a little better – a little more human. I started to realize that I felt less empty when he was around. I know that sounds dumb, but it's how I felt. I thought maybe I was mistaken. Maybe it was Connor. He is young and hot and everything I should be looking for. He was there, and I thought maybe my feelings were really about him. I even went so far as to screw him, thinking it would take care of that Monroe itch I was starting to feel." She shakes her head, "I knew it was a mistake as soon as it happened, but before I had a chance to put things right – I got attacked and Bass saved me. Again. He's always saving me."

Rachel is now standing beside her daughter, her arm wrapped around Charlie's shoulder. She is listening intently. "When I woke up and realized he was there – that he wasn't going to leave me; everything clicked. I knew that he was the only person who would ever be able to fill that void." She turns to face her Mom, tears welling in her eyes. "He fills my void Mom, and I fill his. When we are together, neither of us is empty anymore."

Rachel reaches for her daughter; her eyes also wet with tears.

Miles watches from the training grounds as the two women he loves most in life embrace. "It's about time," he mutters to himself.

Visitor

There is a knock at the door and Gene answers, "Hello." The beautiful woman dressed in leather brushes past him.

"Take me to Monroe." She demands.

"He's in the office. I'll let him know you are here. What's your name?"

"Tell him Duncan is here, and she wants her men back."

Gene leaves the room and comes back a few moments later. He looks wary. "Go on back. He's waiting for you. Second door on the left."

Duncan walks down the narrow hallway. She pauses at the door for just a moment before pushing it open. The room is simple. Bookshelves line one wall. A narrow window lets in the only natural light. On the wall behind a large desk hangs a tattered Monroe Republic flag. Monroe is sitting at the desk, head lowered. He appears to be reading something. She waits for a moment, but when he doesn't acknowledge her – she slams her palms down on the edge of the desk. "Damn it Sebastian – I want my men back."

He lifts his head, and the shadows of the room dance across his face. "Hello Duncan".

"You? I asked for Monroe."

"You asked for Monroe, and you got a Monroe." He holds out a hand, "We were never formally introduced in New Vegas. I'm Connor." He pauses before continuing, "Connor Monroe. Bass is my father."

Duncan looks at him closely. She'd noticed this guy in New Vegas of course, but Sebastian had held most of her attention at the time…along with that little firecracker who had pulled the gun. She sees the resemblance now. He's sexy like his Dad – same curly hair and deep eyes. He's very young, but clearly confident; he returns her gaze without wavering. Duncan is intrigued. She motions to the flag, "So, bringing the Republic back?"

"That's the plan." He nods quietly, waiting for her to continue.

Suddenly impatient, Duncan frowns, "Well, this has been fun but I have business with your Daddy. Do you know where he is? I need to talk to him about my men."

Connor smiles, "Why exactly do you think he is the one you need to talk to?"

"I made a deal with Sebastian. He paid me."

"True, but then he got side tracked for two months while I fought side by side with 'your men'." Connor moves from behind the desk and makes his way toward Duncan. "I battled with them. I bled with them. I risked my neck FOR them. In the beginning they fought with me. By the end, they fought for me." He's now standing close enough that she can feel his breath as he leans in to whisper in her ear, "They are mine now."

Her heart jumps at his closeness. She feels a heat rise in her belly at his lips brush ever so lightly against the skin behind her ear. Duncan is irritated with this kid and with her own reaction to him. "That was not the deal." She takes an involuntary step back.

"Deals fall through. It happens." Connor shrugs, "Maybe you should just cut your losses and head back home."

"I'm not going to 'lose' my men." Duncan's jaw is clenched. "Not without a fight."

Connor sits back in his chair, puts his feet on the desk and leans back. He watches her without saying anything for a while. He smiles, "Okay, I have an idea."

"What?" Duncan demands. Her breathing is now back to normal, mostly.

"You can join us. You and your remaining men. We could use the manpower and you could use the job." He smiles at her.

She throws her head back and laughs mirthlessly, "No chance."

"Don't say no so quickly. You must have heard of all the Patriot groups falling across the nations? They are falling to Monroe allies. Soon, this," he pauses to spread his arms expansively, "will all be part of the New Monroe Republic. Join us. Bring your men. In return for joining us, I will make sure you have a place in the Monroe leadership. My Dad and I are going to be partners. He's going to lead the Republic politically. I will lead the Militia. You could be a great asset to me – to us."

Duncan has heard of the various battles erupting all over the Plains Nation, Texas and other areas. She is aware that the Patriots are in trouble, losing left and right to small groups of determined 'rebels'. This kid is a cocky jerk (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), but he's right. The Republic is rising, and if she can find a place in that administration – well she could do worse.

"Tempting Kid, but Sebastian and I, well we have a history. We probably wouldn't work well together."

"Then you would work for me. My Dad told me you have been leading your tribe for some time. He said you are quite the strategist. The men have only had good things to say about your leadership…"

She snorts, "Yeah, they clearly loved me."

Connor smiles, "They never said anything negative about you. It wasn't like that. I think they just liked working for me better. That's all." He pauses before continuing, "I could use you as an advisor. You wouldn't have to work with my Dad at all." Connor chuckles, "Not that he'll even notice. Frankly he's pretty preoccupied lately."

"Preoccupied with what?" She asks.

Connor shrugs, "He's in love. It's fairly new territory for him so he's been distracted."

Realization dawns. "That girl with the gun?"

"Yeah, that's the one. Charlie."

"Didn't care for her, but if she keeps him busy; I guess she's okay."

"Are you interested?" His eyes bore into hers, and she's no longer sure what it is he's asking her… Yes, she is finding herself very interested indeed.

"I'm interested," she pauses, "but only if you keep your promise. The idea of being your military advisor intrigues me." She holds out a hand.

He shakes it. "Well, you won't be the only one. I already have two others. Miles led the Militia for a long time. He said he's not interested in having his old job back, but he is going to lead the training program. He'll get the soldiers in shape and will help me with military strategy. His experience is something that the Republic can benefit greatly from."

"You said two. Who's the other?"

"Her name is Rachel. She is beyond stubborn… absolutely never listens. She's wicked smart though and has killer instincts. Honestly, you will probably hate each other."

Duncan frowns.

Connor rubs his hands together and grins, "Damn this is going to be fun."

Staypuft & Batman

Bass approaches the house with a smile on his face and a bounce in his step. Things are really going well. He has just returned from a scouting trip outside the Willoughby border with Miles. It had been pretty uneventful. Miles had told him that daily patrols are necessary just in case any Patriot allies were to return, but that they rarely amounted to much these days. It had been nice. The two old friends had chatted and reminisced about times long gone. There were some topics that were never addressed by unspoken agreement: Emma, Shelly, Ben, Rachel's imprisonment, Danny… The pain was still there for Miles. The guilt was there for Monroe. Someday they would need to talk these things through, but for now it was all still too raw for both. They are slowly finding their way back to a new version of their old friendship. Maybe it would never be the way it used to be, but it is already better than it had been. Bass feels that things are finally going right. He and Connor have a plan to take back the Republic (though it will surely be a kinder version than the first). He has Charlie. Now he is starting to feel like his oldest friendship might be salvaged as well. He's getting his brother back.

Bass opens the door and almost runs right into Aaron. "Oh," he says in surprise. "Didn't know you were back."

Aaron eyeballs him wearily. "You." He frowns. "We need to talk."

"You still do the thing with the fire?" Bass is trying not to be nervous, but can't seem to help himself. "When you're mad, do you still…" He leaves the rest of his question unasked.

"I can control it more now. It's less volatile than it was."

Bass looks at him for a minute, "Sorry that doesn't really make me feel better."

"Wasn't trying to make you feel better." On some level, Aaron is starting to enjoy this. He's never been in a position to strike fear into someone like Monroe. "Come with me."

Bass dumps his pack on the sofa and follows Aaron down the hall to the room which has become the office. Usually this is where Connor and Bass discuss strategy. Often Miles and Rachel join in. This is the first time he's felt like a visitor in this room. Aaron sits behind the desk and folds his hands on its surface. "Charlie." He says.

Monroe sits in the visitor chair, and looks Aaron in the eye. "What about her Aaron?"

"Well, not to be the overbearing pseudo uncle, but what exactly are your intentions?"

When he realizes that Aaron is at least going to give him a chance to explain before turning him into charcoal, Monroe relaxes. This he can do. He is more than happy to tell the Michelin Man exactly how he feels about Charlie. And he does. He starts with the trip to New Vegas and the heist. He glosses over the thing with Connor, but goes into some detail when he speaks of Charlie's injuries at the hands of Boaz. He explains how the feelings between them had been bubbling just below the surface for a long time before – at least since the pool when that Ken Doll had held them hostage, but that it was during her recovery that they really bonded. Bass explains to Aaron exactly how he feels about Charlie now, how much he loves her, how he would do anything for her.

Aaron sits quietly through all of it. He listens. He finds that he believes Monroe. He knows what love looks like. This guy clearly has fallen hard.

"I want to marry her."

This is a surprise. Aaron raises an eyebrow in question, "Really? I wouldn't have pegged you for the husband type."

Bass shrugs, "You are looking at the new and improved Bass Monroe." Smiling, he continues, "Charlie has changed me, for the better."

Aaron nods slowly. He sees at least some truth in that statement. "Okay then. Good." Visibly relaxed, he leans back in his chair a little.

Seeing that this is – at least for now- settled, Monroe changes the subject, "So the Nano?"

"Yeah?" Aaron's wariness returns.

"Are you able to command it purposefully or is it just reacting to your subconscious desires?"

"I'm getting better at controlling it. I no longer worry about every random emotion setting it off."

Bass nods thoughtfully, "Good. That's good." He smiles at Aaron, "I know we aren't exactly friends yet, but can I ask you a favor?"