Chapter 33: Sweet Bitter Victory

Human beings will justify anything.

- Alycia Debnam-Carey

Mikhail's Journal 28.04.2011

This will always be the day I would refer to as Judgement Day or Day of Reckoning where I would be at the mercy of the enemy and I would see a face from the past. Seeing my best friend turned into a walker would be a daunting memory I wish I could unsee, but it was a face that reminded me of the friendship or brotherhood I once had. Marc Antony used the reanimated Matt as a means to torture me and guilt trip me about how I much I condemned him and disregarded him and that I was never a true friend to him. Even looking at Matt's snarling ravenous face spiting me, I had to accept that Matt was already dead and that my best friend was long gone and a distant memory.
Just after Marc Antony announced he sent a horde of walkers to attack my people and he was about execute me on the spot, I got karma as an unknown enemy attacked his reserve forces. This lead to Marc Antony and I being left alone as we would have one last confrontation, where we fought with our barehands until one of us dropped dead. Marc Antony did put up a good fight and had proven how committed and determined he was to destroying me with his barehands, he let wrath and desperation to win overcome him, which was how I became the victor. However after Marc Antony was crippled and received a bite from Matt, I knew he was going to be dead if not that day then the next day and then become a walker in matter of hours after death. This was when I would learn something new about Marc Antony and how it didn't matter whether he got bitten or not.

"You are already dead, but how?" I astonished, failing to comprehend how Marc Antony could be walking and breathing all this time.

"Heart disease and no I didn't get it from smoking. It runs in the family," anguished Marc Antony.

"Were you never cured or had any treatment?"

"Mikhail, if only you knew how simple it wasn't. No one in my family tree with this condition has survived. They barely made is over 25."

"Your dad had it?"

"No, it skips a generation. I was the unlucky one to inherit it. It was my grandad who was last diagnosed with it."

"Wait, I thought your granddad was alive."

Marc Antony laughed and clarified, "No you idiot, it was from my dad's side of the family who has this condition. My other grandad who taught me valuable life lessons was from my mum's side of the family."

"So there's no cure, not even a heart transplant?"

"Not when the infection gets in your blood there isn't. When I started to get sick I would be in hospital for over a week and I was told what was wrong. My mum asked the doctor whether my condition could be cured with a heart transplant and the doctor said it wouldn't have any effect because the infection had spread and was slowly attacking my organs and body tissue. I was given medicine, which would only slow down the effects, but wouldn't stop them. Only last week my doctor would tell me that no medicine or other remedies would stop my imminent death. I was given two weeks or a month at least. That's when I decided that I was going to do something that will immortalize my name and make me a hero to the people of the East."

"And what would that be, contributing to nuclear warfare and killing thousands in the process?"

Out of nowhere there was roaring above my head and I looked up to see there was a fleet of planes in the sky. They left a trail of smoke in the air and headed towards east at a fast pace.

"Does that answer your question?" asked Marc Antony.

"Nyet."

Then the distinct sound of cars could be heard as I turned my attention to the road and saw a line of trucks that drove up the road and towards the town.

"What about now?" questioned Marc Antony with a smug smile.

"Wait a minute, those planes belong to you?"

"Right you are, Mikhail. Those were cargo planes. That's why you always have a plan B."

I felt a strong grip on my heart and my throat was dry and my mouth tasted metallic.

"You are transporting nukes and other firepower on those planes?"

"Indeed I am, but that's not all what's on those planes. I'm also transferring refugees. That's right, those who fear you Russians and don't wish to be ruled by them are now being safely transported to the east where they will begin a new life and subsequently join the fight."

"Why would you... well you know...?"

"Help these people? Because I'm going to be remembered as a hero for saving these people by giving them safe passage and a chance at freedom."

"And those trucks, what are they carrying?"

"Oh nothing important. Maybe some useless junk and a handful of people who couldn't all be put on the planes or they just fear flying."

"So it doesn't matter if these trucks get stopped. You were only trying to get your weapons over to the east coast and take a small percentage of people along just to make yourself look like a hero?"

"That's right and they are going to tell my story how the great Marc Antony gave his life just to fight the Russian menace. They would also tell how he guaranteed safe passageway for those that want nothing but freedom, peace and prosperity."

"If only they realized what you really did was just prolong the fight. More people are going to die because of you supplying nukes and dragging more people into conflict."

"You might know that Peter the Great is revered as a true Russian hero, but what many probably don't know he deployed 40,000 slaves just to build St. Petersburg where many died from disease of exposure to cold. Despite the number that died as a result of building the city, he's still to this day a hero, along with Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar who killed just to achieve their ambitions and goals."

Despite not condoning with Marc Antony's actions I did take his theory into account and understood that he did have a point about heroes that did questionable things and still retained their hero status.

"If you wanted me dead so much, why didn't you just gun me down like you always could have? Why focus your attention on doing this apparent noble deed and making a name for yourself?"

"Did you know I was named after a famous historical figure, can you guess who?"

"Nyet."

"Mark Antony, yes you've heard me right, I was named after a Roman general and adopted son of Julius Caesar. Although nearly everyone thinks he was loyal to Caesar he was an opportunist like me, seeing Casar's death as his moment to rise to power and indeed he did. However after so many successful campaigns he would meet his match at the Battle of Alexandria."

"Interesting, and this has to do with your willingness to contribute to this exodus how?"

"When my grandad learned of my heart condition, he told me I should spend the rest of my days by doing something big that everyone would remember. He gave me an example by telling me how he saved many African Americans living in St. Louis from unemployment, homelessness and poverty. Without him St. Louis probably wouldn't be the same. It's true that it's no longer a prosperous thriving city, but he saved the city from what I'm certain would be complete economic collapse. He might not have made headlines or had his name on a plaque or even a memorial, but many fellow African Americans venerated him as the true hero of St. Louis. This was when I decided that rather than waste what manpower and firepower I have in my arsenal to achieve revenge, I decided to do something heroic and altruistic. Don't think I need to explain to you what it is."

"Nyet, I understand. Even if you don't really care for these people and you only want to aide your allies in the ongoing war against Russia."

"Let's not debate about morality, how about you do what you came to do," gibed Marc Antony as he spread out his arms, "Well what are you waiting for? Do it. Kill me. It's your duty."

"Nyet, I didn't come here to kill you. I came to stop the convoy and by the looks of it, I failed. Killing you is not something I'd do unless it's an order or you're a hostile that is armed."

Marc Antony threw down his arms and smiled, "You're a good soldier, Mikhail." Marc Antony dug his hands in his pockets, pulled out his cigarette case. When he opened it he could see the remaining cigarette in the case was compressed and tobacco spilled onto the ground. Marc Antony threw the open metal case away and asked, "You got a cigarette on you, Mikhail?"

"Da," I responded, walking to him. I got out my last remaining cigarette that surprisingly remained intact during the fight and placed it in between Marc Antony's lips. I then lit the cigarette for him and back away.

Marc Antony took a long drag of the cigarette, before exhaling the smoke and looking up at me. He held out the cigarette with a stretched arm and offered, "Aren't you going to have a drag too?"

"Nyet, I'm quitting. Thank you for offering, but I think I've already had my last cigarette."

"Oh okay then," puzzled Marc Antony before taking another drag as his facial expression turned sour and anguished, "Your cigarettes are shit anyway, no wonder why you quit smoking them." Marc Antony threw the unfinished cigarette like a dart. "Are you just going to leave me to suffer and die?"

"Da, it's all I can do."

"You do realize that if I could stand and I had a gun on me I would kill you, right?"

"Da. I would have killed you back at the ranch for shooting Travis and I did think about killing for what you did to Mina's mother, but I found God's love and have come to terms with what happened and what you did."

"What are you trying to say, preacher boy?"

"I forgive you, Marc Antony."

"You forgive me? I'm sure you're aware that I'm not sorry what I did and I would do it all over again if I could?"

"I'm not looking for an apology. Even if you did apologize it wouldn't sound genuine and sincere."

"If I wasn't dying like I am now and I had ICBMs I wouldn't hesitate to blow you and your friends up with them and smite them from the face of the earth."

"Even if you tried anything like that I would always be there to stop you."

"You do know that even if you offer me forgiveness we're not bros and we never will be."

"A friendship we'll never have, Marc Antony. It's always been about you even when you had those who thought you were their friend, but were only a means to an end. The whole point of forgiveness is accepting that the past is the past and not holding onto bitterness and anger. That is clearly something you misunderstand and fail to feel the true power of forgiveness and how liberating it is once you've found it."

"Okay Mikhail, I don't need you filling me with your crappy philosophy about an all powerful being and his son Jesus who fed others this narcotic you call forgiveness. I learned from the past and it kept me focused and committed to my long term goals. It wasn't the love of God that guided me, it was my own will and fortitude that got me through life. You can keep your God and take him with you, he couldn't stop my convoy and he sure ain't going to save you and your people from an impending nuclear war. It will be my name that will be immortalized and my death will be avenged at the hands of those who revere and idolize me. The war isn't over, Mikhail. Just you wait and see."

"I don't mind fate being the judge of that. Now if you don't mind, I've got urgent matters to attend to."

I was about to leave, but I heard Marc Antony's voice behind my back, "I never got to see the real Mikhail. The monster back at the river who took on my boys like a rabid dog."

"That was a different me and a slight defect as a regards to hypnosis. He's long gone and so is our rivalry."

"Too bad I don't die with my queen by my side. Just like Mark Antony had when he was dying with his lover Cleopatra by his side. If only I was in a hospital bed and my beloved sister was by my side I would accept death and die happy, but unfortunately I die here and alone in a drab part of New Mexico."

Taking one final look at Marc Antony alive I would lament, "Goodbye Marc Antony, you'll be with your sister soon."

I turned my back and walked away only to hear a loud bang behind me. It was the sound of a gunshot and it startled me, so much it made my body freeze and feel cold shivers all around my body. I looked down at my chest and stomach and there were no gunshot wounds. Then I turned to look at Marc Antony and I could see his face and top part of his skull was practically blown off as his scrambled brains were exposed and smoking. I could see he had a gun in his hand that looked like an extravagant gold-plated Beretta 92. Did Marc Antony shoot himself or did someone else shoot him? The gunshot did not sound like that of a round that a Beretta 92 could ever fire and nor could it cause that amount of ballistic damage to the human skull. Either way Marc Antony was dead and I had to accept that he was no longer a part of my life. Rather than question who killed Marc Antony and whether he tried to kill me, I walked away towards the town of Gallup hoping to see friendly faces that could take my mind off the horror I've witnessed.

Reaching Gallup after a long walk, I could see soldiers, but these weren't soldiers that looked armored and were equipped with high tech weapons. They were armed with olive green uniforms with a soldier's cap and they were brown-skinned. Their standard equipment consisted of an AKM and a Heckler & Koch P7 or a Sig Sauer P226 as a side arm. I could see Marc Antony's better equipped and armored soldiers lay dead on the floor or groaning in agony. Some of his men were down on their knees with their hands behind their heads. They were even masked and I could see the faces for the first time of the men who served Marc Antony. There were some who looked angry and bemused they lost the battle and there were a few that looked scared or relieved that the fighting was over.

"You're late, Mikhail. I thought you'd be here sooner," saluted Daniel, followed by a handshake and a hug.

"I had to walk. Got blisters on my feet," I jested.

"Maybe it's better if you sit down and have a drink, you know... relax."

"Will do Daniel," I smiled.

A soldier behind Daniel called out to him in Spanish as Daniel looked at him then turned to me and requested, "Sorry Mikhail, got some business to attend to. Here hold this."

Daniel handed me a sniper rifle, which was a PSG1. When I touched it at the barrel I could feel it was warm and knew it had been fired recently. I followed Daniel's advice and sat down in the shade and took off my shoes to treat my blisters.

"Hey Mikhail, my man," called a cheerful voice with an American accent in front of me.

I looked up to see it was someone I haven't seen in a long time, someone who would become my future brother in law.

"Hey Nick, I didn't expect to see you."

"Who did you expect to see?" wondered Nick.

"Probably another Latino whose name I don't know."

Nick and I did a brotherly handshake and hugged, then we sat down to engage in conversation.

"So how are things with my little sister and mum?" asked Nick.

Unsure whether to tell Nick of the walker horde that were directed to attack the community, I decided to humor Nick and not worry him.

"She's doing great, she probably hasn't told told you the news."

"What news?"

"You're going to be an uncle, you're going to be Uncle Nick."

Nick's face twitched and formed a delightful smile, this was the first time I ever saw Nick smile this much.

"Wow congratulations on becoming a daddy, Mikhail. This means I'll have to pay a visit once my sister delivers me my nephew or niece."

"Would be great if you could come, I bet your sister and your mother miss you."

"Yeah you're right, Mikhail. Going to have to bring Luciana with me. In fact I might as well tell her now she's here."

The name Luciana hit me as an acquaintance who I haven't encountered in a long time. I remembered her as Nick's girlfriend, whom I got off on the wrong foot with.

"You brought Luciana here?" I gasped

"Yeah, she wanted to fight. Because she's my girl I couldn't say no so I tagged along."

Luciana walked into view and was holding an AKM with a strap around her shoulder. She saw Nick and I sitting down together. She approached Nick and I.

"Nick, you are needed on medic duty. We have more wounded with bullets and shrapnel in them."

"Okay I guess it's time to get my hands dirty again," Nick got up, turned to me and said, "Sorry Mikhail, got to go. I will talk to you later."

"Sure thing, Nick."

Nick and I shook hands as he parted ways. Luciana looked at me with an indifferent look and her eyebrows drawn together.

"Mikhail," she greeted acknowledgedly as she walked off to attend to guard duty.

Luciana might not completely trust me or be that fond of me, but her remembering my name told me her and I were eventually going to develop a good sister in law relationship.

While relaxing my bandaged feet and enjoying a well deserved hot cup of black tea, a helicopter roared in the distance and Daniel's men weren't startled by the sight of the helicopter, it was as if they were expecting it. The helicopter landed gently on the open space and only by looking at it I knew it was a Russian helicopter, which I guessed was here to transport me home.

I limped to the open helicopter not before shaking hands with both Daniel and Nick before I stepped in and waved to them as I was being airlifted out of the area. While sitting in the helicopter and admiring the view of open desert and mountains, I felt exhausted and languished from the fighting and other exertion I had in one day. This would be one of the times I would have a cigarette to relax, but since I had no cigarettes on me and I told Marc Antony I quit, I had to find a substitute. I felt something that's been in my pocket for months on end and never adopted the habit to empty that pocket until now. It was the lollipop Mina gave me back at the ranch when I regained consciousness after giving Travis my blood. It shone bright red and reflected light from the window as I held it in front of my face. Deciding what my substitute to quit smoking would be, I tore off the plastic wrapper of the lollipop and put it in my mouth. This was much better than acidic bitter nicotine, its sugary taste revitalized my energy and enhanced my taste buds. This lollipop was just what I needed to enjoy the sweet rosy feeling that I was going home.

Lavishing in the relaxing and peaceful journey home I finally arrived in my neighborhood, where I almost forgotten there was a walker attack. It was just how I expected, there were signs of fighting and mayhem as well as carnage. There were dead walkers as well as bodies laid out in bodybags. At that moment I panicked and hoped Alicia, Mina, Madison or any of those I cared about wasn't among them. This pang was so overwhelming and devastating I almost fell to my knees and cried, until I heard a little girl's voice.

"Mikhail," cried out Mina as she ran towards me to jump into my arms and embrace me, "I thought you were dead."

"I'm not, Mina. I'm home," I assuaged.

I also saw Alicia run up to me to join in the embrace. She bestowed me a longing passionate touch of her lips on mine and buried her face in me.

"Thank God you're alive, Mikhail. I've been so worried about you," exclaimed Alicia.

"So was I, but I'm glad you're both safe and it's all over now."

While still holding Alicia and Mina in my arms I did witness a bonfire where I saw dead immobile walkers being thrown on a bonfire and other survivors shedding tears or embracing each other. It was a tragedy that probably many had died as a result of the walker horde attack and those that died would be mourned, but at the moment everyone including Alicia, Mina and I were happy to be alive and wanted to enjoy every moment of it.

Mikhail's Journal 30.04.2011

It was only days later I would find another interesting fact about Marc Antony and his namesake. Mark Antony the historical figure he was named after was born on the 14th of January, which means they share the same birthday. Also Mark Antony married Cleopatra the queen of Egypt, which is another strange coincidence because Marc Antony's sister was named Cleo Patricia, which I'm guessing is a subtle eponym for Cleopatra. Mark Antony was known to have attempted suicide, which also made me question whether Marc Antony did kill himself with self inflicted gunshot to the head or someone else killed him. Remembering he had a gun in his hand it made me question whether he did try to put a bullet in my back as soon as I turned my back. Maybe I felt it was my redemption to give Marc Antony the choice whether he was going to give into revenge or he would accept that vengeance is not the way and it was better to save a bullet for himself if he wanted to prevent reanimation. Either way I decided to stop dwelling about Marc Antony and focus on happier more pleasant events.

Colorado has been successfully taken with resistance neutralized all to the thanks of Mike Trimbol who cooperated and gave valuable information about Colorado and where resistance hideouts were. He also enlisted and became a member of the Army Reserve that was for soldiers that didn't speak Russian, but wanted to join the Russian cause. Vernon Trimbol got his own farm where he lives with his family. Kathy Trimbol became a teacher and Gretchen became a nurse who works occasionally with Alicia.

With the capitulation of Colorado and the assistance of Daniel occupying New Mexico and Texas with his army, the border is completed. Nebraska and Kansas became our source of food and where crops would be grown and South Dakota and Texas were not only used for agriculture but also a military defensive front in case forces from the East attacked.

The convoy flying over the mountains reminded me of the Maginot Line, which was a defensive barrier that the French installed during World War 2. The fatal error was it didn't defend all of France as German forces snuck pass the Ardennes Forest and over the Meuse River, which caused encirclement of both the British and French armies. The resistance in the East will soon have nukes and other advanced firepower, but there is still time to prepare for war against the East by installing fallout shelters and work on our other nuclear defense capabilities. Whatever happens I just hope to have a well deserved rest until it's time to once again pick up my gun and fight.

Mikhail's Journal 02.05.2011

You're probably wanting to know how the cleanup operation played out after the passing of Marc Antony and his remaining soldiers were apprehended and placed in captivity. Other Janissaries like me have been deployed to either Canada or Idaho state to set up observation posts. One unidentified Janissary was deployed to Nevada, which was Marc Antony's apparent base of operations. Luckily his base of operations was located as well as his villa. There were traces of radiation, but no nuclear warheads were found. The whole base was abandoned and all vehicles have departed along with supplies. Marc Antony's villa in Las Vegas was still packed with luxuries, but nothing incriminating revealing his plans because more than likely he destroyed any evidence before he initiated his convoy and migration plan.
If there's something special or should I say coincidental about this day is it was the day there was a Russian landing on the west coast. The 2nd of May was when the Soviets took Berlin and placed the Soviet flag on the Reichstag. Daniel assisted in sending a battalion of his troops to California and Arizona to help the Russian battalions occupy the states that put up heavy resistance. Oregon and Washington were a struggle because there was guerrilla units in the wooded and grasslands unleashing surprise attacks. With the help of Janissaries (I wasn't one of them) being deployed to gather intel and sniper support the guerrillas were eliminated and the cities of Portland and Seattle were taken. Portland and Seattle became logistical points where the Columbia river became a logistical point for further expansion whereas Seattle became a landing point for reinforcements ready to be transferred from Siberia. The plan from there on would be for invading forces from Montana, Wyoming and Colorado to launch offensives into Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Arizona where advancing troops from the West Coast would link with the advancing troops from the East. It would be like during the Battle of Stalingrad where Soviet battalions linked up to complete the encirclement that would block the Germans in the city of Stalingrad (now Volgagrad) and force them to surrender.

Eventually I would be deployed on new scouting or assassination missions to pinpoint strategic paths for offensives or smoke out guerrillas from their holes. I was very optimistic and confident about the invasion of Northwest America and the elimination of not only guerrilla forces but remaining walkers that still lurked in the shadows.

Mikhail's Journal 25.05.2011

After the short campaign to take Northwest America has been a success and crush the resistance, there was celebration in the civilian occupation zones as well as back in Russia. The warzone was now ready to be rebuilt and turned into new communities and to set up the new economy. For my loyal contribution in the campaign I would be given a medal and it would be given to me by the Russian president himself, Vladimir Putin.
Vladimir Putin flew all the way from Moscow to Helena, Montana to give me including other recipients medals and other distinctions. I was dressed in my military ceremonial uniform, which made me feel grand and gallant. The cap did make me feel like I was wearing a kokoshnik (a Russian headdress that women wear). Alicia loved seeing me in my ceremonial uniform and thought I looked so handsome in it, but Mina however laughed mainly because of the hat I was wearing and it looked too big for my head, which I agreed on.
The award ceremony took place at the Montana State Capitol in Helena where there was a band playing Russian patriotic music. When Vladimir Putin took the stage to give his speech I felt a sense of queasiness in my stomach, the same I felt when fighting my first walker. It was the first time I saw Vladimir Putin with my own eyes. He gave his short speech thanking everyone for coming and thanked those who were about to receive their awards and how thankful Russia is for their efforts.

I was called to the stage to receive the highest medal in Russia, the Hero of the Russian Federation. Walking towards Vladimir Putin dressed so elegantly and opulent, I could feel my knees turn to jelly, but I maintained my composure and continued to approach him. Vladimir Putin placed the gold medal on my chest, shook my hand and held onto it as we both faced the audience and our picture was taken. Looking at the audience I could see Alicia and Mina smiling at me as well as the Trimbols and the Salazars also smiling at me looking proud of me for my high achievement. One person I was surprised to see take the stage and receive a medal was Madison who was awarded the Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation. She didn't look disdainful or intimidated when approaching the Russian President, she just smiled cordially and happily shook his hand after receiving her medal. I also felt proud of Madison and joined in the clapping as she had her photo taken. Madison should be very proud indeed for her contribution and effort in prospering the community and other communities throughout the whole state.

Mikhail's Journal 20.06.2011

Today was a very special day, a day that would be the final level in my relationship with Alicia. Alicia and I got married after one month of being engaged. Alicia didn't hesitate to say "yes" when I proposed to her, she was in awe and enthusiastic about the idea of getting married. The marriage took place at Helena cathedral where we had an Orthodox Christian wedding. Alicia wore a white long-sleeved bride's dress, with floral sleeves, portrait neckline and a silk A-line skirt. I wore nothing special other than my ceremonial military uniform just to exhibit my occupation as a soldier who was getting married. Madison was the maid of honor while Ofelia and Gretchen served as bridesmaids. Mina happily served as the flower girl carrying a wicker basked and scattering petals on the aisle as Travis walked Alicia to the altar. Nick was my best man and there was no one else I'd rather have as my best man other than him who helped my nerves.
When Alicia and I were both at the altar the priest would first betroth us as he blessed the gold rings that would be placed on our fingers. Then he placed crowns on our heads, not without kissing them before he placed them on our heads. Then the priest would lead us into the center of the cathedral where we stood on red velvet. Alicia and I professed our love for one another and why we are getting married. I rehearsed my speech to Alicia and proclaimed:

Alicia, my love and light in my soul that guided me through the darkness.

Before I met you I was lost and in a world of pain.

That all changed when I first laid eyes on you.

I mistook you for an angel, an angel I saw glimmering in the sunlight.

Never did I knew what love was until that day and it was a feeling that made me happy again.

Although I never got to tell you, I was beyond determined to make the long journey just to see you and tell you how I feel.

Now that we are together and are getting married, I will use all my strength to protect you like a loving husband would protect his love.

I will cherish this moment as the day we became husband and wife and will love you even in death like I always would.

Alicia then had her turn to give her avowal to me. She confessed:

Mikhail my dearest of the dear

Before we met life was meaningless and monotonous

That all changed when I realized life is something that should never be taken for granted

People were a burden and I didn't care much for them, but when I saw them in peril and in need did I care

You were one of those people in need and after getting to know you, I knew you were a lost soul.

I was wrong to shun you when I failed to understand that all you tried to do was protect me and my family

That is a dedication from you I will always be thankful for

Not only did I appreciate you as my protector, but my lover too when I learnt about the man who was always a mystery to me.

As your wife I will be the companion that will always be waiting for you when you get home.

Whenever you return home hurt both mentally and physically, I will be there to heal your wounds and serve as your loving wife and guardian angel.

The priest then instructed us to drink wine from a brass cup that looked like a small saucepan. Alicia and I joined hands as the priest wrapped our hands with his epitrachelion and lead us around the cathedral while Alicia and I hold a candle and the priest chants with an Orthodox crucifix in his hand. We were led back to the altar where Alicia and I faced the audience. The priest pronounced us man and wife and everyone cheered in response as Alicia and I did the cross gesture on our chest followed by a bow.
It really was an exhilarating and euphoric moment to get married as I couldn't control the warm fuzzy feeling I had coursing through my body. Alicia was really happy too, I don't think I've seen her smile this much, well not for a long period of time at least. I could see her cry in front of her mother with tears glistening like diamonds that rolled down her cheek, which Madison wiped off with her handkerchief. I even saw Nick hug her sister lovingly and congratulating her on getting married. All I did was watch them have a private moment while I enjoyed my moment of privacy before being approached by other guests who congratulated me.
There was a party near the lake at a clubhouse that was reserved for our wedding party. There was singing, dancing and feasting as well as a wedding cake that Alicia and I cut together. It was nice to talk to both Ofelia and Gretchen as well as Ivan who was also invited. He shook my hand and congratulated me, but the way he did it was as if I was talking to an officer who wasn't on duty and it was interesting to see this other side of Ivan. One person I was surprised to see at the wedding was someone I didn't invite as a guest, but he happened to be working as a cater, it was Josh. When he saw me he waved at me and walked up to me. He offered me his hand, which I politely took.

"Congratulations on getting married, Meekhail," congratulated Josh.

"Thank you, Josh," I responded.

"Alicia looks fine doesn't she? A really hot looking bride," winked Josh.

"Da she sure does, can't argue on that."

"You know this Latino girl one of the bridesmaids, do you happen to know her name?"

I hesitated about disclosing her name to Josh, but I decided to reveal it to him, "Ofelia."

"Right Ofelia, do you think she'll like me?" asked Josh with a sly smile.

"Well there's only one way to find out. Just go up and tell her, I'm sure you can make a good first impression by offering her something."

"Right, I'll do just that. Once again congratulations Meekhail and enjoy the party," smiled Josh by offering me his hand to shake it.

Josh turned to walk in his own direction but not without bumping into another familiar face, someone I haven't seen since the fight at the ranch. It was Qaletaqa Walker, he was wearing a smart suit and looking ornate and presentable. The silver tray Josh was carrying landed flat on Walker's suit, he looked at Josh disapprovingly as Josh apologized and hurried away looking intimidated by him. Walker directed his eyes back at me and adorned a smile as he offered me his hand.

"Mikhail, my old friend. Congratulations on getting married," lauded Walker as him and I shook hands like old friends.

"Thank you, Walker. I didn't expect to see you here. How did you end up here?" I asked still feeling overwhelmed by Walker's presence.

"Daniel got in touch with me after my people encountered Russians in Canada. We offered our services and your people promised us preservation of our sacred land in exchange for our cooperation. Ofelia told me where you were and I came to visit."

"Wow that's interesting, I'm guessing it was Alicia who sent you an invitation."

"That's true, Mikhail. Your dear Alicia was kind enough to offer me an invitation after Ofelia convinced her."

"So what about your people, are they safe in their new tribe?"

"Yeah, they are settled in the northern regions of Idaho where we hope to restore the glory of our ancestors."

"Okay I'm really intrigued to learn more about your family history."

Walker placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "Another time, Mikhail. For now you need to cherish and enjoy the occasion that only comes once in a lifetime. This is the night where love binds two souls and those souls become one with the power of love. Alicia is a piece of your heart as you are a piece of hers. One day you will leave for battle to fight for a cause, a wolf that fights to protect its pack. You will strive like a wolf in the moonlight and howl her name at the pale wholesome moon. It doesn't matter how far Alicia is away from you, she will hear you wherever you go. Remember that my friend."

"I promise, Walker. Your teachings have enlightened and inspired me to never give into the darkness and always find the light that will guide me."

Walker again smiled, tapped my shoulder and left me to enjoy the party. Feeling in a good happy mood also increased my appetite so I decided to lavish on the buffet table. Arriving at the buffet table I saw a cater clearing up empty plates, but this cater again was someone I've met before. He was black and tall and when I saw his face I was certain he was someone I met and whose name I knew. It was Victor Strand.

"Mikhail, so nice to see you again and by the way my congratulations to you getting married," beamed Strand.

"Thank you, Victor. I didn't think you'd think you'd find working as a waiter at a wedding buffet degraded as oppose to working at a bakery."

"Well it got kind of boring and I was sick of getting flour on my hands. Working at a wedding buffet is more exciting, I miss champagne and delicious canapés. Caviar, smoked salmon and olives, my oh my that stuff really brings back my taste buds." Strand helped himself to a canapés which was a small potato pancake with cream cheese and red caviar on top then washed it down with a used abandoned glass of champagne. "Hope you don't mind me having a bite to eat, it's not like you and your guests are going to eat all of this?"

"Nyet, go right ahead, Strand. Help yourself. It's the least I can do for your service."

"Spasibo Mikhail, you always were a pal."

Strand continued stuffing more food into his mouth and swigging on champagne.

"So is this just temporary or is this a long term position?"

Strand silently burped with his mouthful until he swallowed the food down to answer my question.

"No Mikhail, I'll be going away soon."

"Where?"

"To Nevada, that's right. I'm going to be lying in the sun again and living in a villa. I convinced the boys at the Kremlin I know where to find oil and gold."

"And do you?"

"No, but you know me, Mikhail. I'm a gambler and taking risks is what I do. Even if I don't deliver gold and oil in the first week I know how to keep up a charade. Besides, someone told me where I might find oil and gold. I just hope he's right otherwise I'll go back to being a slave of the Kremlin and that's no life for an African American, well not for me these days."

"You're right, well don't drink too much, Victor. You can't be caught drinking on the job otherwise you'll be getting a pink slip in the morning."

"Nah that won't happen. I'll be taking some of this food and champagne back with me when the party is over. Can't let such good food and champagne go to waste." Strand grabbed a bottle of half full champagne as well as stuffing food wrapped up in a napkin into his pocket. "Got to go, Mikhail. Catch you later."

"See ya, Strand."

Strand tapped my shoulder and hurried off into the kitchen.

"Cool party eh, Mikhail?" emanated a voice at my side.

That English accent from a young teenage boy prompted me to turn around as see it was Rico smartly dressed and snacking at the caviar sandwiches on the table.

"Rico, what are you doing here?"

"Enjoying the party. I wasn't invited so I crashed. Can't believe you don't serve any butter and cucumber sandwiches or jam clotted cream scones. No worries, kind of like caviar, now I know why you Russians love it so much." Rico turned to look at me with caviar on his chin as he wiped it off with a napkin then threw the napkin on the plate of caviar sandwiches. "Anyway, that's not why I'm here. I suppose I owe you an explanation regarding my affiliation with the late Marc Antony."

"Da you do and I want to know why you worked for him."

"All questions will be answered, Mikhail, but before I spill the beans I suggest we..."

Rico's voice was cut off by Gretchen who cut it.

"Rico," squealed Gretchen running towards him in her bride's dress and hugged him. "Oh my God, Rico. I was so worried about you, I wondered what happened to you."

"Yes nice to see you again, Gretchen. At the moment Mikhail and I have business to attend to. Boy talk if I must say so," reciprocated Rico sounding apathetic.

"Oh I see, well I just wanted to say "hi". I'll leave you boys to catch up," winked Gretchen as she walked away not before smiling at me, still showing signs she's infatuated with me.

"I think we should take this outside," suggested Rico pointing the the open door that lead out into the porch where it was dark outside.

"I agree," I complied, walking out with Rico.

Rico and I were outside on the porch where I was met with another surprise. Sitting on the banister was Troy wearing a smart suit. He had a plate of food and a glass of champagne by his side.

"Hi Meekyle, so good to see you again," greeted Troy with that evil malicious smile on his face.

"Troy, what the... what's this about, Rico?" I choked.

"Oh don't mind Troy, he came for the wedding too. I think now that we are alone I think it's time I told you a little bit about my backstory," smirked Rico with his evil eyes pointed at me.

To be continued...