Chapter ten: Imitation
Year 2022
More and more Lily noticed the damage in the family that Lincoln's passing had done. Again and again she watched as her family mourned. Lily couldn't really understand it. True, she had also mourned in a certain way, but only for half an hour. Her family mourned for six years. So Lily kept thinking about a solution to stop this. But Lily didn't have a good idea yet. That's why she went to Lisa. Lisa was doing experiments at that moment. Lily walked up to Lisa and watched her.
"Lisa, how can I stop grief?"
"Well, not at all. But you're suppressing your emotions. Then why are you asking?"
"I'm trying to neutralize the damage caused by Lincoln's demise."
"Lily, you can't neutralize something like that."
"Can another solution be found?"
"Lily, I'll show you something."
Lisa took a red rose that was ready on her table. Lisa opened the window and sat down again at her table. She placed the rose in a glass flask, and then a tube from her lab equipment. Lisa began the chemical reaction she had been working on. A greenish gas began to fill the flask. The rose began to develop brown spots and then turned snow white. Lisa opened the flask and took out the rose.
"This rose has lost all its color. I could paint it red, but it will never be its natural red again. It just can't be done. There's no solution that takes away our grief."
Lisa looked at the rose.
"Hmm. The rose is as white as Lincoln's hair."
Lily looked at the flask. This greenish gas had made the rose white.
"What gas is it?"
"That's chlorine gas. You have to be very careful with it. In World War I, under Wilhelm II, the Germans used it as a weapon. Pretty brutal. But I'll tell you, it's relatively good for bleaching any fabric or color."
"Fascinating."
"I hope you realize that there is no way to neutralize emotional pain."
Lily nodded and went to her own room. As she rode her model train, she thought about how she could best repair the damage done to her family. Lily couldn't think of anything. Maybe Lisa was right about her chlorine comparison. But perhaps the solution was simply the chlorine.
Present
Lola wakes up. She gropes on the nightstand next to her bed to find her glasses. But the glasses weren't there. She taps her boyfriend who is lying next to her in bed. Dave, a male in his early 30s who has very short dark hair. He wakes up and looks at Lola.
"What? Did the glasses fall off the bedside table?" asked Dave.
Lola replied sarcastically.
"No, I can see very well and don't even need my glasses."
The two look at each other. Lola only saw Dave's outline, but she knew that they were looking at each other.
"Of course the glasses fell off the bedside table! Help me look for them!" said Lola.
Dave got up and went to Lola's side. He looked under the bed and found the glasses. He opened the glasses and put them on Lola.
"Thanks. I have to get ready. I'm meeting Leni and her family." said Lola.
"Next time just say you're visiting the Hill family." said Dave, and went back to bed.
"You know that Leni hasn't been called that for long. I still have to get used to it myself. And you've noticed how Leni has problems with the fact that she's called Hill now and no longer Loud."
"Yes, I know. Have fun with Leni."
Lola changed and got ready.
"Don't sleep too much."
"Hmm. Yes yes." said Dave.
Lola rolled her eyes and walked into her living room. The living room was furnished differently than that of her twin sister. Lola had white furniture and dressers. Lana, on the other hand, liked a dark desing. Lola went to a drawer and took out cornflakes. She picked up a bowl and milk in the kitchen and started eating the cornflakes. It was quite normal for Lola to have breakfast without Dave. He just liked sleeping late. When Lola was done, she put on her shoes and left the house. The air was pleasantly cool this morning. Lola looked at the sky. She saw Venus in the sky. Miranda had always told her about space. Lola used to think that what she would see was a star. But not everything is what it seems. Lola walked on. The Hills house was normal size. It had a white facade and a roof that was tiled with German slate. Lola went to the front door and rang the bell. after a few seconds, forty-year-old Leni opened the door. She wore a turquoise dress and had her hair tied back. She smiled at Lola.
"Hi Lola. Too long ago." said Leni.
"That was last week, Leni." said Lola.
"Seems longer. Come in."
Lola came in and Leni closed the door. The two went into the living room, and saw 38-year-old Luan sitting on the sofa. She wore similar clothes as before, a plaid skirt and a white shirt. However, the flower she always wore on her shirt was missing. She also no longer had braces. She didn't need them anymore. She waved to Lola.
"Hi how are you?" Luan asked.
"Ah, alright. Still thinking about what Lily did." said Lola.
"Went to the ice island? That's not forbidden." said Leni.
"The island is called Greenland, Leni. And Lily had over two thousand people killed." said Lola.
"Oh. How could I have forgotten that?" Leni said, slightly disappointed.
"Don't worry Leni. We'll concentrate on something else now." said Luan.
"Exactly. The family reunion. The three of us always planned it." said Lola.
"That means I'll be able to decorate our old home again? Yaaay!" said Leni euphorically.
"Exactly Leni. Lola will help you as always, and I'll cook with Dad." said Luan.
"Wait, why does Lola always have to help me?" Leni asked.
"Remember last year? When you trapped yourself in the wrapping paper?" said Lola.
"Yes. But that was Christmas."
"No. That was Howard's birthday. You wanted to wrap the present for your husband." said Luan.
"Oh damn." said Leni.
"Don't worry. That's not bad." said Lola.
"I hope so. Sometimes Howard gets annoyed with my forgetfulness."
"That was worse once, Leni." said Luan.
"Yes. And when you decorated with me, nothing ever happened." said Lola.
"Yes. You're right. Can we start planning?"
"Yes." said Lola.
The three began to plan. It was quiet in the house. That was unusual. Because Leni had two sons, Howard Junior, and Hank. Luan thought Hank was a fun choice. Because that was his name Hank Hill. Like the main character from King of the Hill. But now it was quiet. howard jr and Hank were often overexcited.
"Where are Howard and Hank?" asked Lola.
"Howard took the two of them fishing. The two of them are too much in front of the computer and the tv." said Leni.
Before Lola could reply and say she liked it, her cell phone rang. It was Lana. Lola took the call.
"Hi Lana."
"Yes yes. Did you give Lori the idea that she should call me about the new kitchen counter?" Lana said slightly annoyed.
"Oh. Yes that could have been me. What did Lori say?"
"A lot. Because I'm standing in her kitchen now, measuring her old kitchen countertop. Do you know how demeaning that is? I'm an engineer, not a craftswoman."
"Why didn't you refuse?"
"You know very well that I can't say no. It was difficult for me. You know that."
"Yes. Sorry. What do you actually have to do for Lori? I mean, what do you have to do for the kitchen counter?"
"I'll have to measure the whole countertop, and then go to the hardware store. And that's not going to be easy. Lori wants Black Marble. And you know how difficult that is to get."
"I'm really sorry…"
"No problem Lola. Everyone makes mistakes."
"Yes. You, I have to hang up. I'm planning the family reunion with Leni and Luan."
"Oh. Cool. Have fun."
"Thanks. Bye Lana."
Lana hung up. Lola went back to planning with Leni and Luan.
When Lana hung up, she immediately took out her measuring tape and measured Lori's kitchen worktop. Lori came to her in the kitchen.
"Is this size available?" asked Lori.
"If you have enough money, then yes." said Lana.
"How much?"
"Since you want black marble, lots of money."
"I understand. Where can I order such kitchen plates?"
"You can order these at the hardware store. But nobody wants to do that to themselves."
"Is that so bad for you?" Lori asked slightly jokingly.
"I'm an engineer. Whenever I have to talk to the people from the hardware store, I want to cover my ears because I can't stand this simple tradesman's chatter. In addition, ordering from the hardware store is torture."
Lori started laughing.
"If I had known, I wouldn't have called you."
"It's okay. At least that gives me a reason never to go to the hardware store again."
"Then there's something good about the whole thing. Do you want some coffee?"
"Yes. But not with tap water. Don't use that!"
"Are you afraid of tap water?"
"I knew you didn't read the letter from the water company. The water has been quite bacterially loaded for a couple of weeks. That's why it's extremely chlorinated."
"It sure isn't that bad."
"I don't know. But Lola said that her whole bathroom smelled like chlorine after the shower and her eyes burned. So I immediately got bottled water and showered at Mom and Dad's home. They have a chlorine filter."
"You're exaggerating. There's definitely not that much chlorine in the water."
Lori went upstairs to her bathroom. Lola followed her.
"I'm interested in that too now. Turn on the tap in the shower."
Lori nodded and turned on the shower faucet. As the water flowed from the shower, the unmistakable smell of chlorine filled the room. The smell stung the two in the nose.
"Oh my god. That's extreme. No wonder you shower at Mom and Dad's house."
"Turn off the damn shower!" said Lana.
Lori turned off the shower. The smell of chlorine was strong.
"That's just bearable. Considering the amount of chlorine Lily used." said Lana.
"You never really told me that. What exactly happened back then?" asked Lori.
"It's complicated. I'll tell you when you come to the hardware store with me."
"We have a deal."
Year 2022:
Lana had started with Youtube for a couple of weeks. Her videos were simple, as she disassembled old electronics and commented on the construction. Like now. 12 year old Lana put an old DVD player on her desk and hit record on the camera.
"Hello everyone. I found a DVD player at the junkyard today. I don't know if it works, but who still uses DVDs these days? So we don't care if it works."
Lana took out a screwdriver and began to unscrew the DVD player. When she was done with that, she looked at the circuit boards. Lana somehow thought of swimming pools. She sniffed. It smelled of chlorine. Lana paused the camera and walked into the hallway. She knocked on Lisa's room door and Lisa opened the door.
"Are you doing chemical experiments again? This smell gives me a headache." Lana asked annoyed.
"What smell?" said Lisa, and started to sniff.
"You know exactly what."
Now Lisa smelled the smell too. And she was troubled.
"Lana, this is chlorine gas. Put on a protective mask!"
Lisa went to her room and got two protective masks. Lana put one on, and Lisa put her mask on.
"Where's the gas well?" asked Lana.
"I think in the bathroom. Come with me."
The two went to the bathroom. But the door was locked. Lisa looked down to see greenish gas pouring out from under the door.
"The gas concentration is high in there! And the door is closed!"
Lana knocked on the door with all her might.
"Open up! Here's gas!" screamed Lana.
The lock of the bathroom door opened and Lana saw a figure in Green Gas. It was Lily. She was wearing a gas mask, but that wasn't unusual about her. She was wearing an orange t-shirt, blue jeans and her hair was snow white. It was immediately clear to Lisa that the chlorine was responsible for this. Lisa immediately opened the window in the bathroom. Lana took a closer look at Lily. White hair, orange t-shirt, blue jeans. Lily looked like Lincoln.
"Lisa! Look at Lily!" said Lana worried.
Lisa looked at Lily. But Lisa looked at Lily's skin. Because Lily's skin was slightly burned everywhere.
"Please tell me you have decontaminated yourself from the chlorine!" yelled Lisa.
"Yes, I have." said Lily.
"What have you done?" asked Lana.
"Damage repaired."
"What damage?" asked Lana.
"Lincoln's death. I will be Lincoln so you don't suffer."
Lisa and Lana had never been so confused about Lily. She really looked almost like Lincon. Lily pulled off her gas mask. Her face looked tired. Lily tried to go to her room, but it wasn't easy when all the skin was burned and it hurt. Lana and Lisa followed her and watched as Lily lay down on her bed. Lisa and Lana tooked off their gas masks, and looked at each other. Both were worried and confused. But Lana was mad at Lisa.
"Lisa. Why didn't you lock up your chemicals?"
"I locked the chemicals."
Lisa thought for a moment, and then she realized where the mistake lay.
"Pin lock. Shit, I used a pin lock."
"Pin lock?"
"A lock where pins are inserted from below, which block the lock. And Lily knows how to pick pin locks."
"Oh damn. What about the chemical? Should we call an ambulance?"
"The burns on Lily's skin are minor. She just needs to rest. However, I'm worried about something else."
"The Lincoln imitation?"
"Yes. I think Lily wants to replace Lincoln. She asked me just yesterday how to neutralize grief. And then I compared it to a rose and chlorine gas. Shit!"
"What gave you the idea to show Lily something with chlorine gas?"
"I was experimenting and then she came into my room and asked me this question."
"I can't blame you for that. Asperger's are kind of unpredictable."
The two looked back at Lily, who was lying on the bed. She was very strange. Probably to minimize the pain of the burns.
"The chlorine burned Lily's skin like acid. What about the toxicity of chlorine?" asked Lana.
"Chlorine combines with sodium to form table salt. But Lily had bathed in water that was highly enriched in chlorine. And you saw the chlorine gas was green. You know what that means?" Lisa asked.
"No. What does that mean?"
"It was highly concentrated chlorine gas. Gas like the Germans used in World War I. Have you ever heard of the attack of the dead?"
"Sort of yes."
"Luna had sung a song with this satanic metal band a few years ago. This song was about the battle of Osowiec, also known as the attack of the dead men. The Germans launched an attack with chlorine gas. Several hundred Russians died. But a hundred survived. When the Germans marched towards the Russian fortress with 7000 soldiers, about a hundred Russians got up again and attacked the Germans. The Germans ran away because the Russians looked like zombies. They spat blood and cut out their lungs. Since then, this batte is known as the Attack of the Dead Men."
"Will that happen to Lily too?" asked Lana worried.
"Lily was wearing a respirator. She wasn't inhaling any gas, but was exposed to the effects."
"This means?"
"She'll be back to normal in a week. Physically. I think the Lincoln thing is going to be a big problem."
Lily moved again. She looked at the burns on her arm and lay back down.
"Go to the bathroom and get a 500 milligram paracetamol tablet." Lisa said.
"Huh? What should I get?" asked Lana.
"Forget it. I'll get it."
Lisa went into the bathroom and took some painkillers from the medicine cabinet. She walked back past Lana and sat down next to Lily who was lying on her bed.
"Lily? Are you awake?"
Lily opened her eyes and looked at Lisa's hands.
"Yes."
"Here. Take this pill."
Lisa gave Lily the pill and Lily looked at it.
"Why should I take this pill?"
"Because I have a feeling your burns are painful."
"Your assumption is correct. I take the pill."
Lily put the pill in her mouth and swallowed it. Lisa took a close look at Lily's burns. The edges of the severe burns were white. The chlorine had had its full effect there. Lisa also looked at Lily's hair. These were now snow white. Lisa knew that this would have major consequences. Meanwhile, Lana called Lynn. Lynn worked for a company that made metal parts and had a particularly good environment for the disabled. Lynn was not disabled but her mental state was particularly special and it was easier for her to work in a more or less assisted workplace. Lynn was one of the best workers in the company. This also gave her special powers, such as instructing new workers, or more freedom. That's why Lynn was allowed to leave as soon as she got the call from Lana. When Lynn got home, she immediately wanted to check on Lily. But Lana stopped her.
"How is she? Mom and Dad know about this?"
"Yes. They'll be right here. And Lily is sleeping right now. She's tired." said Lana.
"How did she get this chemical?"
"She stole a canister of granulated chlorine from Lisa, dissolved it in water, and bathed in it."
"Isn't that poisonous?"
"Caustic. Lily bathed in caustic water."
"You said something else about Lincoln. What about that?"
"Yeah... you better take a look."
The two went to Lily's room and Lana opened the door a crack. Lynn saw Lily, with the white hair, the orange t-shirt, and the blue jeans.
"She looks like Lincoln." said Lynn.
"That's the weirdest thing. She wants to replace Lincoln. I quote, 'I'll be Lincoln so you don't suffer.' I don't see anything good about it."
"Replace Lincoln? Where does she come up with such ideas?"
"Hey, we're talking about Lily. She's Asperger's Autistic. They think a little differently than we do."
Lynn caught Lily moving and saw her stand up. Lily wanted to leave the room but Lana held her back. Then there was the reaction that happens when someone who isn't Rita, Lynn or Lisa touches her. Lily squirmed and tore herself away from Lana.
"Please let me through." Lily said in her typically low voice.
"Forget it Lily. You're not going anywhere." said Lana.
"My name is Lincoln Loud."
Did Lana and Lynn just mishear?
"What is your name?" Lynn asked.
"Lincoln Loud." said Lily again
"No no no! Your name is Lily. You are not Lincoln." Lynn said.
"Lily Loud Is "Why is Lincoln irrelevant?". I'm Lincoln."
Lana tried to understand what Lily meant. But she wasn't that successful.
"Why is Lily irrelevant?"
"Because Lincoln lived longer than I did. He had a great part in your life. His death is wasted potential. I will be Lincoln. Lily is no longer relevant."
"Lily... That's..." Lynn tried to say, but Lily answered.
"Just a logical conclusion. This is how I will improve your quality of life. Forget Lily. I have things to do for Lincoln now." Lily said, passing Lana and Lynn, and entering Lincoln's old room.
Lana and Lynn looked at each other confused. Lana couldn't help it. She turned towards Lincoln's old room and yelled in that direction.
"What's your malfunction?"
Lori's time on the USS Edward Teller soon came to an end. She would miss the swaying of this ship very much. So she spent a lot of her free time with Joker and Carol. On Carol's uniform were the insignia of an ensign. Hartman had promoted Carol on day one of the mission, giving her the same rank as Lori and Joker. The three played cards in Loris and Jokers quarters.
"Do you have a three?" Joker said.
Carol looked at her cards. She was on the direct path to losing.
"Oh come on. That's stupid." said Carol in frustration.
Carol put the card on the table. Lori laughed.
"I told you, nobody wins against Joker." said Lori, slightly malicious.
"Come on, this game sucks."
"Only Batman can defeat me." said Joker.
Lori almost fell off her chair at those words. The whole mood was very funny.
"Don't fall off your chair Kitty."
"Yes I know." Lori said as she got up.
An alarm sounded from the speakers, and then came an officer's voice.
«General Quarters, General Quarters! All hands man your battle stations!»
Lori, Carol and Joker knew what that meant. The three ran out of the quarters and ran to the bridge. Hartman was there, looking at the radar and giving directions. The three reported immediately.
"Get to your stations. We've received a distress call from a Spanish research vessel. Submarines." said Hartman quickly.
"Aye Ma'am." said the three at the same time.
"Good. This is your first battle. Make me proud of you."
Hartman returned to her work. Lori checked the radar. The Spanish research ship had last been visible on the radar of the USS Edward Teller half an hour ago, according to the radar directory. Four hours later, the Edward Teller was at the spot where the research vessel was said to have sunk. There were a few lifeboats at this location, but the Alicante, as the research ship was called, was gone. It had sunk. Lori watched the people being unloaded from the lifeboats and walked over to Hartman.
"Captain Hartman, what do we do when the submarine is near?"
"Four hours Kitty. The U-boat must have gone by now. Typical Danes."
"I'm not quite so sure."
"I was trained on a submarine. I know how they behave."
Lori went back to the radar. Now there was a dot, and Lori checked the friend-foe identification. There was no doubt what Lori saw was a Russian destroyer. Lori immediately went to Hartman.
"Captain Hartman, I must inform you that a Russian destroyer is approaching." said Lori stressed.
Hartman was petrified for two seconds, but then she started giving orders.
"Ready the VLS! The Russians have sunk the Alicante for sure! We must be ready for a first strike!" Hartman commanded.
"What about the 127mm artillery?" asked Joker.
"Even the artillery and the torpedo launchers. Get everything ready!"
Lori saw the Russian ship on the horizon. She remembered the manual she had once read on detecting enemy ships. Glancing through the binoculars, Lori saw that it was a Sowremenny-class ship. At that very moment, the friend-foe recognition identified the ship as the destroyer Nastoichivy.
"It's the Gremyashchi!" Lori said loudly.
The Edward Teller stood still in the water. The Nastoichivy came closer and closer. Then she stopped a hundred meters to the port side. Then everything was quiet. Nothing moved on the Nastoichivy. Hartman thought that was the worst part. Not knowing what's going on.
"They're about to sink us. If we don't fire now, we'll be sunk!" said an officer.
"We don't even know if it was the Nastoichivy. Besides, the Danes are out with their submarines." said Joker.
"And if it was the Russians? I would put anything into them." said Carol.
"But they arrived later than we did. If we shoot, we'll kill innocent people." said another officer.
"Innocent? The Russians? They are never innocent. The relationship between East and West has eased since 2016, but the Russians are still the same." said another officer.
Hartman went to a control panel. The Weapons Control Panel.
"I'll give them a warning shot in the bow. The Russians should understand that."
Lori watched Hartman, wich was on the way to push the button, but Lori saw something out of the corner of her eye. A message. A message from Nastoichivy.
"Stop Captain!" said Lori.
Hartman and the other officers looked at Lori. Hartman hadn't pushed the button.
"What's going on?" asked Hartman.
"We have received a message from the Nastoichivy. We have to trigger a detonation in the middle position between us and the Nastoichivy with a torpedo. There the submarine is a hundred meters deep." said Lori.
"What do the Russians mean?" asked Joker.
"Read."
Joker, Lori and Hartman looked at the screen where the Nastoichivy's message was visible.
«USS Edward Teller, Between you and the Nastoichivy is a submarine 100 meters deep. Force it to surface. The Nastoichivy will assist you in destroying the submarine.»
"If that's the only way?" asked Joker.
"Let's try." said Hartman, picking up a radio.
"Hartman to Torpedo Crew."
"Torpedo crew hears."
"Schedule a torpedo to explode between us and the Nastoichivy a hundred meters below."
"Aye Ma'am."
After a few minutes another radio message came from the torpedo crew.
"The torpedo is loaded. We await your order."
"Fire."
The torpedo shot off and disappeared into the depths. After a few seconds, the bridge crew heard a dull bang. Then it was quiet. It was quiet on the bridge. The Russians were silent. After a few minutes, a submarine appeared between the USS Edward Teller and the Nastoichivy. Hartman shouted her command.
"Destroy the submarine!"
Edward Teller's VLS began firing. The torpedoes were fired and the Nastoichivy began firing her four guns. The submarine was shredded. Then it was gone. As if a submarine had never been there. Lori looked over at Nastoichivy. She heard the Russians use the foghorn. A short message appeared on the screen.
«Excellent work americans. Please convey a greeting Captain from Pavel Sitnikov to Captain Daniel Archer.»
The Nastoichivy drove away. Lori Watched the Russian destroyer until it disappeared over the horizon. And then the USS Edward Teller was alone again at sea.
Lola looked into Lincoln's room. Lily sat on the bed, studying Lincoln's things. It was shortly before 8 p.m. Lola turned to Rita, Lynn senior, Lucy, Lana, Lynn junior, and Lisa.
"Damn. She looks like Lincoln." said Lola.
"Yes. The real question is, what Lily's malfunction is." said Lana.
"She said she wants to replace Lincoln. To repair the damage of his death." said Lisa.
"It's not normal. It's actually crazy." said Lynn Sr.
"That's right. And where did Lily get the chlorine from?" asked Rita.
"She stole it from my closet. And yes, the closet was locked. Lily picked the lock." Lisa answered.
"Besides, Lily wasn't seriously injured." said Lucy.
"Have you seen her skin? Those are serious burns." said Lynn Sr.
"Your father is right. Lily bathed in caustic water. It's very dangerous. If too much of the skin is caustic, the body can't breathe enough." said Rita.
"Yes. Well, Lily had bathed in caustic water. But why did Lily do that? Because she's posing as Lincoln now. That's insane!" Lola said as if she was the only one who understood the situation.
"As for that, I hope that goes away on its own." said Rita.
"That it goes away by itself? Lily is a stereotypical Asperger autist. You can forget that. Doctor Malach has to do that." said Lynn Sr.
"I know. But I hope Lily can do it on her own."
"If Lily can get help, it's foolish not to use it."
Lynn senior had a good argument with that. Rita could only agree with him.
"But what do we do now?" asked Lynn junior.
"Now? I don't have a plan for now." said Rita.
"Then do we just leave Lily like that?" asked Lana.
"No! No, I can't accept that!" said Lola, and went into Lincoln's old room.
Then the Louds heard a scream, and Lily struggling. Lola came out of the room with Lily in her arms. And for Lily, having someone touch her was unacceptable. She fought like a cat going to the vet. Lola had a hard time holding Lily. Lily was small, but if she was touched, she could defend herself very vigorously. It was too much for Rita. Because she knew it was torture for Lily to be touched by anyone who wasn't Rita, Lynn Jr., or Lisa. Rita intervened, and freed Lily from Lola's grasp. Lily pulled away from Lola, acting normal almost immediately. Rita was now angry with Lola.
"You know she hates being touched!" said Rita angrily.
"Sorry. I just couldn't accept Lily doing this." said Lola.
"This is just as difficult for you as it is for the rest of us. But please remember that Lily is different."
"I understand."
Lola turned to Lily. Although she was overwhelmed by the situation, she had been brought up well.
"Lily, I want to apologize for touching you." said Lola.
"It's acceptable." Lily said while looking down at Lola's pants.
Lily looked in the direction of her room, and then at Lincoln's room. She seemed to be fighting an internal battle. Lincoln vs Lily. Lily's inner struggle was for her place to sleep. Lily always sleeps in hers. But to complete her Lincoln role, she was supposed to sleep in Lincoln's room. But Lily won. She went to her room and got ready for the night. But the Louds, especially Rita, Lynn senior, Lynn junior and Lana, were surprised by this behavior.
"You saw that, didn't you?" Lynn asked.
Lana couldn't find the words. She felt the same way as Lynn Junior.
"Yes. That was…"
"Most peculiar. Even for Lily." said Lola.
"Exactly."
"We should have an appointment with Doctor Malach really soon." said Rita.
"That would be a good idea." said Lynn Sr.
"I hope this stops soon. It would be catastrophic if Lily walked around Lori's wedding like that." said Lola.
"Oh right. Lori's wedding." said Lynn Sr.
Rita looked slightly angry at Lynn senior.
"Have you really forgotten Lori's wedding?"
"Kind of yes."
Rita was now mad at Lynn senior.
"Are you crazy? Nobody forgets their first daughter's wedding anniversary."
"I'm sorry. I'll keep that in mind for the future."
"You don't forget any of our weddings." said Lola.
"Don't worry. I promise I'll remember every one of your weddings."
"Good. Speaking of which, when is Lori coming home?" asked Lana.
"Soon. She called me a few days ago and said there were submarines in the Atlantic and they had to be destroyed. She also said she didn't know when she would be back." said Rita.
"Great. A bride on the battlefront." said Lynn Junior sarcastically.
"Lori chose this life. Besides, Vestergaard's units are retreating further and further to Denmark." said Lisa.
"What about Madagascar? This new dictator Emile Ratovo sympathizes with Vestergaard." said Lynn Sr.
"Honestly Dad, Ratovo is not a problem at the moment. Vestergaard is the much bigger problem." said Lisa.
"Nevertheless, both are dictators. Ratovo is only in power in Madagascar, but so was Vestergaard two years ago. And now he's occupying the Benelux countries."
"Yes. But ratovo is not Vestergaard. Believe me, there will never be any problems with Madagascar." Lisa said.
"I hope you're right. Go to bed girls. You need some sleep." said Rita.
Lana looked at her phone.
"Yup. It's time. Good night everyone." Lana said and went to her room.
The other sisters also got ready for bed. Rita and Lynn Sr. were the last to go to bed. They both hoped that Lily would behave normally the next day. But nothing came of it. Lily was exactly the same the next day. This was so odd and confusing that Lana knew why Lori smoked so much. Lily's skin was looking better, but her hair was still snow white and her demeanor was just as strange as the day before. Even though she ate the same breakfasts and had the same habits, it was increasingly obvious that Lily wanted to replace Lincoln. This wasn't easy for any of the Louds. When Leni saw Lily, she was also confused at first. Because she, Luna and Luan were called to her parents' house the next day. The three sisters, Lana and Rita watched Lily in Lincoln's old room, while she continued studying Lincoln's old stuff.
"Huh, how long has Lincoln been back?" said Leni, startled.
"That's Lily." said Luna.
"Why does she look like Lincoln?"
"Because she said she wants to replace Lincoln. To neutralize our grief." said Lana.
"That's crazy. How can Lily get such ideas?" asked Luna.
"The question is, can we undo this?" Luan asked.
"I don't know. She's just reacting to Lincoln now. Lily!" Rita said.
Lily didn't react at all.
"Lincoln!"
Lily walked over to Rita and looked down at her pant legs.
"You called?" Lily asked in her typically emotionless, low voice.
"What is your name?" asked Lana.
"My name is Lincoln Loud."
Luna leaned towards Lily.
"No. Your name is Lily."
Lily looked at Luna's shirt.
"Negative. My name is Lincoln."
"No. You're Lily. Lily Loud. My youngest sister." said Luna desperately.
"Negative. My name is Lincoln."
Lana approached Lily.
"Please stop that shit. We already lost Lincoln. And we don't want to lose you in this stupid way." said Lana begging.
"That's not stupid. My name is Lincoln."
Leni still didn't understand the situation. She didn't know how much understanding her question would have from her sisters and mother, but she had to ask.
"Why is your name Lincoln and not Lily."
Lily was silent. She didn't move. Statuesque. Then she answered.
"When I found out about the death of our brother, I felt anger and sadness. It was a very unpleasant experience for me, which I want to avoid. Through my observations, I could see that, unlike me, you didn't return after half an hour normal but still grieving. In order to spare you these emotions and associated unpleasant experiences, I will replace Lincoln so that I can prevent this from happening."
That was Lily's answer. And it said everything.
The USS Edward Teller docked in New York. When the ship lay still at the berth and the gangway was extended to leave the ship, it was time to say goodbye. Again from Carol, and from another longtime friend. The USS Edward Teller. Lori, Joker, Captain Hartman stood near the superstructure of the ship, each holding their right hand on it. Joker was the first to say something.
"Thank you for leading us safely into battle."
Then it was Lori's turn.
"Thank you for bringing us home safely."
Then it was Hartman's turn.
"Thank you for being our home."
The three officers patted the wall of the superstructure, and slowly walked to the gangway. There Carol stood with other officers. Carol saluted, and Hartmann, Lori and Joker also saluted.
"Always a hand's breadth of water under the keel." said Hartman.
"Good luck and calm waters." Carol answered.
Hartman, Lori, and Joker disembarked. With one last look at the USS Edward Teller, the three left. Hartman stopped at the port entrance. Lori and Joker also stopped.
"Are you all right Captain?" asked Joker.
"Captain? Josefina, you call me Captain. I don't have a ship. Now I'm just Olivia Hartman."
"Do you mean me?" asked Joker, pointing at herself.
Joker was confused because Hartmann had never said Joker's real name in six years. Josefina Torres. When Hartman heard joker question, she reacted a little aggressively.
"Is there another Mexican in front of me? Of course I meant you!"
"We don't have to hit each other right away. That would be quite counterproductive." said Lori.
"And what's your suggestion Lori?" Hartman asked.
"I don't know. But we can't just smack each other."
The three considered. Hartman, of all people, had an idea.
"Come with me girls."
Lori and Joker followed Hartman without asking. Eventually, Lori realized they were in Manhattan. The three walked past Times Square and boarded the subway. Then they were in Brooklyn. Then the subway stopped and they got off. Hartman led the three to a building and entered it. There were some apartments. Hartman stopped in front of one and lifted the carpet that was in front of the apartment door. Underneath was a key. Hartman took the key and opened the apartment.
"Welcome to the dragon's lair." Hartman said.
The three entered the apartment and Lori looked around. It was an apartment with pine furniture and a red leather sofa.
"Sit down on the sofa. I'll be with you in a moment."
Lori and Joker sit down on the sofa. Hartman disappeared into the kitchen, returning five minutes later to Lori and Joker with a bottle of Jack Daniels and three glasses. She gave Lori and Joker a glass each, and poured the Jack Daniels. Hartman raised her glass.
"Cheers to the USS Edward Teller and her future. May she break the waves and rule the ocean."
Lori and Joker also got their glasses and, and finished drinking with Hartman. Then Hartman sat down next to Lori.
"It feels so shitty to be assigned."
"We know that, Captain." said Joker.
"Even knowing we're going to be sailing again in a few months, it feels like shit." said Lori.
"And what do we do during this time?" asked Joker.
"I know that I will get married soon."
"With that guy who ran onto my ship? Roberto?" asked Hartman.
Lori nodded.
"Where are you going to spend the honeymoon?" asked Joker.
"New Zealand. But only in a year."
"Why?"
"Someone in the travel agency screwed up. Now we're going on our honeymoon in a year."
"Then at least I hope it will be nice." Hartman said.
"I hope that too. I'll turn on my cell phone. I haven't done that in a month." Lori said, turning on her phone.
Lori's phone buzzed several times after it started up. Lori first looked on whatsapp, and saw a photo of Lily looking like Lincoln. Lori sighed.
"What is, Loud?" Hartman asked.
"My sister has gone crazy."
"How do you mean that?" asked Joker.
"She dresses like my brother. And according to the news to my sisters, she's trying to replace him. I mean, she's Asperger's and they have their own logic sometimes. But something like that? What went wrong with her?"
"It'll settle down again. I'm familiar with it."
"What do you mean, Joker?" asked Lori.
"I don't know how you couldn't notice, but I'm also Asperger's autistic. But only slightly."
"Could you help Lily then?" Lori asked hopefully.
"I don't think so. I'm not a therapist and I don't know your sister."
Lori gave up hope again.
"There must be weirdos, Loud. Otherwise we're not the normal ones." said Hartman.
Lori looked at Hartman.
"Excuse me? What did you say?"
"There must be weirdos for us to be the normal ones."
"Shut your fucking mouth!" said Lori aggressively.
"What did you say? I'm your superior officer!"
"No. You are a drunk woman who has lost her command!"
Joker walked between the two.
"Girls calm down, we don't want anyone to get hurt."
Joker pushed Lori and Hartman back onto their seats.
"Now you calm down."
"Not only have I lost my post as captain, now I'm being patronized by my subordinate officer." Hartman said quietly and angrily.
"Shut up!"
"See Hartman? Now joker…"
Lori was interrupted by Joker.
"I said shut up!"
Lori and Hartman were silent. Lori noticed that Joker liked this, because she smiled slightly, pleased.
"It must be wonderful to be captain."
Lori got up. She had nothing more to do in this apartment.
"I'm going to the hotel now. I'm going home tomorrow."
"And you leave me alone with Joker?"
"Joker doesn't bite."
"I only bite when I'm hungry." said Joker.
Hartman looked at Joker.
"You have a problem, Joker."
"I'm going now. Bye Joker. Bye Captain."
Lori left Hartman's apartment and went down the stairs. She made her way to the hotel. Then the next day Lori boarded the train to Royal Woods.
Present
Lori sat in the car with Lana and drove to the hardware store. While Lana related how Lily had changed, she finished measuring the kitchen countertop and wrote the measurements down on a piece of paper. Lana wasn't looking forward to going to the hardware store. And Lori then realized why. Because Lana had a heated discussion with the lady at the counter about the document that Lana should print out at home. But not even the website said that this document was required. Lana gave up after an hour. When leaving, Lori noticed that this discussion was very exhausting for Lana.
"Are you tired?"
"Yes. That stupid snitch is driving me insane."
"I will not force you to do such things anymore."
"Fine. As long as I don't have to come back here."
"I promise sister."
Then Lori drove Lana back home. She dropped her off at her house and drove to her house. As she entered the living room, she saw that Lily was sitting on the couch with Lorraine. Lily had a briefcase with her, which she held tightly in her hands. Lily seemed slightly ill. For she trembled slightly and was pale.
"You don't look good Lily."
"I have a mild flu. It's nothing to worry about."
"You should still be in bed. What are those files?"
"As for those files, that would be something we should both discuss privately."
"Okay. We'll be right back Lorraine."
"I'll wait here." said Lorraine.
Lori and Lily went to Lori's bedroom. Lori closed the door.
"What are these files?"
"this is the damage report."
Lily took out the files and gave them to Lori. She started reading.
"38 planes lost. Citadel badly damaged. Detonation in bow caused major destruction. Partial... What?"
Lori was shocked before a section. Only now, weeks after disembarking from the Enterprise, did she find out about it. There was a partial meltdown in the Enterprise's reactor. Three fuel elements melted due to damage to the cooling systems.
"I can confirm, Lori, that three fuel elements have melted due to a cooling failure. No fission products have escaped. However, the reactor needs to be replaced."
"Lily, why are we just now finding out about this? Why weren't we told?"
"You didn't need to know."
"We should have known, we are... I didn't need to know? You knew the Core was Molten and didn't tell me?" Lori said angrily.
"There was no need to tell you. Besides, I only found out a week ago. As you know, I have other powers and sources."
"Was it that Johnson? Just standing in my quarters?"
"You don't need to know that."
"Who do you actually work for? You have other information, you had a special code to fire a nuclear weapon without Decker's code. Why did you have that?"
"I say it again. You don't need to know that."
Lori knew Lily wouldn't say anything that would go against her orders. But another question would be answered by Lily. And now Lori asked this question.
"Are you thinking about the people we killed? About the people who were victims of the neutron bomb? About the victims of your cleaning order? Do you have any regrets?"
"No, why should I?"
"Because we both murdered more than 12,000 people. 10,000 with nuclear weapons. And you had two thousand killed. I just wonder if it's good or bad if I regret all that."
"You know I'm the wrong person to talk to about this topic. Unlike you, I have my emotions firmly under control."
"I know."
Lily pointed to the files in Lori's hand.
"Keep the files locked. They're very detailed."
"I will. Oh Lily, please make up with Lynn. You guys can't fight all the time."
"You know as well as I do that this is Lynn's decision. And she doesn't want to get along with me right now."
"At least try."
"I'll try it."
Suddenly Lily shuddered. She wasn't feeling well. Lori put her hand on Lily's forehead, which was very warm. And that was for Lori, who had experience with two daughters, that Lily had the flu.
"That you really leave the house in this state. You got the flu. Go home now, lie down and sleep."
"I can't just lie in bed and do nothing. That wouldn't be efficient."
"You did the same thing when you had chlorine burns when you were seven. You go to bed now until you get better."
Lily tried to say something, but Lori forestalled her.
"No! No arguments. You go to bed and rest. Got it?"
"I got it."
"Good. Say goodbye to Lorraine and go home."
The two walked out of the bedroom and Lily walked over to Lorraine who was sitting on the couch staring at her phone.
"Have a nice day, Lorraine." said Lily.
Lorraine looked at Lily.
"Oh, are you going already?"
"Yes. According to your mother, I have the flu and should recover."
"Oh. I see. Can I ask you one more question?"
"Yes."
"I heard what Aunt Lana said to mom. So, that you were impersonating Lincoln. Why?"
"I don't remember exactly what my train of thought was at the time. However, looking back, I've done more damage than repaired. Bye Lorraine."
Lorraine gave Lily a little wave.
"Bye Lily. See you soon." said Lori, and opened the door for Lily.
After Lily left, Lori closed the door.
"What were you talking to Lily, Lorraine?"
"Oh, I was telling her how crazy the shack was, and Lily was trying to find logic behind it all."
"Did Lily find any?"
"No."
"I didn't expect anything else. Will you please empty the dishwasher?"
"Oh no. I did that yesterday. Why do I have to do it again?" said Lorraine annoyed.
"Because I say so. Now go unload the dishwasher."
Lorraine went into the kitchen, grumbling. She and Miranda hated unloading the dishwasher. But Lori had to teach the two discipline. Now Lori could think about what to make for dinner. But Lori wasn't very creative when it came to that. But in the end she had put together the dinner. Goulash with boiled potatoes. This was a meal that Lori liked very much.
Lynn cared less about what was for dinner when she was at work. Towards the end of the day she was still full from eating in the canteen, so her mind was more on work. Around 6:00 p.m. she left the workshops where steel parts were manufactured for a larger company. This work did not suit Lynn, but what did suit Lynn was an aspect that made this company special. There were many people working in this company who were noticeably different. There were people with Asperger's Syndrome, people who have extreme teaching difficulties, and also people with Down's Syndrome. Lynn enjoyed working with people like that. Also because Lynn knew how to be different. That's why she wore a scar on her right side of the body. When only two of Lynn's colleagues were still in the office, Lynn called it a day. She got on the tram and headed towards the main station. From there she always walked home. But since Lily was with her parents, Lynn made things extra slow. Lynn couldn't turn his back on Lily anymore. Ever since she ordered a mass murder, she no longer recognized her sister. So she enjoyed the time she had alone to herself. That evening Lynn checked the news on her cell phone while walking home. That night she saw someone she knew on the news. Secretary of State Clyde McBride. Clyde had worked his way up in politics, and enjoys great respect. And that day he had invited someone well-known, and at the same time controversial. Alexei Kharkov, the General Secretary of the Russian Republic, and almost six years earlier he was the General Secretary of the New Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Also known as the Soviet Union. Lynn remembered clearly how Kharkov had threatened with his nuclear missiles during the second cold war. Lynn couldn't sleep for long nights. She didn't like Kharkov, but she always found it interesting how Clyde shook hands with the man who wanted to destroy them all. Kharkov had its distinctive appearance. He was in his late seventies, had dark gray hair and extremely bushy eyebrows. And above all, he had a voice like a chain smoker, and spoke slowly. Lynn knew that Clyde, as Secretary of State, US President Edward Smith and Secretary General Charkov would discuss the Geneva peace talks. The master plan for final peace between East and West. Just as the details were about to be discussed, Lynn noticed that she was already home. She entered the house and took off her jacket and shoes.
"Mom! Dad! I'm home!"
Lynn heard her mother calling from the basement. She probably did the laundry. Lynn went up the stairs to her room, and was about to go into her room when she saw Lily through the cracked door, lying in bed and shivering. She was really bad. Lynn wondered if she should feel sorry. But given what Lily had done, Lynn didn't care about Lily's well-being. Lynn walked on, entered her room, threw her purse on her bed, and lay down on it. As after every working day, she was tired. Now she had her two to three hours of free time a day, which she could enjoy. She's been using this time to think lately. She thought about the good times in her family. Even at 37 years old, she clearly remembered the time with Lincoln. A nice time. During that time, the whole world felt safe. There was no war. No Vestergaard. No Ratovo, wich is still ruling in Madagascar. And no Lily, wich was acting heartless. The world was a beautiful place back then.
End of Chapter