Christmas time in Berk upon them-just two days away in fact. Days leading up to Thanksgiving were interesting for sure because Hector kept checking on his friend to make sure he was okay because Hector knew Tallon well and the guy had been very quiet lately-Hector assumed because he was upset over what happened with his father and now he was spending the holidays with the Haddock family instead of his own. This wasn't to say it was a bad thing just that it wasn't fair. The father was sitting in a holding facility until after the holidays were over-just after the first of the new year is when the trial was being held to determine his time served. As Hector promised-he was at every arraignment or hearing that Tallon had to be at in order to support his friend and also some of the events, Hector didn't have a choice but to go since he was involved too but thankfully he wasn't getting into any trouble over shooting the father-it was self defense to save his friend's life. Tori-the step mother and Jade who was Tallon's half sister were staying at Tori's parents house. Tallon also refused to live with his biological mother and her now not so new boyfriend.

Thanksgiving went smoothly-Hector and Tallon took it upon themselves to cook the entire meal and suffice to say everyone was shocked that soldiers knew how to cook such a fancy meal. There was turkey, corn, broccoli, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pie, cheesecake, pudding. There was so much food that would last them well into December and maybe up to Christmas time but who knew. Tallon stayed in the basement with Hector-the couch was pretty much his new bed and they'd gotten a few plastic storage containers with pull out drawers for Tallon to put his clothes away in. For all intensive purposes, Tallon was pretty much living at the Haddock house full time now and none of them minded-they wouldn't fight Hector on the situation. They promised to support him in any of his choices and if he wanted Tallon to stay there because he was worried for his friend-then they wouldn't fight him on it. Besides, Tallon was Hector's best friend but very well mannered and helped out around the house a lot.

Hector and Tallon did call the rest of Inferno to let them know what had happened and of course they were all ready to rally around both guys and have their back. At some point on Thanksgiving they did come over to check on both of them and stayed a while for dessert but of course all went home by 8pm. Hector also spent time with Astrid-going over to meet her parents finally. All in all, Thanksgiving went nicely and the next major holiday was Christmas-coming in a two days. Today was the 23rd of December, one day until Christmas Eve. Tallon and Hector were working with Darius and Heather to finish setting up the house for Christmas. Val and Spencer were due home in ten minutes given it was close to 5:30pm and Hector had dinner going. It was baked chicken breast with rice and cheese covered broccoli, "It's nice having you home for Christmas, Hector...last year was terrible," Heather mentioned while she and Darius were stringing some lights on the tree together.

"Yeah-last year was sucky for us too. We had a little fun then had to go on a mission, by the time it was over we were ready for bed," Hector replied calmly as he returned from the kitchen after checking on the food, it still had fifteen minutes left on it. Rice and broccoli were done and just sitting on a low flame to keep them warm until it was time to eat. The phone rang on the table-it was of course Hector's cell which was sitting by his laptop that was playing Christmas music from a playlist he'd had made when December started.

He paused the music and lifted it to his ear, "Hello?" a pause, "Oh, greetings Lieutenant Colonel Bludvist-what can I do for you this evening?" at the sound of it being their commanding officer, Tallon moved closer to him now. It was now that Hector's parents, Astrid, and the others arrived and Tallon put a finger to his lips so they'd be quiet while Hector was on the phone. "Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, sir. Can't it be done another day-like maybe after Christmas?" more pause, "Of course I understand. Yes, I will round up the platoon and we'll be there at 1300 hours tomorrow afternoon...Yes sir. Have a good night as well," with that he hung up the phone.

"What's going on?" Tallon asked him.

"All of Dragon platoon is to report to Fort Striker at 1300 tomorrow afternoon. Bludvist says it's not optional either-sounded serious," Hector replied.

"Oh for the love of God please don't be what I hope it's not," Tallon sighed.

"And what are you hoping that it's not, Tallon?" Val asked.

"Deployment orders..." Tallon and Hector sighed together.

"Right...on Christmas Eve?" Astrid said quickly coming to her boyfriend's side.

"It can happen whatever-we get the call and we go," Hector stated.

"You said mandatory boots at home when you got back in September...It's only been three months since then..." Heather said worried now.

"If a situation arises and they don't have a choice-that mandatory home thing doesn't mean shit. Look, we don't know what's going on. All I was told was to inform Dragon platoon to report to Fort Striker for 1300 tomorrow-it was a direct order so I can't exactly ignore it," Hector shrugged as he dialed a number and put it to his ear, "Tallon, call Pearson, Halloway, and Ramirez. I call Patterson, Ellis, Knight, and Cortez. Tell them to pass the message along to their units and that it was a direct order from the lieutenant colonel," Hector said as Tallon nodded pulling out his phone and dialing a number himself. After twenty minutes of calls; they both put their phones away but not before Hector got another call, as he looked he saw that it was from Cody. "What's up, Cap?"

"Good, I caught ya. Bludvist apologizes for the urgency of his call in getting your platoon up here and forgot to tell you that it's not for deployment orders-also that you can invite your families too. It's a Christmas party, we do one every year if we aren't deployed," Cody informed as Hector's eye began to twitch.

"Are you fucking kidding me, Cody? For the love of Odin-the whole platoon thinks we're getting deployed now! You think you could've mentioned this fact during the first call? You know how many people I have to call back and tell them not to freak out?" Hector grumbled.

"Sorry lad. Bludvist says he'll make it up to ya," Cody said with a sheepish smile in his voice as Hector smacked his head sighing heavily.

"Swear to God, I hate you all right now...It's still an order to come though, isn't it?" Hector asked.

"Yes it is. Oh and bring your Class A uniforms too," Bludvist's voice was heard now.

"Got it, anything else, Lieutenant Colonel?" Hector asked.

"Nope, that's it. See you lads and lasses tomorrow!" Bludvist said cheerfully and then Hector just took the phone away from his ear with a heavier sigh.

"So we're not getting deployed right?" Tallon asked.

"Nope not at all. It's a fucking base Christmas party and we're allowed to invite family and friends, also for some strange reason we gotta bring our Class A's too..." Hector mumbled.

"They just scared the hell out of us for a Christmas party?" Tallon blinked as Hector nodded to him, "Mother fuckers...and we have no choice but to go?" Hector nodded again, "Well I suppose since we have no choice," Tallon sighed as well.

"So there's a party tomorrow night at the base where you guys trained at and we're all allowed to come?" Astrid asked.

"Seems that way babe," Hector shrugged as he got on his laptop and pulled up the group message that had everyone's Skype added for the Dragon platoon as he typed out a quick message of: ~Families invited tomorrow, bring Class A uniform and lose the worry that it's deployment orders. It's a fuckin X-mas party. Sorry guys-didn't know myself til just now. See ya tomorrow. -Lt. Haddock~

It didn't take long for the flood of messages to return from others saying: are you serious, really, and Gods damn it. Hector couldn't help but chuckle, only his platoon would get pissed about such a stunt but never the less at least he got to see them all again and it wasn't due to drill this time. Cool so Christmas party at Fort Striker and families could come too but why the Class A uniforms? Why would they be needed for a Christmas party. Hector supposed he would find out tomorrow, wouldn't he? The rest of the night Hector and Tallon spent eating dinner with Hector's parents, girlfriend and siblings after the others who had only come to drop Astrid off. The night was quiet-they watched a movie together and then Astrid went home around 9:30 when her parents came for her, then given the long day they'd have tomorrow-Tallon and Hector were in bed by 10:30pm at the latest.

(Next Morning; 10am)

"I swear to God, none of you would ever survive the first day of Reception Battalion with how slow you move. You'd all be doing push ups, sitsups, and two mile runs until you blacked out and needed a medic," Hector rolled his eyes at his family's slowness. They had to get on the road because Fort Striker was a two hour and forty-five minute drive away and they had to be there for 1300 or 1pm. Hector and Tallon were up at 5am as always-showered and ready for 6am. The two cooked breakfast and made coffee for when the rest of the house got up around 6:30-7am. With it now being 10am-already over was: Gobber, Astrid, Freddie, Trent, Reina, Skylar, Drew, Mandy, and Danielle were already there. Jessie wouldn't be coming because if that guy showed any disrespect around the higher ups-there would be problems and Hector was actually saving himself the drama of having to be peacekeeper.

"Sorry son, completely forgot about your base's party today," Spencer stated.

"Uh huh. Let's go-stay behind my vehicle. I don't care who rides with who but if you're not in my vehicle then stay behind it," Hector stated firmly.

"Can we ride with you?" Astrid asked gently.

"I got room for four more aside from myself and Tallon," Hector stated.

"Wait-your car can only hold five, including yourself. It's just a four door," Drew pointed out.

"Yeah, my car can only hold four and myself. My truck however can hold three up front, and three in back," Hector stated.

"When the heck did you get a truck?" Skylar asked as Hector checked his phone then opened the house door and revealed to them a black truck with four doors-two on each side.

"Well I bought it two weeks ago and with the paperwork completed, registration, inspection, and insurance done-I had someone bring it over for me. My car can't handle a drive to Fort Striker-it's just too old. I sold her to Anthony for about $400 for parts in the shop. He's gonna come get her after the holidays are over," Hector explained.

"How much that thing cost you?" Drew asked.

"About $7,000. Can we ask questions later? We gotta get on the road-doesn't look good for the leader of the platoon to be the late one," Hector sighed as the guy from the dealership tossed him the keys and handed him a folder, "Thanks, Jax. Appreciate it. Have a good Christmas," Hector told the man who had driven the truck over. The man shook his hand and headed off into a car that had pulled up behind the truck, then left with the person in there. Without anymore questions, everyone began to load up into their designated cars. Astrid, Drew, and Mandy went with Hector in his new truck. Darius, Heather, Spencer, Val, and Gobber took Spencer's car. Freddie, Danielle, Trent, Skylar and Reina took Freddie's car. Within two minutes they were all on the road towards Fort Striker-Hector's truck leading the charge.

(Two Hours & Fifty Minutes Later)

Finally arriving at Fort Striker with ten minutes to spare-Hector gave the gate guard his ID-so did Tallon and approved that the two cars following his were his family and friends. The guard let them in and they parked side by side then finally got out and Hector stretched their arms, legs, and backs. "Gods...what a drive..." Drew groaned.

"You get used to it after a while. Come on," Hector stated as he led them towards the main building where others were forming up together.

"Hector! There ya are!" Thaxter yelled as the guys of Inferno rushed over and they all greeted one another with high fives or light hugs.

"Got behind but still made it before 1300, didn't we?" Tallon chuckled.

"We haven't gotten any orders yet, just kind'a standing around confused right now." Ryan shrugged.

"I'll figure it out, stay put and keep an eye on my family if ya wouldn't mind." Hector said as they nodded and he began making his way through the crowd only they weren't moving so easily. "Really?" he sighed and took a breath. "Company, attention!" he yelled out as the soldiers of the company suddenly went silent and stood at attention-families fell quiet not understanding. "Now will you all just chill the fuck out-I'll figure out what's going on," he stated calmer and walked through them towards the front building and knocked on the door.

"Haha, well done there, Lieutenant Haddock. Was wondering if someone would step in to get them to stop acting that," came Cody's voice as the door opened to reveal him with a smile.

"Literally, anyone of you could have done the same thing. As you've said-I give off a leader feel to others and I'm good at keeping people in line for serious situations. Anyway...what's going on?" Hector asked.

"Told ya, it's a party. We're just finishing setting up, lad. Think you can get families to the field and soldiers in their class A's and form up at parade rest like from graduation day?" Alex Holgerson questioned.

"Yes sir," Hector saluted, "Wait, what for?"

"Small ceremony before the party is all," Drake Bludvist smiled.

"Sir, yes sir." Hector nodded to them as they shut the doors again and Hector faced the company before him who were still standing at attention. "Soldiers! To the barracks and into Class A's, on the double!" he ordered firmly.

"Yes, Lieutenant Haddock!" the soldiers replied.

"All parents and friends of your soldier, please follow me to the field. Seems there will be a small ceremony the commanding officers have graciously allowed for you to bear witness too," Hector stated. The soldiers were already rushing off to the barracks which were off to the left. Hector stepped off the stoop and motioned for the families to follow him and he walked silently leading them towards the field where they had their BCT and AIT graduation and towards the stands.

"Is there...a specific order we should be sitting in?" Astrid asked.

"If you know your soldiers platoon name-sit in that section, looks like they set up signs to label them. Best way to see your soldier. There are four platoons: Dragon, Wolf, Bear, and Lion. We'll be back soon-not sure what's going on right now," Hector said as he killed her gently and headed off to the barrack to meet up with Strike squad-the male barrack for Dragon platoon. Hector reached it and stepped inside as he grabbed his Class A's out of his bag then hustled to get dressed then all of them were just waiting around for orders. It was closer to 1320 before those were received for them to march on to the field by platoons. They all formed up together in the platoons and marched out in perfect sync. Reaching the field there was clapping from the families and friends seeing them all standing in uniform before their section.

"Nightwave, attention!" called out Lt. Col. Bludvist and the soldiers stood firm and serious with their hands at their sides in their respected groups. "Parade rest soldiers," he said afterwards. "Well, I'm sure you're all confused so I'll get right into it. You all returned three months ago from your first active duty tour in Iraq that lasted fourteen months. There were some losses, some victories, the lives of our friends lost and others saved by the heroic efforts you all demonstrated. The Nightwave Company was voted top company of this past tour and as such there are some awards and promotions to hand out which is why you're all lined up before your family and friends to show them how far you've all come since your Basic days."

It was shocking to hear but the soldiers didn't say a word-they just stayed in position as the ceremony began. A lot of people got promotions, and everyone got an Iraq Campaign Medal-something to show that they served a tour in one of the worst wars around. It went in sections of platoon and Dragon ended up being last to go through. Same as before, promotions, medals, and awards but Hector was called forward last which shocked him. "The last to receive his awards is Lieutenant Hector Haddock the Third. Leader of the Dragon platoon, and Inferno unit. He is the youngest soldier to ever make an officer rank and an exception to some of the requirements of becoming an officer in the military. To reach the ranks of commissioned officers: a soldier had to serve a minimum of one year and serve one full tour in a foreign country but only seven months into his tour added to the four months from his joining to the start of the tour, Hector made the rank of Second Lieutenant and was put in command of the Dragon platoon even though according to his Drill Sergeant and a few others-he already acted as commander of them and they looked to him as their leader," Alex Holgerson began.

"Lieutenant Haddock is a loyal, selfless, caring, kind, generous, courageous soldier. On more than one occasion-he's been injured on missions protecting his teammates and he never leaves a man or woman behind, regardless of his own safety. He never gives up and a man of his word. He lives and breathes military life as if he was born to do it, he demonstrates the soldier's creed and army values since the day he was taught them. Aside from earning the Iraq Campaign medal, Mr. Haddock will also be receiving the Blue Heart, Good Conduct, Distinguished Service Cross, and the Soldier Medal. All for heroism, wounded in action against an armed enemy of the Archipelago, and exemplary behavior that honors the Military. And further more for his actions overseas, we are proud to promote Hector Haddock to the rank of Captain," said Bludvist while removing the Lieutenant name badge and replacing it with Captain H. Haddock-then handing him the one that would go on his ACU coat. All the medals were in place too, Hector couldn't believe it-promoted again?!

"Congratulations, Captain Haddock." Bludvist smiled offering his hand-Hector shook it and then he shook the hands belonging to Alex, Cody, Raymond, and Asher. "Return to your group now lad," Hector gave a short nod and stepped back beside Tallon. He was never going to hear the end of this now. Tallon was now a Second Lieutenant! Viktor made Staff Sergeant, Ryan and Evan reached Sergeant First Class. Thax was Sergeant: they all got promoted! Tallon made it into officer ranks, it was amazing too.

"Now with the ceremonies over-time for everyone to enjoy the annual Fort Striker Christmas party!" Major Holgerson announced, "Soldiers, dismissed!" finally they could stand normal again and drop the formalities with standing so still and serious.

"Son of a bitch!" Tallon punched Hector's arm.

"Ow! What did I do!?" Hector exclaimed rubbing his arm now.

"You made Captain!" they exclaimed now as Hector just chuckled a bit and rubbed the back of his head while families were making their way onto the fields to see their sons or daughters and congratulate them.

"It's not that big a deal, but look at you, Tal-fuckin' Second Lieutenant!" Hector said now with a smile while his family and the families of his friends made their way towards the group. Hector looked up now at the sky-it was only 3pm so why was it so dark? He saw storm clouds-bad ones that could mean a big storm coming, "Hang on," he said before his family could say anything. "Cody, Alex, Drake! I think we should move everyone inside-like now." he mentioned going over to them when they stopped and waited for him.

"What for?" Drake asked.

"Those clouds look like trouble to me. Those are storm clouds and the temperature just dropped significantly in the last hour. I don't like it-you know Berk is known for it's freak storms. I don't think we should chance it with all these people here. Let's move them before it gets bad-we don't need a panic of a possible blizzard where everyone runs for shelter and people get hurt," Hector explained. The other three looked up and nodded in agreement.

"Good call, Haddock. This is why you made Captain, your uncanny ability to stay calm and see trouble from miles away. We'll get the main building and chow hall ready for them and the supplies with the others on base. You get their attention-have the soldiers stay in formation with their families get them to the building calmly," Bludvist told him handing him the megaphone.

"Yes sir," Hector nodded while those three rushed off-giving the command to other high rank soldiers standing around to follow them. Hector took a deep breath before turning on the megaphone, "Alright, everyone's attention over here for a sec," Hector called out-not many listened so he dropped the megaphone to the ground and balled his fists-this always worked better, "SOLDIERS, ATTENTION!" he yelled out loudly, that seemed to work as the soldiers stood in position again and the area began to get quiet. "Thank you! Now listen up-there's a big storm blowing in. I need all soldiers to move with their families calmly towards the building directly behind me. Please do not run or panic-you're all safe. We don't want anyone getting hurt. Let us all get inside quickly, safely, and efficiently." he announced.

"Yes, Captain!" the soldiers replied right away and saluted before gathering up with their families and leading them slowly towards the main building and chow hall-the two were side by side and connected with a big sliding wall. Hector moved towards Tallon and his own family and friends-the winds were already starting to pick up and it was getting colder.

"Don't ask questions just move and follow the others-I gotta stay back and make sure everyone else gets in safe, Tallon. Lead them for me?" Hector asked.

"You got it. Alright follow me," Tallon instructed as the Haddocks and others began to follow him towards the buildings. After twenty minutes or so-everyone was inside and Hector poked his head in to look around. The winds were now whipping around-snow beginning to fall hard making it hard to see.

"Do all soldiers have every member of their family before I lock it down?" Hector called out to the room. Most everyone nodded or gave an affirmative answer to him.

"Hold up, Captain...we got two missing from Castillo's family. Her brother and sister; ages ten and four aren't in here," called Taylor Wrightson to him.

"Got it-I'll be back!" Hector said shutting the door and rushing back out to look for them. He checked the area everyone had walked but nothing. He looked left and saw the barracks so he went towards them-checking each one until he got to E where the two kids were trying to stay warm on one of the beds. "Hey, it's okay. I'm here to help. I'm a friend of your sisters," Hector said with a smile as they nodded still shivering. Hector looked around and saw the supply closet towards the bathrooms-he rushed towards it and pulled out two blankets to wrap around them. "We have to get with the others. Keep that around you and get on my back," the ten year old boy nodded and got on Hector's back when he crouched down-when he was secure there, Hector lifted the four year old little girl into his arms before they left the barrack in the storm that was increasingly getting worse to see in but Hector knew where he was going. Hector fought against the winds and reached the main building as he adjusted the little girl and opened the door with a free hand.

"Hector!" his unit rushed over to him. Hector moved towards Stephanie Castillo and handed her the little girl then let the ten year old off his back.

"Oh thank Thor. Thank you, Hector...thank you so much," Stephanie nearly cried as she hugged him lightly then took the kids to warm up.

"Good work, Haddock-how is it out there?" Cody asked him.

"Fucking frigid and zero visibility. Forty-five mile per hour winds too, ain't no one goin' anywhere tonight...we need to lock it down and prepare for a blizzard," Hector informed.

"Understood, go warm up with your family." Hector nodded to Alex's words as he moved towards his family who was near a wall and sat down-Thaxter draped a blanket over his shoulders and Hector offered a smile. So much for a good Christmas, they were all locked down until further notice-Hector wasn't worried, he knew the military base of all places was probably one of the better places to be in for something like this: a blizzard that come on so suddenly. No one really said anything to Hector-they could tell he was cold and deep in thought at the moment. All anyone could do was wait it out and pray things didn't get worse than they already were.