The morning sun shined on the L.E.A.F building for the first time in weeks. The clouds of ash had finally begun to clear after the massive onslaught of Zombie airstrikes and artillery bursts. Peashooter had already woken up to the clear blue sky and, for the first time in a while, smiled.

"Cmon Peater, briefings in a little bit and I really don't feel like getting yelled at by commando again for missing it". Exclaimed Snow Pea, leaning impatiently outside Peashooter's room.

"Yeah, yeah I'm going. Just admiring the weather". He replied softly

"Well you can admire it later after the briefing, I'm not waiting forever"

Peashooter reluctantly stepped outside with the icy Plant and together they walked into the massive War Room. Inside, in the middle laid a giant table with maps and cups of water spread across the wood. Around it was plenty of Plants from Peashooters, Sunflowers, Cactuses and everything in between standing around discussing the situation on said maps.

Peashooter and Snow Pea found some seats and waited for the briefing to start. Once everyone quieted down Commando Pea and Kernel Corn stood up and introduced themselves before starting.

"Greetings, everybody," The large Commando pea said in a cold but quiet voice.

"Hello" responded everybody in unison.

"I'm sure all of you are aware of the incident yesterday regarding the emergency at Saint Louis, correct?" Kernel Korn said

"Today," Commando Pea laid out a new map, a giant, zoomed in picture of Missouri with road junctions, villages, and supply depots marked in many colors into the table.

"Three Zombie armored columns crossed the Missouri River and captured Saint Louis in a pincer attack. While we inflicted serious losses into them, the Zombots were too much for our Plants to handle and we were forced back". Commando Pea announced solemnly

"WHAT?" shouted a Cactus, shocked.

"No w-way this is happening," said a female Peashooter, crying on another Peashooter's shoulder.

"But I thought you said it was under control!" yelled a Fire Pea in a fiery rage.

"We lost so many people defending the river, and your saying we were just forced back?" asked a Sunflower.

"ENOUGH!" screamed Kernel Corn

"There will be no arguing in briefing no matter the news". "Take your complaints and shove them outside!".

The Bickering stopped and the arguing Plants sat angrily in their seats.

"Continue, please" Kernel Korn pleaded.

"In the Canadian sector, Zombie Paratroopers captured Montreal and Ottowa in surprise takeovers. We had no chance but to abandon Eastern Canada altogether". Commando announced.

The rage started again but with small bickering rather than yelling. Peashooter slumped in his chair defeated. Yesterday Commando was talking about a potential counterattack, now he seemed completely demoralized. More than Himself

"Don't worry Pea, we'll push them back in no time" Sunflower assured him affectionately. But Peashooter knew he saw a glimpse of sadness in her eyes too. While Commando Pea kept reading out the briefing he stood up and walked outside with a few others to discuss.

"Listen, guys, I know it sounds bad now. But I have a gut feeling this is their last push for now" Walnut exclaimed proudly.

Sunflower smiled and continued off him.

"I agree. The Zombies cant keep this up forever. I think I'm gonna discuss a raid plan with Torchwood tonight okay?" Sunflower questioned.

"Yeah, I guess go ahead. I just don't want them getting here anytime soon" Peashooter exclaimed.

"Me too. But I don't want to think about what'll happen if they do. That's why we need to put all our effort into keeping them away, got it?"

Peashooter smiled and gave her a hug. Walnut joined in before walking back inside to talk with his other Nut pals.

"Sometimes I think about the people on the east coast Sunflower. What do you think happens to them?" Peashooter asked coldly

Sunflowers smile dimmed and she took a weighted sigh.

"Nothing good, Peater. I've heard stories about Plants captured by the Zombies alive. It's terrible".

Peashooter felt guilty for ruining the mood and wanted to make it up to her.

"But we'll push them out together, right?"

"Right". She smiled and held Peashooter tightly and let go.

As they parted away Cattail approached them in the hallway.

"Have you guys seen Fire Pea? He left right after Commando finished talking and I have not seen him yet" she asked in a worried tone.

"I have not Cattail, but I'll keep an eye out for him" Sunflower responded.

"Okay. It's just that I'm scared he might've gone outside or something stupid like that".

"Outside as in the base? Are you crazy? Going out this early is almost wishing to be shot by a drone" Peashooter replied.

"Yeah, I guess your right. Maybe I'm just worrying too much".

Peashooter and Sunflower walked away from the War Room and down the stairs towards the Mess Hall for first quarter breakfast. Unknown of what would happen to them that same hour.