A/N: Sorry for the late update. Here's chapter 2 : ).

That Damn CD Player

Later that night, their shift resumed and they continued to patrol the town from the Soviet invaders. The Russians had been silent lately and Christmas was nearing. The yuletide season gave the surrounding air a breezy chill. Mike and Antoine passed by around the local radio station. They overheard Colonel Sawyer and Colonel Wilkins talking about how things were going in Europe. The general called. Sadly, as much as they had been invaded, they could not send even a single battalion to strengthen their position around Seattle. So it were only Sawyer's men and Wilkins' men.

After their shifts were done, Mike and Antoine headed to the local coffee shop. It was the place to go so that the soldiers could stay up all night for their shifts. It was also a place where they could come together and commune with each other. The mood was not so cheery though. Some soldiers were talking about how many of those they have left behind in Seattle. Despite that, there were still some laughs. Some were playing darts, others singing Christmas songs. Captain Webb had come in the shop. He immediately recognized Mike and Antoine from the retreat in Seattle. He approached them and offered a cigarette stick each.

"Hey." He said offering them the cigarettes.

"Thanks sir, but I think I'll pass." Mike replied.

"You sure? Well, you don't know what you're missing."

"Mike's not in the mood today. We just realized that he left his god damn CD player back in enemy territory."

"That's too bad." Webb puffed his cigarette letting out smoke from his nose. He then patted Mike on the back. "Hey, don't worry about it. I'm sure things will look up for you." He said and left.

Mike then stood up. "I'll just head to rest room Antoine. I'll be right back."

"Okay then."

Minutes had passed by and Mike had not come back. His coffee was getting cold. Antoine wondered why it took him so long to use the restroom. He eventually decided to visit his friend. He was beginning to be concerned.

"Mike? You okay there." There was no answer. Antoine decided to open the restroom door. No one was there. Mike was gone.

"No… he wouldn't."

At the city limits of Pine Valley, Mike was running away and headed towards Seattle. "Ahhh! I'll get my CD player if it's the last thing I'll do!" He ran as fast as he could toward the trees and heading to the freeway. Two Army soldiers at the front noticed the yelling and saw Mike going to enemy territory.

"What's with him?"

"Haven't you heard? He lost his god damn CD player back on the retreat."

"Poor guy."

Moments later, Antoine runs toward the two. He arrives in the scene panting.

"Connor!... Douglas! Have you seen Mike?"

"Yeah, he was running toward the freeway about a few moments ago."

"Awww Mike." Antoine then reached for the nearby HMMWV. The key was already inside so all he had to do was start it.

"Hey!" Connor yelled.

"What?"

That's our Humvee!"

"Yeah, well I hope you don't mind if I borrow it." Antoine replied.

"You can't be serious Antoine. Going after your friend in Soviet Seattle, that's a suicide mission." Douglas argued.

"I don't care Doug! He's my friend and he needs me now more than ever. Besides, I just gotta hear from that god damn CD player." He was about to move the car forward.

"Wait!" Connor yelled again.

"What now?" Antoine asked.

Connor and Doug looked at each other and nodded. "We're coming with you."

Antoine smiled and opened the door. "Hop in. The more the merrier."

The two joined Antoine as they hop aboard the HMMWV and leave Pine Valley at full speed. "Do you think anyone saw us?" Connor asked.

"Nope. I don't think so." Antoine replied. Unknown to them, someone was indeed watching them.