This is Prompt No. 81-New Year

And so, the time drew near that the old year died away and the new year rang forth. But this time, the new year was not brought forth with bells pealing from church steeples and happy well wishes from all you might meet in the streets, it was met with gunfire, and the cry of people in pain. Their aches and cries replaced the shouts of joy that usually met the new year, and the gurgled screams as someone died replaced the cheering of the crowds.

The base continued in much the same way, but there were a few days of confusion, for everything from the old year had to be burned, destroyed beyond recognition, for nothing about the UUS must ever be known. New maps, new charts, and new assignment sheets came in, and they were hung along the walls were they could easily be seen.

Caitlyn demanded that all six people from their UUS division (Brown was now included) come to her and Nate's apartment for a party she wanted to throw. She wanted everyone to have fun, and to relax after such a long year.

"We've had a really hard year," she told them, hands planted in stubborn fists on her hips. "We should have an excuse to celebrate. We're here, we're alive, and we're safe." As soon as she said that, Caitlyn's face paled slightly and she looked apologetically at Mitchie. "I-"

"Don't," Mitchie told her, smile on her face. "What you said is true. We're alive, and we're here. Pretty soon, we'll all be safe." She turned and smiled at the others standing around, watching the exchange. "I think we should do it," she said, her voice strong and confident. "It'll be fun."

Caitlyn leaned around her to send a saucy grin Nate's way. "See!" she crowed.

Nate made a face. "Yes, dear," he said dryly.

Mitchie looked from husband to wife, and then back again. "What are you two talking about?" she asked.

"I wanted to have a party, but Nate didn't think you'd want to because Shane wasn't here," Caitlyn explained.

Mitchie smiled at Nate. "I appreciate your thoughtfulness," she told him. "It was very sweet of you, but I think that a party is a nice idea. We need something to take our minds off everything going on in the war."

Caitlyn looked eagerly at the general. "So I can start planning then?" she asked.

The general smiled at her eagerness. "I suppose," he said after a moment. "Why not?"

Caitlyn gave a slight little jump of triumph. "Oh thank you!" Almost immediately, her mouth started going a mile a minute, planning each and every detail out loud.

"Now we'll just have to see if she can stay in the budget," Nate whispered to Mitchie, causing her to smile.

The party took place on December 31, 1861, and Caitlyn even managed to stay within the budget and to be pleased with the result, so there was plenty to celebrate. The party continued well into the night, with plenty of talking and laughing. As the clock tolled midnight, Nate stood up, raising his glass of water and said, "To this new year of 1862, may we all be bound together in the thick bind of friendship," he said and glanced around the room. "May those loved ones away from us return home," he continued, glancing at Mitchie. "And may the war end soon!"

Everyone in the room cheered and raised their glasses, drinking to his long, heartfelt toast. Mitchie drank deeply, silently praying that each and every one of those requests would come about quickly. "Here, here," she whispered as the others cheered.

No matter how hard she tried, Mitchie couldn't quite abolish the ache she felt in her heart. She missed Shane more than she thought had been possible, and no amount of hours away from him diminished the longing for him to be by her side the way he had been for the few months she had known him before he was forced to leave.

As she sipped her drink, Mitchie rested her empty hand on her stomach, comforted by the moving life she felt within her. No matter what happened in the near future, this baby would be a reminder of Shane's love for her, and that thought gave Mitchie the comfort she needed to go on.

A/N: Hope you liked it, even though it's rather short. Let me know what you think! :D