A/N: Warning, I've done my best to account for logistics but the fact of the matter is, if I allowed time to pass more realistically, well our boys would be out there fighting for a year or two. There was a reason the Civil War took over 4 years – it's hard to move a lot of people quickly. So, as you read this (slight spoiler alert) assume that there are couriers and trains running in the background all over the place just for the express purpose of getting info back and forth between everybody.
I tried to wrack my brain to figure out a way for them to communicate faster but the only other pre 20th century form of long distance communication that would be practical would have been telegraph, which requires electricity (grrrrr….).
Anyway, so please accept my poetic license, so to speak with it comes to time frames. It got to the point that I this chapter would never get written if I kept looking into it. More notes end.
January 15, 2031
Charlie,
Well I've got good news, bad news and disturbing news. The bad news is that I'm not on my way back yet and may not be for well over a month, if not longer. The good news is that when I do head home I will be bringing 7,000 seasoned soldiers with me – almost half of the original Militia.
We never made it to St. John. The channel between Lakes Eerie and Ontario was frozen over already. We put into port at Lackawanna instead (Lackawanna was part of Southtown Buffalo before the blackout) And now for the disturbing news: I didn't exactly see the welcome to the area that I expected.
Instead of a gun in my face I was welcomed with the flag of the Republic and a salute. The entire northeast still operates as the Monroe Republic under Captain Jeremy Baker in my name. Actually, it's Colonel Baker now. He's given himself a promotion. They're calling it the Northern Republic these days.
He says he did it to keep the people from falling apart like they did after the blackout. The northeast has remained completely isolated from the rest of the rubble that we called the Monroe Republic. They'd only known about the Patriots for a few weeks before I'd arrived. I've got to admit he's done a commendable job over the past two years. There's enough food to go around, the civilians aren't living in fear and they've managed to keep Quebec from invading. In order to keep things under control, he's had to pull of one hell of a PR campaign in my name.
Charlie, I've got to tell you this whole thing terrifies me. Jeremy did his job too well. Now that I'm here I'm fully expected to just pick up where I left off (minus the crazy) and take everything back over. Not that Jeremy wants to turn the reins over, but when you've got 7,000 soldiers and the majority of the civilian population expecting it, there's not much else he can do. Anyway, I know that this whole thing is just temporary, but what if I can't let it go? The consequences will be worse than you could ever imagine.
God, I wish we didn't have to be doing this. After so many years of fighting and blood and regret, all I want is to just raise our kids and run the farm and ignore all of this. Please tell me news from home. How are the kids? Daniel? The farm? Hell, how's your mom? Tell me anything so I don't forget why I'm doing this, because I'm so scared that when this is all over there won't be anything left.
It will be spring before the majority of the troops are ready to head south, but in the meantime I will send what men I can. Most likely we won't come to Providence directly but will go on the offensive as we work our way south. I know it's not what we've planned but the delays have only given them a chance to increase their numbers.
The men that I am sending will set up camps along the way between Rochester and Providence. Kind of a Pony Express, if you will. We need a faster way to get information back and forth, so this is the only thing I can think of until spring. I'll keep my hopes up that something from you will find its way north soon. I love you all and miss you.
Always,
Bass
Charlie folded the letter and put it in her jacket pocket. The scout that had brought it had immediately left to seek out Donovan, most likely with reports from Monroe on the state of things in New England. The idea of the Republic being largely intact above the fallout zone worried her. She knew he had every intention of returning home, but this was a big temptation. The power that came with ruling the republic had corrupted him so much that if it scared him now, it must be pulling him back in.
Charlie finished up in the dairy and collected the twins who were playing with Sarah Carter in the hay. "Hey Sarah, when you get home, can you do me a favor? I'd like you to ask your sister Katie to stop by tomorrow, if she's got the time." Determined, Charlie walked the kids back to the house for lunch. The field hands had already come in for the meal and were gathered on the back porch waiting for Rachel and Priscilla to pass their food out. Charlie made a mental note to get their pay from Daniel so it would be ready the following day.
She got Danny and Angie settled with their plates and watched them alternate between eating and playing with the bits of cheese and chicken before them. At least when they tossed the occasional tidbit it was only at each other. She knew she should really be putting a stop to it, but they were squealing with delight as they took aim with their edible missiles.
"Wow, they're just like Dad and Miles, aren't they?" Connor said from the doorway.
Charlie laughed. "Yeah, they act like toddlers sometimes, don't they?" She watched as Connor sat down next to his little sister and pulled a piece of shredded chicken out of her hair. "I didn't know you were here."
"Priscilla's cooking is better than that shit they call food in Donovan's camp, so I snuck away for lunch," he said as he began to look pitiful for Priscilla's benefit. The woman in question just rolled her eyes as she set a plate down in front of him. Angie immediately started to climb from her high chair, reaching for the table and for the goodies his lunch promised. "Oh no you don't!" He picked up his plate and tried to scoot it out of reach. When it was obvious she wasn't going to give up, he plucked her up and set her in his lap, resigned to sharing. "So, I take it you heard about the Republic?" He did not look happy.
February 19, 2030
Hey Monroe,
I just got the letter you sent with Miles only a few days before the last one. I'd been hoping that you'd get to talk to me in person long before another letter had a chance to make it south, but I'll take your written words over none at all.
Miles should be getting back to the men from the Peninsula any day now. He only stayed for one day before he headed back. He left them in a town called Jackson – it's in Missouri. Donovan has given him the mission of reclaiming St. Louis from the Patriots. If we can take the city it will go a long way towards moving supplies up river. After your little boat heist, the Patriots have put the city on lock down. There have been rumors of unrest there as well.
As soon as Donovan got your news about the troops up north he sent Connor towards Texas to ask for aid. It's more than we'd expected, so hopefully Texas will feel comfortable adding to those numbers. It will still be forever before we hear anything though.
We were all shocked to learn that the Monroe Republic still exists in some form. It completely freaked Connor out. At first I thought he was mad that it was there all along and out of his reach, but now I'm not so sure. Between his reaction and what you said in your letter about consequences I get the feeling that there's something you're not telling me.
Since you've been gone we've been very busy. We set up a training camp of our own. The first group of graduates joined Donovan's men and the ones you sent. Now there are 300 men marching as official U.S. Army. A class of 100 volunteered recruits starts tomorrow. I've been helping when I can. For the most part I teach them archery and basic survival skills. Ammo is getting a little low around here – another thing that Connor will as Texas to help with. In the meantime, we've got to teach these guys to use what's available.
When it comes to battle, they'll just have to do things the same way we did back in Willoughby – kill a bad guy and take his gear. Those were the days, huh? Anyway, I'm only at the training camp two days a week. The rest of my time is pretty much split between the kids and getting more support for our side in town.
And, by the way… Donovan has outted all of us to the locals. A while back the Patriots razed Frankfort. He thought it'd work to our advantage to come forward while people were still pissed about the Frankfort Massacre (that's what the civies are calling it). Anyway, it went better than I expected. I still get an occasional dirty look, but for the most part everyone has been fairly accepting of us and of you.
They've gotten to know the man you are, not the man they heard you to be. Now that the secret's out, Avery makes sure to tell everyone that will listen that he knew it first. I think everyone in town has heard how you risked your life and freedom just to save his sweet little Sarah a million times by now. So see, there is so much to come back to. You have more friends than you realize. Please don't give up. I have faith in you – even if you don't.
The kids miss you and ask for their Daddy all the time. Danny has caught up with his sister and is climbing all over everything. I caught him sitting on the back of the couch yesterday, laying on it like a cat. They both hit a growth spurt last month, so they had to have all new clothes made.
Also in the past month or so Angie's hair has finally started to come in thicker. You'll be happy to know that it's curling up like crazy now. It'll probably be as bad as yours. She talks about as much as you do too. There is no doubt when people look at her that she's your spawn. Danny on the other hand is still a tossup.
Katie Carter (Avery's middle daughter, remember?) did me a favor and has drawn a sketch of them for you that I'm enclosing. She's really good, don't you think? Oh, by the way she's made it her mission in life to get Connor to fall madly in love with her. It's been kind of fun watching this unfold. She's been chasing him around everywhere while he desperately tries to avoid her. She's a beautiful girl – smart too. I'm kind of rooting for her. She's been moping in her room for the past day since Connor left, or so Julie tells me.
The farm is going well. We took on six more hands a while ago and now Daniel has plans on taking in two more. The bunkhouse is full. More than likely we're going to have to expand soon. Grandpa has moved to Donovan's camp. He's been working with a group of soldiers to train them as medics in the field. Mom has been helping him with this. So at least if our boys get shot to hell someone will be able to take care of them.
Now for some sadder news. I don't want to worry you but Daniel has been slowing down a lot. He caught a bad cold last month and just hasn't gotten back to normal since. He's been working from the house more often at Grandpa's insistence, mostly just doing administrative stuff. I've been trying to help oversee everything else as much as I can, but we're going to have to hire someone until you get back. Daniel will be 78 next month, and he's just getting too old to run things hands on. And might I add that he's almost as bad of a patient as you are, although he's finally listening when we tell him to take it easy for once. Well, except for the whiskey. Grandpa tried to ban it but so far Daniel has managed to sneak it past us.
I can't wait until all of this is over. I feel so helpless, like I should be a part of the action instead of holding down the fort here; like somehow we could end it sooner if I could help more. I know that's ridiculous, but it's still there. Or maybe I'm just missing you too much and wish I could be there with you.
We all love you and want you home (even mom – but she'll never admit it… She hasn't had anyone to maim with biscuits in a while).
Your impatient and loving wife,
Charlie
Monroe sat at the desk in his quarters, must finishing up Charlie's letter. He picked up the sketch and unfolded it. Staring back at him were Danny and Angie's smiling faces. The Carter girl really did have a talent. He chuckled to himself as his eyes started to tear up. He was still looking at the drawing a few minutes later when Jeremy entered the room. "Don't you knock?" Monroe asked, not bothering to look up.
"My house. I don't have to knock," he snapped. Their working relationship was not exactly an easy one. There was a lot of animosity on Jeremy's part and a lot of guilt on Monroe's, which in turn only served to piss Jeremy off all the more. He didn't want Monroe's remorse. Remorse meant he was obligated to forgive the man – something he still wasn't ready to do.
Even Jeremy cannot deny that the callousness that had been required of him as an officer in the Monroe Militia and the darkness of its former leader have led him to do some horrific things over the years – things that appalled him now (such as using his own men as bait for a sniper rifle just to run the rebels out of ammo). But he's moved on and changed, and through him what was left of the Republic after Monroe lost it all has changed. If it wasn't for the fact that the Patriots posed such a threat, he would never have even thought about turning everything over to Monroe.
His lie about having been sent by the President-General to keep order had left him between a rock and a hard place. Everything he'd done he'd done in Monroe's name, so the people no longer saw him as the power hungry lunatic they'd (accurately) thought him to be two years ago. He had no choice but to once again follow Monroe's orders. But now he'd do it on his own terms and had decided he didn't have to be nice while he did it.
Jeremy leaned against the doorframe. "So what are you staring at?" he asked casually. Since he'd entered the room, Monroe had yet to look at him.
He turned the sketch around for Jeremy to see. "My kids – Danny and Angie. They turned one in November. Charlie had the neighbor's daughter sketch them for me."
"Cute kids," Jeremy acknowledged. He still couldn't get over that Monroe had married Rachel Matheson's daughter. He'd met her once – she was indeed something, he'd give her that. But the relationship was still weird. He abruptly got down to business. "We've got 4,000 men ready to head out in addition to the 1,000 we've got stationed at various points between us and Kentucky. This leaves 2,000 to protect our borders."
Monroe thought about this as he carefully folded the letter and sketch, putting them securely in the drawer of his desk. He'd find a frame for the picture later. "Call the rest in and get them ready to deploy," he ordered.
Jeremy balked at the idea. "Need I remind you that we're risking Ontario's retaliation with so many men cutting through their southern territories? We're practically taking them right past the capital."
Monroe turned in his chair. "Yeah, about that…"
The Colonel did not like what Monroe's tone implied. "Bass, if you think you're going to pick a border war with Ontario now, you're crazier than ever –and an idiot."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, dickhead." He shook his head. "I wasn't planning on it. But we need to discuss the future of the so-called Northern Republic."
"Wait – what?" Jeremy started to raise his voice.
Monroe got up and went over to the bookshelf to pull out a stack of papers concealed in a large atlas. "Every day I'm here it's getting harder and harder to remind myself that I've gotta walk away. You were there. You witnessed firsthand what the Republic did to me – what the power did. And it'll do it again; it's already started. But this time, I've got too much at stake." He handed Jeremy the pages. "Tomorrow I'm heading out to London. The Prime Minister and I need to have a little chat. I've sent a courier to Montreal as well with a copy of this."
"For what?" Jeremy took a deep breath and tried to keep his temper.
"I'm the president, right? Time I did something presidential."
March 12, 2030
Charlie,
Looks like the courier line we've set up is working. I got your letter just two weeks after you wrote it. You have no idea how good it was to hear from you. It couldn't have come at a better time. I'm sorry it's taken so long for my reply. I've had a busy week. I just returned from London, the new capital of Ontario. It was a risk (and I'm sure Donovan won't be overly happy with it) but I've secured a total of 5,000 more men for the cause.
I won't go into details here. You can read them in the treaty that I'm sending to you. I've enclosed three copies. I need you to do everything in your power to get Donovan to sign. It's official with or without it, but it will make my Canadian counterparts a lot more trusting if you can manage it. One copy is for Donovan to keep. The others need to be signed and sent back for Prime Minister Adams of Ontario and King Rousseau of Quebec. I'll have him sign my copy when I get down there.
This was more difficult to pull off – in fact it's probably the second most difficult thing I've ever had to do. Charlie, I've felt myself slipping for the past few weeks. I'd written the treaty a month ago, but I hadn't been able to force myself to approach the Provinces with it. Reading your words is what helped me get through it. Who knew that a letter and a simple sketch could have such an impact?
Jeremy will be heading down with 4,000 men in a few days. I will remain up here for another week or two to wait for the men from Canada and for the remaining 2,000 Militia that are being recalled from along the border. Things are finally getting started. I won't lie; I'm excited to finally get going. I feel like I've been sitting on my ass while Miles has all the fun down there.
As far as your question goes, yes there has been something I've been keeping from you. Remember when we were on the road to Providence and I told you that saving you came at a cost? The Republic was that cost – and not just the chance to get it back. Those things got into my head pretty bad. They offered me everything back on a silver platter. They even offered me electricity to help make it happen. I could have had it all back and more or I could have you.
I chose you, but for a second I didn't know what I'd pick. I wanted it so badly, and they made me want it even more. That's the reason I left on the day the twins were born. The fact that I'd even consider trading your life for the power wrecked me. I wanted to protect all three of you from me. It was the first time that I'd ever seen myself through everyone else's eyes and what I saw horrified me.
I should have told you, but I didn't know how. Things were already tense enough and you had enough reasons to hate me. I didn't want to add to them because I almost made what would have been the greatest mistake I could have ever made. That choice was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my entire sorry life, and I hope you can forgive me for almost fucking it up.
This was the reason why the news about the Republic bothered Connor. He was probably afraid I'd do something stupid. The nano must have seen all of this coming because they sent me a very strong message the night I killed Truman. It was made very clear that if I went back on my end of the bargain that they'd go back on theirs. I know this all sounds crazy, but it's true. Talk to Priscilla and your mom. They've both seen what these things can do.
Thankfully the treaty is in place; it's over now. I'm finally free of it, and it feels so good – like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. You should be happy to know that Aaron is finally coming into his own. He read me the riot act when he first found out that I was assuming the role of President in more than just name. I think he'd been able to tell how much I was struggling and was convinced I was giving into temptation.
Two years ago, if I'd have so much as said "Boo" to him he'd probably have shit is pants, but he stormed in ready to knock some sense into me – literally. He threatened to kick the crap out of me until I saw reason; not that he could but the sentiment was sweet and all.
I know you told me not to worry about Daniel but I am. I know he won't be around forever but I can't imagine returning home to find him gone. I don't think you realize how low I was when he took me in. If it wasn't for him, I don't know if I'd have been around long enough to get my memories back in the first place – even if I'd have gotten out of that mess in town without his help. Has he gotten any better?
At any rate, the courier is waiting for me to finish this so he can head out. By that I mean he's been pacing outside my quarters for the past ten minutes.
Love you,
Bass
P.S. We've been married for over three months now. Don't you think it's about time you used my name?
Charlie set the letter aside and unfolded one of the copies of the treaty. What she red left her floored. Determined, she got out of bed, wincing as the stitches in her side pulled. Getting dressed took some effort but she finally managed the task.
"What are you doing up?" Priscilla asked as she gingerly made her way through the kitchen.
"I've got to see Donovan. It's important." Without another word, Charlie imped her way to the encampment. As she passed the infirmary tent, she did her best to block out the sounds of human suffering coming from within.
March 27, 2030
Hey Monroe,
Hopefully by now you're on your way. The messenger that brought your letter told us that Jeremy ran into a reprogramming center right next to the border and has taken it out. There were no survivors. The handlers refused to deactivate the recruits so they had to be taken out. Miles is running into the same problem in Missouri. They've taken out two small centers with no luck.
St. Louis has been liberated along with the rest of the region. What's left of the war clans have been able to keep the Patriots out of Iowa and Kansas for the time being. Texas has worked out a deal with them in order to get help policing the plains. The state of things in Nebraska is an unknown.
A few days ago Providence was attacked. The patriots didn't even try to take over. Their goal was to destroy everything. We intercepted them on the outskirts of the town proper and were able to hold them off long enough for Militia reinforcements to show up. Two hundred men from the nearest encampment came and at the end of the day nobody in khaki was breathing. Considering the fact we were slightly outnumbered even with the men you've sent down and the fact that they were better armed, we got lucky.
137 total casualties, 66 of which were KIA (47 of our own, 19 militia), 9 MIA and the rest wounded. There were only 11 civilian casualties, 2 of which were killed. One of them was a five year old boy. I saw the bastard shoot him down like he was nothing. They came hard and fast. If it wasn't for the fact that a Militia scout had seen them in time to send the reinforcements, we'd have lost the entire town. Johnathan Greene lost his farm. His wife was the other civilian death. He was in town with their son when the attack came. They burned everything he had to the ground and killed Molly on their way through.
In other news, Connor finally sent word. Texas is in. They're preparing to send 7,500 rangers. They'll work their way across to Louisiana and will start plowing the road. Once they clear New Orleans, we should have most of the Mississippi under our control. They'll take out what they can in Louisiana and Arkansas before working their way to the southern fallout zone. Nobody knows if there's access into Florida, but if there is they will work their way down.
Carver wants to discuss the possibility of making it to Cuba. There's a chance that they have reinforcements down there still. If so, we need to cut them down at the source. It has to be where their original reprogramming center is located.
Also, Texas is sending 250 skilled laborers with the intent on getting the rail lines cleared. There are only a handful of working trains left but if we control all of them it will give us an edge. Texas has four now. They had two before all of this mess began and were able to confiscate two more in the plains.
All things considered, we're holding together fairly well. Daniel's health is holding up but Grandpa thinks he will never be quite the same. He offered to help Johnathan, but the man has refused all "charity" from his neighbors. We found a better solution and have hired him to help run things while you're gone. This works out well for everyone. Daniel will overpay him and we'll help him rebuild after the war is over. In return, Johnathan and his son, Brian will make sure this place keeps going so Daniel can basically retire.
As I write this he's sitting on the couch with Danny and Angie reading them a story – Alice in Wonderland, I think. He said it belonged to his granddaughter (she must have left it here when she came for a visit). Danny and Angie have taken to calling him Grandpa Dan. It's adorable, especially since they can barely say it. Lately it seems they spend more time with him than they do with anyone else. He complains about them being underfoot all the time, but of course he loves every minute of it.
Oh, Donovan signed the treaty after the attack on town. I sent the copies for Adams and Rousseau up north as you asked. And, we'll talk about what happened with the nano when you get back. Until then, know that there is nothing to forgive other than the fact that you tried to leave. And that is something I forgave you for a long time ago.
I love you and I'll wait for your reply.
Yours always,
Charlie
P.S. I'll use your name when you're home to hear me say it.
It was late when the dispatcher arrived with news from down south. Monroe crawled from his cot to accept the dispatches. Lighting a lantern he sat wearily at the crate that served as his desk and went through them. Jeremy's troops had split up into several different battalions and would be working towards clearing Michigan, Indiana and retake Chicago to clear the port at Lake Michigan.
Monroe's orders were to take out the reprogramming centers and any Patriots he could find in Ohio before slowly making his way towards DC. The thousand Militia troops that Monroe had sent down earlier had been ordered south to help clear Kentucky and Tennessee. 1,500 rangers were to join them in that effort.
He read Charlie's letter twice before setting it down. He was still exhausted but never the less he pulled out some paper and began to write.
April 5, 2030
Charlotte,
Apparently at least one of those trains is up and running somewhere or I wouldn't have gotten your letter so quickly. We are in the process of ferrying the men from Canada across Lake Erie and into Ohio. We've been at it non-stop for two days already and should be done within two more.
Our scouts have found evidence of a large reprogramming center about a hundred miles west. That will be our first target. If what I've been told is accurate this camp can turn out several hundred new Patriots every month. It would be the largest we've seen yet. I'm making the decision to keep the men together until after we've taken out the camp. After that we'll split into four battalions to clear the state faster.
I've little else to report other than after we clear out Ohio, I've been ordered to start the long march towards DC. Depending on how things go, this may take us a bit close to the fallout zone, but we can't risk letting them hide there only to regroup later. And on that note, I'm starting to wonder if it's really as bad as everyone assumes. I get the concept of staying clear – without electricity there's no way to test the radiation – but I still wonder.
It's the middle of the night, so I'll keep this short. If things keep going this well, we may be done by summer. God I hope so. I'm glad you got John Greene to help out at home. He's a good man and I know he'll make an excellent overseer.
What you told me about the attack only makes the battles ahead easier. Watching kids get killed in the crossfire is bad enough. To shoot a five year old is beyond my comprehension. I once did something horrible and shot a rebel and his family after a bombing in Philly. It will haunt me until the day I die, but even at my worst I could never have killed someone so young. You could not imagine what it would have done to me if you or the twins had been among the list of the dead. I'll try not to think about it, but the thought of them attacking again will keep me up at night for a while.
Please be careful and keep them safe,
Love you,
Bass
P.S. If you insist on calling me Monroe, I'm going to insist on calling you Charlotte. You have been forewarned.
April 13, 2030
Hey Dickhead,
So you finally decided to join the party? Just thought you should know that it's only taken two days for word of your sacking of that Ohio center to shake things up in Illinois a little. We finally got one of the handlers to talk turkey in a little camp outside of Springfield. The Patriots apparently have the ability to send news a lot faster than us. Well, they did until we stole their train. How silly of them to leave it for us in Springfield!
We only managed to deactivate 40 kids, but it's a start. The handler also told us that Davis is starting to get nervous and some of his orders are starting to sound irrational. The deactivated patriots will be sent to St. Louis to wait out the rest of the war. There are enough men there to hold them, not that they will be much of a problem. Their numbers have been tattooed over beyond recognition and we destroyed any hard copies of their rosters. There's no way to reactivate them now.
Apparently you hit the mother lode. That was the biggest center yet and it must have been a big deal because they'd managed to hide it, even from the other camps in the program. It definitely wasn't on the list we'd received from Donovan. The rangers that have been undercover all this time are meeting up with our troops. Expect a few to track you down.
Now for the bad news. Jasper is gone – completely. There were no survivors. Davis intended to send the both of us a message. They slaughtered them in the middle of the night and burned them in their own homes. There is nothing left. There was one Ranger in the area but there was nothing he could do. He had to fight his way out as it was. The northern part of the state is clear. I'm supposed to be meeting up with Jeremy but I'm breaking orders. We're heading towards Jasper tomorrow. Don't worry; I'll get those bastards that did this.
Take care of yourself – stay sane, okay?
See you soon brother,
Miles
Monroe crumpled the letter from Miles and threw it into the fire. Aaron watched the shadows from the flames on Monroe's harsh features. He hadn't seen the same look on the man's face in such a very long time. "We move out at first light. Spread the word," he said as he stalked off towards his tent. The tone sent a chill down Aaron's spine.
April 20, 2030
Hi Charlie!
Just a quick note before I'm caught snitching. Monroe heard from Miles about Jasper. I thought you should know that he did not take the news well. I think maybe he kind of feels responsible for what happened there because of the way he tried to hold the town hostage when we were still fighting the Republic. Anyway, we hit another training camp yesterday. He didn't even give the handlers a chance to surrender. Granted they probably wouldn't have, but still. He ordered everyone within killed without exception.
He hasn't said a word since. He won't even let Brodie in his tent – which is weird since the dog hasn't hardly left his side since we left Kentucky.
I'll do my best to pull him out of it, but no promises.
Love,
Aaron.
April 30, 2030
Jeremy,
It's sort of against plans, but how soon can you get to West Virginia? Scouts came back – Patriot stronghold outside of Charlottesville - 10,000 strong. Need reinforcements.
Regards,
Monroe
Charlie received letters from Aaron and Monroe at the same time. She'd gone on a raid just across the border. One of the Ranger scouts that had joined them had brought back a report about a munitions dump only a few days south of Providence. It turned out to be better than they'd hoped. They'd lost a dozen men and Connor had been wounded, but the payload had been huge.
The news she received from Aaron had her scared. After spending some time with the twins and Daniel, she left them all to Priscilla's care and went to reply.
May 9, 2030
Monroe,
I am so sorry. I just got your letter and I just found out about Jasper as well. I know how you think. This wasn't your fault. It doesn't matter what you did or tried to do there before. What matters is what you're doing now.
Miles has sent word back to Donovan. The men that did it are gone; all of them. Please don't lose yourself now. We're so close to the end. Aaron is worried about you. Yes, he ratted you out. Don't be angry with him. And for God's sake, let the dog in. I'm sure he's heartbroken that you shut him out.
I love you and I know you can get past this – for us. We've recovered some much needed ammo and weapons in Tennessee. That's where I was when your last letter arrived. I know, you wanted me to stay put but I needed to do something. I'll send what I can to you.
All my love,
Charlie
May 9, 2030
Sebastian,
Get your head out your ass!
Sincerely,
Daniel
P.S. The mare you were all gung-ho about breeding last summer has finally foaled. I'll give your ego a boost. You were right. He's a beauty – will bring a fortune if you can bear to part with him (which I doubt – you're a sucker for those horses, boy).
May 11, 2030
Hey Jerkface,
Got your request for aid. We had already pulled out of Chicago. Added 600 to our numbers from Militia holdouts there. We're about two weeks out. Miles is right behind us. This should put things on more even footing.
Regards,
Col. J. Baker
May 16, 2030
Col. Douchebag,
I'll await your arrival.
Regards etc,
Gen. S. Monroe
Monroe sifted through the stack of letters that had arrived earlier in the day. Donovan was not happy with the break in plans, but Monroe wasn't about to back down. It was too important. He may have been a shitty president, but before he went nuts he was still one hell of a general when he put his mind to it. Sometimes things just had to get done. As he picked up the letters from home, he pushed thoughts of the upcoming battle away.
He sat down to write home one last time. It was entirely possible that by the time his response was received that the battle would be over and he'd be on his way home.
May 24, 2030
Charlotte,
We received the weapons on the supply train along with your letter. Yeah, I know I lost it for a while. Deep down I know it wasn't my fault. But a part of me also remembers that once I meant to do the same damn thing just to poke a stick at Miles. But I'm doing better now, I hope. Sometimes this is just the cost of war – it fucks us all up in one way or another. When this is over, I'm officially retired. If I never see another rifle or sword again, it'll be too soon. I'm getting too old for this shit (there, I said it. I'm old. Happy?).
Jeremy and Miles should be arriving any day now. One of the Ranger scouts sent word that they met up five days ago. This will bring our combined remaining forces to about 9,500. The Patriots are holing up the rest of their army in Charlottesville, WV. As far as we've been told the Rangers have pretty much mopped up the entire south. They are heading this way, but I don't know if they'll make it in time. We can't afford to hold off the attack much longer.
Without the Rangers we're about evenly matched, so it's all going to come down to who's got the best strategy. Either way, I'll be coming home soon – let's just hope it's not in a pine box. It's harder to take a city than it is to defend one, so we're at the disadvantage here. We're going to have to find a way to draw them out.
This will be the last letter I'll be able to send for a while. Know that no matter what happens I will love you and Danny and Angie forever. You are all keeping me going.
All of me,
Bass
P.S. Quit calling me Monroe!
May 24, 2030
Daniel,
Duly noted; consider it removed.
Regards,
Sebastian
P.S. Told you! On a serious note, I don't know what's going to happen in the next several days. If I don't make it, please take care of them for me. And thank you for everything you've ever done for me. It's meant more than I can ever say.
Reports were coming in that they'd won in Charlottesville. The Rangers had not made it north in time to join in the attack; reports had come in that more soldiers were on their way to back up the Patriots so they proceeded without further aid. With everything well under control, the Rangers instead continued on to Washington to mop up the remaining forces
Donovan reported that casualties were huge. Over half of the Canadians were lost and of the almost 8,000 Militia troops only 3,000 had survived. Both Miles and Jeremey reported in but no word had come yet from Monroe. Aaron had gotten separated from him but had found Miles the next day. They'd searched for the missing General among the injured and the dead, but so far they'd found nothing. He was listed as MIA, presumed dead.
The Texas Rangers under General Blanchard had taken Jack Davis and his remaining cabinet members captive and were holding them in seclusion in Washington. Donovan was packing up and would head east via train. The rest of the soldiers in Kentucky would follow soon after.
June 15, 2030
Dear Mrs. Monroe,
I hope this letter finds you well. As you well know, we are awaiting the arrival of our new president in D.C. I am told that the train should arrive any day now. Miles and Mr. Pittman will be returning to you as soon as the train can be resupplied and loaded. We are working on recovering more working engines but in the meantime there are not enough to send them back to you sooner.
I am writing to you in an official capacity as temporary commanding officer of the U.S. Army and as a would-be friend. We have found your husband. It was a stroke of luck, really. The last remaining troops were heading out from Charlottesville when one of them spotted his dog. One of the local girls was letting it out to take care of business.
He was injured in battle and had been brought in by a civilian family that had volunteered to help search for survivors amongst the dead. I have been told that the dog never left his side and attracted the attention of his rescuers. I'm not sure how he got lost in the shuffle, but he'd apparently been unconscious for two full days.
He is expected to make a full recovery but is not yet able to travel. As soon as he is well enough he will be sent home for you to deal with. I see that he's still about as impossible a patient as ever.
Warmest Regards,
Col. Jeremy Baker
Charlie received the letter just two days before Miles and Aaron got back. For the two weeks prior she'd been a nervous wreck. She'd refused to believe the reports and deep down knew he had to be alive. She couldn't cope with the alternative.
After giving his niece a hug in greeting, Miles handed her a letter. "A note from General Crabby," he said as he turned Rachel. Charlie pocketed it until she could read it in private. Charlie and Rachel led them inside so they could relax. The ride from the train station in Somerset had been exhausting after being on the go for months on end.
Connor was sitting on the couch with Katie Carter cooing and hovering over him. She'd made it a point to show up daily since he'd returned badly injured from the raid in Tennessee. Miles started to say something when Charlie stopped him. As much as the younger Monroe complained about her constant presence she had a feeling he was enjoying all the attention. The way he watched the young woman when she wasn't looking proved she'd finally succeeded in catching his eye.
Daniel sat back and listened to Miles and Connor as they discussed the state of things back east from the comfort of his favorite chair, all the while ignoring the annoyed glances he got from Gene every time he took a sip from the whiskey he'd refused to give up.
"Right before we left, Jeremy was promoted to General. There's a rumor going around that he might be in line for Secretary of Defense. Donovan was impressed with the way he turned what was left of the Republic around," Miles said.
Connor was still amazed with how everything went down. "So Dad really signed all of it away?"
Miles sat on the loveseat across from Connor and Charlie with his arm around Rachel, idling playing with a lock of her hair. "Yep. Quebec got everything we'd taken north of the border and Ontario got everything else, including what was left of Pennsylvania. The U.S. got the southern half of the Republic and all remaining Militia troops. Plus anyone living in the Northern Republic that wants to come home to the U.S. is being given a chance to do so. Most probably won't though. Adam's isn't so bad."
Charlie watched the domestic scene before her for a while. The only thing that was missing was Monroe. The thought of him reminded her of the letter in her pocket. She excused herself from the gathering. With the twins happily playing in the corner with more than enough adult supervision, Charlie went outside and sat down on the porch.
June 7, 2030
Hey Charlie,
I'm sending this letter along with Miles and Aaron. They're supposed to be on their way to DC so they can debrief with Jeremy before heading home, but instead they're here pestering the shit out of me. At least I've forced a promise from them to head out tomorrow so I can recover in peace.
I'm sure you've heard by now that despite very heavy casualties, we've won. It's officially over. We took out the bulk of their army while Texas swept in and captured DC, taking the faux government under Jack Davis prisoner. From what I've been told there's enough physical evidence at the White House to prove that Davis and his cohorts in the DOD were behind the whole thing – the blackout, the epidemics, the reprogramming centers – everything. There's even proof that he ordered Randall Flynn to set off those bombs, so at least I'll finally be formally cleared of that accusation.
Most of the ranking officers in the Patriot army didn't even know what they were fighting for. The same goes for all of the spies and civilians they'd recruited over the years. As word spreads, I don't think Donovan will have any problem with his claim to the presidency.
I took some bad hits once the fighting started. My horse got shot from under me pretty early on. Having a horse roll over you sucks, by the way. I broke my collarbone and had to go on foot one handed. In the process I managed to get stabbed and shot up pretty bad. At some point I got knocked out and don't remember anything else. I'm sorry it's taken so long to let you know that I'm okay. The sawbones around here won't clear me for travel for at least another week, possibly two. I promise I'll get home to you as soon as I can.
I love you and I'll see you soon,
Bass
She was in the dairy, tending to the latest batch of cheese when a messenger arrived. She recognized him as one of the local recruits. A few of them had been returning back to the training camp west of Providence. Donovan had very quickly decided that the army would serve in peace time as the federal authorities for the time being, so the camp would be expanded and would continue to train soldiers.
"Ma'am," he said as he handed her a folded piece of paper before immediately leaving her to her alone in the building.
Charlie turned the paper over in her hand. Her name was written clearly in Monroe's bold script. She held her breath as she broke the wax that sealed the letter, hoping that he was writing say he was on his way home. As she began to read the first thing she noticed was the date. It didn't make any sense. "Today's date?"
June 23, 2030
Charlie,
Turn around.
Love,
Bass
Charlie stood up slowly and did as the letter commanded. He was leaning up against the wall, just next to the open door to the dairy. She hadn't even heard him come in. His left arm was in a sling and he held a cane in his free hand. But he was there and alive.
"Bass?" She asked, still not quite believing her eyes.
"Finally!" he said with a wry grin.
She wiped her eyes and closed the distance between them, throwing herself at him. "Ow," he grunted as he caught her with his good arm.
"Sorry. God I missed you," she said into the side of his neck.
He tightened his arm around her and pressed his lips to her temple. "It is so good to be home."
They stood there locked in their embrace for a while before she pulled back from him. "Well, let me take a look at you." Charlie gave him a once over. "You look like shit. And you're an asshole for not telling me you were already on your way back. You have no idea how worried I was when the first reports had you listed as MIA."
"Note to self, Charlie hates surprises," Monroe replied wryly as she continued to ramble on.
Charlie looked at the cane. "What's with this?" she asked, concerned.
"They couldn't get the bullet out of my leg," he explained.
She started to lead him out of the dairy towards the house. "We'll have Grandpa take a look. Maybe he can help."
When he didn't follow her she turned to look at him questioningly. "You're babbling, Charlie. Come here and kiss me already." He dropped the cane and pulled her to him before she had a chance to protest and brought his mouth down on hers for the first time in half a year.
A/N: First of all, no this is not the final chapter. I've got an epilogue written and I'm trying to decide if I'm just going to use that or if they deserve one more chapter… As it sits, the epilogue is quite long… So it will be a few days before I can update again with either the last or second to last chapter. Also, I originally wrote this chapter to be nothing but letters back and forth, but I found there was more story that would work better in narrative format. I also intended all of the letters to be between Charlie and Monroe only, but I added a few here and there from some of the others. Obviously in the background there will have been messages between Rachel and Miles, Aaron and Priscilla and Donovan and all of our commanders that are not included in the story (as well as stuff between Miles, Jeremy and Monroe that would have been strategic that aren't included). It was hard enough to keep this under a billion words because I could have gone on and on with them forever.