One
The warmth from the fire inside was a welcome relief for Jeremy and he stood before it, his hands extended out to ease the chill. A battle during this time of year was not something he looked forward to and those dark clouds in the distance only increased his concern.
"How far away did you say they were?", Miles murmured, running his fingers over the map laid out on the desk before him.
Jeremy sighed, "Two days maximum", he turned towards his old commander, unsure how to act around him.
"That doesn't give us much time to prepare", Miles hissed, trying to locate all the weak positions surrounding the town.
"It gives us plenty of time", Ivy said, walking slowly into the room with Bass and her second in charge at her side. Miles shook his head, surprised to see her up and about, let alone here in Gettysburg, "Shouldn't you be resting?".
Ivy moved towards the desk, smiling broadly. "If you had of asked Taylor", she motioned to her 2ic, "He would have told you what to do". She sat in the edge, the warmth in her eyes quickly vanishing, "Instead, you excluded him and every person who lives here. People who have an in-depth knowledge of Gettysburg". Miles went to reply, stopping as Ivy raised her hand, "See this ridge?". She pointed to a small ridge marked on the map, signaling for Bass to look.
"Well, it overlooks a little", Ivy paused and Thomas smiled wryly, "surprise for any invading armies". She leaned down, pulling another map from under her desk, "This little baby shows our secret weapon". Ivy opened the map, stepping back to let Bass and Miles take in what they were seeing.
"Are those pipes under the ground?", Miles murmured, his eyes wide.
"Sure is sir", Ivy smiled, nudging Taylor in the side.
"And these notes down here", Bass leaned in closer, making Miles pull away, "You replaced the soil?". Ivy nodded, more than pleased at their stunned reaction. "Hang on Ivy. This whole concept will only work if it rains and if you can get the enemy in there". Bass shot her a firm glance, "What if neither happens?". Ivy walked past him, grabbing Bass' arm as she moved, dragging him to a window,
"Those massive black beauties in the sky will bring the torrent of rain I need Bass. Judging by the feel in the air and water movements from up country, the storm will last a couple of days".
She moved away, easing herself into a large chair, "Getting him there will be easy. Because he will not have any other choice".
Two
4 years earlier
"Do you realise what you're asking us to do?", Taylor hissed, watching the row of people digging into the firm ground. "A ditch. One that surrounds a small field. Are you building a moat, because we have no crocodiles to put in it". Ivy laughed, handing him the plans she held tightly, "Who needs crocodiles when we have this". Taylor raised and eyebrow, still not convinced and unfurled the plans. For a moment he was unsure of what he was seeing and Ivys smile broadened as the penny suddenly dropped.
"We would have to do regular maintenance on it, but I can guarantee it will swing any battles our way ", she sighed, turning back to face the town. "It is a hell of allot of work my friend, but we can do it. I will do anything to protect her and all the other Neutral sites. Anything".
Three
Present day
The new day dawned over Gettysburg and already there were signs of the coming battle. Large canons had been rolled out, surrounding the towns main centre, pointing out to the fields beyond. Bass' troops had joined Ivys, increasing the guard numbers monitoring the border. Several vehicles sat in the middle of the main road, ready for a quick escape should it be required. Ivy had insisted it wouldn't, that they would be successful in fighting Jared and his army off.
Even now, standing over the ridge that overlooked one of the fields, Ivy was optimistic. It had been raining gently all night and now, the rain was growing heavier.
"Perfect", she beamed, smiling at Miles and Bass, "The more rain we get the better our welcome gift will be".
"Latest intell says he's only a few hours away, will that be enough time?", Miles motioned towards the field, a look of doubt in his eyes.
"I have no idea", Ivy replied still smiling. "We have never had the opportunity to test it before". "How the hell do you know any of this will work?!", Bass spat, casting a firm look on the woman before him.
"Because, I have no other option Bass. If I did not have any faith in this plan, what kind of leader would that make me?".
Four
The idea of going head to head with Ivy in battle was not one that Jared relished and he hoped the false trail he had planted would see her drawn from the main attack. He watched her closely as one of her soldiers arrived, clearly relaying information about the approaching army. That feminine face clouded and Jared knew his plan was working. He saw her nudge Bass firmly in the side and point towards the other side of the town.
For a moment Bass seemed to hesitate and Jared wondered if he would so easily take the bait. He closed his eyes, imagining the conversation they were having. Bass would disagree, but Ivy would insist the intell was accurate, that her lookouts could be trusted and Jareds army was definitely coming from the other end of town. Bass shook his head and Jared couldn't help but smile as Ivy poked him in chest, pointing again to the far side of Gettysburg.
Come on now Monroe, Jared thought eagerly, Don't argue with the lady, just do what she says. He held his breath, knowing that Bass had to agree to moving for his plan to work. Bass' shoulders slumped and Jared smiled as he saw the General nodding. His plan of diversion had worked and soon, Gettysburg would be his.
