One

The sounds of birds greeting the rising sun rang out through Gettysburg and it felt like almost a lifetime ago since they had fought their battle. Charlie turned away from the window and gazed around the small lounge room that lay in Ivys home. She hadn't really taken the time to appreciate her surroundings and found it a welcome distraction. On the opposite wall was a massive oak case and something sitting on one of its many shelves caught her attention.

Small items and an array of photos were neatly placed on the shelves, the remnants of Ivys life before and after the blackout. Taking pride of place was a photo if Ivy and her late husband on their wedding day. Their eyes were locked and Charlie could see how much they loved each other. Next to it was a family portrait. Two small children stood beside Ivy and her husband, their parents arms wrapped protectively around them.

It wasn't these pictures that had caught her eye however and Charlie peered down at a photo on the next shelf. Ivy stood between Miles and Bass, her arms wrapped around their waists and the three were captured mid-laugh. It was clear they were at some costume party, the two mens Cowboy outfits making Charlie smile.

"It was her birthday party", Miles sighed, his sudden appearance making Charlie jump. He gave her a wry smile, "That was one hell of a night".

"You were that close?", Charlie pointed at the numerous photos of the three friends. "It's like you were family".

Miles nodded, "When you join the military you start out strangers and end up family". He picked up one of the photos, "Bass and I were closer, of course, and Ivy was constantly travelling with training trips, but when she was around". Miles let out a gentle laugh, "Well, let's just say, those were awesome times".

Charlie pointed at the wedding photo, "Did she loose him in the blackout?". Miles sighed, placing the picture in his hand back on the shelf, "No. Sam died before the blackout. She didn't even have a body to bury".

"He was a good man", Miles moved away from the wall unit, "I often wonder if things would have been different had he been alive".

Two

That small blue light blinked on and off and Randall was finding it difficult to not stare at it. "This is not good", he hissed, drumming his fingers on the desk before him. He had known this day would come, that soon the lead implant would grow stronger. The others were growing closer and that made Randall nervous. Separate they were strong, but still defeat-able. Together, that was another story, one that Randall would do anything to prevent from happening. He turned to one of his many men, "It's time. Go and get him".