Chapter Eighteen: Truce


Year 2023:

It smelled like ammonia again. It had been two weeks since Lily's birthday. Lisa started experimenting on April 16th. That's why it always smelled of ammonia and other chemical substances. Lily didn't like the smell. Terrible. So she always spent an hour at the tram stop that was near the school. It was mostly quiet there. But if Jack noticed her in this place, the peace would be over. Jack was a solid eight year old boy in the same class as Lily. And he was always doing weird things to her. That day he had stolen her lunch. He had told her that he would like to see her lunch. And then he ran away with the food. Lily was able to buy a small sandwich with the remaining money in her pocket. But that was not enough obvious. But Lily could have her peace now. Alone on the tram line. Only the commuter trains of the RWR. But her calm didn't last long. Jack came to her. With Gus. Gus was a very thin boy, with brown hair, and a nose pointed like a rat. The two approached Lily.

"Well, look at it, is our little robot here again?" said Jack.

Lily was briefly confused by the robot statement. Lily was not a robot.

"I'm not a robot. I'm made out of flesh and blood."

Jack and Gut looked at each other questioningly. Then they stepped closer to Lily.

"The food you gave me today wasn't good. I want money as compensation." said Jack.

"I didn't give you the food, you stole it. Besides, the food was from the school canteen."

"I don't care. I want compensation."

"I can't give you this. I don't have any more money with me."

"Okay. Gus, you know what to do."

Gus grabbed Lily's arms and Jack took her backpack away. Lily couldn't resist as Gus locked both of her arms behind her back. Jack opened the backpack and emptied it out so that all the things Lily had in the backpack lay on the platform. Among other things, the railway magazine that Lily had with her to read. Jack took this.

"What is that?"

"This is my railroad magazine. I bought this a week ago." Lily said.

"Okay. Then you won't need the magazine anymore."

Jack threw the magazine over the tram track. The magazine landed in a bush. Lily's mood changed from stressed to slightly sad and angry.

"No! I wanted to read that for the seventh time!" Lily said.

"That's good. Then you won't need the magazine anymore. What do we have here. Your homework."

Jack took Lily's homework and tore it up and threw the scraps onto the tram track. Lily knew this would be trouble. If homework was not done, there was detention.

"I'm going to get in trouble because of you."

"That's nice. No homework. And then we have here, a Tram timetable? God what a freak."

Jack also threw the timetable onto the tram track. Then Gus let go of Lily. The two wanted to go. But lily ran after them and stood in their way.

"Get my stuff back."

Jack and Gus pushed Lily so hard that she fell and hit the grass next to the path hard. Her wrist hurt. Jack and Gus walked away. Lily wanted to get up, but she noticed a very painful burning sensation in her arms and legs. She lay in nettles. Lily stood up slowly. Her hands, arms and legs were full of hives. It was very painful. She walked slowly, almost like a ninety-year-old woman to her backpack and the things lying on the platform. Before she put everything away she looked at the tracks and at the bushes on the other side of the track. She wanted so badly to get her magazine. But there was one rule that you should never break. "Do not cross the tracks!" Lily could only look at the bush opposite where her magazine lay with a burning pain on her skin. Lily began to cry softly. Every time Lily found her peace outside of her home, Jack and Gus would come and destroy everything and hurt her. It didn't matter if it was at school or anywhere else. Jack and Gus are after Lily. And Lily couldn't say anything. Nobody. Because when Lily did that, and Jack and Gus were reprimanded, the two locked Lily in a dumpster in revenge. She was in there for hours until the school caretaker found her. No, nothing worked against the two. Lily began to pack all of her belongings that were still on the platform into her backpack. Then she walked slowly and staggering home. Because there was no other way, with the wheals and the burning on her skin.


Year 2040:

There were always decisions that affected you, but you never made them yourself. The decision that Lily should move in with Lori and Bobby also hit her involuntarily. Lori and Bobby carried the boxes with Lily's things into the guest room, which was now Lily's room. Lily kept her home and room with her parents, but it was better for the situation between her and Lynn. So Lily hung up the Wandecko with Lorraine. Lily didn't think this was necessary. But Lorraine insisted that Lily's room should look like living. But Lorraine didn't realize that Lily had some weird posters or pictures to put up. And so it happened that a framed portrait photo of Josip Broz Tito hung on the wall.

"That's never a decoration in life." said Lorraine.

"Yes. I admire Tito." said Lily.

"Oh. And who was he?"

"He was the President of Yugoslavia. He is often referred to as a dictator. But people were doing very well under his time. He was a very liberal dictator."

"And why do you have a picture of a dictator hanging on your wall?"

"He fought against National Socialism and ruled Yugoslavia as a non-aligned and very livable state. However, it does not play a very big role in world history."

"Oh I see."

"I'm surprised you don't know anything about Tito."

"I'm interested in history, but only the industrial revolution and the European war. I've never dealt with Jugosanie, Yogurtlawia, what was the country's name?"

"Yugoslavia. It was considered so strong that it was thought to have its own space program."

"Oh. And does this country still exist?"

"No. Tito held the peoples of Yugoslavia together. When he died, the differences between the different peoples became greater and there were several wars."

"Oh. Too bad. That means a people was suddenly divided?"

"Yes. Neighbors against neighbors. Family against family. It is historically a tragedy that Yugoslavia no longer exists."

"Sort of. What's next?"

"I saw that Lori had the schematic drawing of the Re 4/4 II that your aunt Lana gave me for my eighth birthday."

"Nice."

Lily hung the schematic drawing that was in a beautiful picture frame on the wall.

"You'll be thirteen in a week. Are you happy?"

"Yes. I'm really looking forward to it."

"You're really looking forward to it?"

"Yes. I'll be thirteen next Thursday, December thirteenth."

"Will there be many people?"

"I invited some friends."

"Then I'll stay in my room."

"Really? Thirty people maybe, and you want to hole up here? You and my mother command an aircraft carrier that has five thousand five hundred people on board. That doesn't make a lot of sense."

"It's different when it's in a military context."

"With you, everything is different depending on the context."

Lily didn't answer and opened her computer.

"Are you playing with your brother again?" Lorraine asked.

Lily looked at Lorraine and didn't understand what she meant.

"I do not understand your question."

"You and this computer are like siblings. You're just there working, or playing, or whatever, and you hardly ever spend time with me anymore."

"When you say that I and the computer are like siblings, you are calling me a robot."

"No Aunt Lily, I didn't say that."

"But it could be taken that way."

"Please. I just said you are like siblings. I didn't call you a robot."

"A robot doesn't have feelings like a computer. When you call the computer my brother, it means you are comparing me to a computer."

"Please can we just forget about this?"

Lily closed her computer and laid it on her bed.

"What you wanna do?" Lily asked.

"I don't know. We could do so many things. But you refuse so many things."

Before Lily could answer, Lana and Lola entered. Lorraine and Lily were both surprised. Lana held some papers in her hand.

"Lily I need your help." said Lana stressed.

"Why are you here?" Lily asked.

"Lana tell her why we are here. And why you forced me." said Lola.

"Remember the Iowa Refit Lily?" asked Lana.

"Yes."

"A problem occured."

"What problem?"

"All that shit is too heavy."

"How do you mean that?"

"I wanted to have a flight deck installed and the LL-600-HA in quadruple turrets."

Lola and Lorraine didn't understand and just looked at each other.

"Yes?" Lily asked.

"It's too heavy. The whole thing is going to weigh too much."

"And why are you telling me this?"

"Do you have any suggestions that can help me?"

"Let see the plans."

Lily looked at the plans Lana was holding.

"Your design reminds me of the French Richelieu and her sister ship Jean Bart."

"Okay."

"Install smaller triple turrets at the stern. In a triangular arrangement, and with 180 millimeter projectiles that should work very satisfactorily."

Lana looked at Lily in frustration.

"That's good. Why didn't I have the idea?"

"I don't know the answer." said Lily.

"Maybe you don't need the answer either." said Lola.

"You know how frustrating that is Lola."

"Just let go."

"Yes yes yes, I have better things to do than listen to this." Lana said and waved her hand.

Lola slowly shook her head. She turned to Lorraine.

"And Lorraine, what are you doing at school?"

"I have to give a lecture. And I don't like the subject that much."

"What is the topic of your lecture?"

"My best friend Claire has the topic of artificial intelligence. And I have to give a lecture about the «Alliance of Free Socialist States» of all things. I don't like this topic that much."

Lola and Lana looked back and forth with wide eyes and exhaled loudly. Lily knew what was going on.

"You two still have negative feelings about the ASSG?" Lily asked.

"You know how terrible the thought of the Russian-Chinese superpower was. Even today there are nuclear missiles in Cuba." Lana said.

"I was constantly afraid for my life." said Lola.

"Was it that bad with the ASSG on the other side of the world?" Lorraine asked.

"Yes." said Lola and Lana at the same time.


Year 2023, May:

Singing echoed through the city of Tiraspol.

«Мы не хотим войны, но снова

Коль враг нарушит наш покой,

За мир и счастье мы готовы3

На грозный бой, на правый бой.»

(We don't want war, but again

If the enemy disturbs our peace,

We are ready for peace and happiness

For a formidable battle, for a righteous battle.)

Tanks rolled past in front of the eyes of the leaders of Russia, China, Cuba, Vietman, the Democratic Republic of Eastern Ukraine, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Belarus, and the unrecognized state of Transnistria.

«Мы на удар в ответ ударим,

Страна Советов и Китай,

кубинцы, вьетнамцы, корейцы

Попробуй нас пересчитай!»

(We will strike back,

Country of Soviets and China,

Cubans, Vietnamese, Koreans

Try to count us!)

A new military alliance has emerged.

«Друзья, друзья, сухим держите порох,

Друзья, друзья, равняйте крепкий строй!

За детский смех на солнечных просторах,

За вольный труд, за вольный труд, готовы мы на бой!»

(Friends, friends, keep your gunpowder dry,

Friends, friends, align your strong formation!

For children's laughter in sunny expanses,

For free labour, for free labour, we are ready for battle!)

The Alliance of Free Socialist States.

«Пусть грозен атом их проклятый,

Он не доставит им побед.

Труда и разума солдаты,

На всё имеем мы ответ!»

(Cursed be their terrible atom,

For it will not deliver them victories.

Soldiers of labour and reason,

We have the answer to everything!)

Trucks with nuclear missiles rolled past the heads of state.

«Пусть грозен атом их коварный,

Но знаем мы наверняка:

Живое сердце больше значит,

Огнём командует рука!»

(Cursed be their terrible atom,

But we know for sure:

A beating heart means more,

Than bullets from a machine!)

The world is divided again.

«Друзья, друзья, сухим держите порох,

Друзья, друзья, равняйте крепкий строй!

За детский смех на солнечных просторах,

За вольный труд, за вольный труд, готовы мы на бой!»

(Friends, friends, keep your gunpowder dry,

Friends, friends, align your strong formation!

For children's laughter in sunny expanses,

For free labour, for free labour, we are ready for battle!)

Divided into east and west.

«Наш край с огнями трудовыми

Пусть только тронет подлый враг

Пол-человечества поднимет

Свой бронированный кулак!»

(Our land flame and labour

If the enemy dares to touch –

Half of humanity will raise

Its armoured fist!)

This TV broadcast from Tiraspol was scary.

«Мы в битвах на любом плацдарме

Мы как один пойдём вперёд,

Единство наших братских армий

Ещё раз жизнь Земле спасёт!»

(We are in battles on any bridgehead

We will go forward as one,

The unity of our brotherly armies

Will again save the life of this Earth!)

Lisa closed her notebook in shock. Lucy, Lola and Lana looked at her.

"Lisa... What just happened in this Tiraspol?" asked Lucy stressed.

"Warsaw Pact two point zero."

Lisa walked around her room stressed out. Lola touched her head. She had a headache.

"The whole world hates us and wants to destroy us?" asked Lola.

"And hold us accountable for everything that goes wrong?" Lana asked.

"Yes." said Lisa.

Lana panicked slightly.

"Oh god, there will be a war at some point."

"Possible." said Lisa.

"How do we even explain to Lily how all this has changed?" asked Lucy.

"We should teach Lily gently. I mean, we're back in the cold war."

"Lily already has a cold war with me." Lola said softly.

"You'll manage that." Lucy said.

"Or you screw it up and Lily will be your enemy forever." Lana said.

"Very helpful Lana." said Lucy in a strained voice.

"Really, Lily won't forgive her that easily. We know the little one. She's like in a world of her own."

"Unfortunately, that's the reality." said Lola.

"Exactly. Lily will blame you for everything, probably attack you, and pretend to be innocent."

"Lily is not Russia." Lisa said.

"I know."

Lana started to grin.

"What are you thinking about now?" asked Lucy.

"Not much. Only that the Russians will probably take pleasure in Lily. As destructive as she is sometimes towards you Lola."

"That's not funny."

"The fact that she briefly walked around with a 'Z' symbol on her clothes was funny."

"That's not funny bitch." said Lisa.

"Why get insulting now?"

"Because the 'Z' symbol is a Russian military symbol. And the teachers at Lily's school thought she supports the war in Ukraine on Russia's side." said Lucy.

"The symbol is there to prevent friendly fire." said Lisa.

"Are the russians so stupid that they shoot at their own troops?" Lola asked.

"Think Lola. Soviet Union. Those two countries have mostly the same equipment."

"But Lily didn't realize that wearing the 'Z' symbol was pretty wrong." Lana said.

"It's still not funny." said Lucy.

"Yeah I understand."

The girls were silent. Then Lola went to the door and turned around to her sisters.

"I'll tell her."

"That's a bad idea." Lisa said.

"Yes. Please not." Lucy said.

"Someone has to tell Lily that we are the enemies of the Greatest Military Alliance in the World."

"Isn't NATO the most powerful alliance in the world?" Lucy asked.

"No. This is the ASSG now." Lisa said.

"I'm not familiar with that."

Lola turned away and went into the living room. A moment later, Lana and Lucy came down the stairs. Lucy was holding a basketball.

"What are you two doing there?"

"We're playing for fifty dollars." Lana said.

"I will win." Lucy said.

"You two are addicted to gambling." Lola said.

"Im not. Lana does."

"I just think it's fun."

"Please never go to a casino." Lola said.

"No. I'm definitely not doing that."

Lucy and Lana left the house. Lola looked at the clock. It was just before 4 p.m. Lily had her small afternoon meal in a matter of minutes. The footsteps sounded and Lily went down the stairs.

"Lily, can I speak to you for a few minutes?"

Lily stopped and looked at Lola's shoes.

"No. And if you keep pestering me I will seek help from other states."

"From which states?"

"If Biden doesn't want to help me, I'll seek help from Bolshakov."

"You want to get help with Putin 2.0? Your "Z" symbol thing explains a lot to me. You're quite pro-Russian."

"I do not know what you mean."

"You think the Russians are great."

"I just need allies against you. If I can get a tank from Biden, that's as good as a tank from Bolshakov."

"I wish you would do gardening like Putin does now."

"All I know is that Putin is living under arrest in a lonely mansion in the Urals. I would take a tank from anyone if I could."

"You are crazy."

Lily kept walking. Lola followed her into the kitchen. There, Lily took a Small Ham Sandwich from the fridge and sat down at the kitchen table. She started eating like she did every day. Lola stood next to her. She was mad.

"Do you know how arrogant you are?"

Lily didn't react.

"Actually, I wanted to tell you that the world has changed quite a bit. But you just want to annoy me!"

Lily bit into the sandwich again.

"I paid you back the five hundred dollars! We should be even!"

Lily stopped eating abruptly.

"Are you even listening to me?" Lola yelled.

Lily dropped the sandwich. It fell on Lily's skirt, left a mayonese stain on it, and fell to the floor. Lily gasped for air, and pounded her chest. Lola turned pale.

"Shit!"

Lola ran to Lily and took her off the chair.

She grabbed Lily from behind and did the Heimlich Hold. Lola squeezed Lily's stomach as hard as she could.

"Breathe!"

Lola squeezed again.

"Breathe!"

Lola squeezed again. She couldn't lose Lily.

"Breathe! Fucking shit!"

A noise came from Lily, and a chewed piece of sandwich fell out of her mouth. Lola slowly lowered Lily to the ground. She was sitting on the floor, breathing fairly heavily. Lola knelt down next to Lily. She was quite concerned.

"Lily, are you alright?"

Lily did not respond. She just stared at the mayonnaise stain that was on her skirt.

"Hey? Everything okay?"

Lily continued to stare at the mayonnaise stain. Lola wanted to put her hand on Lily's back, but Lily got up at that moment and left the kitchen. All Lola heard was Lily walking up the stairs.

"I saved her life and she's not even grateful."

Lola looked at the chewed sandwich. She took a paper towel and threw the sandwich in the trash with it. Lola stopped and started to cry.

"Shit. I messed it up."

Lola touched her forehead.

"I destroyed my and Lily's relationship."

Lola froze for a moment, and then she hit the kitchen counter with all her strength. The bang of the impact made the dirty dishes on the kitchen counter shake. Lola looked up. She remembered the moments with Lily. It would never be like that again. Even though Lola never had much in common with Lily, it was still nice when she was around. Even if her Asperger had always caused some difficulties. The good times with Lily were gone. Lola leaves the kitchen and went out of the house. At the same time, Lana stood in front of Lily's room and knocked on the door. She heard Lily run into her room just a few minutes earlier. The only response Lily gave to Lana's knock was, "Please wait." Lana waited a few minutes until Lily opened the door. Lily was wearing her purple and gray striped skirt. That was special. Lily wore this only on Saturdays.

"Lily, are you aware it's Thursday?" Lana asked.

"Yes. I'm aware. But this afternoon's grass stains and the mayonnaise stain earlier were too much dirt." Lily said.

"How come grass and mayonnaise stain your skirt."

"Grass is actually wrong. It was nettle stains."

"How did the nettle stains get on your skirt?"

"I make no statement about that."

"Nevermind. And how did the mayonnaise stain your skirt?"

"I bit a sandwich, swallowed it in the windpipe, and dropped it. I couldn't breathe."

Lana considered. Lily always ate a sandwich at 4 p.m. Shortly before 4:00 p.m., Lola went to Lily.

"So you couldn't breathe anymore?"

"Yes."

"And was Lola with you when that happened?"

"Yes. She took the sandwich bite out of my windpipe."

"So, Lola saved you?" Lana asked curiously.

"Yes. That's why I wrote a peace treaty."

Lily went to her desk and got a piece of paper and gave it to Lana. It was a real peace treaty.

«Due to new circumstances that occurred after 16:00, a new political course will be taken. By signing this document, all hostilities will cease and a peaceful relationship will be arranged.»

Lana handed the paper back to Lily. It was indeed a beautiful experience for her to read.

"Lily that's good. Go to Lola."

"I will."

Lily went down the stairs. Lola's last position was in the kitchen. Lily went there and didn't see anyone. She looked around. Lola was not sitting at the small table, nor was she anywhere in sight. Lily concluded that Lola is in her room. She stepped up the stairs and saw Lana again.

"Isn't Lola in the kitchen?" Lana asked.

"No. I'll look into her room."

"Okay. Do that."

Lily walked into Lola's room. But even here Lola was nowhere. Lily went back to Lana and looked at her collar.

"Do you know where Lola could be?"

"Isn't she in her room?" Lana asked.

"Negative. I don't know where she is. That's why I asked you."

"Should I see if she sent me a Whatsapp?"

Lily nodded. Lana took out her cell phone and checked Whatsapp. There was only one message to read from Lola. Only three minutes old.

«I messed it up. Lily hates me to the bottom of her heart. I come back. But I need a break. If you're looking for me, I'm with Luna or Leni.»

Lana made a face and sighed.

"Why is there always drama happening here?"

"What do you think?" Lily asked.

"Also, there's always drama. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a story someone wrote."

"How do you come to that conclusion?"

"I don't know. It doesn't matter either. I think we should respect Lola's wish. Let's go play with your model train."

"I don't play with my model railway, I drive the models. I want to imitate the original."

"Sorry. I'm not the railroad lady here."

"I do not call myself a railroad lady."

"And what do you describe yourself as?"

"I'm a hobby conductor."

"Okay. That's sort of correct."

"Do you want to drive a model train now?"

"Yes, gladly."

"What do you want to drive?"

"What do you recommend me?"

"I recommend the Einheitswagen I composition with control car and Re 4/4 II."

"Is that an express train?"

"Yes. But this composition is also suitable for regional traffic."

"Wonderful. Can we begin?"

"Positive."

Lily went into her room and Lana followed her. The model railway was operational again. Because Lily could finally afford cables again and build them up. Lola was on the bus. On the way to Luna. She heard aggressive music. That helped her in moments like this.

«Night will come and I will follow

For my victims, no tomorrow

Make it fast, your time of sorrow

On his trail, I'll make you follow»

The songe pumped power into Lola.

«Quarters for the criminally insane

The sentence read, for life I must remain

The path I chose has led me to my grave

To try again, I'd have no other way»

The idea that she was a pitch black cat entered her mind.

«Quarters for the criminally insane

Escape for me has fast become a game

Soon to be, I'll leave without a trace

Endangered species end the human race»

A pitch black cat chasing a mouse.

«Branded in pain, marked criminally insane

Locked away and kept restrained

Disapprobation, but what have I done

I have yet only just begun to take your fuckin' lives!»

She imagined playing with the mouse and torturing it. Like a cat would do it

«Night will come and I will follow

For my victims, no tomorrow

Make it fast, your time of sorrow

On his trail, I'll make you follow»

And with the last verse, in her imagination, Lola bit the mouse through the neck, killing it. Like a Black cat. The bus stopped at the bus stop, at a large concrete block of flats, which had its own style with its simple seventies facade. Lola got out and took off her headphones. The sparrows chirped in the trees and rang beautifully in Lola's ears. She walked to the block of flats and looked at the bells. There were many names next to the buttons. Lola searched the name Loud and Sharp. And she found it. Lola pushed the button, and a voice came from the speaker. Lunas voice.

"Hello?"

"Hi Luna. Can I come in?"

"Yup."

The door whirred and Lola opened the door. She went to the elevator. But the door said "Out of order."

"Fuck!" Lola sweared.

Lola went to the stairwell and looked up the stairs. She sighed. Lola went up the stairs to the first floor. She turned and went up the stairs to the second floor. Lola turned around again and went up the stairs to the third floor. Lola cursed the stairs internally, turned around, and went to the fourth floor. She began to breathe heavily and went to the fifth floor.

"Fucking elevator! Why does it have to be broken!"

Lola, panting, climbed to the sixth floor. She turned around and went to the seventh floor.

"One more floor."

Panting loudly, Lola climbed the stairs to the eighth floor. She walked up to the door that belonged to Luna and Sam's apartment, leaned against the door frame, and knocked loudly. The door opened a few seconds later and Sam stood in front of her.

"Hey, not so loud. The neighbors don't like it."

"I walked up eight floors. I just want to sit and have water." Lola said panting.

"Then come in."

Lola entered the apartment and smelled a scent she knew.

"Is Leni with you?" Lola asked.

"Yes. You must have smelled her perfume."

"Yes. I often remember the time when we were a big family. At home with Lincoln and Lori."

"And with Leni and Luna."

"And Luan."

"Yes. Good times."

Lola heard Leni and Luna talking in Luna and Sam's living room.

"Why is Leni with you?" Lola asked.

"Find out. Spoilers, it looks wonderful." Sam said.

Lola went into the living room with Sam. There Leni was standing in front of the couch on which Luna was sitting. But Leni only wore her underwear. But there was a reason for that. Because Lola saw a big tattoo on Leni's right side of the body. On her right foot a tendril grew up her leg, and up her stomach to her neck where the tendril snaked up, and rose petals all over her right side. Especially a big red rose blossom that was on her chest and décolleté. It looked beautiful.

"Wow that looks sick!" Lola said.

"Wait, am I sick?" Leni asked confused.

"No she means your tattoo." Luna said.

"Oh, thank you."

"How did you come up with the idea?" Lola asked.

"Oh, that was last week. I was looking at a rose bush and thought I'd like to have a rose with me all the time. The next day I went to a tattoo parlor and got this one."

"Didn't that hurt?"

"Oh yes, but real roses hurt too. Especially when you touch the stems."

"That's why you don't touch the stems of roses. They have thorns everywhere." Sam said.

"Yes Leni. It's pretty stupid to do that." Lola said.

"We've said that to Leni before." Sam said.

"And she certainly didn't get it." Lola said quietly and looked down.

Lola looked back at Leni and her huge tattoo.

"Put your clothes back on Leni."

"Why?" Leni asked.

"Because we've all seen your tattoo. Come on, it's great, but it's done now."

Leni began to put on her clothes.

"Sounds like you're jealous of Leni." Luna said.

"Shut up I'm not jealous!"

"Oh yes you are jealous." Sam said.

"No I'm not!"

"As you say."

"Actually, I came here to calm down. But really, I can't do that here either!"

"Hey it's okay." Sam said.

"If you want to calm down, I have a stereo in our bedroom, and some CDs. You can listen to everything from Elvis Presley to Slayer there." Luna said.

"No. Actually…"

Lola sat next to Luna on the Sofa.

"Yes. That's perfect."

"Fine then, stay here. We don't have anything interesting to talk about." Luna said.

"No problem."

Lana and Lisa were in Lisa's room. There was a smell of ammonia, and Lisa was boiling some chemicals in test tubes. Lana had to pull herself together not to get sick from the smell. Lisa showed her reports from the ASSG countries in several tabs in the browser on her notebook. One report that came out was the one from North Korea. Well-known North Korean news anchor Ri Chun-hee spoke in her distinctive voice. They understood nothing. But at least, the guy who upladed this added english suptitles.

"경애하는 북한 공민 여러분, 북한 텔레비전의 국보 특집에 오신 것을 환영합니다. 사회주의의 근간이다."

(Respectable citizens of North Korea, we welcome you to a special edition of North Korean television's national news. Today we have exciting news from the world of socialism and the distinguished leader. A historic moment has arrived that will reflect our national strength and the progress of the underpins socialism.)

"사회주의의 힘을 공고히 하기 위해 영광스러운 수도 티라스폴에서 결정적인 조치가 취해졌습니다. "자유 사회주의 국가 연합"이라는 새로운 동맹이 탄생했습니다. 존경하는 지도자의 용감한 지도력 아래 러시아, 중국과의 긴밀한 협력 , 쿠바, 베트남, 동부우크라이나민주공화국, 카자흐스탄, 벨로루시, 인정받지 못하는 트란스니스트리아 공화국, 우리는 밝은 사회주의 미래를 위한 토대를 마련했습니다."

(A decisive step was taken in the glorious capital of Tiraspol to consolidate the power of socialism. A new alliance was born - the "Confederation of Free Socialist States". Under the fearless leadership of our honored leader and in close cooperation with Russia, China , Cuba, Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Eastern Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and the unrecognized Republic of Transnistria, we laid the foundation for a bright socialist future.)

Behind Ri Chun-Hee appeared a graphic with the flags of the RSFSR, China, Cuba, Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Eastern Ukraine, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Belarus, and Transnistria.

"영광의 도시 티라스폴에서 이루어진 이 역사적 동맹은 사회주의 이상의 힘과 단결을 상징합니다. 그것은 제국주의의 착취 세력에 대한 프롤레타리아트 국제주의의 승리입니다. 이 합중국은 제국주의 침략에 반대하는 사회주의의 요새입니다. 노동계급의 정의로운 길을 거부하고 이끌 것이다."

(This historic alliance, made in the glorious city of Tiraspol, symbolizes the power and unity of the socialist ideal. It is a victory of proletarian internationalism over the exploitative forces of imperialism. These united states are a fortress of socialism, opposed to imperialist aggression will defy and lead the just way of the working class.)

Pictures of the ceremony were shown. Among others, Yuri Bolshakov of the RSFSR and Kim Jong-Un who shook hands.

"티라스폴에서 열린 조인식에서 연합군의 저명한 지도자들은 프롤레타리아 혁명을 강화하고 국민의 공동 번영을 증진하겠다는 확고한 결의를 재확인했습니다. 억압받는 사람들의 목소리가 들리고 그들의 권리가 수호될 것입니다!"

(During the signing ceremony in Tiraspol, the distinguished leaders of the Allies reaffirmed their unwavering determination to strengthen the proletarian revolution and advance the common prosperity of their peoples. The voices of the oppressed will be heard and their rights will be defended!)

Shots of ASSG army units, especially Russian ones, could be seen.

"자유 사회주의 국가 연합은 제국주의 세력에 분명한 메시지를 보냅니다. 사회주의는 승리를 멈추지 않을 것입니다! 우리의 연합군은 혁명을 발전시키고 세계를 자본주의의 사슬에서 해방시킬 것입니다."

(The Alliance of Free Socialist States sends a clear message to the imperialist powers: Socialism will not cease to triumph! Our united forces will advance the revolution and free the world from the chains of capitalism.)

The camera turned back to Ri Chun-Hee.

"북한 인민은 세계 사회주의 진보의 이 이정표를 경축하고 있다. 경애하는 수령님의 현명한 령도 아래 우리는 동맹의 사명을 완수하고 자본주의 세계의 어둠 속으로 사회주의의 밝은 불꽃을 짊어질 것이다."

(The North Korean people are celebrating this milestone of socialist progress in the world. Under the wise leadership of our revered leader, we will fulfill the alliance's mission and carry the shining flame of socialism into the darkness of the capitalist world.)

Next to Ri Chun-Hee appeared a picture of Kim Jong-Un in front of a North Korean flag.

"자유 사회주의 국가 동맹에 영광을! 찬란한 사회주의가 영원히 빛나기를! 더 정의롭고 단결된 세상을 위해 함께 싸우자!"

(Glory to the Alliance of Free Socialist States! May glorious socialism shine forever! Let's fight together for a more just and solidary world!)

The report was finished. Lana grabbed her temples and exhaled.

"Well, besides the fact that we're screwed as Americans, and I lost my brain cells watching this propaganda, I'm shocked at how brainwashed the North Korean people are." Lana said.

"We're really screwed." Lisa said.

"And I was hoping I could forget about politics while playing with Lily."

"Yeah, you know what?"

"What?"

"Welcome to the second cold war."

"Shit."

Lisa got up and went to her lab equipment.

"The big problem is that we can never decide whether we want something like that."

"You mean that only the politicians have the say?" Lana asked.

"Yes. Here in the United States, it's Sleepy Joe."

"Now you call Biden that too?"

"His Dementia is so noticeable."

"Don't go too far with that. I don't want the FBI coming to our house."

"If I want to tell the truth, I'll go to Switzerland. At least they have a healthy democracy there. And you can say everything you want."

Before Lana could answer, Lily ran into Lisa's room with her book about SBB locomotives.

"Are you talking about Switzerland? I can tell a lot about Switzerland." Lily said.

"Actually, we were talking about Sleepy Joe." Lisa said.

"I see. Biden."

"Lisa, what did you teach Lily again?" Lana asked.

"I didn't teach her anything. I let her at my computer yesterday and we ended up watching a video called 'US Presidents Playing Minecraft.'"

Lana looked at Lisa confused.

"Before you ask, it's Minecraft gameplay with the voices of Trump, Obama and Biden mimicked with AI. It's kinda funny if you ask me." Lisa said.

"Shut up Sleepy Joe and take your dementia pills." Lily said.

"Yes... Trump said that a lot in the video…" Lisa said.

"Be careful not to watch to weird stuff with Lily." Lana said.

"We were actually looking at footage of trains. What kind of trains were those, Lily?"

"These were Re 4/4 II and Re 6/6 with freight trains on the old Gotthard line." Lily said.

"Exactly...Insane Lily's memory. Isn't it Lana?"

"Yes, definitely."

"Why? Isn't your memory like mine?" Lily asked.

"Never. Well. My memory is just as good. But Lana doesn't have that good. No offense Lana." Lisa said.

"I'm used to subtle insults from Lily." said Lana quite calmly.

"I'm not insulting you." Lily said.

"You're saying something that's meant nicely, but is kind of insulting."

"I never noticed that."

"Just watch what you say Lily."

Lily nodded.

"When is Lola coming back?" Lily asked.

"I don't know. Definitely tonight." Lana said.

"I would like to end the state of war."

"Its about time." Lisa said.

"Hmm. Now I realize, you are a dictator. The way you rule your room." Lana said.

"I'm not a dictator." Lily said.

"Even worse. You are a politician." said Lisa, and laughed softly.

"Is it bad to be a politician?" Lily asked.

"Yes. That's very bad." Lana said.

"Then I don't want to be a politician anymore. That must be counterproductive."

"Good decision."

"And when the peace treaty is signed with Lola, I will dissolve my "Room Country". And that means it's no longer a country."

Lana and Lisa looked at each other and nodded.

"A very good decision." Lisa said.

"However, I have to sign this agreement with Lola." Lily said.

"You don't even know where Lola is right now."

"Yes. She is either with Luna or with Leni. Since both live relatively close to each other, I can visit both apartments, and that is guaranteed to find Lola."

Lisa started saying that Lily should stay at home. But Lily stopped by next to Lisa and went to Lisa's desk. She took a pen, went to her own room, and got the contract. Then she went down the stairs and left the house.

"Or yes... Just go... against my recommendation…" Lisa said.

Lana giggled in her fist.

"Wonderful. Lily follows word for word."

"You think you're that funny?" Lisa said annoyed.

"I don't think I'm funny. I am."

Lisa rolled her eyes. She got up and sat down at her laboratory equipment. Lna feared that the smell of ammonia would increase again. Lana left Lisa's room and closed the door. That could only be fine with Lisa. Finally she had her peace.

Lily made her way to Howard Hill and Leni's apartment. She just got off the bus. Now Lily continued to walk to Leni and Howard. From Lily's point of view, Howard was very fascinating. He was like Lisa. A chemist. A chemist who read the crystals grow and could show her exciting things. Lisa, on the other hand, mixed smelly liquids together. Terrible. After a few minutes, Lily reached the block of flats where Leni and Howard lived. A modern block of flats with a white facade and many balconies. Lily walked towards the entrance and looked for the bell. She rang the bell and heard a voice on the intercom.

"Who's there?"

It was Howard's voice. Lily answered.

"Lily Loud. I want to see Lola. She is supposed to be here."

"I'm sorry. Lola isn't here. Leni isn't here either. She's with Luna."

"Thank you Mr Hill."

"Call me Howard, Lily."

"No. Then I would have to get used to it."

Lily left. She walked down the sidewalk to get to Luna's apartment. But halfway down she saw Gus and Jack. And Gus and Jack saw Lily. And they saw the document that Lily was holding. They approached Lily. And Lily ran away, in the direction she came from. Looking back, she saw Gus and Jack chasing her. The two chased Lily. Lily ran a right turn into a street. She looked back again and still saw Gus and Jack. The two didn't let go. Lily reached the end of the street. There were only houses with gardens. But in a garden was an oak tree. Lily ran to the oak tree and climbed up. As Lily sat in the treetop, Gus and Jack lurked under her by the tree trunk.

"Come down! We won't hurt you!" Jack Yelled.

Lily shook her head.

"Come down! Someday you'll be in school! And then we'll get you anyway!" Gus Yelled.

Jack and Gus sat down by the trunk of the oak tree.

"We're waiting here freak! As long as we want!" Jack Yelled.

Lily climbed onto a higher branch. She looked around. She still had the document for Lola with her. But it had suffered from climbing up. Lily looked down again. Gus and Jack were still sitting by the tree and there was no way out for Lily. Lily considered what she could do. But there was no useful idea. When she heard an unknown voice calling, she looked down. Jack and Gus just got up and ran off. For an old man, about eighty to ninety years old, approached the tree.

"Get away from that tree! Monica planted it!"

"Go to the nursing home grandpa!" Jack yelled.

"You belong in a boarding school you brat!" The old man yelled.

Jack and Gus left. The old Man shook his head.

"What's wrong with today's youth?"

"Help." Lily said.

The old man looked around confused.

"Who the hell was that?"

"I'm on the tree."

The old man looked up and saw Lily.

"How did you get up there?"

"I had to get away from Jack and Gus."

"The two boys?"

"Yes. I want to go back down."

"Shall I get a ladder?"

"Yes. Why the question?"

"Because you're in my tree."

"I don't understand."

"It doesn't matter either. I'll get a neighbor and a ladder."

"Why a neighbor?"

"Because I can't carry the damn ladder. I'm too old."

The old man left. Lily stayed on the tree and continued to look around. She saw a sparrow sitting on a branch. And more on a phone line. One might think that Lily found the sparrows interesting. But it was the telephone lines. Tightly stretched, nicely arranged wires hanging just as they should. Everything according to plan. Beautiful. Lily heard noise and looked down. The old man stood by the tree with a neighbor and set up a ladder. The two, mainly the neighbor, put the ladder against the tree so that Lily could come down.

"Now on the ladder and down." The Old man said.

Lily put one foot on the ladder. Then carefully her second. Then she began to hold herself completely to the ladder. She climbed down and was back on the asphalt sidewalk. She looked at the old man's shirt and the neighbor's.

"Thanks." Lily said.

"No problem. Just be careful of those two guys." The old man said.

Lily nodded. She walked the sidewalk, watching everything she could. There was no way she wanted to meet Jack and Gus. Once she saw someone who looked similar to Jack. Because of the mix-up, she jumped into a bush. She stayed there for a few minutes and never came out. Eventually she moved on. After a few tense minutes, she reached the block of flats where Luna lived. Lily went to the front door and rang the bell that was labeled "L. Loud, S. Sharp." Luna's voice came over the intercom.

"Hello?"

"Hello Luna. I'm looking for Lola."

"Lola is here with us."

"I want to see her."

"Okay. Come on. But a word of warning, the elevator's over."

The door lock buzzed and Lily entered. Lily ignored the elevator and walked up the stairs. Lily reached floor one with no problem. The second wasn't a problem either. Lily realized how exhausting this was when she reached floor three. She stopped briefly on floor four.

"That is much." Lily thought.

She went up the stairs to floor five. She stopped again. She thought how she could Manage this.

"I have to concentrate. I have to climb like an MGB HGe 4/4 II. HGe 4/4 II from the Matterhorn Gotthart Bahn. Mountain-locomotive, meter gauge, 11000 volts AC. Conquer the Furka. Be an HGe 4/4 II Lily ."

Lily placed railroad tracks with the rack in front of her, and walked steadily at a marching pace. And finally she reached the eighth floor. Lily gasped extremely loudly. But she had made it. She knocked on the door of Luna and Sam's apartment and Luna opened it.

"Hi Lily... Sorry about the elevator."

"Where's... Lola?"

"In the living room. Are you alright?"

"No."

"Come in. You have to sit down."

LIly followed Luna into the living room. LOla sat there next to Leni and Sam on the couch. LIly sat down immediately between Leni and Lola.

"Lily?"

"Lola, I want you to sign this." Lily said, and handed the Document over to Lola.

Lola read the document.

«Due to new circumstances that occurred after 16:00, a new political course will be taken. By signing this document, all hostilities will cease and a peaceful relationship will be arranged.»

She looked at Lily in surprise.

"Are you serious? Why didn't you tell me that straight away?"

"There was mayonnaise on my skirt. Because of the stains on my skirt. That's why I'm wearing the Saturday skirt today. And I had to write the document."

"Does that mean you forgive me?"

"Once you sign the document everything will be back to how it was before you stole the money."

Lily took out the pen she had with her. She stretched this out to Lola.

"Truce."

Lola took the pen and signed. Lily took the document and the pen, and signed it. Lily turned to Lola.

"With the signing of this agreement, all sanctions and embargoes are lifted immediately." Lily said.

"Finally!" Lola said Happy, and hugged Lily.

Lily felt verry uncomfordable.

"Please dont touch me."

"Sorry."

Lola and Lily spent the afternoon together with Luna, Leni and Sam. A pleasant beginning of the end of the sanctions against Lola.


Year 2040:

"You've gotten off topic. That doesn't help me with my presentation." Lorraine said.

"Somehow historical events always coincide with events in our family." Lana said.

"However, a lot has happened since 2022. A lot had changed since Putin's Russia invaded Ukraine. And shortly after that, Russia became socialist again and founded the ASSG. A lot has happened." Lily said.

"Is it true that Putin was banished to the Urals?" Lorraine asked.

"Yes." Lola said.

"There is a recording of him that definitely shows Putin. One minute and thirty seconds of video footage of Putin planting potatoes in a garden in the Urals. No one knows more except the Russians themselves." Lily said.

"Oh, I would like to eat potatoes again." Lana said.

"Yes, if they weren't so expensive." Lola said.

"Those were the days when a kilo of potatoes was twenty dollars. Not the hundred and twenty dollars today." Lana said.

"What!? Potatoes were once so cheap?" Lorraine asked surpised.

"The potatoes you have today will be distilled to make alcohol for car engines."

"Yes. Alcohol cars didn't come into existence until World War III." Lola said.

"And when alcohol was available at every gas station, the price went up enormously." Lily said.

"And now potatoes are a luxury good?" Lorraine asked.

"Yes. You already know that."

"Yes. But that was pretty awesome to hear."

"You like economy?"

"What does the potato price have to do with the economy?"

"Supply and demand." Lana said.

"Is that also something of the economy?"

"This is a basic law of the economy." Lily said.

"Exactly. By the way, I have to go. Lucy needs me." Lola said.

"Then have a nice day, Lola."

"Thanks Lily."

Lola stepped out of Lily's room and saw Lori staring at documents in the living room. Lola went over to her, and when Lori noticed her, she immediately folded the documents. But Lola glanced at the documents. It was a schematic of a ship, with the easily recognizable caption "Strictly Confidential." Lori gave Lola a stressed look.

"What you saw?" Lori said pretty fast.

"A ship, but…"

"There was no ship, you didn't see anything, you know nothing, and you never saw any of those papers."

"It's okay. I didn't want to see anything."

"Good."

"I'm leaving. Have a nice day."

Lola left the Santiagos' house and went to her car. When Lola got in, she wrote Lana a Whatsapp that she would drive away now. Lana's response was a red car emoji. Lola took that as okay that she could go. She started the engine and drove to Lucy. Lucy was waiting in front of the block of flats where she lived. Lola pulled up next to Lucy and rolled down a window. Lucy looked quite stressed.

"Why so depressed Lucy? Jealous of my Mercedes?"

"No. Laerke got into a fight with another kid. I just got a call from the children's home."

"Oh my gosh. Can you still take her with you?"

"Today is the date when she should come to me."

"Even though she screwed up?"

"This girl hates Americans. I don't think living with me will be a reward."

"I'm sure." Lola said laughing.

Lucy rolled her eyes and sat in the passenger seat. Then Lola drove off. And they drove. And they drove. And they kept going. The children's home was a hundred miles from Royal Woods. Beautifully located, a large playground, a forest nearby, and nice people. Lola and Lucy got out. Lola stretched.

"I hate sitting for so long." Lola said.

"You hate many things."

"What exactly?"

"Waiting, Long drives, when your glasses are dirty, Cigarette smell, which is why you don't like Lori's living room, sometimes Lily's uptight manner, or idiots in traffic."

"You don't have to tell a whole fairy tale."

"You asked for it. Come on, the educators are waiting."

Lucy and Lola entered the building which looked friendly and warm. A social worker awaited them there.

"Ah ms Loud it's wonderful to see you. My name is Ricarda."

"Hello. It's nice not to see you on a screen." Lucy said.

"I agree. You said you're not in a relationship. Has that changed?"

"No, that's my sister Lola Loud."

"Oh I see."

"I'd like to do the paperwork with you." Lucy said.

"Of course. And as for you, Lola Loud, Laerke is in the courtyard."

"May I see her? Even though Lucy adopts her?"

"Yes. The poor girl needs human contact."

Lola looked around full of anticipation. Ricarda pointed in a direction. Lola went through several doors and entered the courtyard. There was a playground surrounded by the building. Closed. You could only get out through the buildings. While some children were playing on the playground equipment, a girl was sitting alone in the courtyard, playing with a black cat with a blade of grass. A real cat. Probably from the farm next to the children's home. Lola went to the girl. It was undoubtedly Laerke. Lola sat down next to her.

"Hi Laerke. I'm Lola."

"Hold kæft I forbandede amerikanere!"

(Shut up you damn American!)

"Um, I don't understand. Can you speak English?"

Laerke cleared her throat and looked at Lola contemptuously.

"Me not speak with Amerikan."

"Why not?"

"Amerikans killed Mor, og Far."

"Who?"

Laerke seemed to become sad. She laid her face on her knees and began to sob. Lola wanted to comfort her, but Laerke didn't allow this and moved away from Lola.

"Who was Mor and far?"

Lola had a premonition. And this was confirmed when Laerke showed a picture of her and her parents. Laerke pointed to her mother.

"Mor."

Then Laerke pointed to her father.

"Far."

Laerke made a gesture with her hand that represented pulling a gun trigger.

"I forbandede amerikanere dræbte mine forældre."

(You damn Americans killed my parents.)

Lola didn't understand what Laerke said. But she knew she was blaming All American for not having parents anymore. But the Americans were not to blame. Lucy had said that Laerke's parents were killed in the Nuuk Masacre. And the one who made this order was blond, blue-eyed, not very tall, and her name was Lily.

End of Chapter.