Nothing In This World (Bodyguard 1992)

by Corey Gould

It's a retelling of 1992's Bodyguard, with a dystopian component added. Aside from the love/lifestyle element, the story is self-contained and takes on a Hunger Games character; from a different perspective. It contains elements of comedy and tragedy. The threat to Rachel increases. The main characters differ in essence from those in the movie. The scene of the action is now UK.

2. Implements of bloodshed and wet pants

# Political or social statements do not reflect the actual Britain of the present day.

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Chapter 2: Implements of bloodshed and wet pants

There is one unfortunate thing for Ashley! Not the slightest hint heralded a glimmer on Friday morning that would bring up Major Farmer's presence in the vicinity. The young girl, puzzled by the absence of her protector, can't fathom why he didn't rub elbows with her. As the day progresses, this puzzling scenario remains unchanged. On her own, the lass navigates her surroundings without the comfort of her Major. Despite all appearances on that ordinary day, an air of uncertainty lingers all day. There fogs the question around, begging for the answer to what could unfold behind the scenes. The girl can't imagine that it's—by and large—only the start of a much greater plot. A cabal of dissidents that would include her and her mother in ways she could never have imagined.

Rachel is dying for a walk across London that evening, but her parents decide to crash at her home in the afternoon. Can't a girl catch a break? Talk about timing!

Ashley feels sad and disappointed because of Major Farmer's absence, whom she had hammer and tongs waiting to meet. Yet she and her mother discover that Section 13 allows for arrests for a security violation related to a public event. Section 13 also serves some other functions. In this respect, Section 13 is like that one friend who always ruins the party. You know the one. And it does a lot more than that, too.

Ashley spends the weekend in London with her grandparents. She thinks it's hilarious that nobody else wants to go with them. That's unlike her mother, who is always a partygoer. Ashley spends time with her grandparents in many places everyone can catch on the map. She loves it because no one else will join them. It's like they're allergic to family fun. And no disturbs the peace and tranquility at home.

But the visit isn't exclusive to family infer. Neither, to make the weekend enthralling. It takes a wild turn when Carl Marron drops some knowledge about suspected collusion in the Britisher's rank and file.

Rachel catches this chance to toy, «I shouldn't have opted out of the MI 5 spy training courses.»

Next, she treats herself to a vodka martini, stirred rather than shaken. But don't worry! The singer got it! Rachel has seen so many James Bond movies; it has to be good for something, right? Hey, at least they're all together and having a good time.

Finally, on Friday night, Rachel has to be content with the Marrons going out to eat together. They become accompanied, of course, by Tony and Henry, who drive them. Mayaps is not exactly her idea of a good time. Hey, at least she won't have Emma to order to cook! It's not too late when they come back, except for Ashley. Tony and Henry soon say goodbye and go home. Once the Marrons find themselves on the patio, everyone settles down except for Carl, who starts pacing around on pins and needles. It looks like he's got ants in his baggy breeches!

The Vice Admiral appears distracted by the sounds of a television emanating from an adjacent room as everyone sits on the terrace. Rachel hears the noise on the veranda still at a decent volume and seems annoyed. Despite this, the Vice Admiral can't help but check out what's playing on the TV.

Such is the case when reports come in of a pro-Moskal demonstration in a city named Spree-Athens. Thousands of vulgarians, including many young people and families with children, marched in favor of Moskal. And sure, in opposition to their state policies. The citizens are waving a banner that resembles a pennant Rachel has never seen before and the colors of the Moskal Empire. The flag's actual meaning is unknown at this point. Big chance that the subject relates to a political or cultural movement. It now exudes a menacing aura. The words etched on the surface - Eurasian Empire - stir up a sense of foreboding as if some dark force is at work behind the scenes.

Rachel finds it amazing to encounter the phrase Eurasian Empire in the English tongue. Images depict a disturbing scene that is both scary and frightening to witness. She passes a decent drink to her parents but fills her glass until it overflows, exuding a sense of ominousness.

«Aren't you exaggerating something?» asks Lois, sotto voce. Rachel doesn't respond, but her expression fast becomes petrifying. Lois can only imagine what's going through her daughter's mind: Mind your own business. Cold truth, Rachel doesn't mean it and tries to push the thought aside, but it's too late.

As Lois maintains a kind tone in her response, she asserts, «I do indeed think it's my business, in a way at least.» Her mild voice tempers the situation. Piece by piece, Rachel grows more uncomfortable as she realizes how well her mother understands her.

The pop star feels overwhelmed by the notion that she could mentally shun someone as important as her mother. She does so while this person is attempting to approach her with good intentions. That Squaddie does so too, and Rachel blames him for that. Rachel doesn't know why he's acting like this, but the singer knows well why she's doing it. She remains silent and indifferent.

Struggling to come to terms with the idea of distancing someone so important, Rachel muddles with the emotions that sneak up on her. Even if she won't admit it, this realization demonstrates the complexities in the relationship between daughter and mother. That adds a new but undesirable layer to the unfolding tale of fame and loneliness. One reality she tries to cover up beneath growing disguises and vivid covers under the light of a star.

In a fleeting moment, Rachel assumes, she will become capable of trusting her own falsehoods, even when she feels improved on this sensitive crystal plinth. Right now is one of those moments when the singer realizes how her glassy throne is at any moment threatening to crumble. In these cases, as usual, she has no better idea than to patch the crevices with white dust.

The Queen of the Night returns to vivid news. Hearing on the holo-screen now with a white lie smile. She forces herself to actuate with unnatural amusement while the protesters shout English chants. In a word, that distracts her from the emotional complexities and entities. Real or shadowy, born out of the blanc triturate she confronts within herself. She searches for a necessary escape, albeit hopeless. Rachel doesn't appear to be fighting against raging waves in the darkest storm, but she is doing that! It's a fruitless charade to keep up appearances in her attempts to dungeon starlight in a world of heartful shadow casters. Aware that she is without effort a whiff away from breaking, she holds on to this veneer with utmost determination. The vibrant and - on the face of it - content woman presented to the world stands at the precipice. All time ready to succumb to an overwhelming deconstruction of her emotional state. All that keeps her from it are the thoughts of her daughter. This artificial facade does little to mask her underlying anxiety about Rachel's unstable ground mentioned earlier. Fissures reveal her silent screams, which sprung from spiritual darkness. For this reason, she will not be able to heal a wound with the fairy dust.

The deceptive laughter and temporary relief further laminin her constant struggle. How will she appear not to deal with her inner battle? Deep inside, there is no joy apart from Ashley.

During all days and yet at no time at all: This heartbroken moment emphasizes the multifaceted intensity inherent in her familial ties and her self-awareness. The Popstar suppresses her genuine sentiments because she has become skilled at concealing her innermost thoughts. Preserving the delicate façade of authority and self-control is essential. But only for herself; surrounded by people, she is in and out alone. Regardless of how the strain affects her temperament, she understands it exposes her fragility to an onlooker. Balancing not emotional complexities, the Queen solidifies little her position in her mind. Even as her world seems to crack beneath her, that and many more facades embody her attempts to navigate an ever-delicate web of relationships. All the time, she grapples with her true thoughts and feelings. Even as the chaos unfolds, Rachel keeps conjuring this betrayed person in herself. To portray the image of fortitude and joy, she pushes all her flaws into the background rather than confronting them. Sure, apart from those at least who can read her like an open book. But there aren't many of them. Her mask does little to hide the truth of her inner turmoil and fear as the cracks begin to show. Aware of the fragile balance of her emotions, she rests around all day. Rachel's resistance to the white necromancer kingdom and her deceiving fairy helpers seem to weaken.

Rachel's attempt to continue observing the news becomes an act without meaning. In truth, the fragility of the falling foundation constructed on achromatic sand overwhelms her.

Carl peers with suspicion at his daughter and does not appear to have big hopes for her acting abilities, at least not in this role. Her behavior is a form of escapism. She communicates her wish to leave her current predicament by shifting her focus to world news. A door her mother had knocked on without rolling out the red carpet. Rachel believes that her increased interest in world issues would divert her father from detecting the increasing cracks in her manner. Much to her dismay, her father recognizes her true intentions. What the vice admiral Wintry exclaims relates to the news on TV: «They're doing this to gain international exposure.»

His voice, devoid of warmth or sympathy, cuts through the air like a knife. But his gaze is worse! Carl's eyes flick up and down Rachel's face. His expression looks distant and cold, signifying a disconnect between their shared reality. As his piercing gaze dissects her appearance, Rachel doesn't doubt that her father sees right through her facade. That leaves her unnerved by his distant and calculating expression.

Her father used to be her pillar of strength, always there for her when she needed him the most. As does her mother. But over time, her father stopped pointing out her mistakes or trying to guide her—quite the opposite of Lois. Instead, Carl withdrew himself from his daughter. That hurt her a fair amount more. Not that this will express itself through abstinence from his presence or even extend to Ashley. It's also not that he will let himself slander only once if she asks about him. Something inside her tells Rachel—or almost hopes—that her father is how he is out of concern for her. It seems much more like Carl feels overwhelmed with his youngest daughter. Rachel doesn't remember the last time her father hugged her, and the mere thought of it being so long makes her heart ache with unbearable sadness. She knows he acts quite otherwise toward Nicki, and the injustice makes her want to cry.

Two days ago, when they last met, Carl had shown soul in her presence - for the first time in a long while. The memory of the embarrassing encounter with Frank Farmer lingers in her mind and makes her feel even more down. Carl had noticed the way Major and Pop star clashed and how her father enjoyed it to the fullest extent. Now she looks at her father and realizes his gaze is as cold and intense as Major Farmer's - only his feels even more piercing. It's like needles of ice pierce through her heart with each maltreatment. Deep sadness feels over the daughter as she realizes how much her father has changed.

Carl feels a twinge in his heart, aware of the discomfort that his presence brings to Rachel. He averts his gaze and pretends interest in the news as soon as is practicable. Rachel detects her father's sneaky glance at her brimming glass of alcoholic stimulant, despite her efforts to conceal it. She drinks in defiance and despair. Rachel seeks to drown out her innermost emotions for the sake of her life. She prays with all her heart that her father says anything to bring up that he cares about her. Rachel takes another yearning gaze toward her father, awaiting some mite that he is willing to reveal himself to her. But Carl remains silent, defeated. To her disappointment, Carl doesn't respond with even a fleeting sign of affection. He seems to have given up on their entire relationship. Rachel struggles trying come to terms with the growing distance between father and daughter. She wonders if he would even be present in her life if it weren't for his grandchild. The heavy silence hangs in the air, suffocating the already sorrowful atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Lois crept out onto the terrace and sat alone with her thoughts. When Rachel approaches to join her, her father emerges. His attention fixates on the beautiful holographic show that the Admiral adores. This cutting-edge technology brings him a glimmer of joy, but he cannot afford it. Making her way toward her mother, Rachels's father interrupts her with a heavyhearted tone. «Do you see that?»

Rachel finds a frightening sight: a procession of people walking through the streets of a strange city shaped by neo-Hellenistic architecture. She can only confirm that this is Spree-Athens - without better knowing - believing the newscaster's descriptions.

«Germ jingoists!» Carl sneers, a malicious chuckle punctuating his words. Rachel feels nervous as she eyes a slew of menacing banners. There are baleful flags, sinister fluttering in the oppressive atmosphere.

In pride, people from all walks of life march, brandishing gigantic Moskal flags. Another group receives special attention from the Vice Admiral and sprints in formation. They wave their massive white flags. This time, with a sneer without doubt emanating from the Shadowrealm, Carl grins, «The war flag of Germ-Mania!» A symbol of destruction and chaos. Turning to Rachel, he asks on purpose, «You know the meaning of a white flag?» What a ridiculous question! Rachel wrinkles her lips and turns at her father with indignation. The Admiral senses their unspoken exchange and presses, «What about the flag underneath?»

Rachel peers nearing the towering white banners and spots a smaller one fluttering wild and dangerous in the wind. Its design is a merging of two flags, one belonging to the Moskals: «I assume that's where the flags of that country and the Moskals merge?»

The Admiral stands in the doorway with his hand in his pocket, chatting with his daughter. Rachel tries to act chill on the other side of the door. But she lonesome feels awkward against the wall. Carl can't resist chuckling at the strong case of self-abandonment nationalism. He attempts to explain the flag, which the jingoes wear with pride. «It's like they're waving a little white flag right under a big white flag of surrender.»

Her father explains, «Unlike the Moskal flag, the Germ flag is upside down. That is the worldwide symbol indicating a national emergency that requires foreign help. In a way, it is a sign of self-abandonment and submission to a foreign power. In this case, the Moskals.» Overmuch amused, Carl scoffs, «That's subservience patriotism!»

«This pictogram is something else!» Rachel shudders. It's two flags crossed over each other. One is doubtless the flag of the Moskals, but the other is an unknown tricolor for Rachel. The Latin inscription reads Pax optima rerum, but it seems to be hiding something.

Carl translates, his voice low and menacing: «Peace is the highest good!» Rachel felt a chill run down her spine. «Yes, Rachel, this flag is different. It's the old enemy who's risen again.» He strides onto the terrace and stands by the stone railing, looking out into the night with a cold, calculating gaze. «When the Romans spoke of peace, it meant: Roman imperialism, the exploitation, and oppression of other peoples, is not questioned. It's no different here. The Moskals overtake Roman's role.»

Rachel short-views these people once the transmitted images show their faces larger. She doesn't know why, but the people look strange. At first, the singer thinks that's some anomaly. Finally, she recognizes freakishness as a conviction continuity in these people's warped physics. Rachel doesn't voice her doubts, but she thinks about canine.

The singer keeps her distance as she follows him and sits close to her mother in the seating area. She wonders and feels a creeping sense of unease, «Why are they doing this? That's already going in the direction of treason!»

Carl sneers and turns to his daughter, as far as one knows, his smile turning into a menacing grin: «Lower scum, rabble, riffraff, and plebs. They don't have a clue what they're doing.» Rachel becomes speechless and unsure how to respond to her father's augury tone. As Rachel shoots a brooding glance at her father, he stands with his back to her and admires the deadness of the nocturn.

«They're our allies?» Rachel puzzles, uncertain how to respond to her father's pitch-black atmosphere. Carl fakes a laugh and tries to convey menace. «That's what they want us to believe! Then look at them, the media, and the scum in the Western World, or whatever. They all masticate the excrement that the germs allow them to chew up!»

Rachel feels perplexed, and Carl, now looking at his daughter, approaches the table. «Major Farmer could report on that in more detail. He has a lot to do with propaganda and counter-propaganda.» Rachel rolls her eyes, feeling uneasy. «Speak to him about it!» Smirks Lois at her daughter. «Take this chance to get a closer look at him!»

«Lois!» Carl interrupts his wife in such an unkind way, catching Rachel off guard. «That serves no purpose right now!»

«I see it in a very different light, Carl! That will in sure help Rachel.» Lois disagrees. «This is the perfect opportunity now since Frank is in charge of her safety anyway.»

Rachel objects, «No, he's not!» but Lois and Carl disregard her.

Lois insists that her daughter become friendly with Major Farmer. But, Rachel detests Major Farmer, as he ad nauseam taunts her. «Rachel,» Lois jumps and chimes in, «The Major is always very nice.»

«Excuse me?» Rachel called out.

«He congratulated me on my 45th birthday and said I didn't look a day older than 39. Isn't that lovely?» Happy, Lois Marron explains. Rachel immediately reminisces about her initial encounter with the Major and exclaims, «Well, look at this charmer!»

Rachel, her facial expression petrified, then moves her lower jaw. She can't believe that her mother seems so smitten by Major Farmer's misguided compliments. It's evident to her that the Major feeds Lois' ego, making her mother believe he is respectful and kind. Unable to comprehend the innocuous ignorance displayed by her mother, the daughter hesitates to respond.

Rachel turns between confronting the Major's faulty views and remaining nice to her parents. Rachel weighs her options with care. She decides that addressing the underlying issues will not suffice for now, as this will escalate tensions further.

Carl Marron sensing the subtle change in Rachel's demeanor intervenes and tries to steer the conversation in a new direction. «We're actually on the topic I should discuss with you, Rachel! It's about the Pale Shine Program and how important it is for you to accept it.»

He pauses a second, aware of his abrupt transition, and corrects himself, ensuring he has Rachel's full attention. «I would have preferred Major Farmer to be part of the conversation. The dilemma is, Friday nights, the Major is always busy,» with a chuckle Carl says. He tries to lighten the situation.

Lois chimes in, smiling and adding, «I would have preferred that too!»

«But not me!» Rachel responds with prejudice, aware of the shifting dynamics around the table. She knows that Major Farmer's absence presents an opportunity to discuss matters more from the bottom of her heart. Rachel takes comfort that the topic is now moving towards finding common ground.

«Rachel!» Her mother addresses her in her typical gentle manner. «He could—beyond doubt—help you with other problems as well.» She looks at her daughter's glass. Lois considers Rachel's rising displeasure as she drinks from it, which becomes a provocative touch.

The pop star feds up with playing the façade of the upright citizen for her parents, knowing that nobody will believe her anyway. With constant eyes on them, it can be hard to let their guard down if for a moment. She matched with other problematic celebrities. Rachel became portrayed in the media as someone moving forward to maintain harmony in her family dynamic. That has to do with Bill Devaney and Sly Spector, without a doubt. But there are still many contradictions, amateurish painted over. That piques the attention of the news-loving scum out there. Rachel bothers by that, and she is unable to deal with it. It isn't the best idea for Rachel to start showing up to Mark while rumors about her and Octavia spreads. A lot of people say it's part of the show. She and her parents try to avoid the subject.

Given social standards that the singer feels too hedged into, taking off the fraudulence seems bleak. The pop star can no longer bear the crushing weight of expectations that loom over her threat and malicious. While many people covet the lifestyle that comes with fame, few realize the detrimental effect it has on one's mental health. The pressure intensifies until it reaches a breaking point. Who can blame her for wanting to escape? She yearns for something more potent than alcohol to stifle the onset of negative emotions. Nonetheless, she delays it until her parents have gone to bed.

Frank Farmer doesn't even have to be present in person to attack her in her own home. But her mother looks at her daughter with a companionable pat on Rachel's soul. «You wouldn't believe how similar you two are.»

Rachel can't shake the feeling that the Squaddie all time lurking right outside, waiting to pounce. She realizes that Major Farmer's influence extends beyond public remarks and invades her personal life.

Abrupt, Rachel's father interjects, his tone heavy with unspoken threats. «You need to understand how dangerous the situation with you and Ashley in the present day is.»

«Papa, I'm not stupid,» Rachel responds, a little bored. «Great Britain draws more and more into a military conflict. You are the head of military intelligence, and I am your daughter.»

Rachel's father interjects his tone sounds heavy with unspoken threats. «You're making it too easy for yourself, Rachel!» The Vice Admiral replies. «Of all possible dangers, the Moskals are the least. But there are more out there that pose a more immediate threat.»

The Vice-Admiral reminds his daughter of the dangerous precedent set by the overthrown of Prime Minister Bordan Chumley's government. The event was less than two years ago. Rachel remembers it well. With the airports in the UK locked down and borders closed. Rachel recalls feeling trapped and helpless when the government declared war on its citizens. She was stuck in Los Angeles for some time, which made her realize how much she took her freedom of movement for granted.

After Prime Minister Bordan Chumley's fall, many British militaries demanded that the Labor administration resign or get forced to flee. These segments, dubbed the Scattersmen by the media, created a worrisome precedent for the country. Through actions, the Scattersmen demonstrated that even the political power established by democratic means could not stand in the way of a determined military force. As a citizen, watching those events unfold led to Rachel's disillusionment with every institution she had a little while ago trusted. That is, except for the military. Although Rachel would not admit it clear to all, at the outset, she sympathized with the renegades. Despite the problems imposed on her by the political situation, she hadn't even hinted at it to her parents. Then later, as the media became more and more pieces of information about these obscure scatters. Rachel is glad she'd never said anything. She had thought it was a rumor or propaganda from a rival government, but evidence soon proved otherwise. The echoes of that time still follow, as the imminent danger of military rule, hanging over the heads of civilians across the nation. Rachel waited and watched as turmoil erupted in London. So much violence that it became characteristic not only of the city but the entire country. With the situation reaching a critical mass, the world waited on bated breath to see what would happen next.

The General of Astgill and Rachel's father acted fast, gathering a council of high-ranking officials to draft a strategy defense against any similar attempt at insubordination. As Rachel watches her father work, she can't help but feel awed by the intricate network of secret services: including security, espionage, and intelligence the same play. She understands same time the complexity of political workings. MI6, MI5, GCHQ, DI, and Military counterintelligence conducted by the SRR ... The singer shudders at the thought of the chaos that could ensue if things go wrong.

After only thirteen days, the Labor government lost establishment support. That led to the administration resigning and making way for interim Prime Minister Moira Dangerfield, her cabinet, and the Tories. Dangerfield considers herself a new Margaret Thatcher. With new leadership in the UK, tensions remain high as the government works to address issues in security and stability. That passes in the face of growing threats both at home and abroad. Dangerfield wasted no time implementing her Thatcherite policies, including crackdowns on unions and tightening immigration laws. Rachel observed these changes close at hand, both as a citizen and as the daughter of one of the highest-ranking military officials in the country. Dangerfield is a polarizing figure. At first, because of a catastrophic error earlier in her campaign that threatened to ruin it whole.

Public opinion began to turn against the government as reports surfaced of mistreatment and abuse of detainees. As tensions continued to rise and violence escalated, Rachel found herself torn between loyalty to her father and her convictions about what was right. People were angry and afraid. There was a widespread sense that their liberties get destroyed by an authoritarian state.

Despite Dangerfield's attempts to maintain order, the riots grew more violent and chaotic, revealing the deep-seated divisions within the country that had been simmering for years. It was a challenging time for Rachel and her family as they saw the effects of these policies firsthand and struggled to make sense of the turmoil around them, later known as the West End Riots. Rachel monitored firsthand the chaos and destruction caused by these riots and got devastated by the loss of innocent lives. Despite the controversy surrounding her policies, Dangerfield remained steadfast in her resolve, arguing that tough times call for strong measures. Her leadership became tested as she balanced between security and civil liberties. The streets fill with angry citizens demanding change, with Dangerfield's authoritarian style only fueling the flames of dissent. Despite attempts to crack down on the unrest, the protests continued to grow, and tensions between the government and the people reached a boiling point. The country still remembered that Dangerfield was the Scatter's contestant. The mood also turned against the dissidents. The opposition was happy, the Tories not so much. Unless one wanted to back to square one, Dangerfield was no longer viable and got swapped out for someone more adept at dealing with the public.

Dangerfield gets ousted after only three months due to an internal Tory power struggle, replaced by Gabriel Morgan. Despite this controversial shift, Morgan's promise to hold elections within the next three months gave citizens something to look forward to in what had become a chaotic political landscape. The power struggle inside the Tory party might have serious ramifications, and how things play out will happen as a surprise. Dangerfield's sole political legacy involves shielding and supporting General Astgill and Vice Admiral Carl Marron. In response, the general receives orders to develop Operation Pale Shine, preparing for a potential civil war. This operation includes the organization of Section 13, soon rumored to be a high-command domestic secret service responsible for carrying out extrajudicial executions.

During her brief term, Dangerfield couldn't compel fundamental changes or gain a presence in the party. But this, to a great extent, was due to sabotage by the Labor Party and with these collaborating elements in the Tories. The public's reaction to the abrupt shift in leadership varied. Some were hopeful for a fresh start and a new direction. Others remained skeptical about the competence and intentions of the new Prime Minister. With his success, Morgan aims to unite the party and move past the recent feuds. He also plans to pursue uncontroversial socioeconomic programs aimed at the working-class population to increase the party's stronghold. You can't see much of it so far. In this respect, the situation is quite different with the construction of step-by-step overbearing legislation. The best example is the very Pale Shine law described by many as fascist. Challenges are inevitable as repairing the damage caused by internal bickering requires significant effort and time.

The nation waited with bated breath to see what the future would hold under this new leadership. Had the Pale Shine Program been an idea of Dangerfield's cabinet, no one would have adopted it when the power changed. But, and this is surprising, it had been an idea of the Chumlees cabinet to get hold of the Scatters. It remained in the concept phase. Many assumed Dangerfield would cancel the entire program. Explicit that didn't happen! Even more remarkable, Dangerfield concentrated his efforts on implementation and turned up control to the General of Astgill.

Astgill, an unsympathetic man disfigured by the aftermath of combat, has spoken out the hard way against the Scattersmen. That's why many people showed irritation by this move. Wild conspiracy theories flourished afterward. Yet, other enlightened minds stated that Dangerfield had no option since General Astgill was the only nominee the opposition could accept. By the time Morgan succeeded Dangerfield, the Pale Shine legislation was already before the House of Commons for debate. Of course, that didn't stop the new prime minister from portraying the whole venture as his success.

Rachel had always feared Astgill. That was when she first met him at the military installation in Dover. He had even fewer implants then than now, but he still had a cruel demeanor. Now, as the head of the Scattersmen project, he was even more terrifying, with all the power and weapons of his position at his disposal. Rachel has always sensed that the general is capable of unspeakable things. Ordlaf of Astgill - called the British General Patton, is the type of person who will do whatever is needed to get the job done.

When her father became important enough to associate with high-ranking military officials, Astgill would then and when visit the family Marron. Common joining him on these trips was Brigadier Curt Devon, a neighbor, and friend of her family. Despite being a high-ranking military officer himself, Devon always seemed to look up to Astgill, deferring to him in all matters. Rachel had always been cautious around Astgill, knowing his tendency towards cruelty and brutality. This dynamic always made Rachel uneasy, as she feared confronting Astgill about anything. Sometimes, Devon would try to engage in conversation with her or her sibling, usually telling stories that seemed exciting at first before revealing gruesome endings.

Rachel recalls sneaking out of the house late at night on such occasions. These meetings with her father often lasted a very long time. She was gone, out the window of her top-floor room, over the roof of the terrace. That was so simple! She then met Finnian, the Brigadier's son. But only if he was there because he was often outside Dover. Finnian and Octavia were Rachel's only friends at the military base.

The Popstar had always been hesitant around those in positions of power. Despite finding the current Prime Minister unsympathetic, Morgan is a far cry from Astgill. That's what Rachel thinks. Gabriel Morgan lacks the palpable aura of danger that Astgill radiates. His sleazy and rat-like demeanor makes him seem more like a typical politician. While she thinks him uncaring about the situation of many of the population, she is not as terrified of him as she's of Astgill. Isn't it Astgill's brazen displays of power and cruelty that make him so terrifying? Otherwise, the Prime Minister's authority is more restrained and concealed under layers of bureaucracy. She is still concerned about what Morgan and his government will do next. Rachel hopes that the UK will soon become guided by leadership with more empathy.

Gabriel Morgan's manipulation techniques are also refined, allowing him to manipulate public opinion in his favor using populist jargon. His political astuteness is one of his greatest strengths as a leader. He knows how to capitalize on popular sentiment and win over audiences. His successful strategies, often accompanied by harsh propaganda, targeted British enemies in Eastern Europe. But many people see him in a negative light. Because of his obvious contrast to the Labor Party's planned interchange policies, he got not along with everybody. Yet his firm support base appears unfazed. Morgan is mayhaps seen by many as a controversial figure. It remains to have waited if his style of governance will, in the upshot, bring about positive change or if it will have long-lasting negative consequences. As a result, the public views Morgan as a charismatic leader with the potential to bring about change. While he lacks the overt brutality of Astgill, Rachel still worries about the implications of his actions; hopes that the citizens will not be easy to sway. Such blatant disregard for information accuracy and the well-being of others seems to have become an unfortunate but clear aspect of modern politics.

After winning the elections, Gabriel Morgan wasted no time implementing his policies, despite their controversial nature. The odd ones-out hesitant behavior of the Scatters benefited Gabriel Morgan, so he became confirmed as Prime Minister in the elections. It's a clear win for his supporters, who were ecstatic about the policies and rhetoric he had presented leading up to the election. Mayhaps that should have been the moment when the Scatters ought to have taken grave action, but their hesitance allowed Morgan to solidify his position as Prime Minister. During his campaign, the Scatters failed to take substantive action against him. Their hesitancy appears to have aided Morgan and played a part in his appointment as Prime Minister.

Morgan's ruthless tactics, accompanied by targeted propaganda against the perceived enemies in Eastern Europe, have elicited mixed reactions from the public. Some praise him for his boldness and anti-establishment stance, while others criticize his approach as divisive and dangerous.

May it was a squandered chance, but the Scatters did not appear to have had a significant influence. That's why Rachel is unclear about all the talk about the Scattersmen threat.

Not everyone became convinced, as vocal opposition to Morgan's style and methods began to rise in the UK. Scatters gain ideological ground. But in reality, they appear to freeze up. According to widespread rumors, they have long since disbanded. Others believe they never existed and got created «from above» to legitimize some rule based on fear and loathing. The rumors surrounding the Scatters have put public confusion. The organization's function and impact are the greatest unknown. Many claims that the Scatters were never more than a figure in a political fantasy. Not unexpected, since the fall of the Chumlee administration, all information about Scattersmen became limited to government propaganda. The same government that has now established a de facto executive secret service can use the Pale Shine laws to abolish the British Constitution.

Carl warns Rachel of the dark clouds that gather over their family, «Oh, the scatters exist! The Scatters may already be watching us.» In the midst of the political turmoil, Rachel's personal life takes an unexpected turn, and this Squaddie is part of that. The Vice Admiral summons his daughter. He speaks of a future when the Marron family will be in the spotlight. «I am afraid that the government may make some unpleasant moves soon. That will attract the Scatter's attention to the Marron family. Assuming that's not it already. They didn't break up because they drifted into obscurity. No, Rachel! They are there, and they are watching us. Your mother and I are already covered, but you and Ashley are my concern.» He worries about Rachel and Ashley and what fate they befall them when the Scatters choose to strike.

Rachel sees the news announcing the arrest of the regime critic by the Moskal judiciary. That is not surprising. But what makes Rachel take notice is the reason for the arrest, to wit that the man with a loud voice read out the legislative act. That illustrates the extent of the government's grip on free speech in that country. It's the latest example of the slide toward a totalitarian state. The absurdity of the situation makes her laugh and then shiver with fear. Even in the middle of the present's misery, Rachel can't help but wonder if there is still hope for a better future.

In the Rouge area of New Constantinople, the capital of the moscals almost unrecognizable from its war self, a group of rebels gathered to plan their resistance against the oppressive government. They were a mishmash of citizens, bound together by their shared desire for freedom. They knew the odds were against them but couldn't give up, not when tyranny had taken hold in their world. As they began studying their Moskal-Constitution, the cornerstone of their government, one of the rebels, a wiry man, let out a crazy laugh at the irony of their situation when he became arrested. The others looked at him in fear, knowing well what fate awaited them.

It's important to note the significance of the rebels gathering to read their constitution aloud in defiance of the regime. Not the legislation of one of the Moscals' target states. Even not the fundamental rules of governments which entered the war on their own, such as the United Kingdom. It's the Moskal constitution that became the basis of the clash. In this era of oppression and tyranny, it's the people's right to their laws and self-determination. That becomes the most revolutionary act!

But no one intervened for this reason. The political activist was fast sent to the Gulag for 3.5 years in a flash procedure, subject to the most brutal conditions imaginable.

All that Rachel knows about that far and dark place is that New Constantinople stands out as a brutal and lawless district ruled by mafia and criminals named state administration. The citizens there live in constant fear of violence and abuse. Corrupt authorities turn a blind eye to their suffering. Rachel observes the growing bleak state of affairs in the world around her. Her thoughts shift to the general trajectory of events. She imagines a UK where the authorities have unlimited powers to suppress dissent and impede progress, all in the name of maintaining order and stability.

The same thing happened to a young political activist who used the Basic Law in a demonstration against the war of aggression by the Moscals. She gets arrested, and her attempts to argue her case in court are all in vain. Her issue stems from her political remarks became prohibited owing to the proclaimed wartime scenario. It was a poignant and brutal reminder of the harsh realities of the world they now lived in.

The young political activist mentioned earlier wasn't the only one silenced for speaking out against the war. Many others have faced similar consequences as the government tightens its grip on free speech and dissent. Even the Basic Law, meant to protect individual rights, goes on obsolete and suspended without hope. This move has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and foreign governments alike. The Moskal government remains adamant that it is necessary to maintain order during these troubling times.

One has to consider that the people are not allowed to say that their country is in a state of war. The Moskal-government authorizes only the folk story that a police campaign against fascists runs. Even Rachel sees through this clumsy propaganda. Amid all this chaos, it is difficult for anyone to know who they can trust, as for all Rachel knows, the closest allies could be in league with the enemy. Carl Marron is aware of the dangers and is willing to go to any extent to protect his charge. His daughter recognized this.

The sudden change in UK leadership met with mixed reactions. The hopes for any significant progress were not high, given the sabotage the previous leader faced. During all this political unrest and war, there are always glimmers of hope on the horizon. There are Rumors that the Pope plans to visit New Constantinople to negotiate peace with the Moskals' Tsar, Vladolf Putler.

The Vatican is exerting pressure on Europe to make serious concessions to the tsar, which will persuade him of the desire for peace among the Western continentals. In unusual language, Pope Adversarius's Vatican speaker demands an immediate cessation of hostilities from Britain. The Vatican also argues that the kingdom's bellicose behavior fuels the flames. The Vice Admiral responds right away with an awful diabolical taunt. «And what if not?» He grumbles to himself, overflowing with sarcasm, but his daughter still understands him once and for all. «Will the Swiss Guard then march down Downing Street? Or will the chief parson before all eyes chauffeur the Spetznas in the Popemobile?»

Despite the obstacles and betrayals, Rachel sees a small light of hope. There may be a chance for a ceasefire, giving trust to those affected most by the war. Dangerfield wasn't able to undertake any significant developments. The Vatican's demands for conscientious concessions from Europe to the tsar causes a fair amount of skepticism. With political intrigue and conspiracies implementing themself behind closed doors, representatives of the House of Commons and Downing Street have doubts, at best. Even if the Pope endeavors to forge peace, the truth of the circumstances propose that reaching a long-term agreement will be impractical. Despite the disagreements, it remains a promising development in the ongoing conflict.o

Rachel soon discovers this passionate backing from the authorities of a central European country she is unfamiliar with. Despite initial confusion, it becomes clear that this country seeks to gain a foothold in the ongoing conflict. The scary assertion made by even more sinister politicians piqued the attention of the famous singer. The war between Britain and Moskals seems dominated by military maneuvers and political intrigue.

The news brings the reactions of what appears to be, in whatever way, selected average citizens from the streets of London. People are in a positive mood throughout. Who could object? So Rachel thinks.

«That was what I anticipated!» Concerned Carl Marron grumbles.

My father has something against it. Rachel muses as she stares in awe at her father. Does the military want war at all costs? Rachel startles at her thoughts.

The scenery in the pictures changes; this is Downing Street, with an extra orbital police presence at the Prime Minister's house. The reason is a peace demonstration by Londoners who hold banners with peace slogans or candles and sing. Rachel is afraid and mentally scans her repertoire to see whether she has ever created a song that can get performed in such a situation. No way that Rachel will Carl confront with such a show.

Besides the unmistakable police officers, shadowy figures stand out with their heavy weaponry, which without any doubt, must belong to Gabriel Morgan's security personnel. But these uniforms, actually dark overalls, mean nothing to Rachel. They are all hooded, and it seems clear to Rachel that this is some class of outstanding police unit. When the tv brings a larger shot of one of these security guards, Rachel realizes that the black overalls have a pattern. A dark blue and filigree maze became woven into the fabric. «These uniforms are amazing!» The vice-admiral exudes youthful exuberance, though Rachel isn't sure how that amazement manifests itself. «Ashley is going to feel overjoyed; mayhaps the Major can show her that new uniform.» Her father's remark also leaves Rachel in dark ignorance.

Not that it has ever been necessary to mention this: The pop star fast realizes that they are Section 13 soldiers. Rachel has severe doubts that anybody other than Major Farmer is roaming the streets of London with two wolves.

Several politicians join the peaceful protest. It can't be otherwise here is the well-known opposition politician Sarah Zarenknecht. «Lead dancer in the idiot parade of the auxiliary Moskals,» the vice admiral corrects the reporter's formal introduction. She is also immediately in her element, «The Pope's proposal has to get supported. And I'm now saying on behalf of all peace-loving Britons that Great Britain has lost nothing in this war.»

«Sure...» scoffs the vice admiral. «Now that the British military is halting the advance of the Moskals.»

Carl, terrified, hides his face with his hands as he listens. «The British government's constant provocations against the Moskal Empire must finally stop. We all see how powerful the Moskals are. We don't fight against such an enemy. The Pope himself recognizes that in the meantime.»

Carl turns hard to his daughter, «See that? Now do you understand what that dimwitted clown did? He sent out gestures in favor of the Moskals!»

Rachel can't escape the notion that a forceful and influential faction has gone unnoticed by the bulk of the globe. Rachel had heard stories about shadowy cabals that functioned in complete secrecy. She suspects the politician's statement might have hinted at such a group.

But to the amazement of the vice admiral, his daughter begins to laugh with heart and soul. He only understands her actions when he turns to the TV. Behind politician Zarenknecht stands a soldier of the masked troops. Rachel can only recognize him through his dazzling blue eyes. He mimics pulling an invisible cloth back and forth between his ears, gazing at the woman standing in front of him.

Carl looks surprised at his daughter again, «You're doing that again?» Rachel doesn't know what he means. «What am I doing again?» Carl points to the TV program where the Section 13 soldier has disappeared. «You know who that is?» The singer shrugs her shoulders cold, «Yes, of course! With his eyes? He doesn't even need to mask. You can still recognize him.» Rachel beams abashed at her father's serious look.

Despite her fame and fortune, the pop artist is no stranger to sabotage threats directed against the United Kingdom. Moore least from crooked politicians, who, in bold words, announces that the world will become compelled to accept their convictions. The singer feels a sense of disbelief at the remark, yet she gets perturbed by the implications of this bizarre bunch of people with rat-like features.

But the newsreader makes a dark and ominous comment, «What does a politician of the Artamans have in common with an Artaman-pornstar's mouth?» In a dramatic act, he pauses before delivering the punchline, «They're both full of shit!» The vice admiral cackles with evil glee. He mutters, «I never knew so many Britons still remember that we called Artamans-Hippies shiteaters in the old days.»

Rachel tries to keep calm as she observes the group of mysterious figures, all emphasizing their importance. She cannot shake the feeling of unease about them. There is no soothsaying that they have a real stake in helping Britain win the war against the enemies. Their insistence on talking to the Moskals seems misplaced. These new people, with their interminable talk of appeasement and negotiation with the Moskal regime, send a chill down Rachel's spine. Rachel takes a deep breath and tries to relax but to no avail. There is a notable buzz of what seems to be a group of upper-level government officials nearby who are discussing various compromising activities against the UK. Rachel doesn't remember seeing these people before. There is no hint that they are in any way people with might and main. Except they always emphasize it themselves. All agree on the importance of expressing a passion for talking to the Moskals. It's as if they've adopted a propaganda narrative by rote without a second thought.

Rachel finds herself torn between the desire to believe in the power of faith and her skepticism towards the intentions of those wanting to engage in diplomacy with the Moskalzar. The pontiff's pronouncement of his wish to visit the Moskal regime and receive a warm welcome appears noble. Her father's quip about «Another submissive patriot!» gives her pause. She begins to speculate about the motives of these government officials and their true allegiances. Carl's cynicism only reinforces Rachel's unease.

As Rachel's thoughts linger on the suspicious behavior of the government officials, her attention soon diverts to the breaking news on tv. Reports come in about escalating conflicts in Africa involving French military forces. Rachel feels overwhelmed by the complicated mechanics of world politics, unsure of who to trust and what information to believe. She feels uneasy as she considers the devastating consequences of these conflicts and wonders what role, if any, her own country played in them.

The caroller wants to ask her father about it to bring straightforward structures to her tangle, but her fixation diverts fast. Rachel considers all power, prestige, and glory of battle as a diversion from the realities of destruction and misery. Or isn't that her own universe? The brightness on the outside and the conflict that takes place in private? Yet there is a deep longing, even a voice in the universe calling for greater harmony, justice, and reconciliation. Even as a seasoned observer, she had the toughest determining making sense of who to believe or trust. Rachel made acquaintances with the most, and there is no question, corrupt world leaders and her media outlets that are pushing biased journalism. She thinks she knows the pain of a war-torn nation but realizes, at that moment, that the conflict runs even more abyssal than she thought possible. It all seems part of a bigger game.

Rachel thinks immediately of her sister Nicki and the wide-ranging economic activities of the Lécuyer family. She wonders if her sister is aware of the plot going on in the British military. Rachel has always been curious about Nicki's intricate web of contacts, not to mention all these connections and enterprises. Could there be any connection? There were rumors that the family had ties to a secret society that attempted to orchestrate the war for their own gain. Rachel had always been skeptical of such conspiracies, but recent events had caused her to be more open-minded. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on behind the scenes than what the public knew.

In the last three weeks, some former French colonies in West Africa expelled the French ambassadors. Burkina Faso marks the beginning of a chain of former colonies. All severing diplomatic ties with France. As Britain's political position deteriorates, Moskals, take the opportunity to exploit European nationalism. The once-great European Union appears on the verge of disintegration. Every member draws closer to their friends despite mounting tensions. Rachel senses a great abyss between ideal world propaganda, carried from the continent to the islands, and announcements by individual regional powers. We talk about Poland's state authorities. They declare a country west of their state's border and become accused of peripheral colonialism. A state, by the way, that Rachel didn't even know existed until now.

Also, the West African nations fell below the belt treated by French neocolonial policies. Observers predict that more former French colonies might follow suit. These expulsions might get interpreted as a triumph of independence for these former colonies. Rachel imagines the debates and party lines these expulsions could create.

It is no longer a secret that French governments in almost all former colonies have become embroiled in wicked and dubious intrigues. It's rare that the public at all notices it. Reporting the latest news informs little or double-quick stifles the topic.

French soldiers, assisting one of the Moskals' military exploits, in secret infiltrated a neighboring nation via Tunisia two years ago. This sneaky action infuriated the local inhabitants, who were already wary of France's neocolonial policies. Some likened the French intrusion to a harkening back to the days of French rule, and its implications were far-reaching. The rumor doesn't seem like hearsay generated by gossip from her hairstylist anymore. That adds another layer to Burkina Faso's decision to sever diplomatic ties with France. Italy's then-socialist government was pursuing its post-colonial interests and felt disturbed by France.

The singer only recollects bits and pieces of exactly how it came about. She remained in Italy, whose government became involved in the dark and dangerous machinations out of Paris. The governments were in shambles, overshadowed by the Moskal-Military's victories in the media. In half a year, the Moskals got beaten by the Turks, forcing the last of them to flee. Whenever the bulk of these former colonies faced French hegemony, they realized that French trickery was the least of their worries.

Burkina Faso's recent decision to sever diplomatic ties with France is a sovereign act that signifies a shift in African consciousness towards post-colonial independence from their former colonizers. Episodes like the current crisis in Burkina have soured Afro-French relations, fueling an anti-French sentiment in African countries, many of which share a pro-Moskal milieu. The singer wonders if there is more to post-colonial Africa than meets the eye, with each country's circumstances and motives shrouded in history and complexity. That confuses Rachel for a moment. She puts it aside in her mind to forget everything. A coup d'état drove the original government out of the capital today.

Vice Admiral Marron explains to his daughter that the political landscape is below standard. It's scary by an exciting and dangerous conspiracy by willful British politicians colluding with the enemy. He explains that the common upheaval in Africa can not camouflage reality. The French exit from African countries is about military coups. A fact that allowed the Chinese and the Moskals to gather control without much opposition. «I know you've followed the events in Burkina,» he begins. «But I'm afraid the situation is far more complex than it appears on the surface.» He explains that the post-colonial African nations were not casting off their former oppressors but falling prey to a new wave of neo-colonialism.»

Mali will not tolerate France's presence and expells the French ambassador, replacing the French tongue as the official language with Bambara.

In a way that Rachel doesn't expect, the vice admiral turns to his daughter, «Did you know...? The French central bank is robbing around 50% of the wealth of its former colonies in West Africa. That is a good breeding ground for liberation ideologues, with whom the Moskals work most of all.» Carl tells Rachel that the political and social decision-makers of France and Germ-Mania support the idea of creating a North African economic zone, which in the long term will incorporate into the continental union governed by these two nations in the long run.

«Nothing you hear about on the news!» Rachel is a bit disoriented. As hard as she broods, she can't remember the last time her father broached the subject of big politics with her.

As they talk, Rachel takes note of the messages in the communication carrier. At the same time as the events in Africa, serious unrest began in France. The government had imposed hard lockdowns with little notice. Businesses got closed. Street protests across the country erupted in response, with frustrated citizens clashing with police in major cities. The people of France lost their temper and began to protest the government's policies that have led to widespread poverty and inequality. Many were calling for the resignation of the current administration and the establishment of a new government that would override the needs of the people.

As a result of the political and military crisis facing France, the government has taken some unpopular measures to maintain its power. At the same time as events in Africa continue to unfold and spread unrest throughout Europe, the situation in France has become growing authoritarian. In the name of security, the government has imposed strict controls over the media and limited freedom of speech. To keep power, the government has attempted to lower the standard of life for many residents who got hostile to its policies. Tensions spiked among the people of France. Many took to the streets to protest the policies that they felt were stripping away their freedoms and human rights. The military and intelligence agencies were on high alert, monitoring the unrest from near and quelling protests when necessary.

At first glance, one spectacle seems to have nothing to do with the drama of the other. But Rachel believes she can see a common denominator: mass impoverishment. It doesn't matter if it's Burkina Faso, Mali, France, or yes - Britain too! It's pretty much the same motivation and the same culprits. Rachel understands that mass impoverishment has become the common denominator. This motivation is evident in all parts of the world, including France and African nations. Rachel believes that significant overlap in political interests drives the world forward.

The French are the most part talking about pension cuts. But few other brainteasers are not at the peak of public attention. One such puzzle is the concern over the state's independent Internet. Many believe that the intelligence agencies and government are too much monitoring citizens and censoring voices of dissent. Or: The sweeping changes to the healthcare system. That worsened the already critical state of healthcare in the country. An increase in taxes on goods and services has resulted in a noticeable sky-high increase in cost lines. That leaves many working-class individuals and families unable to make ends meet. French citizens without great spotlight suffer in homes without heat or adequate access to medical care. The corruption permeating the government has resulted in cuts beyond more than pensions. Schools have disintegrated, fire stations get shuttered, and hospitals lack basic medical supplies. Given the continued turbulence and tensions, it remains to see what will happen in the coming months and years.

The unrest in France extends beyond healthcare questions and pensions. French farmers have taken to the streets in violent protests, alleging that the government is harming the agricultural industry. This type of repertoire is common in other countries, first place, the ex-colonies of France in Africa. The musicians find the assertion made in Paris that the unrest in the country got provoked by the "Moskals" to be quite logical. The benefit they observe is not only local but also global. There is nothing different between Downing Street's explanation for the West End riots and the French Government's handling of the situation. But she believes that the presence and influence of the Moskals have increased during successive reigns in the Champs-Élysées, contributing to the current state of the nation. The musician also feels that France in Africa has a hand in aggravating the situation due to their vested interests. And she actually feels better about such reflections because it helps her. Sure, with a certain glee, to mess up her sister with the blemish. That means if Rachel hadn't thought about the events in Libya, she would have accepted the explications without hesitation. Her feelings towards her sister are by no means negative. It is vindictive satisfaction rather than actual conviction.

The situation faced by West Africa, though unique in context, is in the shape of those of other former colonies experiencing exploitation by foreigners. Consider the ongoing debates over whether the IMF and other geoeconomic entities are exploiting refugees from the third world through alleged aid organizations, up to debt slavery and forced prostitution. One only talks about such topics behind closed doors. In public, it is disreputable, fake news, or you become defamed as a conspiracy theorist. But Rachel knows better. She's faced the issue of sex slavery in the pleasure spots of high society.

The singer drifts deeper into these thoughts if her father hadn't pulled her out of them. «I'm speaking to you here now as someone with access to intelligence information.» Carl Marron briefs his daughter. «Not that I would tell you state secrets. Anyone interested in politics can get this information if you know the right channels.»

Rachel guesses, «But not the news on TV?» The vice admiral waves his hand with piquantness at the television. «What do they know? They parrot whatever. Or they can see with their own eyes. And Rachel, I'll tell you this, appearances can be deceiving.»

The idiot box shows Rachel's sister, Nicki, easing herself into the position of power. Nicki had always served as the life of the party, a bright star in the social scene. Rachel was more of a development that she went through. The glittering ballroom flashed before Rachel's eyes as she watched the footage. It was familiar to her, with approbation catered bourgeois gatherings. Nicki in expensive haute couture, champagne flutes overflowing with bubbles. It seemed impossible that the carefree girl she knew back home-cuddling snuggies on the couch and raiding the family's pantry-could be hopping from palace to château. Nicki, amidst the bouquet of affluent people surrounding the French President. Nicki was on the left-hand side, standing close to the head of state and her husband, Thiery Lécuyer. That confirms what Rachel has already suspected. To be a member of French high society, you must involve in politics and beau monde. As she gazes at the screen, saddened by the distance that has grown between her and her sister, Rachel cannot help but wonder if getting embroiled in the crème de la crème is worth the cost. Rachel knows these appearances are deceiving, but the proof is on screen. Nicki had always known the right people and talked her way into influential circles.

Rachel snorts, «Is your eldest daughter as entrenched in the French establishment as she is in the exploitation? You must be proud of her.» Her threatening sarcasm is obvious.

Carl scoffs at Rachel and hisses, «You have no idea what you're talking about, Rachel.»

The answer is unpleasing. Rachel sniffs again and doesn't quite know where to look. «You know Pa? What did I do wrong?» That's Rachel's moment when her father voices his concerns about her. But instead,

«I don't know what you mean.»

Rachel realizes her father has given up on her. Carl pays little attention to his daughter. The singer searches for words and—it's unmistakable—has a hard time formulating them before finally letting them go altogether.

Her father's reaction frustrates Rachel. She longs for a moment of connection with him, but it seems that moment will never come. She can sense the impatience emanating from him. The singer feels even smaller. Her father now looks at her with little patience and understanding, without doubt, fed up with her antagonistic behavior.

«Major Farmer can explain that to you if you're interested,» he tells her, in accord.

Frank Farmer may be an important figure, but Rachel has no desire to involve herself with whatever he's up to. Rachel rolls her eyes in annoyance. Her father mutters under her breath, «Then don't do it!»

She can feel her blood pressure rising as she tries to keep calm. The vice admiral states that he will not guarantee to waste more time on these issues.

Disgruntled, Rachel settled down next to her mother. More or less, Lois listened to the conversation from her seat. She looks at her daughter with sympathy and resignation. Lois tries to cheer her up with platitudes about her father's lack of intention to hurt her. «Your father doesn't mean it that way!» She says charitable and places a gentle hand on Rachel's shoulder. While sipping from her glass, the singer frowned with a downcast look. It's evident to Rachel that her mother frustrates with Carl's behavior, but she doesn't says it abroad.

Bad graced Rachel attempts to calm her daughter by telling her that her father very much cares. That is something he emphasizes. But it's hard for Rachel to buy it. She knows her father all too well. The distance between them has grown from that horrible day Major Farmer was her.

«Rachel!» Lois warns again. «Your father has a lot on his plate.»

Something is tormenting Rachel—something that is not born of the moment but dwells deeper. «Why is Dad still doing this?» She asks out of nowhere. «Why not retire?»

Lois contemplates her daughter, full of pity. «You know how your father is. For him, being a soldier is not a job. It is more of a vocation. He wants to pursue this until he drops dead. Or at least retire as an admiral.» After a short pause, she continues. «Besides, the military feud is on, and your father seems to think the quarrel goes to waste without him. It's not about the paycheck or discipline, though they matter.»

«I suppose Nicki is more to Papa's tastes?» Her look promises that Rachel is in for a storm.

«Now you're exaggerating, child!» Lois sounds overmuch amiable, although there is a reproach in it.

«Are you sure, Mom?» The daughter's sarcasm is obvious.

Heartbroken, Lois says, «Despite what you've accomplished, you're far too sensitive to the life you lead. That's why you overreact to those you expect to be safe from.» Rachel raises her eyebrows in astonishment.

With the caution of a cat on the roof and prudence, the singer peeks at her mother. She attempts to determine whether the woman in front of her is, in fact, her mother.

«I hope you're not taking a home course in psychology?» But in a sense, she does.

«Daughter! Your father gave you good advice.» Replies Lois. «Talk to the Major!» Cautious, Rachel notices that her mother peers at Carl. When he seems preoccupied with the news, she puts her hand on Rachel's knee to focus her attention and whispers as if she doesn't want her husband to hear. «And look at him!» Her mother puts out-and-out emphasis on the words. Au contraire, Rachel doesn't understand what should be different when she sees him next than when she saw him last. What's even more confusing is that Lois seems to be acting in a strange manner because of Carl. Her mother seems emphatic, which irritates Rachel. «Tell me, Mom, you and that major, do I have anything to worry about? Have you thought about marriage counseling?»

As Carl walks up to them, he chuckles, «If your mother's plans are anything to go by, the Major is tantamount family!» Rachel rolls her eyes and jokes, «Well, I guess I'll have to start calling him Brother Frank then!»

But Carl regards his daughter with a strange look as if she's insane. «Yes, of course, Rachel! He's a match for a son to your mother!» It's not up and down clear if Carl is teasing his daughter or not. «At least it comes close!»

Lois devastates, «Everything went wrong!» She cries out and restricts herself. Then Lois adds, «Most everything, at least.»

«What went wrong?» The celebrated singer's question finds no answer.

After a short pause, during which Lois seems like she's about to burst into tears, an idea occurs to her. «Have you got Smith Teamaker's Lord Bergamot No. 55 at home?» Rachel doesn't quite understand why her mother, all at once, gets obsessed with tea. It must be some late mid-life crisis, Rachel thinks. But her mother looks so desperate that Rachel can't help but laugh. Still, by good fortune, the singer explains before raising the glass to her lips. «I'm sure I've got some Earl Grey in the kitchen.»

Lois insists, «No, Rachel, it must be Smith Teamers, Lord Bergamot No. 55. It's not real Earl Grey, but it's my favorite tea and Frank's.»

Out of instinct, Rachel snorts her whiskey, which spreads—as a pungent-smelling mist—over the table, floor, and her jeans. Then she has to cough so much that her father feels compelled to pat her on the back. While Lois shocks, Carl still has to grin. «Yes, Rachel! The Major and your mother have their own favorite tea.»

«Is that a joke?» The singer stutters, terrified.

«I know why a tea from Americans, who don't know much about tea parties? They only do things like that in costume.» Lois admits in fear and trembling. «But I like it, and Frank does.»

«It's not quite your taste, Mother, which startles me!» It still costs Rachel something to answer. «It's more the scary fact that you both share a favorite tea.» The vice admiral accompanies this with a laugh. «That's nothing, daughter! Wait and see if you witness the two meet.»

«Then all I can do, at the moment, is look forward to it,» when Rachel replies, a horrified expression lies on her face.

«I'll bake another cake on Sunday before we go back,» Lois explains with a lot of tactics. «You give it to the major on Monday and apologize.»

Rachel winces, sure she must have misheard. «What do you think I should apologize for?»

Lois doesn't understand that her daughter still has to ask questions. «Of course, for your behavior towards Frank.»

Carl has to laugh again when he looks at his speechless daughter.

«Mom!» Rachel protests, brimming with outrage. «I am your flesh and blood! Why are you against me?»

Embarrassed, Lois explains, «To tell you the truth, child, I kind of like Frank and your father too.» She throws an uncertain look at her husband.

«Let's call it a love-hate relationship!» He supports Lois.

Overwhelmed with sadness, Rachel parted ways with her parents for the night. She still wanders through the quiet garden, lost in thought about the events of the evening. The musician decides to find solace. She's curious for a gentle embrace of the darkness outside, her heart heavy with sadness. But the nippy night air helps calm her down as she walks through the stillness. The songster sits on a bench beneath the lit fountain in the lap of luxury. The steady flow and shimmer of water against the starlight give her a sense of abandonment that grows fast and unbearable.

After spending an hour breathing in the nocturn coolness, Rachel decides it is time to retire to her bed. In dribs and drabs, she makes her way back to the main lodge and puts to rest the hades of the evening.

As the morning light breaks through the horizon, Rachel wakes up and feels renewed. She knows she will see her parents again for breakfast and feels a twinkle of excitement in her heart. She steps through the front door and greets her parents with reluctance. But the singer becomes relieved to see no trace of anger or hurt in their expressions.

Happy to have Marc by her side, she calls him, desperate to introduce him to her family. Marc, caught up in pressing commitments, declares himself unable to make it. He apologizes, «I am so sorry, Rachel. My current project has blown out of proportion. That is too short notice.»

Rachel's father talks to her more about the need for Pale Shine. In the end, he asks his daughter, «Sign?»

Hurt again, Rachel replies, «Leo! Well, listen, papa! Pretty poor performance that you don't know this about your child.»

«I meant I need your signature on the Pale Shine documents,» he explains with bare nerves.

With scant courtesy, Rachel takes the pen from her father's hand and signs the Pale Shine documents. Halfway across town, Major Farmer gets a phone call. Vice Admiral Marron informs Frank of the new developments.

Ashley's excitement bubbles over the room as her grandfather announces the Major come in. Section 13 begins its investigation of the property on Monday. Despite the cheers, Carl interjects with a word of caution. He reminds the little one not to get her hopes up too high. Carl's terms can't dampen Ashley's enthusiasm in the slightest.

Carl explains to her that topographical surveys are not the conduit duties of an SRR major. He puts a reassuring hand on Ashley's shoulder and tells her not to worry too much. «Mayhaps he's checking in.»

Without further ado, Carl sees from his granddaughter that this is no consolation for her. Ashley's heart sinks. That is no consolation for the girl. She had been dreaming of a grand adventure. May unearthing some hidden treasures and solve mysterious riddles. Ashley is too hopeful for her good. She can't understand that Frank does a job and doesn't come to see her. His true intentions remain a mystery to her.

«You miss the Major?» Lois cheers good-natured at the breakfast table. Ashley nods woe, her disappointment palpable. Carl irritates by that remark. But he knows how much this visit from Major Farmer betakes his granddaughter. The grandfather says, «I'll have the Major keep in touch with you.»

Fill with joy, Lois chuckles as she watches Ashley pick at her breakfast, deep in thought. «You see, Carl, Ashley has the same taste in men as I do!» she exclaims. Ashley glimpses at her light-hearted. Carl glares at Lois. «We'll talk about your taste in men when we get to Dover, dear,» he snappers.

Rachel finds the game ridiculous, and her family's reactions grow even more funnier. «I don't know what's wrong with Rachel,» her mother says. Rachel responds, «I don't know what's wrong with you either, Mom!»

Rachel doesn't know if her father's answer surprises her more than her mother's. «Lois, the Major isn't always nice! I know you won't know that.» Rachel smiles at her father. She didn't expect that he would take her side. «Not once has the Major been nice to Rachel,» explains Carl further.

«Why not?» Lois wonders.

Carl's response on the spur of the moment wipes the smug smile off Rachel's face. «What do I know? May he doesn't find black women attractive!» Rachel rolls her eyes.

Lois turns on Carl, «Do you mean because of the court jesters, jugglers, and bards?»

Rachel gets irritated while Carl interrupts his wife in a slurred voice, «Thank you, Lois!» Rachel smiles and thinks: Look at this! Sometimes the military can also say thank you. Rachel observes her mother squint-eyed, «Mom, what are your plans for this Squaddie?»

But Lois giggles and gives no word.

Carl doesn't want to elaborate further on the subject. Besides, he adds, «You know very well that the Major can do other things. And quite another way. You should know that!»

To Rachel's astonishment, her mother sinks into her chair without a word at this remark.

Rachel is observing her mother's mood swing like a spectator at a tennis match, between concern and curiosity. In her head, the singer wonders if the Squaddie is spreading this dual polarity to everyone. But then her eyes meet Ashley, and she thinks, At least almost everyone.

Later that evening, Rachel spools through her social media feeds. A video message catches her eye. Rachel tries even toughener to keep her parents in a good mood after she receives that message from one of her backing singers. The memo brings somberness to her mindset. The video shows Marc Jordan partying at full speed at a club with friends that Rachel knows but doesn't keep in touch with the commonplace. Disappointment creeps in as she watches the video over and over again. Rachel wonders, may the pop star in her reevaluate who the singer spends her free time with? The thought gets pushed as Rachel realizes she needs to focus on her upcoming tour. The vocalist always saw herself as a professional and had high expectations of those around her.

Rachel wakes up the next day and moves dozy toward the kitchen to grab a mug of coffee. Her parents are up and about, packing their bags for their departure.

Lois smiles, «Frank is a morning grouch too.» Out of nowhere, Rachel is wide awake! «Sorry, Mom! I don't know. How do you know what he's like in the morning?»

«Because he stays with us when he's in Dover,» Carl answers the question as if it were a matter of course. Rachel becomes appalled. «He lives at our home?» She sounds almost hysterical. Ashley watches her mother's horror and giggles. Carl and Lois look at their daughter's pell-mell. Then they do a simple question, «And what?»

Rachel collapses into the back of her chair, struggling for words.

Lois reminds Rachel, «When the Major comes tomorrow, you give him the cake.»

«I give the Squaddie a taste of his own medicine tomorrow,» her daughter says with a grin.

«But that's not how it works, silly!» Her mother nags.

«Yes, Mom, that's the game!» Rachel exclaims with passion.

«The major won't be apologizing to you anytime soon. You gotta make the first move!»

«You can forget about that!» Rachel snickers with delight.

«Rachel, the task is yours to tackle. Let's not put the blame on Frank,» Lois expresses her thoughts with a lot of passion.

Rachel's expression rolls tongue-in-cheek as she gazes at her mother. «Feel that frustration because I cannot endorse not having a natural talent for this.»

Her mother replies, «Well, Rachel, they say the first step to being good at something is being bad at it. So congratulations, you're already on your way to greatness!»

More playing than arrogant, Rachel grins at her mother, winking with every blink of her eye. «Sorry, Mom! I don't have to do that anymore.» She takes an artistic break. Then she snaps, «I've got three songs in the international top ten at the same time right now.»

This situation is taking a toll on both the mother and daughter. Lois' expression changes in no time. Every time Missis Marron looks at her daughter Lois' smile fizzles and becomes replaced with concern. It's understandable that they may not be enjoying that momentum as much as they had hoped. Lois inquires, frustration painted across her face. «Why are you reacting to him the opposite way Ashley does?»

In fact, this question torments Lois over much. Rachel glances at her again and raises eyebrows to reinforce her maturity. Lois' strong expression begins to relax blow by blow. Rachel recoils in irritation at what she deems impertinent questioning. She smiles in embarrassment and doesn't even know why she does it. The singer explores her mother's face for answers. What she can find is white noise, as if some ancient analog technology lost the signal because it missed entering the digital age. «Because I'm no longer seven years old!» Rachel accompanies her cruel words with a hateful glare. «And his two beasts strike me as repulsive as he does!»

Lois shocks by the level of disrelish her daughter exhibits. «That is not right!» Gentle, the mother shakes her head, waking up the imagination of no sense of understanding and compassion for her daughter. Not expected, Rachel casts light on Lois with fascination. Her mother seems like her world is upside down. She couldn't bona fide have believed that her daughter would react to Frank Farmer the way Ashley did. Rachel realizes that Lois takes it all together. «Hell no! You don't understand how he acts towards me.» Rachel explains in a low voice. «He's so rude and entitled,» Rachel continues to vent about Frank, «The way he treats people is intolerable to me.»

Lois blurts it out. «He helped you with the problem with Ashley's father.»

Unable to get a word out, Rachel and Lois stare at each other. The weight of this sudden confession lingers heavy in the air. Although, it seems that Missis Marron shocks by her own admission. Rachel freezes! She is not sure if she heard her mother by right. Of a sudden, memories of that traumatic time come flooding back.

May out of embarrassment, Lois changes the direction of the conversation. «It was my idea! That with the wolves.» Not that Rachel would be too surprised about that, but she decides to look at her mother in the appropriate form. Lois lowers her eyes. «I knew he'd impress Ashley by that.» That would explain so many things to Rachel. There's for sure some intrigue going on between Major Farmer and her mother.

Whatever, at this moment, aren't the wolves that have Rachel's attention! She asks eagerly, «What do you know about the Squaddie's involvement with that filthy pig?»

«Lois!» The vice admiral, who returns right now, interrupts the tense situation in a sharp voice. He understood the conversation enough to guess what it was about. Carl worries about Ashley. He doesn't like the idea that the girl becomes aware of what's the two women talking about. Ashley doesn't remember her father, which could be a blessing in disguise, as it may protect her.

«Are you crazy?» Carl doesn't believe what he has to witness. With a desperate wave of his hand and emphasizing words, he adds, «I'm the chief of military intelligence. My own wife is leaking information about a Section 13 chief guarding the government!»

As Carl accuses her of leaking top-secret government information, Lois can feel her pulse race. She gives him a bewildered look as she insists, «I didn't say anything, Carl!»

Carl replies with a hint of frustration in his voice. «You would have done it by now! If I hadn't intervened.»

«Carl...» Lois acts in to lend a hand. «It's Rachel!»

«Exactly because of that!» Carl stays firm but breaks his daughter's torpor. Rachel appears bushed as she gazes at her father. «What do you mean, papa?»

Carl memorizes that his daughter is still present. He looks at Rachel with a grave expression and confesses, «She shouldn't have told you that. That information the secret service classifies. You are not authorized to know it. MI-5 has labeled you a potential security risk.»

Well, in some way, Rachel wasn't expecting that curveball! She's now standing there, looking like she's seen a ghost. «Do they suspect me of being a terrorist?»

«That's a load of rubbish!» Carl put the ridiculous remark in perspective. «They think you're weak and unreliable because...» He hesitates. Carl's darting eyes suggest he grabs for the most suitable words. «...due to certain precarious circumstances.»

Rachel's eyes shoot daggers at the offending party like a sharpshooter aiming for a bullseye.

It appears that the Vice Admiral needs to revisit the «happy wife, happy life» mantra. Carl seems pretty irked that his wife is in charge! He blames her for having no authority to delegate commandos to set things right the way she wants them, just a thought.

The conversation takes on a nimbus of its own nature, with Rachel and Ashley as mere bystanders. It can be challenging for the young girl to comprehend her grandsires words. Her mother does it. Besides, Ashley still finds the environment intriguing.

Lois plays a valiant effort to defend herself, claiming that the issue got resolved with everyone's agreement. «You could have objected when I said to [...] » All at once, she halts her speech, leaving her words unfinished. Rachel looks at her mother in surprise.

«Frank Farmer?» The singer corrects but wonders with concern why her mother is thrown off balance by something so obvious. But her mother has always possessed a quirky informality that motivates her and irritates her daughter.

«Yes, with Frank...» Lois seems grateful for the help of her daughter, who is now even more alarmed. But Missis Marron returns to talk to her husband, who also seems concerned about his wife's dropout. «You didn't object when he asked me if he should arrange something for me.»

Carl's words hang in the air, lingering with heavy tension. He laments over the situation. «How could I have known he would go out and do what he did because a housewife told him to?»

His words fill him with genuine sadness. Rachel feels that her mother has some explaining to do.

Rachel tries to get back into the action. Her tone is sharp with accusation as she questions her parents about their decision to keep her in the dark about Frank Farmer's involvement. «Oh, and you didn't think it was necessary to tell me about it either? It's not like that isn't any of my business. What do you think?» The singer glances without trouble at her parents. The Songster of the Night feels betrayed by their secrecy and the ease with which they dismissed her right to know what was happening. What is triggering more, of course? Rachel is in the dark about what other secrets they're keeping from her. The Popstar is sure from the outset that they have no counterargument. Lois and Carl look at Rachel in embarrassment.

Carl responds to Rachel's accusation. «The Major later said it was all a coincidence. The problem solved itself. We'll stick with this story.» He pauses, choosing his words with care to calm himself down. «I thought the major was scaring this guy.»

The singer listens with rapt attention as her father speaks, attempting to ease the tension. «Well, that's what he did, right?» Rachel laughs at random. Her reaction surprises Lois as it's to Carl. But the Vice Admiral doesn't get over it while Lois's mouth corrects itself into a smile.

Vice Admiral Marron turns to his daughter and tells her, «You won't talk to the major about it!»

With a playful look in her eyes and unable to resist teasing him, Rachel channels the Vice Admiral with a mock salute. «Aye-aye, sir!» She enjoys these instances of nimbleness.

The vice admiral shows an alarming sigh when his daughter is now mimicking the behavior of the SRR officer. The slight tension seems to dissipate a bit as they all share a laugh. Soon, the conversation returns to the earlier striver as Carl growls in a low voice. «Not a single word!»

Rachel nods but wonders. «How long have you known the Squaddie? Section 13 has only been around for a year.»

«We've known him for a while,» Carl says, narrowing his eyes as he turns to his wife, who remains silent. His pursuit words seem to refer to Lois as well as Rachel. «Rachel, let the Major do his job unless there's something specific to discuss on the property.»

His promoted admonishment, «Ignore what your mother says, and there won't be any problems,» gets, without doubt, some judicious underlining.

«Grandpa, me too?» Ashley is in an ungenerous panache while accompanying the Vice Admiral to collect the rest of the bags. But her sour mood turns sweet when he playfully tousles her hair and quips, «Cheer up, kiddo. You and the Squaddie are bruvs. Two peas in a pod!»

Lois watches her husband with considered accentuation until she thinks he's out of earshot, leaning closer to her daughter. Her staccato whisper twittered, «Forget what your father says, Rachel or you might end up regretting it later.»

«I know he looks like an actor!» Rachel sneers at her own words about an uncanny resemblance to a handsome Hollywood celeb. She notices that her mother is dying to say something but stops when Carl returns.

Rachel becomes bombarded with more questions than answers. That leaves her unsure of the military officer's next move. That leaves her doubting how she should behave towards him in the future. She's not allowed to speak to him, which she'd like to ask him about. Not that this would stop Rachel from doing it anyway. At least this deepens her view of basing everything on the SRR-lancer's behavior. She understands that her attempts to decipher the officer's behavior may only go so far. There is no other alternative plan available at the moment.

It would be Monday until Ashley meets the Squaddie again. But before that happens, there is Rachel's chauffeur who leans against a pillar. Military jeeps drive up, and Major Farmer gets out. Frank takes a mischievous look at Henry while the driver grins.

As Rachel turns to head inside the manner, she glances over at the Squaddie, feeling minuscule disheartened. He stands with an emotionless posture and clasps his hands tied behind his back. Of course, in a pose of stoic military discipline. She cannot blame him for following protocol, but it only heightens her desire to understand him better. Even though Rachel attempts to break through his barrier, it's evident that he's not going to let his guard down. Frank Farmer is busy inspecting Sy's classy acquired vehicle with Rachel's PR consultant and Mark Jordan.

Henry can overhear Major Farmer chatting with Sy and Marc as they talk shop about automobiles. The Squaddie remains in his stoic military pose, paying little attention to the happenings around him.

At that moment, a car pulls up, and Ivy Reed hardly recognizes Frank Farmer in uniform and walks up to them with a grin. Eyeing the military officer in his uniform, she feels a pang of excitement. The New Yorker decides that this sight warrants contacting them again. Rachel's curiosity about the Squaddie doesn't wane; inside the main building, she peeks out from a window. Sly and Mark are still distracted by their conversation. When Ivy joins the group, she looks at the Major but greets everyone in good part. The singer becomes ignored, and that makes her feel less amicable. Ivy salutes again and looks from one of the presents to the other, but nothing happens. Despite their inattention, Ivy continues to hold her ground. She searches for a moment to interject and strike up a meaningful conversation. At least, that's how the American singer imagines it. The Squaddie remains reserved, taking in the scene through focused eyes. A little bored, Sy allows himself to say, «All right, Ivy?» seduce. The woman stares at Spector in confusion, then spies back at Frank.

The soldier explains that in the military, before switching off the engine, you crank it up to first-rate speed again. Feeling ignored, her annoyance starts to build. Frank Farmer explains that roaring the engines ensures cylinders are up.

«I said good morning, you man in uniform!» Pityless, the New Yorker with the sharp tongue hisses between her teeth. Ivy snarks as her annoyance reaches its peak. The rest of the group is too busy being enamored by Frank Farmer's explanation to pick up on Ivy's sarcasm. She can feel her anger boiling over, exasperation written all over her face. Sy shrugs, offering her a bemused smile.

«In the UK, we call this a soldier, Ivy!» Marc Jordan explains to her don't pay real attention, his eyes still on the car. The serviceman, on the contrary, remains impassive. Bored, Sy expands on the salutation option, «Or Squaddie!» But he doesn't even look up. After a moment of silence, a very slow but affirmative «Right!» is heard, and it comes from Marc. His gaze rests like a rock on the engine block. Then he looks at her after all. «All right, Ivy?» Adds Marc and goes back. In a brief but animated it-doesn't-matter discussion, Sy and Marc agree that both forms of address are acceptable. Marc looks up, his expression signaling the end of the conversation. Ivy rolls her eyes, understanding all too well the uselessness of such trivial debates.

But the military officer pulls up without a hitch. «This trains the engine to achieve the best results. Besides, when starting ensures that the vehicle reaches top speed faster.»

Ivy tries to shake off the feeling of being out of place as Frank explains the benefits of engine training. She feels like an outsider in this male-dominated space, and a sense of inadequacy washes over her. Ivy shifts her gaze to Frank, hoping in vain for reassurance. Her stricken glare prompts Sly and Mark as they start to discuss engine performance with the military officer, impressed by his knowledge but also a bit irritated by his condescension towards them. Their attention tempers when Henry bursts out laughing and ruins the awe-inspiring tone of the conversation.

On the beat, all eyes turn on Ivy with fixated glares as if she is the star of a show. Unfazed by the attention, Ivy continues and keeps her gaze fixed on the serviceman. The daydreaming soldier hurries up to turn around and ensure himself there isn't someone sneaking up on him. Ivy then pipes up in a sassy and sarcastic tone, «Don't pretend!» Ivy is not familiar with getting treated like a nuisance.

«How should I know you talk to me?» Frank defends himself as expected. Ivy rolls her eyes at Frank's predictable defensiveness.

The New Yorker nods her head toward Marc and Sy, frustrated with the blatant lack of enthusiasm shown towards her. «You mean I've come walking the 10 yards here because of those two? I demand respect!»

The military officer seems unimpressed by Ivy's haughty demeanor. Regardless of whether Ivy gets upset with Frank, he laughs banter between his teeth. Then the military officer comments on the singer's request with vicious oratory. «Miss ... never mind, you must earn my respect. If that doesn't suit you, I have good advice for you! Don't talk to me!» He retorts with an air of superiority. Ivy bristles at his aggression but remains composed, unwilling to let the officer think he has the upper hand.

The latter, at least, appears unimpressed. Frank reassures himself with the bored rhetorical question, «So, attack a Section 13 officer, right?» He stands tall and crosses his arms. He stares at Ivy for a few more tense moments before turning his attention to Frank. Meanwhile, Ivy scowls at the arrogant demeanor displayed by the officer. Even if Ivy intended to reply, she gets unsettled by Frank's evil grin flashing across his face when he says, «You'll even earn a trip to the Caribbean with me.»

Ivy's eyes shift to Rachel's beautiful estate in the background, a surreal scenery that seems to accentuate the tension of the moment. Despite his facade of confidence and coolness under pressure, Frank seems almost bored with the whole situation. Ivy ponders the answer several times before voicing her confusion. «Are you aware that this is an in-all stupid threat?» she says, shaking her head. She had anticipated more professionalism and less arrogance from someone in Frank's position. It becomes clear to Ivy that Frank does not care about the implications of his actions. She knows, with boiling rage, that this guy never took place accountable for his hubris. 'I'm well connected!' Ivy remembers his words when he first came here and argued with Rachel. She's interested to know how great these connections are and whether they justify his behavior. She starts the biteless attempt to get in touch with him. Anything might soften him towards her, hoping to persuade Frank away from his insistent bullying tactics. «If I were born in a city like London, I would mayhaps feel higher than everyone else too.» But Frank Farmer doesn't go into it, «Miss ...» His gaze wanders in deep thought to the sky he gives up. «I've only lived in London for a year, but I assure you, I'm already feeling higher than everyone else.» Ivy digs in at this point, «Oh, you're not a Londoner?» But Frank looks at her in amazement, «Yes! I'm a native of London!» The New Yorker is close to despair.

Marc and Sy's mind has also shifted in the meantime. All their attention is now on Frank and Ivy. Big way amused, they double over with laughter. First and foremost, Ivy takes the run-in with the military officer quite a lot to real. The irritated singer glances at Sy and Marc and thinks loud, «That must be the famous British humor!» Both men get an immediate uplift of exercise when Farmer replies dryly, «No, miss... whateeee! That's not British humor, those two...» He nods at Sy and Marc. «... aren't gentlemen. And as for me, I'm by its very nature mean.»

To her surprise, Ivy is only upset with Sy and Marc. Frank opposite...? His behavior is a complete mystery to her. She gives him a desperate look, «I was trying to get to know you.» She doesn't miss the almost disgusted facial expression when Frank replies. «You know what? I don't give a damn shit about that!» Even worse than his words Marc and Sy's laughter colorizes the background and destabilizes Ivy. The singer tries again to clarify herself about his behavior, «Why are you doing that?»

The Major looks at Ivy with a face devoid of emotion. «Miss... err... Go, find a friend!» he barks at her. At that moment, Ivy finally understands that she doesn't belong here. She straightens up, furious at him. «And you can go to hell, Major!» Ivy can feel the weight of the soldiers' eyes on her as she stammers to respond.

Fury Ivy stares at the major, but he looks at the engine block again, lost in thought. Almost everyone can see storm clouds gathering over Ivy, whose face transforms into an essence of annoyance. Farmer turns to her, and bitter-voiced is to hear, «What are you looking at?»

The tension is thick as syrup. The Major lets out a grunt and turns to look at her, his expression stoic. «Look, Miss, I don't have time for games or drama,» he says. Ivy sniffs, «I see! Do you want to pick up where you left off? As an asshole!»

The Major's words were like a splash of cold water on Ivy's face, forcing her to wake up from her fury-induced haze. «Miss... Whatever!» His voice sounds freezy, but he doesn't raise it to threaten. «Please limit the communication directed towards me during such young hours of the day. I hate if someone bothers me with useless babble in the morning.»

«You do that to me because you stand up to early?» While Ivy can't believe what's happening to her, Marc and Sy keep having a great time.

«Rachel is also a morning grouch!» In no time, Marc commits to the topic. «Did you know that?» Frank Farmer falls into his childlike mode, widens his eyes, and laughs embarrassed. «Do I know how Rachel is when she gets out of bed? How should I know?»

Ivy notices this change in the soldier with dismay.

Marc seems to realize the absurdity of his question. «That's right; she only met you once.»

«That's the way it is!» Frank Farmer says, falling back into his heavy-eyed mode.

Ivy follows the scene confused, then turns back to more important things, the uniformed man. «Small talk? Socialization? Those aren't things that mean much to you?» The singer presents.

«I'm English! We don't make small talk with strangers.» And then there's this mood swing that irritates Ivy. Frank Farmer turns to her with a grin and says, «Except in a pub, everyone there talks to everyone.»

«Erm...» she stammers, unsure. «I guess I can't compete with a Martin Aston?» She's referring to his attention to Sy Spector's fancy car.

Frank Farmer's amused eyes show Ivy what a jokester she is. He looks at her with a hint of pity. «I'm afraid not even with a Chevrolet Corvette!» Sly and Mark are dying of laughter. Ivy resents herself for assuming he could be any different today.

«Why do you always act like that? Have I done anything to you?» Frank Farmer pats the singer tame on the shoulder, his voice soots. «Don't take that personally, Miss... Um...» His eyes study her before he continues summing up, «I don't need reasons to dislike someone.»

Sy and Marc burst out laughing as they set out to walk over to the main house. Henry follows them, and at the table, Ashley has her breakfast. Under compulsion, Rachel returns greetings. Nobody bothers her because she is very known not to be a morning person. She stands still by the window, watching Ivy and Frank, trying to make sense of their interaction without understanding a word.

«Ashley...» Henry turns to the little one, amused. «Your cousin is here!» He seems to enjoy it, but Rachel grabs her head like she's in pain. She remains frozen by the window, avoiding eye contact with anyone else in the house. Her daughter jumps up and wants to rush out of the house. Emma stops the little one, «First, we eat.»

With these words, she guides the girl back to her seat, «The sooner you end, the sooner you can go to your cousin.»

A pitiful moan comes from Rachel. She covers her face with both hands. Then she looks sad at her daughter and then at Mark. Rachel gets up from the window and shuffles over to the buffet table. She spoons some scrambled eggs and bacon on a plate and moves to sit at the farthest end of the room from everyone else. Emma glances up, noting the tension in the room. She figures it's not her place to comment on family dynamics.

Rachel looks out the window again at Ivy and Frank. «Have you become friends yet, Marc? You and the Squaddie?» Taking Rachel to his amusement in the parking lot. Her voice sounds almost indifferent to his answer, given what she knows of her mother's likely influence on the Squaddie.

Marc doesn't understand why Rachel gives him such a look. But he feels he has to say something. «That Squaddie is a morning grouch too, Rachel! Ivy learned it outside of the parking area the hard way.» He smiles at the singer to no avail. He has never noticed anything alarming about their relationship, but he keeps this thought to himself, not wanting further agitate Rachel. He does note that Rachel is staring out at the parking lot, emotionless.

Rory remarks satirical, «Oh, the madame is already here? But don't come in. The diva wants to get invited in, I suppose?» Sy has to cackle, «Don't be so hard on her, Rory! The Squaddie is already making her bleed. I don't believe you can do much with her today anyway. The Major is causing the purest massacre.»

Rachel shifts in her chair, looking back at Sy before her eyes land on Marc. «I already know he is a morning grouch!» She sounds annoyed.

Marc leans forward, eyebrows furrowed, and challenges Rachel: «How do you know that?»

He feels annoyed by Rachel's secretive behavior, even if he doesn't understand what's bothering her.

Dubios Rachel mockingly, «Guess what! What do you think?»

Sy laughs in a malicious manner. «And Marc had to realize the same from Rachel.»

Marc Jordan remains unsure as to why he is facing this hostility.

«Marc, did you remember to say hello to Ashley?» Rachel asks in an unemotional way. Marc rolls his eyes and knows that Popstar is trying to be snarky. «Yes, your Highness!» Then he quips at the diva. He replies too fast he could think about it and continues to wonder.

Rachel isn't in the passion for jokes at all. In detail, not Marc's witticisms! Or even worse, when Marc tries to copy the Squaddie. «I'm not so sure about that, court jester.» The Pop star says. She hasn't forgotten the video from Saturday.

Unsure, he turns to Rachel's daughter. «Hello, little one!»

With her mouth full and some cornflakes falling out of her face again, she mumbles, «Hi, March!»

Marc beams at Rachel, the best way to wait for a compliment on how well he handles the situation. But Rachel's mood doesn't improve. «Did you even note that Ashley is around?»

---

Chapter 2 continues ...