December 13, 1882

Arriving in Albuquerque Johnson escorted Pina, Bozes and Hamilton to a nearby Hotel that was under heavy guard by union troops, mostly for the Pina's protection. A couple hours later Pina and her friends along with a handful of guards were brought to the train station. Looking around, Pina was very confused, earlier she had been told they were waiting for their transport to arrive. Pina had been expecting to ride in wagons, so naturally the girls were asking a lot of questions, most notably as to the function of the iron beams on the ground, which the three had seen many times since their arrival. A bell followed by a loud noise which sounded like a massive beast preparing to charge caught their attention, looking in the direction of the noise they were astonished and frightened when they saw a large iron beast approaching.

As the train came to stop at the station the look on the three girls faces and the noble prisoners was priceless, "wwhhat is this thing," Bozes asked in fear as she drew her sword. Pina was literally tongue tied and Hamilton looked as if she was about to faint, which ironically, she did.

A young major assigned to watch over the princess and her friends till the general arrived explained, "Ladies this is what we call a train, instead of horses it uses steam to move, neither none of the girls understood, to put it simply, those men up in the front load wood into the massive oven which is the big section there in the front, which also contains water, as the fire heats the water, the water boils and eventually turns into steam which pushes these large pistons which is what drives the train forward."

The girls still didn't understand, "allow me to put into terms you might understand," Johnson said as he dismissed the major. If we were to go by horse and carriage it would take anywhere from 25 to 35 days to get to Washington, taking a train will get us there in 4 or 5 days." The idea of being able to travel so far so fast was just too much for Pina and Bozes, and both consequently joined their friend as both fainted.

After getting some help, the girls were loaded onto the train and placed in their respective rooms, and issuing his final order Col Morgan, the train began to pull away from the station. The trip from Albuquerque to Washington would be interesting, Johnson was later informed that several reporters would board the train in Dodge city for a quick interview.

The next morning as the sun was rising, sunlight trickled into Pina's cabin, at first Pina only wanted to sleep but as the sun got higher in the sky, she had no choice but to wake up. Opening her eyes, Pina nearly went into a panic as she looked around the alien room, the sound of the trains whistle followed by the entire room rocking had Pina on her feet as she stumbled out of her room. Ironically Bozes and Hamilton had stumbled out of their rooms around the same time causing all three to fall to the floor.

Johnson was in the main seating area of the Cabin drinking coffee, when he heard the commotion down the hall in the sleeping quarters. A quick investigation found the three imperial guests on the floor tangled up, chuckling to himself Johnson with the help of one of the guards untangled the girls and helped them to their feet.

Walking into main cabin of the rail car Johnson took a seat as the girls did the same, "Good morning, Princess, ladies, I trust you slept well,' Johnson said amused. Pina flushed but acknowledged that she was well as did the Bozes and Hamilton. 'We'll be arriving in Dodge City, Kansas soon; it's one of many stops we'll be making mostly to take on fresh water and wood for the engine. Pina nodded, while were in Dodge city we'll go to a nearby restaurant for breakfast, then we'll be joined by a group of reporters who wish to ask you a few questions for the Dodge city times newspaper and a few other papers across the country."

"General, what is a reporter," Hamilton asked as she had never heard of such a title, Bozes and Pina were also curious as they also didn't understand what a newspaper was. Answering their second question was easy enough as Johnson had been reading a newspaper when the girls awoke, as for what a reporter was, he explained it was a someone who goes out and asks questions and brings back whatever they learned to be added to the paper.

Another hour went by as the girls got themselves ready, as the train began to slow down, they were informed that they had arrived they all ran to the windows. As the train rolled into town the girls were dumbstruck when they saw massive wooden fences holding cows, "General, why is there so many cows here."

"This is a cattle town one of the biggest, richest and most successful in the state of Kansas. It's also a loading point for Texas big horn steers and other cattle being brought up from Texas and the surrounding areas from ranches to be shipped back east."

"So, your saying this town is one of the richest towns in your kingdom and all they do is move cattle around," Bozes said not understanding how a cow can generate great wealth.

When the train finally came to a stop Johnson followed by the girls and several armed guards got off the train where a small carriage was waiting. The ride through Dodge city was intriguing for the girls, as they had never seen an entire town so rich and prosperous made from wood, they had expected to see great structures made of marble and other magnificent stone. Arriving at the Grand Central Restaurant the girls were very eager to get inside as they had been told this was the finest places to eat in all of Dodge city. Walking inside the girls were not as impressed as it looked plain as Bozes put it, looking around Hamilton thought it was quite nice. After being seated they ordered their meals, which consisted mostly of eggs and fruit as well as some meat.

After eating all three girls were satisfied as the food was very delicious despite having to sit near commoners, walking out of the fine establishment Johnson assured them that when they got to Washington their would-be better restaurants more suited to their status. Suddenly gunfire erupted down the street, from where they were, they witnessed two men yelling at each other but just as quickly as the fight had started, they shot at each other multiple times before both men were hit.

Back on the train, Pina was introduced to the reporters who began to bombard her with questions, she answered the best she could but didn't understand why they wanted to know what they were asking. Finally, after several exhausting minutes the final question was asked, "Princess Pina, what do you have to say to your empires aggressive behavior during your invasion."

Pina was unsure how to answer this one, she had always believed that the empire was spreading the light of humanity, bringing barbaric tribes into the empire to give them better lives. She still believed that despite not knowing the true depth of the atrocities the imperial army took whenever they attacked. Seeing as the princess didn't have an answer Johnson stepped in, "thank you gentlemen but I'm afraid that all the time we have."

"General, before you go, I would like to ask you the same question, the reporter asked.

"I honestly don't know, but if one were to look at history and why armies from all around the world, one would find they all have committed similar actions."

Before leaving the train, the photographer requested a photo stepping outside the train Johnson stood on the platform while Pina, Bozes and Hamilton stayed on the rail car. With a quick flash of smoke, it was done, and the train began to pull away from the station. Over the next four days Johnson went over some details with Pina telling her everything he knew about the president, as well as what kind of governing system the US used, while asking questions of his own. Pina was shown a map of the country and was awestruck, she was even more surprised hearing about the country's history. As the train moved further east the girls had the opportunity to learn about ladies fashion in America, as a noble woman from Paris who specialized in woman's clothes had boarded the train. The girls were very intrigued and were assured that once they arrived in Washington, they would have a chance to see what was available.

December 20, 1882

As the train went further east Pina was amazed at how much different the towns were as each major city, she saw was more elegant then the last, she also noted how much colder it was, compared to when she started to see snow on the ground. After 5 days travel, Pina finally got her first glimpse of the American capital Washington DC, while not as grand as Sadera, the architecture was absolutely stunning. She had also learned that the city was named after George Washington, Americas First president, the father of the Nation as she heard one officer say and the General of the army during Americas fight for independence over a century ago.

As the train pulled into the Washington Depot, Pina was anxious but also nervous, she was in the heart of the American Capitol. Outside the station Pina and her party got into a carriage while Johnson and his men mounted onto their horses. As the carriage pulled away, Pina's guards led by Grey surrounded the wagon while Johnson and his men lead the wagon with several troops bringing up the rear. The city was a magnificent sight as people and wagons went about their business, off in the distance Pina could see a large obelisk under construction nearly finished.

Then Pina saw a grand building which she assumed to be the Palace where the American president was. While not as majestic as the imperial Palace in Sadera it was still quite a sight, in the nearby river she saw great massive ships some with sail and others without, how they were moving without sail was a mystery. The Convoy stopped at the Willard intercontinental Hotel, the reason being was to give Pina a chance to freshen up and put on a more suitable outfit for her meeting with the president. Pina was also given a chance to look at the latest fashions from around the world including some very elegant dresses from Paris France.

When the girls were done Pina was wearing a more Formal gown as was Bozes, Hamilton was nervous as she was not used to wearing such clothing. Outside the Hotel Johnson was speaking with some reporters when one saw the princess and her guards exit the hotel, the reporters tried to sneak by, but the guards would not budge. The convoy was off again and as Pina looked outside the carriage, she was very nervous. The wagon turned up a narrow road and came to a stop in front of a large mansion, two men in black suits approached as one opened the door and the other offered his hand to the princess and her friends as they exited one by one.

Pina was very Confused as she looked over to Johnson who was attaching his sword to his side, "General I thought we were going to meet your President."

"We are Princess, he's inside waiting."

Pina looked up at the building before asking, "Is this your presidents home, I thought he lived in that Palace over there," Pina said as she pointed towards the Capitol building.

Johnson chuckled, "That's the Capitol Building, where the US Senate meets to discuss anything from Policies, New laws or Declaring war should the need arise."

"YOU HAVE A SENATE," Pina all but blurted out.

Pina was at a loss for words, as Bozes was curious about something, "What level of Nobility is your leader."

Johnson began leading the group into the White House as he answered Bozes question, "The President isn't of noble blood nor is he Royalty, those words might as well have been a dagger as Bozes was disgusted, our Government is a democracy, the people vote for who runs the country every 4 years."

"That is utter nonsense, how could peasants know what is good for them, only a ruler with an iron grip can know what's best for the masses," Bozes exclaimed.

Before Johnson could respond one of the Presidents aids got his attention, "Major General Thomas Johnson, Princess Pina Co Lada and party, the President will see you now."

With a deep breathe Pina put on her game face as she followed Johnson to a set of doors, that were opened by two men in suits, inside Johnson stopped and saluted as Pina bowed.

Imperial encampment

Alnus hill

The commander of the Alnus Garrison was going over some paperwork, like so many in the imperial army, he was disgusted that a group of barbarians had defeated the expeditionary force. While moral among the Garrison was still high, many wanted revenge, however; orders from the emperor were clear, not to engage until ordered to.

The flaps to his tent flew open, enraged the commander shouted, "Who dares enter my tent without…' his words were cut short, when he saw Prince Zorzal standing in front of him. 'My Prince, Please forgive my rude behavior, I wasn't aware you were coming," he said as he bowed low.

"What is the status of your men."

"My prince, the garrison is at full strength, were short of food but were expecting a shipment from Italica within the next week."

"Good, I want your best warriors to meet with me, and the rest to prepare to go through the Gate on my orders."

"My prince, my orders come from the emperor himself, we are to hold the Gate and no troops are to march..."

"I am giving the orders, and my orders are to prepare your men, I am next in line for the throne, and I will not lose my thrown because the emperor showed weakness. When those barbarians come through, we will draw them in and obliterate them, then we shall march through the Gate and lay waste to all who dare challenge the empire."

Washington DC

December 25, 1882

It had only been a week since Pina arrived in Washington and she was a nervous wreck, her meeting with President Chester A Arthur went smooth, as had all the other meetings she had with the president. When she asked for an end to all hostilities, she had expected harsher terms, but what she was given while still difficult to swallow, she believed the terms were reasonable.

Looking out the window of her Suite, Pina watched the people below as they celebrated Christmas, from her room she could see the children playing in the snow, while some people were singing on the streets. Earlier that day Pina received an invitation to a Christmas celebration, the one thing that really amazed her was just how civilized the American's were. Now she was going to a party, and she was anxious to see what their high society citizens were like.

Later that day, Pina's carriage arrived in front of another glamourous mansion, where she was greeted by General Johnson at the front door and escorted inside. The interior was absolutely immaculate, as people from all over high society from all manner of life, including dignitaries and special guests from overseas were talking. In several corners local police and Soldiers of the US Marines were on standby as the president was also present. Bozes was speechless as she walked around the room, all around their was excellent food from around the world, music from a small band was playing. It was honestly shocking for the young nobles as they didn't believe that any of this was possible for people who they thought were cowardly barbarians.

Yet, despite what they thought, people from all walks of life and the largest empires in this world were celebrating a shared holiday. Hamilton commented on how this party would make many of the richest nobles in the empire Jealous, Bozes wanted to scold her, but held back as she actually agreed. Not long after it was announced that dinner was ready, as people took their seats Pina was surprised to learn that she was dining at the presidents table, along with Johnson and several key figures from around the world.

Throughout dinner she listened to President Arthur and his guests talk about foreign affairs among many other things. Then a high-ranking officer bandaged a knife on his glass gaining everyone's attention. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to propose a toast, first on behalf of the president we welcome all those from across the seas for being here on this historic occasion, guests clapped as they raised their glasses. I would like congratulate Major General Thomas Johnson for his victory out west, all around applauded as Johnson stood up to be recognized, and with that I bid everyone a very merry Christmas."

As the applause died down Johnson remained standing as he turned to the president, "Mr. president with your permission sir, Arthur simply nodded his head, Ladies and gentlemen I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here, only a few months ago I was col protecting settlers the new Mexico territory, then I found myself fighting an enemy not seen in centuries. The true heroes are those who won't be going home, raising his glass Johnson said, to our fallen soldiers, may they rest in peace, all around guests raised their glasses. I'd like to say one more thing, tonight we have a representative with us from the Saderan empire, Ladies and Gentlemen Princess Pina Co Lada," a somewhat quiet applause was given as Pina Stood raising her glass to the crowd, while giving a slight bow.

Pina spoke up, "General, Mr. President it is an honor to be here, and I hope that peace shines upon both our nations," everyone again raised their glasses then returned to their meals.

When dinner was over the main party began, a spectacular ball commenced, and people began to dance. Pina sat on the side with her friends as she watched. She was even surprised when two young officers came forward and offered Bozes and Hamilton to dance with them. Pina was amused as she watched Hamilton stutter but accept the invitation, but also felt a little jealous as no one had asked her to dance.

As if reading her mind a white gloved hand appeared in front of her, "Princess Pina, would you care to join me for a dance," looking up she felt butterflies in her stomach when she realized it was Johnson who had asked her, without hesitation she accepted and followed him on to the dance floor.

Pina was surprised at how well he could dance, while she herself had been to many parties held by the nobility of the empire. Pina and Johnson slowly danced to the music playing, nearby Pina saw Bozes who was absolutely red as she and the young man danced. When she finally spotted Hamilton, she chuckled as her friend looked as if she was about to faint.

As the night went on, Pina was truly enjoying herself, she and Johnson had danced for a while before deciding to take a breather. During this time several of the elite from the German Empire, France, the Austro-Hungarian empire, and the Russian Empire introduced themselves to her, talking about how mighty their empires were. Pina even had the opportunity to meet an officer of the Japanese Imperial Army which fascinated her as he held a stoic face and barely spoke.

Later Pina decided to get some fresh air, as she stood outside, she noticed Johnson talking to another officer and the look on Johnson's face said that something wasn't right. As both men finished their discussion Johnson noticed Pina "Princess Pina, what brings you outside."

"It was a little warm inside, so I decided to get some fresh air, Johnson nodded his head as he lit up a cigar to smoke, is everything ok you seem distressed."

Clearing his throat Johnson looked at Pina with a concerning look, "I just received a message from Fort Wingate, several individuals were caught attempting to exit the Gate, they claimed to be simple peasants but were detained when they tried to kill the men guarding the Gate."

"I don't understand, my father said he suspended all troop movements through the gate."

"Well, it would seem someone didn't get the message because over two dozen have been caught trying to sneak through."

"What's going to happen now," Pina asked nervously.

"I'm going to inform the president of the situation and I'll be returning tomorrow to evaluate the situation, Johnson said as Pina agreed and followed him into the building.

Back inside Johnson found the president and informed him of the situation. Suddenly a dagger smashed into the wall between Johnson and President Arthur, surprising both. One of Pina's guards charged towards President Arthur sword drawn shouting, "Death to all Barbarians." Before the man could strike a gun shot rang out across the room, as the wood be assassin fell to floor dead.

Looking back, Pina saw Johnson put his pistol away, as the secret service and police kept the other guests back. Bozes and Hamilton rushed up to Pina as her guards were arrested, "Princess, are you alright," Bozes asked as Pina nodded. After another discussion with the president, Johnson informed Pina that they were going back to the hotel to pack their things and in the morning would take the train back to New Mexico.

The next morning Pina, Bozes, Hamilton and her remaining guards who were released but held under heavy guard were back on the train heading west. Originally, the plan had been to stay for the New year's celebration, but after the failed assassination attempt on the president, Pina believed it best to go back now and speak to her father immediately.

December 31, 1882

Kansas city, Missouri

Due to heavy snow fall the trip back west was delayed as the train slowly pressed on, arriving in Kansas city Johnson allowed his men to enjoy the new year's celebrations. Pina was also very curious about what was going on and Bozes had insisted that they celebrate (actually she was desperate for any kind of distraction to get out of telling Pina how her time with the young officer went.) All around the town Banners of the red, white and blue were hung, all over people were preparing for the party to come.

As night fell the festivities got even more lively as music played, food was eaten, and alcohol flowed like a river. As the night went on Pina had pulled Johnson onto the dance floor and danced several times, Pina was having the time of her life, even Bozes and Hamilton would later say they truly enjoyed themselves, despite remembering very little. When midnight came the fireworks were lit, and cowboys began firing their guns into the sky, surprising Pina and her friends who thought they were under attack. With the start of the new year Bozes collapsed, revealing that she couldn't hold her liquor, as she was taken to her room accompanied by Hamilton.

Pina and Johnson stayed up late dancing the night away, drinking and enjoying delicacies Pina never knew of. Around 2 in the morning Johnson, having not drunk as much since he was still technically on duty, was carefully escorting Pina to the Hotel, as she was very drunk and barely able to stay on her feet. While Johnson had a light buzz going but he was still focused, arriving at Pina's room he was annoyed at the fact that the door was locked and despite knocking, no one answered. With little choice he carried her to his room with the intention of letting the princess sleep there. Arriving he carried Pina inside and laid her on the bed, but before he could stand up Pina surprised him by grabbing his collar and pulled down to her for a kiss, her arms wrapped around him before passing out.

As the morning sun rose Pina slowly began to stir, her vision was blurry, and she felt awful, and her head was spinning. She slowly sat up while looking around the room, she was confused as she didn't recognize where she was, when a loud snore caught her attention. Looking to the source, Pina was shocked to see Johnson passed out in a chair in the room. Suddenly she was hit with a wave as her memories came flooding back, remembering what had happened that night, most importantly she remembered a brief moment of longing, and a kiss. Pina's face went beat red as she realized what she had done, she the princess, daughter of Emperor Molt had not only got drunk with an enemy of the empire she kissed a man she barely knew.

A knock at the door snapped Pina from her haze, while waking Johnson, before he could get up, the door was smashed open as Bozes stormed into the room followed by two guards who had been trying to stop her. Seeing the Pina Bozes sighed but lost her temper when she saw Johnson was also in the room sporting a familiar shade of red lipstick. "WHY YOU," without hesitation Bozes drew a dagger and rushed forward but was stopped as she tripped over her own feet and Pina suddenly jumped off the bed to a nearby bucket and puked.

Looking at the time, Johnson groaned as he realized how late in the morning it was and knew they needed to get ready. Apologizing for the misunderstanding, Johnson explained why he and Pina were in the same room, when Pina was done puking, she followed Bozes back to her room for a much-needed bath. After a quick soak the girls enjoyed a hot breakfast, then rushed to the train depot and the journey continued on.