A soldier sat alone in his holding cell and Alexei was powerless against his commander's machinations. His back was pressed against the wall while he remained seated on the bed. To his right, a lone guard strolled back and forth, inspecting each cell with a meticulous gaze. He complied to the man's meager authority with utter silence.

Colonel Akhrosimov had given his word that he would deal with General Kuragin. It's not as if he doubted the man, but how would someone of his rank even be capable of compelling a superior to release him? It was an untenable situation he found himself in as he pondered about his fate beyond being a mere soldier. Should the general have reason to dishonorably discharge him, the young man would find himself living on the streets briefly until the Ministry of Labor takes notice and orders him to live in a homeless shelter. Well, it presumed anybody would care about the son of a certain special investigator.

His father had been declared a crucial member in overthrowing the authoritarian parties in favor of the monarchy; however, so many had fallen victim to a mere signature. Countless hundreds who were arrested, imprisoned, or executed were attached to his family name. How could a country ever forget those sins? How could he walk into a store and not feel the disappointing ire of patriots and loyal citizens?

Alexei didn't know how to talk to his father about the matter for it was far too personal for either to address. Part of him wanted to berate the man who raised him; yet, he also cared about his well-being. Would it do any good to talk about the horrors kept in the shadows that was the Ministry of Information? Was it a cover or did his father genuinely try to do the best out of a terrible situation? These questions would not grant him any closure on the family matters but rather that his mind was troubled by the very land he was born in.

It was now that the imprisoned cavalry officer noticed that the guard hadn't been making his rounds along his cell. There was no reason for the overseer to abandon his charges to fate and there was no discernable explanation. Minutes passed until the guard returned into view as he straightened his spine and turned towards him. "Captain Vonel?"

He rose from his cot and pridefully erected himself. "Yes?"

"It's your lucky day. I have orders to release you." Came the reply.

Out from the left, Alexei heard the complaints of a punished soldier in the neighboring cell. "How come he gets to go and we don't?"

The guard brandished a baton and smashed the steel bar on the prison cell that had the gall to break his control over them. "He's an officer and a gentlemen. You're a deserter we haven't shot." He turned to the captain, "Time to get you out of there."

Once the keys were brought into view, the warden remained aloof to the other cell occupants in the building as the mounted soldier had been granted the right to leave. This had to be Colonel Akhrosimov's doing but the question of methodology still eluded him. He would ask questions once General Kuragin ceased to be a problem in his immediate future.

Alexei departed from the cells under the oversight of the military police. Each step contained purpose and pride as made slight readjustments to his uniform. Every officer was expected to appear presentable before the rest of the army. As soon as he stepped out of the building, the captain had found himself taken aback by the scenery.

Night had fallen on the rally point with brief beams of pure white lights attached to the sentry posts overlooking every Arstotzkan soldier. Yet, what was parked in front of him was a long black limousine with its headlights on. What reason would there be for such a high-class status of a vehicle to be present on military grounds? Yet, the driver's seat door opened and the chauffeur - in a black suit and tie - made his way around to the furthest passenger seat and turned to the officer. The old man and his tired brow let out a warm smile as he unlocked the door facing Alexei and gestured his hand into the vehicle. "You must be Captain Vonel, he has been expecting you."

"Uh, what is going on?" He asked, confused by the strange nature of this encounter.

"It will be explained inside. His majesty is waiting."

Those last words made him freeze for a brief moment, for the tsar was in this military center and visited the troops personally. He didn't have much to say for he feared to showcase his sign of reluctance and so he stepped forward. Then he entered the limo as the chauffeur closed the door upon being fully inside the car. As the driver made his way back into his former position, the atmosphere had been filled with cigarette smoke.

He looked around for the man responsible for his freedom, only to see a dark figure to his left, on the other side of the seating arrangements. The royal's gaze looked out from his window towards the rest of the base, his uniform clean in olive drab with a red sash from his shoulder to his torso. A series of medals were pinned over the left side of his chest, mere decoration for the face of the monarchy. The middle-aged man let out a breath before turning to a mere commissioned officer in charge of the 1st Mounted Guards Company. "So this is the captain that Colonel Akhrosimov spoke highly about," He looked to the front of the car and addressed his servant. "Circle around the compound."

"Sir… uh, your majesty. What is this about?" The officer grew curious about the nature of his situation.

"I came here to raise the spirits of my soldiers, here at Northern Command, and see how my beloved Mounted Guards have done beyond marching at parade grounds. General Kuragin was keen on showcasing an officer who disgraced the company's name with losses; however, Colonel Akhrosimov conflicts with that report that you have distinguished yourself with great honor on the battlefield. The colonel is a good friend of my late father and I trust his judgment but I am curious to avoid bias. So, I came to the source to learn the truth of the matter."

He paused and couldn't help himself from being embarrassed at the revelation of the information like a schoolboy finally being brought to the principal's office. The fact that the tsar himself would look into his affairs on his behalf was a jarring perspective that reality would make it happen. When he regained his composure, Alexei took a deep breath and prepared himself for what may become either an interview or an interrogation. "You really want to know?"

"Yes," The emperor produced a cigar from the nearby limo condiments to their right, "What happened back there?"

"The company was tasked with striking at Gotoran artillery pieces and we successfully engaged the enemy and eliminated their crew. What we also found were prisoners of war from the Ferngill Republic as they were going to be used as target practice to test their latest weapons."

A hard stare from the middle-aged man evoked a terrifying look. Being in such a person's presence, the cavalry officer hoped he wouldn't make an enemy out of the royal sovereign. "Bastards. The Ferngills have kept their distance but we owe them a great deal for assisting us against our neighbor. What else happened?"

"We reconnected with Colonel Akhrosimov to process the prisoners back across the border for safety," Then he recollected the dire situation the entire division was put in, "The Gotorans would launching an attack upon the 5th Division; yet, General Akhrosimov ordered us to retreat and leave behind the Fenrgills."

"Is that so?" The monarch pondered, "Kuragin never did mention this to me. Do you have any further details to remember?"

"All I remember is that we held the line and tried to give the prisoners time and distance to get as far away from us as possible."

"Here I thought that fat oaf would be sold on the idea of the common citizenry earning their ranks. You have my thanks in clarifying this matter once and for all and I intend to deal with the general… soon." He looked to the front of the car. "Yuri, you can stop now." The limo began to decelerate to a stop before the ruler continued, "You are dismissed, return to your quarters."

It didn't take him long to open the door and step out. Just as he was about to lock it, there was one more moment to be honored by his superior.

"Akhrosimov recommended that you deserve a medal, I think you've earned it without any argument from me. I'll personally give it to you once this is over."

This news brightened his attitude that he was being cared for. So they exchanged a brief smile before going their separate ways.

A truck from the Joja Corporation approached the Bakersfield farm with utmost haste upon arriving at Pelican Town. Morris sat in the passenger seat with an eager outlook of turning a profit for the business as a tired employee sat behind the driver's seat and entered the owner's grounds that morning. Everyone always had a schedule but the manager surmised that even this Arstotzkan would be awake at this time.

There was hardly any room to fit the vehicle in front of the cabin given the nature of the rocky terrain and the proximity of the crops and a horse tied to a post on the other side of the man's home. He needed to park the truck in a way where this Alexei would be able to see what goods were in store for him. Unfortunately, he would have to make compromises with the spacing. "Put the truck over there."

"Uh, sir, wouldn't that crush his crops?" His employee asked and her reluctance was not needed.

"Whatever damages done, I'll compensate that."

"I know we don't do monetary compensation," She admitted her knowledge of the corporation's policy as she slowly approached the crops, "But wouldn't the owner be angry?"

He dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand. It was just plants and there was more where they came from. "Why cry over spilled milk? He can get it at Joja anytime; especially, at a discount."

"Alrighty then."

Soon the vehicle began to creep forward and crush all that lay in the way of the vehicle. Morris opened the door and immediately dismounted, making his way over to the front of the cabin to make himself presentable. He stood there waiting for the moment the farmer would recognize a good deal. His head turned left to find the Joja employee sluggishly walking over to the rear of the truck and unlocking it.

A great crash erupted from inside the building as the manager grew curious about what went inside. Yet, he maintained his appearance as an open member of the corporation. What burst forward was a man wearing blue jeans and a white undershirt striped in blue. His eyes contained a furious anger as he approached. "What the hell is this?!"

"Hi! We've met before. My name is Morris and I am a manager of the Joja Corporation," The businessman stated with utmost zealotry towards his loyalty to the company, "I'm here to make an offer to you, good sir."

Alexei's eyes shifted away from him and towards the parked vehicle. "You parked your damned truck over my farm."

"We didn't have any room so I obliged myself to do so."

The exhausted employee voiced her opinion on the situation. "I told you, sir."

"Oh, it's no big deal. As a representative of Joja, we will compensate you with discounts and a membe-"

"You can stick that membership up your ass," He interrupted as Morris finally realized his decision to be careless may have angered a would-be loyal customer into a non-loyal one, "Do you have any idea how much money I just lost because of you? Get off my property."

The manager was quick to think up a way to try and placate the man as he turned around and went back inside the cabin. Once the door closed, he pleaded with the man's return. "We can figure a way to alleviate the issue. My company has all sorts of goods that would be considered useful to your farm."

"Get. Out." The farmer's harsh tone echoed from inside his home.

"Come, now. Be reasonable."

Soon the door was kicked open as the man returned. This time, he was armed with a military-grade rifle. The manager froze in absolute horror as its owner shot a single round near his feet and caused him to jump. Dirt kicked up and ruined his tailored suit but the Joja representative didn't think much about it as he immediately ran back to the truck and hailed his employee.

"Go, go, go! We are leaving!"

Robin made sure to save her best wood for this day since the town relied on getting through a dangerous cliffside. Fortunately, she made the extra effort to install a railing to bridge the gap and prevent Pierre's precious goods from falling off. She hammered the final nail into place before standing up and carefully walking over her handiwork. Hardwood was a sturdy material that could last long enough into the next year on a good day.

Then she saw her husband stand on the opposite side of the bridge, holding two mugs of coffee. "I hope you didn't wake up too early."

"It's fine. Someone has to make sure everyone can safely get across before the festival gets started. Plus, I don't want to deal with Pierre's incessant complaining I didn't make it large for his shop cart." The wife answered as she reached out and received her expresso in return. One single sip from her drink and every fiber of her being began to awaken.

"You still want that dance?"

She looked at Demetrius incredulously. How long have they been together to even suggest that? "You presume it's even worth questioning in the first place."

"You know me," He replied with a smirk before taking a quick sip, "Got to be sure my girl ain't gonna let me go."

Out from the east, the married couple heard an old man holler out for them. "I see you two are up and about! Robin, is it safe to cross?"

"Absolutely. We're just taking a quick break before we set things up." The carpenter housewife answered as the mayor joined them by the cliffside.

"Good, everyone is going to be awake by now and getting dressed."

Demetrius raised a question that recognized Lewis' presence at this time. "You're normally not up this hour. Did something come up?"

"You have no idea," He answered, exasperated before continuing his conversation, "Alexei got into trouble again. This time, it involved Morris trying to sell him something but he ended up crushing his crops in the process."

"That's got to be a big deal for the farmer. It takes a bit of time to get them to grow, so that's a lot of money down the drain."

"It's not just that. From what Morris told me, he decided to bring out a rifle and nearly shot his foot off. Though, he didn't escalate and just wanted to kick them off his property." Lewis added, bringing greater context to the situation.

What was going to happen to the Arstotzkan now that the news was brought to light? "What now? I know you're the mayor but that Morris fella is probably going to tell you to confiscate his gun."

"It's not going to mean much around these parts," He assuredly answered and nodded, "Pelican town is too far out that it justifies a firearm and we have our neighborhood monsters in the caves. Marlon and Nil might be experienced but are just too old to clear things out in the caverns at this point."

Her husband let out a chuckle. "Well, it's not as reckless as dynamite fishing."

The trio burst into laughter as they were reminded of the first time they heard that news. Just the imagery of a man so angry fishing normally that he ended up surprising a whole town with explosions had left such an impression on them. Robin had to admit, it was creative and unconventional when compared to how Willey viewed fishing.

Soon the moment calmed down as she remembered what would happen in the lead-up to the dance. The ceremony would involve the young men and women picking their partners and preparing to synchronize their footsteps together. Then she realized that Alexei would attend the Flower Dance, which made her curious as to how he would fit in. It was different back when he helped Vincent and Jas hunt for eggs but would he be the rowdy cavalry officer riding on horseback?

Another matter to consider is whether or not someone picked him as a dance partner. "Lewis, the farmer is coming to join us right?"

"I didn't ask," The mayor answered, "Is it important?"

"Yeah, I just want to be sure there isn't some poor girl waiting on him and he doesn't show up."

The stench of fish washed away as Alexei scrubbed every part of his body with a bar of soap. He prayed that no one from the town would enter his home and catch his indecent appearance. On the furthest southwest end of his farm's perimeter, a pond became his makeshift bathtub with white foam and bubbles lathing his body before the water washed it away. Being the former captain of the former Mounted Guards, he was used to handling situations at a moment's notice for being so far from friendly shower facilities. Though, the young man would have to fetch a brush after his bath as it was expected of a proper Arstotzkan officer to have a carefully presentable mustache.

Today was one of the few times the world got to see his old scars underneath his shirts. When he found the soap sufficient, the farmer looked to his left and placed his bar of soap on a towel before stewing in the water. His body lowered itself enough that only from his neck and above remained untouched by the rest of the pond. Memories of the past flowed through him while his hands brushed over former wounds earned in a sword duel with General Kuragin. He wasn't ashamed of it, in fact, quite the opposite.

His heroics against the Gotorans did not go unnoticed by his tsar and the rest of the nation honored him wherever he went. Yet, such attention did little to earn the admiration of a commander of the northern front. While citizens and soldiers cheered his name, he had been fighting a personal war against him using social etiquette and connections with high-ranking officials. Such a stressful experience as the Vonel family name often received backlash for its service under the regime before the transition into the monarchy.

To be hounded at every turn, only cultivated spitefulness, which had become a powerful motivator against such a man who wanted him to grovel at his feet. Then Alexei recalled the moment he finally was able to dare the fat prick into a duel. Insults were easy to cast but invoking dueling traditions and accepting them was a risk in itself as the eyes of the nation were upon both men.

He still memorized the very hour and day he and Kuragin were brought into a private location to legally kill each other. A mere courtyard where two men drew their blades and finally let off their emotions through a sabre stroke. Blades clashed while cuts drew blood with ruthless efficiency as the general found himself outmatched by the youth of the captain and the ferocity of his wrath. In a single strike, the cavalry officer had wounded his opponent.

Once the deed was done and the man's wounded pride was too great on the political and social scene, all satisfaction at winning the contest changed everything. At what cost did he have to bring himself to ruin the general who wanted him dead? He could have remained in his homeland and lived in luxury; however, his life would involve plenty of drinking. The lives of his men wasted at the hands of an arrogant nobleman would haunt him for the rest of his days.

That was until he found his grandfather's letter.

Escaping that chapter of his life had grown fruit as much as the crops he planted. The town had been accepting of his presence, which had been good fortune. He liked them and the community continued to reinforce a need to be with them when it mattered. If only the 1st Mounted Guards Company saw him now, they would never let him live it down that he found solace in such a peaceful life. He had watched out for the men during his service and even after they were pulled off the lines.

Soon time itself almost felt like an eternity. Alexei looked up at the sky to see the hue of the sun hint at the day moving past noon. It was tempting to remain in this pond and pretend he could wash away the very past that defined him; however, he had no intention of doing so. He remembered his current obligations and reached for the towel where the bar of soap resided. Leah asked him if he was going to join the dance festival.

He wasn't going to disappoint the lady.

Leah was glad she could still fit in her flower dress. After spending a few minutes in the changing area where the girls were separated from the boys and the rest of the townsfolk, she stepped out with a smile on her face. No matter what happened, this was a time to enjoy herself What lay before her was a large and flat field where the majority of the dancing would take place as the rest of the adults busied themselves with minor tasks until the celebration began. To her left, Pierre had set up his stand by the plateau entrance, so he could accost anybody who was about to come and go. Meanwhile, on the right side of the field, Granny Evelyn helped push George's wheelchair into a spot where he could see everyone else. The artist swore that the old man was smiling but she wasn't too sure.

Soon the rest of the young ladies and gentlemen stepped out of their respective areas and walked into the open - the women in white dresses and the men in blue uniforms. Parents and the elderly cheered at their appearance, eager to see them dance. It was all up to Mayor Lewis as he stood on the opposite side of the field, standing by a table where the food had been carefully set up by Gus. Seeing the delicacies, she was tempted to make her way over and pick something but her better judgment suggested that she hold off until the dancing was over. After all, no one deserved to get puked on if the meal didn't go well with her stomach.

The time spent observing the entire scenery she realized that there was a missing face. Her northern neighbor wasn't here and it became demoralizing. She did ask him but had yet to receive his answer. It couldn't have been that he put it off unless he didn't care enough about the dance. Still, he should have told her if that was the case and spared her the embarrassment.

Elliot approached from her left flank as his casual wear was a brown jacket with a grey vest underneath and khaki pants. "Are you alright? It looked like a ghost possessed you."

"I'm just wondering where our neighborhood cavalry officer is." She answered with utmost honesty to her friend. Part of her was relieved he was willing to hear her concern.

"There is no need to worry. Lewis can still wait if you're not ready."

He didn't understand what kind of pressure she would be faced if the entire festival was held off. "I can't just spoil everything on my own account."

"Still," The novelist remained supportive of helping her through her plight, "Do you want me to fetch my clothes?"

"You don't have to go through the hassle." She smiled at his consideration.

Heads turned as an echo of thudding against the ground caused everyone to face another arrival at the festival site. A horse galloped past Pierre while the rider cooed his steed to slow down. "Woah, boy, woah!" Soon the artist saw Alexei, who was wearing a peaked cap while clad in an elaborate olive drab green uniform with golden epaulettes and an aiguillette that hung from his left shoulder. Buttons shined spotless underneath the sunlight before the Arstotzkan pulled the reins and the creature rose on its hind legs before all four hooves returned to the ground. Then he leaned forward and patted the animal's neck with his hand covered in a leather glove. "That's good, I know you needed that."

Leah heard Haley finally speak. "I wonder who is the lucky girl." The girls broke out into a bit of laughter but it was just harmless fun.

The farmer dismounted off his horse and led the creature to a fence post on the outermost perimeter of the plateau and tied the reins. Then he strode towards the center of the field and nodded at those who greeted him. Yet, he continued to surprise her as she noticed a sheathed sword attached to his belt. She would have to ask him while he waited for the festival to begin.

"I suppose that is your cue to finally ask him." Said Elliot, reminding her that this foreigner was to be her partner on this special occasion.

"Well, I think it's time for everyone to get started," Leah stated before stealing a glance from her friend, "I appreciate what you were trying to do."

"How could I refuse? We've known each other for how long to not see each other as mere neighbors. Now, go dance with that officer and have a bit of fun."

The sculptor walked forward and made her way to the lone soldier. She looked around and saw the parents and elders appear impressed by his appearance. How could she blame them when she too shared their sentiments?

Soon the distance was closed and the two were a few meters away from each other. The obvious had to be stated. "You look handsome."

His cheeks blushed and Alexei smiled at the compliment as his hand rested upon the hilt of his sabre. "Thank you. It's been a while since I've worn my dress uniform. I was afraid it would have been too tight for me."

"Safe to say, it looks great on you," She added before noticing his weapon, "Did you have to bring your sword with you?"

"Now that you mention it, I didn't think about it. Call it an old habit of mine." The Arstotzkan replied before observing his surroundings.

"Looking for something?"

"Yeah," He casually answered before his free hand adjusted his collar, "Where can I get a bit of lubrication around here?"

Leah pointed past him and at the table where Lewis and Gus were conversing over a bowl of punch. "We'll have some after the dance. Don't want to ruin our good-looking clothes."

"I don't think it would matter much for someone as beautiful as yourself." She didn't expect his flirtatious remark but it was welcomed nonetheless.

The mayor finished his drink and set it aside on the table before he clapped his hands and addressed everyone. "Now that everyone is here, are you all ready for the Flower Dance!"

"Come on, we're starving!" Sam shouted from behind as Leah and Alexei looked back and saw Abigail smack him on the back of the head. They both shared a chuckle as the dance laughed at the young man's expense.

"Dancers, find your partners and take your spots on the field."

She obeyed the mayor's request as the artist guided the cavalry officer to the center of the field. They both stood six feet apart as the young women lined up on one side in white dresses. Across from them, the young men lined up in a thin blue line with the Arstotzkan setting himself apart with the color of his military uniform. Seconds turned into minutes, which then turned into an hour. The two sides waited for the final moment to embrace one another in a ritual that dated so far until ancient times.

"Begin!"

Leah and the rest of the ladies grabbed their dresses and bowed first before the gentlemen returned the same gesture. Then they extended their hands out and reached for their partners as they pulled themselves closer and the two sides found their arms interlocked. Leah's breath was taken away when Alexei's arm slipped behind her back while his other hand held hers as they began to perform for the whole of Pelican Town.

Author's Note: It's quite funny with the timing of this chapter since it came around the same time as the 1.6 update. So, upon further inspection of some of the new additions to the game, I technically have a Papers, Please/Stardew Valley/Terraria crossover if I get that far in the game.

Now, as for the story itself, I've been eager to get to this part of the story as I intend to finally commit myself to the setting. Plus, to give myself more time to play around with the game that isn't still stuck in the spring of the first year.

Please leave a comment if you have anything to say about this crossover fic.