A Peace To Protect

by DFMRCV

Nine years since the Gate in Dallas opened and the Events of The Fight We Chose. The Cold War continues in two worlds now. For one family, the cruelty of the past intermixes with the complexity of the new Decade to haunt them once more.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The Fallen Queen

---

September 17, 1972

US Embassy, Sadera Empire

11:00 AM

The fox-eared girl peeked into his office and said, "Sergeant, Miss LaLena just arrived."

Staff Sergeant Isaac Hillaire found the job about as pleasant as they came.

While the USMC had partaken in the original operations to neutralize Sadera, and had been quite the tip of the spear at times, once the war itself was over and done with they'd really only served one role:

Embassy security.

As the Detachment commander for the US Embassy in Falmart, he had a relatively easygoing job by now. The war was over, the region was modernizing, and despite the occasional cultural issues, it was rare to have trouble in the embassy itself. Still, US protocol was to have its forces in a state of readiness be it peace or wartime.

And Isaac Hilaire had his reasons to keep the embassy safe.

"Alright, thank you, Talia. Send her in."

"Oh, and Kuribayashi wished-"

"I know, I know. I already placed an order for it."

The fox girl smiled and then shut the door.

A moment later, the blue-haired scientist stepped in. Alongside her, the UN's CAF representative followed. Neither appeared entirely happy.

"Miss LaLena, Colonel Swanson, what can I do for you?"

Miss LaLena said in her monotone voice, "Greetings, Staff Sergeant. Apologies for the inconvenience."

"No inconvenience, always happy to help the UN volunteers."

"Told you, it's easier to have a face-to-face with the Detachment commander." Colonel Swanson said, smiling just a touch.

"He is a busy man." Hilaire agreed.

Lelei mumbled, "I sent a letter as well, but I believe it is important to at least give you this information in person."

Placing both hands on his desk so they were open, he said "Go on."

Instead of just handing them to him, the young woman placed several photographs on the desk while Colonel Swanson spoke, spreading out each little by little.

Swanson said, "The recent weapon smuggling cases into Falmart have gotten worse."

Hilaire glanced at the boxes in the photos. They appeared to be locally produced, but the photo showing them open made it very clear they were not local whatsoever. He could see one had a bullet hole on its side that revealed the metal crate hidden behind the wood, and within it sat several large Kalashnikov variants.

Hilaire said, "The Reds are getting bold. What are those, AKs?"

"RPK's. We found ten thousand rounds of 7.62 by 39 and drum magazines among the crates."

Lelei added, "As well as several Samozaryadny Karabin Sistemy Simonovas. The men attacked the local centurions with them."

Hilaire winced.

"I'd heard there'd been a scuffle, didn't know it turned into a shootout."

"It did. Possibly by coincidence. The Imperials were already searching abandoned buildings when these guys opened fire. Didn't last long. Not very well trained."

"So, someone's buying from someone and they have hostile intent against the Saderans?"

"Yes. And likely you as well."

"Well, then I'll increase my boys' readiness just in case. I'll also pass it along, might get some more hands. I don't like how this is looking if they're managing to sneak these weapons through Dallas."

"It is possible the Soviets opened a second gate."

Hilaire and Swanson both stared at the girl, but she didn't react or change her tone.

"You Americans were already playing around with that idea of opening small-scale gates. I am fully aware of this. But this shipment as well as previous incidents… this cannot just be a few bribed guards."

Hilaire felt his lips form a fine line as he considered it.

"I'll pass it along, too, but unfortunately I'm not the guy in charge of policy around that."

"Yes, I am aware, but the more people that know there's a possibility of it, the better. Her Majesty and the UN are trying to keep things quiet."

Swanson said "Hey…"

With a half-hearted statement of, "With good reason." Lelei then turned around and began to walk out.

"Thank you for your time, sergeant."

Hilaire opened his mouth to return the thanks, but she'd gone out the door. He nodded to Swanson, who smiled back at him with a nod before walking out. Once he was out, Hilaire sank slightly into his chair and eyed the desk with resignation. He took his notes Lelei had left out and gathered them up into the binder without a word, going over them once more in silence.

"Oh, I can't wait to brief the Ambassador about this." He muttered sarcastically to himself, then stood up and walked out the door.

Imperial Palace

Empress Pina Co Lada sighed as the wind continued to blow her red hair in all directions.

Her Rose Knights, new girls from less-than-noble families, stood just as resolute and as guarded as her old guard almost a decade prior. Their locally-produced carbines were on hand, safeties always on, as each stood at a strict Port-Arms by the door like paintings of those old Swiss Guard she'd seen from across the Gate.

Still, she eyed the letter the carrier pigeon had dropped off.

Stress. Oh, so much stress.

Ahead of her the capital spread. No longer free of industrialization, she tried to gaze at the mountains only to yet again find that she could see the factories and their black clouds spreading amongst the city, she could see the occasional dragon rider high above, and she could see an even rarer automobile driving around the more open streets near the outskirts of the old city.

But she could not see the distant mountain range where the gods resided. Those mysteries remained for the scientists to explore, and she and many in her government had ultimately remained locked out of the loop.

"Oh, Hamilton… Bozes… what would you do in this situation?"

She frowned, recalling their efforts in assisting the Americans in halting Tiberius and his men. The needless deaths, the defeat of Zorzal…

"Majesty?"

She glanced at the door.

"Come in, please."

A dark-haired girl opened the door as her guards stood away, and Diabo walked in, his half-grown beard and shorter hair making him only look slightly older now that modernization had allowed some increase in the quality of life.

"Sister, it has been too long." He said, grinning.

"Brother, thank you for coming." Pina sat down without a word and motioned for him to do as such.

"How is that husband treating you?" he asked, smiling.

"He does his job adequately."

"Oh, good. I was worried you did not like him."

"I suppose I don't. Not really. But what I like is irrelevant."

"Ah."

She remained silent for a moment.

"Well, sister, I take it this is not about him, and it does not seem to be about my own dealings, so what is this summons about?"

She pursed her lips, then handed him the letter without a word.

He read it. His eyes widened. He read it again. Blinked. Then he tossed it back on the table and took a hand to rub his chin, Pina was able to see his mind racing to digest the information and come up with a response. She smiled slightly.

"I had the same reaction, brother."

"Pina, if the Americans find out-"

"You assume they do not know something is happening already?"

"Why would they?"

"Goodness, brother, I know you've been focused on the east more as of late, but have you really forgotten our own network of spies?"

"I do not speak with those."

"Yes, well I do, and they speak with the American spies as well."

"Oh, well aren't alliances just the most wonderful thing?" he grumbled, then reached into his pocket and brought out an American cigarette and matches, which he lit immediately.

"They say those will kill you."

"They say many things."

He took a long drag, then said "Alright, then we have to tell them."

"I worry when will be the best time. After that recent incident in the Red Light District, they may be a little too on edge if we want to use this."

"Use?"

She frowned at him.

He smiled slightly.

"What do you have in mind, dear sister?" Diabo asked her as he took another drag.

West Berlin

With little more than a glance from the man out front, Delilah walked into the "bar".

If there was one thing the Gate's opening in Dallas had done for some people, it had to be the added fantasies for perverts. Bunny girl bars were already a thing in this world, having been a Playboy magazine staple since the start of the 1960s. But the Gate's denizens included real flesh and blood bunny girls with excellent figures to fit into the tight dresses that only drove those that visited all the wilder. And why stop at girls with rabbit ears? Girls with wolf ears, cat ears, fox ears and tails could all be accommodated to fit into the seductive uniforms. And being served a drink by such beauties in one of the most stressful cities to live in? That alone was already tantalizing enough for private companies.

But for the American Central Intelligence Agency?

She approached the counter which, for the moment, was empty.

The girl behind it was cleaning up some shot glasses as she glanced up and made eye contact.

"Hey, Del!"

"Stella." Delilah mumbled as the girl's rabbit ears twitched. She was a little younger. One of those very rare survivors who had been a kid during the infernal war with the Empire and a teenager when the Gate opened up. She could see the darkness behind the girl's pleasant and friendly face. With the body of a dancer and the tight suit to boot, however, only keen observers would notice and that was if she wasn't distracting them.

"Night off?"

"Oh, no, not tonight. I just have to pass something along. I'll join you upfront in a bit."

"Alright. And tell me about the charmer, 'kay?"

"Uh-huh."

And in she went, ignoring the drunk West German worker who'd stumbled half asleep towards the counter with a wad of cash gripped in a closed fist. Nobody bothered him as he sat down and mumbled something incomprehensible.

Delilah walked into the "changing room" where another of the girls walked out, adjusting her suit. They gave each other a knowing glance but Delilah walked further ahead. Far in the back were a pair of guys, separated by a large curtain to give the others some privacy as they changed. The Pale one was smoking, the darker one was silently staring at the rolling audiotapes with a bored expression. She dropped off the cassette tape from her jeans and spoke matter-of-factly.

"Recording detailing the upcoming exercises in and around the GDR. And hook that guy up with someone else. He's talking of marriage."

Not stopping once from smoking his cigar as he grabbed the tape, the pale one said "My condolences. We'll see what we can do."

"And the gossip?" the darker one asked.

Delilah huffed, then said "I think he's pulling us around. He said there were talks of something called The Caravan, and nothing else. Said it was just a hunch on his part that it might be big. Probably just an excuse to meet me again."

The pale one, still smoking his cigarette, clicked his tongue, then took another drag.

"We'll pass it along anyway." the darker one muttered.

"Fair enough." then, with a glance out the door, "Slow night."

"Nothing unusual. They have to get ready for work tomorrow."

"You know, most of us applied here because we expected some sort of dangerous and exciting adventure, right?"

Pale one said, "Jar."

"That wasn't-"

"The. Jar."

Delilah frowned, then placed a quarter in a jar labeled "Berlin Post Regrets."

It was almost full.

Fort Benning, Georgia

4:00 PM

"Buh… buhhhh-"

"That word is bus, sweetheart."

Agatha pouted, then sank back against her mother, her rabbit ears flapping around irritably. Tyuule ignored them as they poked at her cheeks and neck, maintaining a content smile on her face as she continued tapping away on the typewriter's keys. She noted little Agatha was not particularly interested in the process if the fluffy ear poking at her chin now was any indication, but she'd grown at the very least entertained by how she typed.

"Can I go watch TV now?"

Tyuule only sighed and hunched over just slightly, enough to rest her head atop Agatha's. She eyed the letter that stared back at her. She searched it over once. Settled on a word.

"Read this word in one go, then you may go watch TV."

Agatha lurched ahead and eyed the word on the paper. Tyuule could sense her daughter's mind was collecting what context clues it could. The girl's hand went to her chin, like a detective trying to figure out a case.

"Guh… A… tee?"

"Hmm. Say it right."

"Mama!"

One look from her crimson eyes was all it took for the girl to shrink back slightly and do as told.

"Guh… a… tee… so… Gate?"

"Very good. Alright, go on. Mama has some work to finish, but I'll be downstairs soon."

"Yay!"

She hopped from her lap and rushed away.

"Don't run down the stairs." She half-called.

Noting there had been no sounds of a crash and the television could now be heard playing, she sighed and went back to her letter. It was a simple letter. Perhaps too simple. But what was she to ask?

She typed it ahead, read it over, then took it from the typewriter and folded it in two.

…

"Say, lieutenant, how'd you say this new batch of Rangers is coming up?"

Dennis Orville quickly said, "Good. They're holding their own, I think. Staff sergeants are grilling them now, captain."

"Grilling them, eh?" he paused to swat a mosquito from landing on his mustache as he eyed the field ahead of them,"Very nice. Outstanding, I'd say."

Dennis eyed the man for a half second before responding.

"Way I see it, they're integrating the demi-human support more effectively."

"Ah, yes… the demi-humans."

Dennis, with a sudden look of bemusement, asked "Any issues, captain?"

The man chortled "Oh, just… Concerns about degeneracy is all."

"I'll let you know if we find any inappropriate behavior, sir."

His captain muttered something aloud, but he didn't quite catch it.

"Sir?"

"Ah, nothing. Keep me posted on that front if you can, lieutenant. These… people… well, you saw their customs firsthand, so…"

Dennis nodded, then said "Honestly, it varies more than most think. See how the girls are keeping up with the best of our guys? You can't ask a regular American girl to exert herself that much, not without some proper training."

"Among other things. I really hope it's worth it."

"Well, demi-humans only give our infantry so much of an edge, captain. Not that the Russians won't try to dull it any less."

"I agree. Combined arms is where it's at if we want to stop the Reds conventionally. That means integrating these people, I suppose."

Not particularly comfortable with the current direction of his captain's words, Dennis changed the subject by asking "You hear about that new fighter?"

"Foxbat?"

"No, ours. The Eagle."

"Ohh. Heard a bit about it. Not in service yet, though."

"Yeah, but it's being developed. It just… Feels like we're doing something right. Keeping up with the Reds. 'Nam was a bust, and a good chunk of South East Asia is at risk. And the Chinese…"

Dennis glanced over the fields where the new batch of candidates were standing out on a field, holding heavy rucksacks as pissed of sergeants yelled at them whilst other Rangers observed. Whoever couldn't hack it would drop the rucksack and leave. There were only a few women among the men, but they were all demi-humans which seemed to instill a sense of resolve amongst the guys. He could just faintly tell they would each eye the demi-human girls as if they needed the added motivation.

Bad enough to quit, but to do it in front of a girl let alone one that's doing better than you? God help the quitter…

Dennis then said, "World feels like it's in a weird middle ground is all. Readying for a massive war while also not being interested in it."

"How horrible." his captain added sarcastically.

"True." Dennis chuckled dryly to himself.

But something still has to give… someday…

6:45 PM

Tyuule placed the bowl of steaming spaghetti on the table with a confident grin. Agatha poked at it, confused. At the questioning glance, Tyuule's smile did not waver in the slightest.

"Parmesan. No sauce tonight, but it should still taste good!"

The girl did not argue and began to silently eat.

"Dinner's on the table!" she said just as the door opened.

"Evening." Dennis said with a sigh.

Tyuule's glow seemed to radiate as she motioned to the table with his bowl prepared and steaming.

"Noriko has been helping out, huh?"

"When she can! And she's a very capable teacher."

Little Agatha gave Dennis a look. Something between worry and dread. Dennis passed a hand through her dark hair before approaching Tyuule who welcomed him with a warm embrace.

"You know I don't mind cooking."

A touch indignant, Tyuule said, "I'm your wife. Plus, you're going to start working with some new Rangers soon, aren't you mister commissioned officer?"

"Ah, yeah. Started today with the new batch." he groaned, resting his head on her shoulders and slumping over slightly, exhaling as his body just slightly pressed against her. He felt her smile against his ear, but she pushed him away slightly.

"Hey. Table. It'll get cold."

Dennis nodded like an abashed child, and promptly moved over to the table rather sluggishly before he took a seat and began digging into his bowl.

"How is it?" Tyuule asked as she took a seat and rested her head on her hands. Expectantly. Confident.

"Needs sauce." came the unanimous reply from her two customers.

She pouted, then muttered, "Then buy some more tomorrow."

She took a fork from her bowl and tasted her cooking. Blinked. Chewed. Swallowed. Then sighed in disappointment.

"I'll buy the sauce tommorow." She mumbled.

"But it's good." Dennis added before he patted her head, then, switched subjects, "Agatha, how's school?"

"Alright."

"No one's bothering you?"

With a shake of the head and a prideful grin, Agatha said "Nope! The girls I know really like my ears! They say it's like a bow you're born with!"

"Uh… huh…?" Tyuule stammered.

"No boy's bothering you?"

"Nope!" she added with a flap of her rabbit ears.

"Good. Let me know if they do. And let Mom know if a girl bothers you."

Tyuule nodded emphatically.

"Okay!"

They ate a little more when Agatha spoke up suddenly.

"Spaghetti's Italian, right?"

"Yes." Dennis and Tyuule replied.

"But Noriko's from Japan?"

"Yes."

"So how does she know how to cook it?"

"People can learn new things. You've had some of hers and liked it fine." Tyuule replied.

"Ohh." the little girl replied. She took another spoonful, and then said "Done!"

"Bowl in the sink." Tyuule said as the little girl quickly scampered off to do just that before rushing to the living room.

A few seconds later, the TV was on again, the channels flipping rapidly around before a jolly tune rang through the house.

Sesame Street…

Tyuule eyed Dennis as he ate. Slowly, she reached into her pocket and handed him the paper. Wordlessly, Dennis took it and looked it over. He swallowed, then turned his full attention to it. Then to her.

"You sure?"

"What do you think?" she asked.

"Well, do you want to go?"

"I suppose I do. I just don't know if it's the best idea."

Dennis seemed to have perfected the art of hiding his thoughts. They were honest with one another. They both had to be. But his job required him to keep his emotions in check. What some might see as cold professionalism.

Dennis exhaled through his nose, then spoke.

"Well, It's been almost ten years now and you haven't gotten any hate letters in a while."

"Two years. And… well…" lowering her voice to a whisper, "...do you think Agatha would like to see kids from across the Gate?"

"I don't know. She doesn't…" Dennis paused, making sure the little girl was still in the living room, "She doesn't seem to mind either way."

Tyuule let out a sigh that came off as depressed.

"Maybe it's for me, then. I'm happy here, but a part of me… a part of me wishes I could have… done more."

Dennis took her hand and gently squeezed it. She stared at him a moment, then nodded quietly. A weak smile slowly spread across her face as she leaned in.

She then said, "Alright. I say we go. And if… if things are not adequate, then we can simply spend a nice few days in the Lone Star State away from it all. Some time off wouldn't be so bad, now would it?"

At her semi-mischievous smile, Dennis said "Hotels are expensive, we might be tired, and we'll have her with us."

The smile faded into a frown and the grip around his hand tightened.

He chortled slightly, "I'm kidding. We'll manage. Also, dinner was nice. Go ahead and send the letter. I'll ask for some leave. Been a while since we took some time for ourselves."

She stood with a huff, then said in a tone that warranted no argument, "Good. I will. You go wash the plates, I'll prepare you a hot bath."

He did not argue once.

Internally, as he washed the dishes, he did wonder if her becoming more physical with him meant she'd finally managed to move on enough. Maybe. Maybe he could too. The horrid feeling of her body crumbling onto him like a wilted flower, just how close he'd gotten to losing her forever… he forced the thought aside immediately.

From upstairs he heard…

"Mama, why do you take baths with-?"

"To save water, sweetheart."

"But then shouldn't I-?"

"No, sweetheart, you need to learn how to bathe by yourself, now go on, you'll miss your show."

He smiled to himself.

Sadera

US Embassy

Hilaire's leg shook up and down as the Ambassador went over his information.

"You don't think this would affect the tourist season, do you?"

Hilaire only said, "Hard to say, sir."

"We have a big celebration in a couple of months! I'll have to contact the Empress." He grumbled.

"I'd like to increase drilling my guys."

"Fine, but do it quietly, please, sergeant. Journalists here aren't like back home, they… they don't care about… you know." he muttered as if too tired to bother completing his sentences.

"I know, sir."

Quietly? Jesus, the priorities on some of these guys…

United Nations, Sadera Mission Headquarters

The main base of operations for the American military and the United Nations Peacekeeping forces had grown into one massive base not too far from the Gate itself in Alnus. Where Alnus itself had developed into a fine town now part of the Italica territory, the main base was one of the lone major airports in the continent if not the lone major airport in this world. There were still a few of the older M-48 Patton tanks there, not quite needed anymore. At least the two squadrons of A4 Skyhawks and F4 Phantoms could serve as scouts in the ongoing exploration and mapping operations by both the Empire and the people of the other world.

But Lelei La Lalena had her own interests today which brought her to inquire about the most dangerous weapons the other world had introduced. Not bullets, explosives, or frightful chemical and nuclear weapons. No, this was more abstract than that even if its effects were just as concrete when used properly.

The humble radio.

She knocked on the barrack's metal door. Glancing behind her as a group of Irish volunteers jogged on behind her. She felt a few turn to gaze at her, and at least one shot a playful grin her way as he moved out of sight in the burning midday sun.

"Private?" she called in.

The door opened and a kid perhaps a little younger than her squinted into the sun.

"Oh! I didn't know it was you, ma'am."

"You can call me Lelei."

"Force of habit." He said with a friendly smile.

After a half-second of silence, he quickly said "Uh, right! Come in! Come in!"

She glanced once at the red and white flag with a maple leaf in its center that hung above the bunk beds. Their queen had changed it 8 years prior. The young man stood at rigid attention as she looked around the room. She frowned at the lack of radio.

"So! Colonel said you wanted to talk to me…" he left the sentence hanging.

"Yes, and I'd prefer you keep what we discuss today between us."

"Um… excuse me?"

"You heard me, private." With a flick of her hand, the door behind them slammed shut, "I don't want this conversation leaving these four wooden walls. Am I clear?"

"I… I am not going to promise any of that. If my superiors ask I have to inform them," then he frowned briefly. "And some stuff I can't tell you. Controlled information and all that."

Lelei's frown did not dissipate. The Canadian was not being as cooperative as she'd hoped. Perhaps she should've gone with one of the Irish volunteers or maybe bribed an American. No, she could work with this. She'd have to.

"Fine, sit down, I have a list of questions I need answered."

The kid blinked.

"Uh, alright, what is it?"

"Radio bandwidth. Under certain conditions, you can receive radiowaves from even across the other side of the world, yes?"

"Well, uhm," he cocked his head and frowned again. "In theory yes. Depends on alot of factors, but yes, we can talk to people across the world given the right condition, equipment, and people."

"I see… so in theory, if there was a group of special forces operating far away in the Mountains of Ice and Snow, if you looked in the right place and the conditions were just right you could pick up on them?"

A few emotions passed over his face. Mostly confusion, but Lelei could see his suspicion rising, "Well, ma'am—sorry, Lelei. That's a really broad topic. Like, yes, we could. But it'd take a lot of specialized kit that we don't have here right now. Otherwise, you're just tuning frequencies on a random radio hoping they transmit while you're on it. That and you'd have to swap antennas every time you go to a frequency too far away. A lot of time and effort for nothing, I'd say."

"I see… how would a group evade such a tactic given the technology present?"

"Can I ask you why you want to know?"

"Because recent incidents require such attention if we wish to avoid further conflict." She said simply.

Before he could ask anything, she said "Actually, another thing, I want to know about recording devices. How small can you make them and where could I buy them?"

October 6, 1972

Washington DC

The letter was short and to the point.

"So… we have a situation with Russian guns showing up in the capital, and now our friendly cocktail leader wants to meet up with us?"

President Nixon glared at the Secretary of State, but asked "Do we have anything on these guns?"

"The UN is-"

"To hell with the UN! What are our people saying? Did this woman plan this herself?"

The director of the CIA was quick to say "Sir, we have no way of confirming that. In fact, our informants are equally confused. Not only is security around the Gate particularly tight, but we've been very careful with any Communist Bloc nations sending anyone through."

"Not careful enough, clearly…" he grumbled, but then, rubbing his chin, he got the pensive look that would come over presidents all too often. He stared at the letter again.

Then, he asked, "What about a second Gate?"

The CIA director said "We have no evidence that suggests that is the case just yet, mister president. And unfortunately, we currently do not have the technology to confirm they built one. Not if they did so deep in Siberia or areas we don't have reach."

"Did we not make a deal with their so-called gods? What about them?"

"We have received no information on that end, sir. In fact, Rory Mercury has taken a long leave of absence from the region."

"And we don't know where she is?"

"When she wishes to, sir, she… she knows how to evade. We'd need constant helicopters and aircraft to monitor her given how she moves sometimes."

The president sighed.

"Fine. I suppose we can meet up with the consuls during the peace summit this November. Not that it'll matter if Johnson gets the vote."

The CIA director did not comment, but his secretary of state did.

"The Johnson campaign does not have the support you do at the moment, mister president. Not according to the polls."

"Yeah, well… we'll see. Get me some information on those Russian guns. And when possible get me some information on that Mercury girl… she has some questions to answer."

October 10, 1972

Mountain Range of Ice and Snow

11:30 PM

Rory Mercury trudged through the snow with a calm expression in her eyes. She smiled even as the unforgiving winds blew an ice sheet into her eyes which, representative of Emroy that she was, she easily blinked away. The snow froze her toes, and her skin, but she simply ignored it. She could regenerate it as the snow covered the path she and her halberg left in their wake.

The night was frigid, and she shuddered at one point, knowing too well she was walking not far from Hardy's domain. The moon above was barely visible. And the howling winds would have disoriented most.

Still, she marched on. Never stopping. Not unless-

She paused suddenly, feeling a different sense go through her, which caused a slight shiver to go up and down her spine before vanishing altogether. She glanced to her left, and the wind immediately whipped her long hair into her eyes, but she did not need them to locate what she sought.

She altered her route appropriately, walking in the deep snow. She could feel the snow here was many years old by now. The modernization of Sadera had not quite affected the weather so far away yet, and for anyone who dared live here, they would have not seen much change in thousands of years.

But as she stopped, she noted that was not entirely the case.

She kicked the snow away and spotted the ancient, broken sword.

Under it, the frozen, almost mummified corpse of a male warrior rabbit.

She narrowed her eyes.

"North. Further North." She spoke aloud to herself.

She glanced up at the mountainous peaks ahead of her that kept going up, and up. The men from another world had once said it was a mountain range difficult to compare to the mountain ranges in their world. Not necessarily longer, but the peaks were taller they said. The handiwork of their world's gods presumably. To prevent normal humans from moving to the higher ranges with any ease.

She smiled ever so slightly.

"Ah, so it is indeed true that someone had trespassed into the domain of the gods my fallen warrior." She spoke aloud as the soul passed through her. She ignored the effects it had on her body as she stared at the dark peaks ahead of her. She did not blink as ice formed over her eyes. She did not even breathe.

There was no glimmer. No reflection of glass. No smoke. No light.

But she saw him. Oh, she saw him too well.

And she knew he'd seen her, too.

She ensured her smile was wide enough for him to spot as well and perhaps frightening enough to force him and his friends to run.

She slowly marched on after them.

Fort Benning, Georgia

"Collins, Marcus, you're in or out. Come on!" Dennis shouted as he moved over the infamous worm pit.

The pair on the other end huffed, half pissed off.

Ranger training involved a 21-day course, and they were now at the end of the second day: 2-man buddy runs.

Which involved a crawl through a shallow, muddy, barbed wire-covered, 27-yard obstacle. Sergeants were yelling at other Ranger candidates as they moved through. Dennis doubted the two would move on. They had a look of surrender as Collins shakily sucked in a breath and crawled on his back under the first string of wire, followed by an angry-looking Marcus.

Too bad…

Odds were maybe a quarter of everyone there would make it to the patrol phase. Maybe.

"Don't shake it off! Get back in there and do it again!" shouted a sergeant.

"Y-yes, sergeant!" a wolf girl who had been trying to get some gunk out of her now very muddy tail with pain in her eyes managed to say as she ran back under the barbed wire and mud.

"What do you think, Orville?"

Dennis turned to the tall, mustached man next to him.

"It's an alright batch, captain."

"I'm impressed with the wolf girl. She moves faster than the guys."

"Seems to me she doesn't like to get dirty, sir." Dennis replied, staring as the girl looked like she was suffering as she moved under the wire again, ears down, eyes tearing.

"Oh, we can fix that."

Dennis grunted in affirmation.

Captain Torres was tall and built like a brick house. The kind of man nobody would want to encounter in a dark alley at night. Combat experience in Thailand, not Sadera, but as far as Dennis knew, in Thailand one had to worry about ambushes with guns and not swords. Then again, he never had to face the mass charges of rabid, bladed, men who were happy to throw their lives away in a "war"...

But it wasn't a competition.

What was happening ahead of them was, in a way.

Marcus and Collins made it to the other side, and the screaming sergeant told them to do it again.

11:00 PM

Dennis finished organizing his briefcase with the reports, then began to head out the door when Captain Torres appeared.

"Hey, Orville."

"Captain."

"You put in a request for some leave for the Dallas event?"

"Yes, sir." Dennis replied with a grin, "Hope to have some time with the family."

"Wife not bothering you, is she?"

Dennis paused to smile before answering.

"No, sir."

His captain laughed, "Ah well, you're still young. She'll start bugging you soon enough."

"Uh…"

"I don't mean nothing by it if you're wondering, lieutenant."

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind you coming over for dinner once the selection's over, sir. She cooks a mean bowl of pasta."

"Nah, that's alright.

11:42 PM

Sadera

Lelei stretched before eyeing up the starry sky.

Crickets chirped around her in tune with the cold wind that would howl through the nearby trees. The frightful sight ahead of her was the Mountain Range of Ice and Snow. A massive, looming shadow that hid the stars like an empty void.

She then turned to the radio, the Canadian private was monitoring it, fiddling with a yellow pencil as he moved it along his hand, shifting it from one side to the other. Silently listening. Bored, probably. The sergeant stood by outside with his C1 on hand, standing to a point where Lelei wondered if the man had managed to fall asleep while standing. Not that she blamed him.

Sadera had become peaceful, but as one moved to the mountain range of Ice and Snow, where there were fewer settlements and roads, odds of bumping into monsters or bandits increased. So far, however, they'd been left alone. All the better for her mission, of course.

Not so much for her boredom.

"Hey."

"Huh?"

"You said this was impossible to do on one's own."

"With civilian tech, yes. This baby's doing a lot of the heavy lifting."

And I'm making sure the conditions are just right…

Instead, she said, "Fair enough. Still, I wanted to do this on my own."

"How come? Better to work in tandem."

"It's a matter for my superiors. We are still catching up to your world in terms of technology."

"Well, sure, but... I dunno. We're just here to help out."

"I can appreciate the help, but I feel I understand the worry about losing one's independence."

The Canadian chortled, then was about to speak when he paused.

"Uh…" he jotted something down and began to fiddle with a dial.

Lelei raised an eyebrow, then stepped closer.

"What is it?"

November 22, 1972

Dallas, Texas

5:49 AM

It fell on a Wednesday. "Wednesday". Named after "Widen" or as the Romans called him, Mercury. God of something or other. Speed? No, messengers. Messengers, and trickery if he recalled the cultural lessons his superiors gave him.

Appropriate.

His people had such hopes once. His foot tapped impatiently against the wooden floor.

"Relax." His handler sighed.

"No."

"I read rabbits can die from being stressed."

"So can humans."

"I believe we are both humans, you know?"

"Stupid."

The man smiled slightly.

"Wipe that grin off your face."

"Alright, alright."

"What if she doesn't show?!"

"Is it important at all? Is it?"

"It would be ideal! I-"

"Look here, you've raved about what it means over and over again. I know what her arrival means. Our mission is far more important."

"Your mission is a taunt. A farce to anger these blasted… democratic peoples."

"The state needs a victory."

"And I need her to-"

"Again, calm down. She shows or doesn't show, our mission goes on. We have a deal. Remember that."

He growled at him but composed himself.

"Go on, drink. Ease your nerves."

"Get me a woman or two in here, that will help me relax."

His handler frowned at that.

"Oh come now, don't you men see this… this… this idea of marriage as part of an oppressive system?"

"Only so far. Overindulgence is still a problem."

"Bah, you men simply do not know how to live."

His handler did not argue, and he was left to watch as the sun rose over the city in silence. The city that now connected two worlds, it had once been a hub for manufacturing weaponry during the last great global conflict. Now it was a melting pot of cultures.

He smiled slightly to himself. As if the day's results would be satisfying one way or the other.

…

Dennis spoke with a tired, jet-lagged murmur that did not seem to affect his daughter as he answered "I think we just call those airliners, sweetheart."

Agatha pouted but stared out the large airport window as the plane with three engines taxied towards them in the early morning light. People around them in the airport walked from one end to the next. Her light blue sweater would be an identifier if not for her lowered dark rabbit ears. A pair of kids with fox ears and tails rushed past them without a word, but no rabbits.

Agatha then asked, "So you don't know?"

Dennis, noting his daughter's dissatisfaction with his answer, switched to his military dictionary instead.

"Well, it has three engines, so it kind of reminds me of the F4 Phantoms the Navy and Air Force use."

"Phantom? Like a ghost?" the little girl asked suddenly.

"Uh, yeah, I guess."

"Is it hard to spot?"

"I don't think so."

"Why call it a phantom then?"

"Because it's fast and deadly." he lied.

Really, why would a girl not even fully six years old yet need to know that the reason their main fighter was called "Phantom" was because, one, there was an original "Phantom" in the form of the FH-1, and two, the other proposed names were "Mithras" and "Satan". He wondered what exactly the guys at McDonnell Douglas were thinking, but then again, all he knew about them was whatever magazines on it he could read. He was infantry, at the end of the day.

Agatha still said "ooh" as if understanding, and continued to watch the large airliner as it parked nearby.

Tyuule walked out of the bathroom then, a wobble in her step as she rubbed her forehead.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

She nodded, then said "I thought flying would be better than driving, but… I just got a major headache."

Dennis lifted their luggage bags and said "We can go to the hotel and skip the-"

"No, no…" Tyuule said, composing herself, hands on hips, and chest puffed up, "...we took time off for this, so we will enjoy it! A little headache won't get in the way!"

Dennis only patted her head and rubbed her left ear slightly while Agatha spoke while pointing at the large plane behind them.

"I wanna go home in that plane!"

Tyuule glanced past them.

"The DC-10?"

"Ah! You know the plane, momma?"

Picking up her bag to grab her camera, she prompted Dennis to start walking as she snapped a photo of it and said, "Yes, I had to do a little bit of research on it for an article. Nothing too deep, though."

"Can we take it home? Please?"

"Uh, we'll see. What do you like about it, anyway?"

"It looks different!"

Tyuule chuckled slightly as she snapped another photo, "Different, huh? In this lighting, and with those engines… well, I suppose I see what you mean."

Dennis said "We'll see plenty of different in a few, now come on."

8:09 AM

The outside of the Dealey Plaza was full of parked cars as people flocked to the peace summit.

"You're sure?" Dennis asked as Tyuule adjusted his uniform. He kept eying those around them, an uneasiness in his voice.

His eyes were currently following a feathery woman in a colorful dress who was trailed by men with large cameras over their shoulders. She did not seem to be paying anyone any mind, but she certainly showed how formal the event was.

Togas, expensive dresses that were about as complex as their wearers, the strange mixture of a land that embodied ancient traditions now colliding with the modern world. Compared to those around them, her little family looked more like they were on their way to church or someone's graduation ceremony.

Fine by me…

"I told you, you look fine." Tyuule spoke dismissively as she patted down his uniform's jacket one last time.

"Right, 'cause that's my concern." He muttered.

"Precisely!" Tyuule added, grinning, then turned to the little girl still sitting in their car, "Alright, Agatha, your… shoes!"

"I… um… help?"

The little girl had tied her laces into knots. Disjointed, messy knots that did not do the job whatsoever. Dennis moved over to fix them up, the little girl watching as he undid the mess.

"Huh, you sure you haven't been looking into magic? None of my rangers can do knots like these."

The little girl frowned while Tyuule stifled a chuckle of her own.

"Mama…" Agatha interjected, tugging at her skirt.

"What is-? Oh!"

A petite girl was staring at them with an odd expression, but Tyuule recognized it as smug superiority. The instant they made eye contact, she approached with a strut. Her expensive dress heavy with ornaments and accessories which made her stand out even amongst a crowd of people with animal features.

The girl spoke broken English and it was clear where she originated from.

"A good day to you!" she said.

"Um, hello?"

"Ah, yes, hello. Plebeians, yes? I am Lady Sherry Tyueli, a pleasure." she concluded with a polite yet almost condescending vow as several cameras flashed.

Tyuule forced a polite smile as she spoke.

"Pleasure to meet-"

"Are you perchance married to this… um… woman?"

Realizing she had been talking to him, Dennis frowned at the girl as he turned to her. He lifted a hand, as if to wave, but there was a bigger point to it.

His ring finger shown slightly in the morning sun, a gesture the girl did not seem to take kindly but would not vocalize as such in front of such an audience.

"Hmph, so it seems. You are yet another one of these men." she spoke with a neutral expression.

The girl blinked at Tyuule, then another word she simply walked off. Once the cameras followed her away, Tyuule's expression shifted from pleasant to disgusted.

"Scary…" Agatha mumbled.

"Pompous." she growled, then grumbled as if audibly going through a mental catalog, "Tyueli… Tyueli… ah! That senator's daughter from Italica. Lots of odd rumors surrounding that one."

Dennis asked, "Such as?"

"Supposedly she demanded she be betrothed to a politician from Texas when the war was over, but because she was twelve you can imagine how that went."

"Huh."

Agatha asked suddenly, "What's betrothed?"

"Arranged marriage." they both said in unison.

"Like… forced to marry?"

"Not necessarily, but to a degree, yes. Now let's go inside. I think we might see some familiar faces."

Dennis muttered something incomprehensible as they walked into the city center.

The Dealey Plaza was no longer the place it had been nine years prior when the Gate opened and a hundred civilians were massacred. New buildings had been put in place, older ones demolished as the city became the lone entrance into another world that was now, more or less, at peace.

Dennis observed the United Nations "Falmart Division" headquarters, with the Department of Defense's post sitting right across from it as if to make a very clear point of who was really in charge here. He knew enough had happened behind the scenes to sow a lot of distrust between the United States and various UN member states that had sent volunteers along as some of these "volunteers" were quite eager to give America's rivals a fair hand in the ongoing Cold War.

As it stood, these attempts to establish some level of Communist sympathizers had largely failed, but the Reds were nothing but determined to keep chipping at American influence anywhere they could, any time they could.

And we'd do the same…

The gate itself was now visible, as a nearby building also came into view. He hadn't been inside the immigration center himself, but he'd seen plenty of pictures. It was a little larger than the normal centers in the US. More pristine. Cleaner.

It was the location of the special Peace Summit, in plain view of new arrivals.

"Ah! Mama!" Agatha suddenly exclaimed, pointing at something.

Dennis followed her gaze, seeing several children playing in the grassy garden outside the center, most human, but quite a few with animal ears. They were kicking a soccer ball amongst one another, though it seemed more like a free-for-all all than a properly organized game.

"Can I go play?"

Tyuule bit her lip.

"I don't know, sweetheart, they might not even speak English. And you might get your new dress dirty." Dennis said quickly, picking her up before she got any ideas.

"But I wanna play." she pouted, but Dennis was focused on Tyuule.

Suddenly, she said "Yes, she should be able to play a bit. Just… just be careful and stay where we can see you, alright?"

Agatha gave Dennis a smug grin that Dennis was quick to shoot down with a glare.

"Manners, little lady." He warned.

The little girl turned a bright pink as she quickly said "Y-yes, papa! Sorry, papa!"

"Alright, and don't get dirty over there. Go on." he put her down and she scampered off.

Dennis put his hand over Tyuule's shoulder and said "I'll keep an eye on her. If you want to go talk to some reporter or something-"

"No, it's fine. She'll also be fine. Most of my people have also already moved stateside. A-and even if most hate me…"

Dennis rubbed her shoulder and brought her closer to him. She rested her head against his and said "It'll be fine. It will be a nice day."

"Yeah."

The worst parts of their lives were all in the past, now. He was sure of it.

Still, better safe than sorry, right?

"Oh, my! Is that-?"

Tyuule turned briefly, and grinned.

"Parna! Hello!"

10:03 AM

Pina and Diabo arrived with no fanfare. The cameras were outside, focusing on those famous individuals who'd arrived days prior. Oil tycoons, demi-human celebrities, perhaps officers of the war that started the collision of the two worlds, but to them it was just a distraction.

Since the Gate had opened, the buildings surrounding it in Dallas had adapted to it. The United Nations headquarters, the new train station, the immigration center, the main road leading in and out of Alnus… it was all incredibly guarded.

The American MPs only checked their papers once, then nodded them ahead. Veterans, they knew her and her brother already. Their Rose Knight detail took a few seconds longer, but they were soon moving along the grass-green colored walls of the UN Sadera Division Headquarters. Most of the building was empty now, with the workers outside, attending the event, but a few civilians remained, their gazes instantly turning to them as they walked down the halls, surprise in their eyes.

She felt somewhat dignified wearing her formal toga. As if it shielded her and kept her somewhat focused on their main mission today. Diabo on the other hand…

"Ah, I do hope to get some newer Italian foods once this is done."

"Foods, dear brother?" she grumbled.

"Well of course. It is one of the better things to come from our trade agreements and the Italians just make the most exquisite dishes."

Pina sighed.

"I shall note as such."

"Dear sister, it pays not to be anxious at a time like this."

"Unlike you, I cannot distract myself so easily."

She said nothing else as they approached the office building. They had been informed which office it was, but given the American Secret Service personnel standing outside it, where they had to go was already obvious.

One stone-faced man opened the door and motioned for them to move inside.

Diabo gave the man a polite smile while Pina moved ahead without a word.

Showtime…

"Ah, Miss CoLada, El Caesar! Good to see you!"

President Nixon was not exactly the looker Kennedy had been. The previous president had been almost old enough to be her father, yet did not look it. This man had the looks of what most would consider a "president" before the Gate opened. Had she seen him on the street, without a security detail, she would have never guessed the man was the leader of the most powerful nation on the planet.

Yet perhaps that charm was what won him the presidency.

She nodded and said "President Nixon, congratulations on your recent victory."

Diabo shook the man's hand while she took in the rest of the room. Several of the president's advisors were there. No, "cabinet" was the correct term. They were eyeing her in particular, but…

Stay composed, Pina…

"So, I understand you wanted to discuss something?" he spoke in a happy tone.

"Yes. Two things." Pina said, hoping her English had not worsened in the near-decade since the Gate opened.

"Of course, then by all means, sit down, sit down. Brandi?"

Pina tried to be tactful as she sat down, "No, thank you. Um… Mister President, the… the modernization of Sadera…"

The president nodded then.

"We've had many problems with how the workers are treated. Compensations are fine, but they only get people so far. I understand that… uh… safety standards?"

Diabo said "Regulations."

"Y-yes, I… I understand the fact that safety regulations are lax to attract more companies and to better modernize things, but… well, to be frank, sir, the people feel taken advantage of."

"I understand. I can send to Congress another aid package that's likely to get approved."

Diabo then said, "We would like some of the companies to face consequences here to better dissuade this behavior from repeating."

"Oh?"

"Yes, of course. That way we can avoid some of the costlier aid packages and continue to modernize and make a profit."

"Of course, but… the private sector… that is a touch more complicated."

"Complications… that is the second reason we'd like to discuss."

"Ah, of course. The Russian weapons appearing in the capital. I have some intelligence reports pending-"

"We know where they originate from." Pina said plainly.

The Americans winced.

Diabo added "And we must say, their managers make a compelling argument."

Pina then said "And for as much as I would wish to disagree, I have to agree. Your tensions with the Communist Bloc have been bleeding into Sadera. If we cannot get aid from the United States then we have no choice but to also partake in this world of cold conflicts and instead take what we can from the opposing party."

The American president was silent. One of his advisors looked unimpressed, but the others looked like she'd slapped the president right in front of them. Perhaps they thought it was a bluff. Or perhaps they were trying to convince themselves if was a bluff. They would not let her know which, of course, but the fact she and Diabo appeared serious spoke volumes to them.

The president leaned forward slightly. He inhaled, he opened his mouth, closed it. Then finally spoke.

"What do you want, exactly?"

Pina let out a sigh of relief.

"As we said, some measures to ensure workers do not have the risks present in the factories. We'd rather the American companies abide by the same safety regulations of your country."

"Ohh, you want us to put the regulations in place so that you can get away with not having them." the President muttered.

Pina did not deny it. Instead, she nodded for one of her Rose Knights to step forward before continuing her offer.

"We understand this may be a touch difficult, so we offer you in exchange this recording. One of our agents working with the UN Volunteers was able to get it, and while it is not of use for us, it may serve of use to you."

"A recording? What, did you talk with-"

"No. They sent a letter, which we can also provide if you so wish. But what was recorded is much more interesting to you, I believe."

The tape recorder was placed on the table. After a moment, it began to roll the radio transmission that had been recorded. It was grainy, barely audible. Sounded more like continuous static even as the voices were heard.

But they were heard clearly enough.

"Kontakt. Malen'kiy chelovek."

"Ponyal. Otstupite poka."

The recording stopped. One of the advisors rewound the tape and played it again. The words repeated exactly.

"Russians." one of the men said.

"Indeed. Deep within our territory as well. That was all we were able to find these past two months. We can leave the recording here, and if you agree, we can offer you our full cooperation if you help us ensure this cold war does not spread into our lands."

The American president was quiet. Rubbing his chin.

"I suppose these aren't just a few men who snuck in and camped our somewhere."

"Is that what they sounded like?" Pina asked quietly.

The man huffed, then said "Well, it is worth looking into at least. But it isn't entirely conclusive."

"So you have no intent on-"

"I didn't say that. I just…" the man shook his head, "I'll see what I can do."

"We appreciate that." Diabo said with a polite grin.

"Now then, I do recommend we continue this after the festivities."

Pina stood up, saying "Of course. My husband will be here soon. And no, he is not aware of this situation."

The American president did not comment on that.

12:04 PM

Mama and papa were such a strange pair.

Little Agatha Orville was almost six years old! She was old enough to play with kids her own age! Even if Mama got worried and Papa didn't like the boys who sometimes tried to play with her, it didn't mean she wasn't capable! She'd even managed to play soccer without getting dirty! And it was with both a boy that had dog ears and a girl that had bird wings for arms!

That had been the strangest of the bunch, as she kicked the ball around haphazardly in the field. Oh, little Agatha was faster, certainly, but the bird girl could keep up no problem. Coupled with all the other "normal" kids, it was fun!

Though she was the only one who really spoke English.

The other kids sometimes said something in English, but she didn't quite understand it. She thought they were all from the same place, but apparently not, as she tried talking to them all at one point.

"I call this ball."

"Ball?" the bird girl asked.

She'd nodded and repeated "Ball."

"Sphera." the girl said.

The dog boy nodded and repeated "Sphera."

It was one of the dark-skinned boys that said "Balle."

That sounded closer to her word, but he said it so strangely it wasn't helping.

Another boy said "Bola."

Agatha raised an eyebrow and pointed at him.

"Mexico?" she asked.

The boy nodded excitedly, while the others looked confused.

"Ah! Yes! You speak Spanish there, right? Spanish?"

The boy looked unsure.

"Right, you do not know what I am saying. Oh well… Ball!" she said, then kicked the soccer ball again.

They continued playing for a minute. Chasing, kicking, then chasing again without any real order to it at all. It was lots of fun, until…

She really couldn't help but feel a little cold all of a sudden. As if a part of her was screaming about some hidden danger somewhere.

Little Agatha quickly whirled around and saw…

The man was tall. Very tall. Taller than Papa. Muscular and pale, with light brown hair, but one thing caught her attention.

Rabbit ears.

"Hello, little lady." he said, which on the one hand made her happy she could understand him, but at the same time…

Don't talk to strangers…

She took a step back, quickly scanning the nearby tables for Mama and Papa.

"Oh, no no, no need to worry. I am… I am looking for your mother and father, too. Can you tell me where they are?" the man said.

Oh, then it was okay, right?

She pointed at the table they were sitting in.

"Ah, very good. Thank you, little girl."

She nodded, the feeling not leaving and she decided it was best to run back to her parents but…

The man was walking over to them. Would they be bothered if she joined them to talk about grown up stuff?

She decided then to keep an eye out while pretending to continue playing.

…

Dennis had been mainly staring in Agatha's general direction, his attention partly on Tyuule's conversation with her former subject. They'd resorted to speaking the quasi-Latin in rapid bursts he could still keep up with, but as Agatha continued to play soccer with several kids, he couldn't help but worry.

No one really talked to him beyond a simple greeting, whilst Tyuule still clung to him where they sat, as if sending a message that he was very much taken.

Parna noticed, and lowering her voice to a whisper, said "Miss… Orville… maybe you shouldn't be so openly possessive over your husband?"

Tyuule's hold tightened and a familiar smile stretched across her face before she responded, "Monogamy is the custom here, Parna. A few noblewomen who do not understand that can seethe in their jealousy all they want! In fact…"

She reached into her purse, grabbed her Kodak, causing the women to turn their gazes away as she went and snapped a photo.

Dennis muttered, "Some of them do look a bit angry, sweetheart."

"That's because they spotted something they can't have for once. And I am just commemorating the event."

It was the side glances. The fancy dresses, the expensive haircuts and ornaments, the glasses on hand… no rings, of course. Perhaps one of the larger differences he'd noticed. He didn't hear the camera's click, and Tyuule lowered it after a second.

Parna swiveled her cocktail quietly as she added "There is another factor. Some of the marriages that stayed in Falmart did not last very long. I feel there is some resentment in that reality."

Tyuule said "Perhaps, but this side is technologically more advanced, and it is because of aid from this side that Falmart has been able to modernize at all. I can imagine many do not entirely like this reality, either."

Then with a restrained sigh, she said "But the previous life was not better, either."

Dennis noticed how her grip around him only tightened slightly. He turned to her, noting the look in her eyes.

Parna sighed then, adding "Yes. I suppose you're right. Such is life, I suppose."

Then, with a smile, she changed the subject.

"I noticed your writing's improved over the years. How have you gotten on?"

"Oh, um… Going places really has helped. R-right?"

Dennis patted Tyuule's leg as she seemed uncertain about answering, then turned his gaze back to Agatha who-

He winced.

"Excuse me." he said, standing up.

Both women glanced at him.

Dennis felt Tyuule freeze in the middle of her sentence. The man was wearing a suit. An expensive one, clearly. His brown hair was neatly cut. He was very clean. Tall. He walked like a trained soldier.

And his two rabbit ears lifted upwards like a beacon for all.

More importantly, Agatha was taking a step away from him as he seemed to be trying to talk to the kid.

Dennis heard Tyuule excuse herself as well, but he waved her down.

"I got it."

As if psychic, the man noticed, turned to them, and smiled pleasantly as he began to walk away from the girl. Towards them. Dennis stood just a touch closer to Tyuule as the warrior rabbit approached. Gazes turned to the man. Some cameras clicked. He heard some of the noblewomen that had been glaring daggers at them begin to murmur.

"Hello!" the rabbit man said with a grin, extending a hand.

Dennis blinked, then took the man's hand with a polite nod which he concluded with a simple "Howdy."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet! You cannot imagine how long I'd been hoping to encounter her!"

"I apologize, but… who are you?" Parna asked a little louder than she needed.

"You do not know?" the man asked.

Parna blinked, then said "No, I… I truly don't. I have not seen you anywhere in town or-"

"Nonsense, you're Nurse Parna! You attended me at the very start of the war!"

"I… did?"

"Of course! Right after you escaped the capital, when you volunteered with the American Army for protection! You told me so yourself!"

"I…"

"Bah, you have treated oh so many good people. This young lady as well I presume?"

Tyuule stared at him and offered the faintest smile as she said "She… she did."

The man lowered his voice to a whisper as he said "Might I say, it it a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty."

Tyuule stiffened slightly, but quickly passed it off, "Oh, please, do not call me that. I abdicated, and… and my failures-"

"No, no, no, none of that! Our failures, madame."

Dennis glared at the man, but he didn't know why. Was it because Tyuule's lips slightly quivered at that statement? Because he seemed to be trying to comfort her when she was his wife? Dennis then blinked as the man turned his gaze towards him and he knew.

It had been a glimmer in the man's dark eyes, the slight shifting of them as if they were appraising something. Not someone. Some thing.

"Who are you?" Dennis asked coldly.

"Oh, that is a long story, but… I am certain Parna knows it well."

Dennis kept his gaze on the man and Agatha, but he heard Parna stammer something to the negative. Whatever the man was playing at, he didn't like it.

"Ah, come on, Parna. You know it!" he said, taking a seat at the table.

"Tale of all the surviving warriors, no? The damned empire invades, and brave and young Queen Tyuule rallies the tribes to defend our land… then gives up. We are left scattered, hopeless… no one to return to." he spoke with a smile.

Not a detached smile.

Not a distracted smile.

Dennis saw hate in that smile and he could tell Tyuule recognized it. As if on instinct, the woman's ears lowered alongside her frame, as if she were bowing where she sat.

"I… I cannot ask for forgiveness." she whispered. Dennis felt her beginning to shake.

"Tyuule…"

"Oh, why are you shaking? You got your happy ending, no? As have the survivors that follow you, clearly. I'm sure you've atoned."

At the obviously artificial sincerity behind the words, Dennis felt his scowl deepen and he opened his mouth but the man spoke first.

"Really, your, uh… husband? That perplexes me more."

"What?"

"Well, he is a man. Not a warrior, but a man. Why is that?"

"I-" Dennis managed to get the irritated word out, but was quickly cut off.

"I mean, really, why marry at all? Plenty of men and women out there don't. So… oh, I ramble. Apologies, miss… um…"

"Orville."

"Ah, like one of the flying brothers!" the man chortled. He glanced upwards then.

"Such a strange world. No wyverns to fly with, so they had to create machines for it."

Again, Dennis was about to speak, but the man stood up and said "It was just wonderful to finally meet you, and uh… I apologize if I intruded. Good day."

Tyuule only nodded back slowly.

Parna was quiet as the man walked on.

Sensing the tension, she stood and said "Excuse me, I… I need to check something."

Tyuule sank in her chair, then covered her face as Dennis moved behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. She wasn't crying. Not yet. But he could tell she was on the verge of it. She was breathing a little harder, her slumped-over form appeared oh so frail. He grimaced at the memories it brought up.

Dennis turned, eyeing Agatha as he finally got to talk.

"Well." making sure Agatha wasn't within earshot but hoping the man was, "That guy can go to hell."

"Orville… cut it out." she whispered, and placed her hand over his.

"Come on, you saw him, that guy was trying to provoke you. Reopen old wounds, hurt you-"

"I'm the one that caused the hurting, Dennis." she muttered.

He sat down next to her and quietly said, "So did I, and a good chunk of the armed forces, most of it because the people that hurt you asked for it, remember? And even then we're living to atone for it."

"I… I'm sorry." she mumbled, slumping over the table as tried to now hide her weakness from the intruding gazes.

Dennis glared at the people watching while pretending not to watch. At least the few that were staring were being honest and he could make them look away by making direct eye contact. Conversations went on as he stood next to her again.

He shook his head as he began to gently pass a hand through her hair and ears.

"Agatha's still enjoying herself, but… we can go if you want."

"Orville, you are such a… such a…" she growled, then lightly tapped his arm.

Dennis huffed, then smiled as he returned the gesture, "What are you, in high school?"

She didn't reply.

"It isn't about me. It shouldn't be." she sucked in a breath, then said "Let's let her have her fun a bit longer at least."

He was about to whisper something sweet into her ear when Parna returned.

"Um… Tyuule, I think we have a problem."

"Huh?" she glanced up at her.

Dennis only asked "What?"

"Ma'am I really need you to remember, but… have you gotten any letters from someone claiming to be a male warrior?"

"N-no."

"Are you sure?"

"No, all the letters I get are anonymous."

Parna seemed distraught for a moment.

"I… I do not like this one bit. Ma'am, s-sir… I… maybe you should go back to your hotel, I… I need to talk with security."

"Parna?"

"Tyuule, I sent the invitations to the fellow warriors I was aware of, the only male ones I recall invited never confirmed. I don't know anyone who invited him over. I've certainly never met him!"

Dennis turned his attention to the crowd. He could see many ears, uniforms, clothing, and colors, but no pale, warrior rabbit in a suit. Agatha was walking back to them, waving at the kids behind her, a tiger woman in a very exposed dress stood near the entrance as cameras flashed, and several men in Soviet military uniform arrived, trailed by American officers and cameramen, some of whom were likely armed.

"I don't see him around here."

Tyuule said, "Maybe… maybe it isn't a problem. Someone else could have invited him?"

In Latin, Parna grumbled, "Dull blades are not as deadly, but still deadly!"

Dennis quickly said "Look, it's her call. But Agatha-"

"Papa, do you know what Tortillas are in Mexico?" Agatha called as she was quick to grab to his pant's leg.

Dennis picked her up and continued in Latin, "If there is danger then we should go, but right now we have no idea, do we?"

"What if there is?" Parna added.

Confused, Agatha asked in English "Who is that?"

Tyuule stood, and with an all too forced smile, said "This is Parna, she helped my back during the war."

Parna also forced a smile and swithced back to English to say "H-hello."

Dennis sighed, then asked "Did that man talk to you?"

"Yes, papa, but I didn't say nothing!"

Tyuule pinched the girl's right cheek, Dennis pinched her left, then both said "Didn't say anything."

"Eek! Help me miss Parna!"

Parna sighed, then, back to Latin, said "Maybe just for today? While I try to figure out who this guy is?"

Dennis glanced at Tyuule.

Agatha quickly asked, "What are you talking about?"

Tyuule said, "I'm feeling a little unwell, sweetheart. Maybe we could get a nice lunch and just spend a… a quiet day in the hotel?"

Agatha blinked, but then, with neither disappointment nor enthusiasm, said "Alright."

Dennis only shrugged, glared at another woman who eyed him up, and said "Thank you, Parna. We'll be in touch, right?"

"Don't give me your number. I'll… I'll see you here tomorrow, alright?"

"Alright. Let's go."

…

His handler stared, arms crossed.

"What?"

"You were not supposed to interact with her, you idiot."

"It was just a chat."

"Oh no, I saw what you did. That was one step away from making a threat, we-"

"They have a kid."

His handler glared at him. Mouth half-open. Waiting to either morally grandstand or not depending on his answer, more than likely. He didn't care.

"A pretty little thing. Dark hair, healthy ears… she may grow into quite the beauty."

"Ciaran. This is not part of our arrangement."

"I know, I know. I just hadn't seen her. She has potential, is all I'm saying."

"She is a child!"

"For now."

The man fell silent.

"Hey, I'm doing what your people want. If you don't like it, take it up with them."

His handler did not reply.

Italica Territory, Sadera

7:00PM

She moved through the crowd swiftly. She made sure the plates she carried were stable, and that she didn't bump into any of the well dressed civilians. The soldiers, active duty and veterans, stood mostly on their own side of the gathering while civilians hung out in their larger groups. Most were eyeing the large screen that projected the ongoing speeches by various leaders in Dallas as the peace summit there had been underway for hours already.

Her target, however, was one of the few occasions of civilians and vets meeting with each others.

Charlotte dropped the food off and sat down.

Tyuwal patted her head and said "Thank you, sweetheart."

Charlotte gave a polite smile, then took a drink from her cup. She eyed the couple across the table from them.

"So! Uncle Sean…" Charlotte asked, forcing her tail to not wag.

Sean glanced up at her. The pasta dish seemed to be his main focus, but Misery made sure his attention was on her as she bumped his shoulder. The former Ranger was only recognizable as a veteran because of his old uniform. His beard and unkempt hair made it clear the disciplined marksman was a thing of another life now that he had a wife and kid of his own.

Still…

"I was asking about the cadet program-"

Sean raised a hand and swallowed, then said "I haven't heard back from anyone, kiddo."

"Sure, but like… I also wrote to uncle Orville."

"I really don't think they're letting fourteen year olds into RASP, sweetheart." Tyuwal sighed.

"Hmph! I can keep up!"

"Honey-"

"I know how to shoot, ma!"

"A .22. You know how to shoot a .22." Sean told her.

Charlotte felt herself pout, but did not press further.

Misery sighed aloud, then asked "Tyuwal, is your husband doing alright?"

"Oh, yes, his arm is getting better. How's the work with the UN?"

Sean scratched at his beard, and said "It's going alright. Same old, same old."

Charlotte thought back to her last few years of change. Electricity, radios, paved roads, factories… and all the problems that came with all that alongside their benefits.

She overheard the speakers suddenly say "Now for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics…"

"Ugh." she grumbled a little louder than she intended.

Tyuwal hushed her.

"Ma, I don't-"

"Rules." Tyuwal said quickly.

Charlotte sighed, but said nothing else.

The communists had a small presence in the region, she knew. Scientists coming along with special permits, but also a few clever trouble makers that got away with spreading their ideas, taking advantage of the territory's freedoms. But such was the nature of the world.

She raised an eyebrow as some shock began to go over the crowd.

"What… what the hell?" Sean said aloud.

Her dog ears lifted slightly and she forced herself to listen to the bad man speaking on the screen. Some representative of sorts, but-

"So, I would like to introduce you all to the first defector to the USSR from the special region, A Warrior Rabbit by the name of Ciaran."

Charlotte whirled around to look at the screen.

Indeed, a man with rabbit ears had taken to the podium. The footage was in grainy color, but there was no falsifying what the man was as he removed a Soviet officer's cap and two large leporian ears stood upwards in triumph.

Thus, in the dark, starry night, she and everyone there fell silent as Ciaran, a defector, spoke.

"Greetings. Indeed, I am a defector to the USSR as most people here call it. Though I perhaps know it better as the Soyuz Sovyetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik. My ears are not fake. I myself would like to come here as proof of how desperate some of the denizens of Sadera are to get to freedom. True freedom from imperialism, fascism, and the abuses of the capitalist society of the West."

That caused a soft murmur to go through the crowd, and Charlotte felt her heartrate jump ahead suddenly.

"I cannot deny some of the benefits of industry that the nations of the West, capitalist and unaligned, have brought to the Special Region beyond the Gate. I have no interest in denying those. But I must implore, tonight, in this summit for peace, that if we ever wish to maintain true peace, then we must ensure equity amongst our people. No more should the workers of the region be forced to endure terrible conditions, pushed by greed and selfish desire for profits within the Empire. The Empire itself and its leadership has failed to ensure the citizens are protected, and the territory of Italica itself is now enduring the consequences of unopposed American control."

More murmurs. Charlotte felt a tension rising as she turned away to look at the active-duty personnel. They appeared mostly neutral, but she knew there was anger there.

Ciaran continued, "If we wish to hold onto the fragile peace, avoid suffering and the bloodshed that follows, we must, as a people work to change the conditions as they exist. I believe, and I think many across the Gate agree, that we should have more neutral bodies regulate more aspects of the nations interfering across Sadera and the other world. I am not asking for another front in our ongoing Cold War, but rather a means to a better life across the Gate without it."

There was a moment of silence.

"Thank you."

Charlotte blinked. Then she turned to the crowd. She saw men whispering amongst each other. Even as another speaker began, she could feel the discussions of adults amongst them, those agreeing and disagreeing with the defector.

Tyuwal stood and said, "Maybe we should head home now…"

Misery said "Come to our place. It's closer and we can avoid the trouble."

Sean agreed, then said "Agreed. I'd say you spend the night, too."

Charlotte didn't argue, but asked "Is… is this how it started back then, Uncle Sean?"

"Huh?"

"Back when the Gate first opened? Did the war start like this?" she asked, suddenly feeling nervous.

Sean rubbed at his bearded chin as he answered with an uncertain "No, but that's not what worries me at the moment."

8:39 PM

"Done!" Agatha said as she hopped out of the bath and onto the hotel bed. She bounced up on the springs once before lying down, content.

Tyuule was staring at the television, worry lining her face.

Dennis let out a sigh as he sat next to Agatha and began to dry her dark hair with a towel.

"Wah!"

"Pipe down. We don't need to leave a mess for the cleaners." He grumbled as he passed the towel through her ears.

"It's just water!"

"Yes, and?"

Agatha pouted but argued no further. Dennis eyed Tyuule as the news continued to report on the ongoing Peace Summit.

"We missed the president?" Agatha cried out.

Dennis said "He already won, sweetheart. We'll see plenty of him later."

"Not in person!"

Tyuule suddenly said "I think I'll go shower now."

Agatha glanced up at him.

"Fine." Dennis grumbled, then let her go. The little girl pounced to the remote and quickly changed the channels as Dennis followed Tyuule into the bathroom.

She turned, feigning surprise and covering her chest, but there was no real passion behind it as her smile faded immediately. He said nothing and moved to turn the shower on. His expression serious as he unbuttoned his shirt with one hand and checked the water's temperatures with the other. The moment the shower was on, she spoke.

"I… I think I just need to think a little."

"I'll help." He said quietly, then added "just let me know if something's bothering you."

"A lot is…" she sighed, but released her hold on her blouse.

A moment later, Tyuule felt him standing behind her as the hot water poured down over them. His arms around her felt reassuring, and she was sure the sound of the shower running would keep Agatha from hearing anything they might say… or do. Still, she felt her heart ache, unsure why. No chains around her arms or neck. Most of her old scars were gone. Dennis held her like a safety blanket, yet…

Dennis finally spoke first.

He whispered, "We're both living to atone."

She only nodded.

"Don't let that bastard tell you otherwise. Just because you're happy now." he punctuated with a kiss on her neck.

She handed him the shampoo, which he took. She closed her eyes as he started applying it to her hair in silence.

Her turn.

"It isn't like that. I just… some days I get a reminder and… and I feel I should've died then." She said shakily, "That it's what I deserved after everything. Or that maybe I should be doing more…"

The soap washed down her body, and she shut her eyes a little tighter.

Dennis said "I promised you I'd prove that thought wrong. Any time you need me to repeat it, I will."

"Den, it's not about repeating it…" she spoke in what she knew would only come off as a whimper.

He held her again and spoke softly.

"You helped me then. Remember? You're my kid's loving mother, you've been helping your people even now. You keep me going."

"I know. But my sin. My failure. When I hear how I got a happy ending and not others, I just… Ah-!"

Dennis forced the anger at those words away by moving his hands over her body. She began to breathe nervously as she turned to him. Before she could speak, he pressed his lips against hers, a gesture she quickly returned as her ears lowered back.

The water washed away the last of the soap as she finally opened her eyes to stare back at him.

He always had a look about him when their past came up. A mixture of worry and suppressed anger that had never truly left after those days when they were all the other had. This was only emphasized further by the hot water's steam around them now.

She gave him a sad smile and cupped his hand.

"I'm making you worry, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Don't. I… how I feel, it's… I don't want to die, Dennis. I just… Somedays I don't feel like I've earned this."

"Well I feel different."

Her smile faltered slightly, "I know, I don't want to lose you either. I'm… quite idiotic some days is all-"

He didn't let her finish, pulling her into another kiss as she found herself clinging to him. Her breathing started to grow uneven as she felt herself pinned against the shower wall, the water flowing between them heating them further as Dennis pulled back just enough to speak.

"No, you… you're not idiotic you're just… just a little down. That's all."

She giggled, saying "you have such a way with words."

"I-"

She clung to him just a little tighter, then took a step forward, which pushed him back slightly.

He didn't argue.

She was atop him a second later, obscuring his view of the showerhead above them, not that he'd complain. The position was much more comfortable and safer given they'd been standing earlier. The sounds of the running water mixed with her ragged breaths which were already driving him wild as she moved slowly at first. He restrained himself as he moved up to only kiss her neck and rub her back, letting her enjoy herself. He needed to make her forget. If only for a little bit. He'd only barely pulled her out of that hell back then, and she'd done the same for him.

Suddenly, Dennis locked eyes with her then, her crimson, his dark, a need in both of them. No way could he let her fall down that hell again. No way would she let him lose himself to that hell, either. Ever.

They locked lips as Tyuule moved a little faster and he pulled her closer, both being careful to keep as quiet.

9:32 PM

"To save water". That's what they told her at home whenever they bathed together. At home.

Agatha wondered what necessity to save water there was in a hotel. In Dallas. Then there were the occasional sounds that she didn't understand. Was momma crying? Was papa running in place? The shower made it impossible to tell, but it was like they were doing something other than taking a bath in there.

But it was a fleeting thought, her attention gravitatef mainly to the puppets and toys on the tv screen. Grouchy Oscar was trying to get out of talking to people by placing a "do not disturb sign" on his home, the trash can!

The resolution of this matter was of utmost importance!

Momma walked out of the bath first, wrapped in a white bathrobe and with a content expression on her face as she went to their bed across from hers. Papa… stumbled out? He seemed to collapse onto their bed and momma pulled him with her so he was resting right on her chest.

"Is papa alright?"

Momma smiled and hugged papa a little tighter as she said "He's a little sleepy is all."

Papa grunted something to the affirmative.

"Oh. Um… Momma, should I change the channel? You had the news-"

Momma shook her head, then said "No, that's enough world events for me. Finish your show, then lights out."

"Oh! Okay!" she said as she ran to shut off the TV.

The show was over anyway, the news man that came after it not of any interest to her or momma and papa it seemed..

8:00 PM

Berlin

Delilah felt Stella grab her exposed shoulder and squeeze so as to not disturb the young man. The American GI was asleep on her lap, drooling, muttering something in German and English every so often as she played with his hair.

"What is it?" she asked passing a hand through the admittedly attractive young soldier's red hair. He wasn't the usual "targets", but as their most loyal customer base, there were many good reasons to ensure they were coming back.

Barely above a whisper, Stella said, "Um… the other girls and I are watching the peace summit in Dallas. Um…"

"Stella, what is it?"

"A… a male warrior rabbit tribesman was presented by the Soviet Union… as a defector."

Delilah felt her heart suddenly start pounding on her chest.

"Defector? To the Soviets? I-" she awkwardly stood up, allowing the drunken GI to rest his head on the couch's cushions as she followed Stella to the back.

The girls not on duty and the two CIA operatives were indeed eyeing the television screen with varying looks of worry.

The male warrior rabbit was indeed real.

Undoubtedly so.

The TV's resolution was not the best, nor was the audio, but the words…

Delilah's mouth dropped as she stared in stunned silence.

No one spoke until the segment was over.

It was Stella.

"What… what does that mean?"

The Pale one said, "Either security in Dallas slacked off worse than the Manhattan Project post war, or…"

"Or Ivan just figured out some way to get Gate-side."

And in that case...

She couldn't finish the thought.

---

A/N: Hoo boy... thanks a bunch for waiting, everyone, hope this chapter delivered.

Special thanks to Nighthawk and M3LuckyCharms. You guys have NO idea how much their proofreading has saved me from publishing some cringe. And yes, that is the same M3LuckyCharms that published A Pile of Empty Brass. We've been helping each other out, and I do recommend you check out his fic. Give the guy some love, eh?

As for this chapter...

Well, I wanted to give our leads a bit of happiness before I take a hammer to it in the coming chapters.

Plus, with where the Gate manga has been recently, I really needed to write a bit more Dennis/Tyuule scenes. I'm personally happy with how they came out as characters in The Fight we Chose, and I'm enjoying writing them as a proper married couple with a kid, but also now they have to face something ugly from their past that's coming up to haunt them, taking advantage of the ongoing Cold War.

Gave a bit more worldbuilding, though not much. Rory has her mission, Pina has her own goals, and... now there's Ciaran.

I don't get why Gate decided to basically make the Warrior Bunnies essentially Amazons. But whatever, it makes the idea of a male warrior rabbit being the villain at least semi-plausible.

So, where TFWC focused on modern culture clashing with ancient, we're going to see something similar here as Ciaran embodies the warrior bunny mentality we see some characters like Delilah bring up occasionally, and a point Tyuule's character went against.

So, yeah, hopefully, this chapter was enjoyable, and I do hope to get another published sooner rather than later... not that my schedule has been any lighter...

*cries*

Anyway, thank you all once again so much for reading! Remember, reviews are greatly appreciated, and if I got something wrong, feel free to let me know! Hope to see you all soon!