A few weeks after Leia's birthday (summer 2021)
The night air outside the grand estate hummed with possibility, the kind of energy that makes you believe anything is possible, even when the odds are stacked against you. The Life and Death Brigade had always been about defying expectations, and tonight was no exception.
Logan had pulled out all the stops for this gathering—a sprawling event in the New York countryside that shimmered with opulence, fairy lights casting soft gold hues over the lawn. For April and Mary, this was their first Life and Death Brigade event, a rite of passage into a world of chaos and brilliance where the impossible always seemed within reach.
As they stepped onto the grounds, both girls were momentarily stunned. Massive floating lanterns dotted the sky like stars brought down to earth, while beneath the glow of hundreds of twinkling lights stood a towering marquee tent that seemed to pulse with the beat of distant music.
"This feels like an alternate reality," April muttered, her wide eyes scanning every detail—the cascading lights, the soft hum of music in the background, and the impeccably dressed guests floating by with drinks in hand.
Mary, standing beside her, didn't seem fazed. A half-smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "This is exactly what I've been waiting for," she said, eyes gleaming with excitement. "How could they not plan world-changing events in a place like this?"
April raised an eyebrow, glancing at Mary. "Is this how they plan? How does anyone think straight with all this… madness?"
Mary's expression turned thoughtful, her gaze drifting toward Logan, who was greeting guests with Rory by his side. "Maybe that's the point," she mused. "Maybe the madness gets them out of their heads, pushes them to believe anything's possible. Logan's always said the Brigade is about blowing the box wide open—no limits."
April took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The idea of standing against someone like Mitchum Huntzberger seemed impossible, but something about this night—the extravagance, the wildness—made her feel like they might actually have a shot.
For Mary, this was more than a party. It was her chance to prove herself, to show Logan—and everyone else—that she wasn't just the niece waiting in the wings. She had spent years listening, watching, and learning, and tonight she was ready to step up.
The two girls followed Logan and Rory into the marquee tent, where laughter, clinking glasses, and soft jazz music filled the air. The scene inside was even more extravagant than the grounds outside, with roaring twenties-themed décor, waiters dressed in period costumes, and champagne flowing as if it were the last night on earth. But despite the frivolity, there was an undercurrent of seriousness beneath it all. This wasn't just a party. This was the place where they would decide how to fight Mitchum—and win.
Logan's voice cut through the haze of excitement. "Alright, everyone, gather around," he called, waving the group over to the long, glittering table at the center of the tent.
As the group took their seats, the energy shifted. The laughter and lightness were still there, but now there was something more—a sense of purpose. Logan stood at the head of the table, his usual grin tempered by the weight of what was at stake.
"We've got a tough road ahead of us," Logan began, meeting the eyes of each person seated around the table. "But I've never been one to back down from a challenge, and I know none of you are either."
April watched as the words sank in, not just with Logan, but with everyone at the table. Rory sat beside him, her hand resting protectively on her growing belly. This wasn't just a fight for The Magna—this was a fight for their future, and everyone at that table knew it.
Logan continued, his voice calm but full of determination. "We've been through the details a hundred times, but this is the moment where it all comes together. We have a real chance here—Mitchum is vulnerable, and we need to take advantage of that."
April's gaze shifted to Mary, who sat across from her, unusually quiet. Mary's face was serious, focused. She had spent the last few weeks working tirelessly behind the scenes, and tonight was her chance to prove that she was more than just Logan's niece. She had been preparing for this moment for a long time, and now that it was here, she wasn't going to let it slip away.
"I've been working on something," Mary began, her voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity. All eyes turned toward her, intrigued by the confidence in her tone.
"I think we need to focus our energy on building The Magna's digital presence," she said, sitting up straighter as she spoke. "Mitchum is banking on old-school connections and influence, but he's underestimating the power of digital media and online journalism. If we can build a platform that resonates with younger readers, we'll have a much bigger advantage than he realizes."
Logan leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "Go on, Mary."
She didn't falter. "We need to create a digital campaign that's interactive, where readers feel like they're part of the story. We can host live discussions, guest panels, open forums—anything that gets people talking about why independent media matters. We make it personal."
Colin raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical but interested. "And how do you plan on getting them invested?"
Mary smiled, a sharp, confident grin that reminded everyone of Logan. "We make them part of the movement. We invite readers to share their own stories, to create content that speaks to why independent journalism matters to them. We build an online community that Mitchum can't ignore."
Across the table, Steph nodded slowly, her strategic mind already piecing together the possibilities. "If people feel like they're part of something bigger, they'll fight for it when the pressure comes. That's brilliant, Mary."
Mary's confidence grew. "Exactly. We won't just push stories at them. We'll let the community drive the conversation. And as Mitchum's political campaign leans heavily on family values and loyalty, we can subtly expose the cracks in his foundation without directly attacking him. We show the world that he's fighting his own family, without ever having to say it outright."
Logan couldn't hide his pride. "You've really thought this through."
Mary shrugged, though her eyes sparkled with the thrill of being taken seriously. "I've had a good teacher," she said, glancing at Logan.
The conversation shifted into a flurry of ideas, everyone contributing to the plan. Finn, always the wild card, suggested a public event—something bold and eye-catching that would draw media attention and force Mitchum to confront the issue head-on.
"We'll put on a show," Finn declared, his grin mischievous. "Something big. Something Mitchum can't ignore. If he's going to run for Congress, he's going to have to answer questions about The Magna. We'll make sure of that."
Robert, the smooth operator of the group, leaned back in his chair, his mind already working. "We'll need allies," he said. "People who can influence the conversation without it coming directly from us. I've got contacts who owe me favors. We'll get them on board."
Steph, ever the practical strategist, added, "And financial backing. Colin and I will start making calls. We know people who believe in the cause and are willing to put money behind it."
The conversation around the table was moving fast. Ideas were being tossed back and forth with intensity, each suggestion sharpening the edges of their strategy. It was Mary's plan, no question, but everyone was leaning in, feeding off the energy that had started to build. April listened quietly, her mind racing. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to click into place in her head, but she hesitated, not sure if she should speak up.
She looked at Mary, who was laying out the digital strategy with the poise of someone far older than her 15 years. The plan was good, and the focus on online engagement was sharp. But there was something missing—something that could take it to the next level. April knew it, but wasn't sure if now was the time to say it.
But then she saw Logan nodding along with Mary's words, his face a mix of pride and thoughtfulness. That was all the encouragement April needed.
Clearing her throat softly, April leaned forward. "What about the readers?"
Her voice cut through the room, and the conversation slowed as everyone turned to look at her. April had always been the quieter one in new groups, the observer, but tonight, she was ready to speak. She felt Finn's gaze on her, curious, and she straightened her shoulders.
"If Mary's plan is going to work, we need to keep them engaged," April continued, her voice growing stronger as the idea formed more fully in her mind. "What if we create a way for them to contribute directly? Something like crowdsourcing… or maybe a membership program."
Logan's expression shifted, clearly impressed. "That's a great idea, April. The more invested the readers feel, the harder it will be for Mitchum to tear us down."
But April wasn't done. Her eyes sparkled with the thrill of having an idea worth sharing, and for the first time that night, she felt like she belonged at the table—not just as Rory's sister, but as someone with something important to say.
"We need to make it more than just an online forum," she added, leaning in. "We could create a platform where the readers aren't just passive consumers of content—they're contributors. We give them the tools to create their own stories, to share why independent media matters to them. And maybe we offer exclusive content to members who sign up. People love feeling like they're part of something special, something bigger than themselves. It could even become a kind of crowdsourced journalism—people submitting their own local stories, their own perspectives."
Across the table, Finn's eyes gleamed with approval. "Now that's an idea," he said, leaning back in his chair with a grin. "Make them feel like they're not just readers, but part of the movement. You get enough people invested in something, and suddenly you've got an army."
April smiled, feeling the surge of confidence that came with being understood. "Exactly. And we can use those stories to strengthen The Magna's voice. If we're representing more people—real people—it'll be harder for Mitchum to paint us as some elite media company. We'll have the weight of actual readers behind us."
Rory looked at April with a glimmer of pride in her eyes, and Logan nodded along. "That's the key," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "It's not just about engaging them—it's about making them part of the fight."
Mary, who had been listening intently, leaned in toward April. "You're right," she said, her voice carrying a note of agreement that showed she wasn't threatened by April's addition. If anything, she seemed even more fired up. "Crowdsourcing content could really work, especially for the younger demographic. And the membership program… we could offer exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, or even live Q sessions with journalists."
April felt a rush of validation. The idea was taking root, and everyone was building on it, making it stronger. This was what collaboration was about—each piece fitting into the bigger picture, creating something bigger than any one person could achieve alone.
Finn, always the performer, leaned forward, a gleam in his eye. "I'll tell you what, love," he said, directing his words to April. "If you're serious about this, I'll help you get it off the ground. We can start small, maybe a public event where we invite readers to submit their stories live. We'll spin it as a celebration of free speech. And of course, we'll make it a spectacle—something that'll get people talking."
April blinked, surprised but intrigued by the offer. Working with Finn had never crossed her mind, but there was something thrilling about the idea. Finn's charm, his unpredictability, and his knack for drawing attention could be exactly what her plan needed.
"I'd love that," she said, her voice more sure now. "We could even livestream parts of it, letting people around the world submit stories in real-time. Make it a global thing."
"Now you're thinking like a true Brigadier," Finn said with a wink. "Big, bold, and impossible to ignore."
Rory, who had been quietly watching the exchange, chimed in. "April, that's brilliant. A global event, open to anyone who wants to share their story? It's exactly what we need to show Mitchum that The Magna represents more than just a small circle of people. We're about real voices, real stories, from all walks of life."
April felt her heart swell. The idea that had started as a small thought was now blossoming into something real, something powerful. And it was hers. She had contributed something that mattered.
Logan nodded, clearly proud of both April and Mary. "This is it. This is how we beat Mitchum—not by outspending him, but by outsmarting him. We'll build something he can't ignore, something that speaks louder than money."
April exchanged a glance with Finn, her earlier hesitance replaced by a sense of purpose. She was ready to step up, to contribute in a meaningful way. This wasn't just Mary's plan anymore—it was all of theirs. And with Finn by her side, helping to bring her vision to life, April was ready to show the world what they were capable of.
The plan was coming together, piece by piece, and with each new idea, hope began to swell in the room. They weren't just going to fight Mitchum—they were going to beat him at his own game. But they were going to do it with flair, with the audacity that defined the Life and Death Brigade. They would fight smart, leveraging every connection, every piece of influence they had.
As the group mulled over the final details, Logan stood once more, raising his glass high.
"To fighting for what we believe in," he said, his voice resonating through the tent. "To not backing down, no matter what Mitchum throws at us."
Rory raised her glass beside him, her eyes locking with his. "To family," she added, her voice quiet but filled with determination. "And to the future we're building."
Finn, ever the charismatic wild card, stood tall and grinned as he held his glass above his head. "And of course, to the motto that's carried us through everything: In Omnia Paratus—ready for anything!"
The others echoed the toast, their glasses clinking together in a symphony of crystal. The energy in the room felt electric, the air alive with possibility. Fireworks exploded above them, bathing the estate in brilliant shades of gold, red, and blue. The sound of laughter, hope, and determination filled the air as the group felt the full weight of their purpose.
This wasn't just a plan—it was the beginning of something bigger than themselves. The unity of the group, the reckless audacity of the Life and Death Brigade, was about more than saving a company. It was about preserving what mattered most: the integrity of their work, their family, and their future.
As April watched the fireworks explode overhead, she finally understood. This wasn't just another night of whimsical indulgence. The absurdity of the event, the extravagance, wasn't a distraction—it was a catalyst. The Life and Death Brigade thrived on the impossible, on making the world bend to their will, and tonight she felt the first glimmer of belief that they could win.
Mary too felt a surge of excitement. She had always known that Mitchum was a formidable opponent, but tonight had proven something important: they weren't alone. With this group, with their combined brilliance and loyalty, they could outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast him.
As the night came to a close, Logan and Rory stood side by side, watching their friends laugh, plan, and scheme. Logan wrapped an arm around Rory's shoulders, resting a hand protectively on her belly. "We can do this, Ace," he whispered. "We've got a real shot."
Rory smiled up at him, feeling the strength of the bond between them. "I believe you, Logan. We've got the best team we could ask for."
Logan looked out over the group—their family, their closest friends—and for the first time in months, he felt like they could win this fight. Maybe not in the way they had originally planned, but one way or another, they would come out on top.
"In Omnia Paratus," Rory whispered softly, repeating the motto that had carried them through so many of life's wildest moments.
Logan kissed her forehead gently, pulling her close. "Ready for anything," he murmured back.
And as the fireworks burst overhead, casting the sky in brilliant colors, the night seemed alive with hope. They weren't just planning a fight—they were planning to win. And for the first time in a long while, that hope felt real.
3