Disclaimers:
Violence: Yes
Sex: There is only mild sexual activity between two consenting adult woman. If you are offended by this, there are plenty of other wonderful stories out there.
This is an Uber story set in the future with our lead characters coincidentally looking a lot like our favorite Warrior and Bard.
This is my first attempt at a Fan Fiction story. Any comments are welcome.
Prologue:
In the year 2010, the most destructive war that our world had ever seen erupted in two small
countries, Iraq and Kuwait, and ended with the destruction of all who sided with Kuwait. Their
government systems were crushed and those who's countries were destroyed were either killed or
transported to different locations to be slave's. But there were a number of people who were
neither killed nor transported, they hid from the force that took their freedom and vowed that
one day humans would regain their freedom once again. It is now the year 2089 and that same
underground movement, now called 'Hope and Succeed' is still striving for that cause. The
movement secretly spread throughout Europe and the United States and caused panic for the
Garinian Empire, which lead to massive precautions to prevent 'Hope and Succeed' from gaining
any power. The leader of the Northern US bases was the most feared, for she and her soldiers
were relentless in gaining power. With blue eyes that could freeze the equator, her name was
Alicia Vanzetti. Her family was transferred to the Northern US base when she was nine years
old. She watched in horror as her parents were shot by two Garinian soldiers on the boat over
from Europe. When she arrived in the US, her and her brother were taken to the Northern US
base, where they both were trained to be powerful soldiers. She eventually moved up in rank
until she became the leader of the base. She had one mission in life and that was to accomplish
what her parents never got to accomplish, freedom.
Chapter 1:
The soldiers cautiously walked through the swampy woods careful of where to step. A hundred soldiers had been killed by the boobie traps that were haphazardly lying around. The four soldiers had been walking all day in the cold, dark weather conditions and were tired, but they didn't complain. They had been assigned the duty of 'tying up the loose ends', which really meant killing any Garinian soldiers they saw. As they rounded a big tree they heard a yell and two clearly distinctive thumps. When they cautiously approached the source of the yell, they were surprised to see two large garinian soldiers lying on the muddy ground, out cold, and a blond, petite woman standing over them. The soldiers although impressed with the woman's action remembered not to trust anyone. There were times in the past that whole bases had been destroyed by spies from the garinian empire.
"Put your hands were I can see them" said one of the soldiers.
The woman was startled but complied to the man's orders, she noticed as two of the soldiers went to tie up her victims that they were all wearing camouflage pants and had patches of old flags on their dark shirts. She then remembered the stories that were told to her of a movement called 'Hope and Succeed' who's mission is to regain freedom for all who has been denied. She was jerked out of her thoughts by a question directed toward her.
"What did you say?" she asked.
Rather annoyed that the soldier had to repeat himself he asked, "Who are you, and what are you doing on this land?".
The woman stood as tall as her 5'4 inches could allow and spoke with a tone that demanded respect, "I am Maria Thomson, I was a slave being transported to the Garinian prison camps. I saw a chance for freedom and I took it, it is as simple as that." The soldiers looked at each other with a not so sure look on their face. "I'm not going back there. I will live the rest of my day's out to the fullest and if your thinking of sending me back, don't even bother, just shoot me now." The soldiers didn't reply and Maria thought that she would have to repeat herself. After, what seemed an eternity one of the soldiers spoke up, "Wait here". The soldiers moved about ten feet away and started whispering to each other.
"She is perfect for our cause" Maria heard one soldier say.
"Vanzetti won't be happy that we brought an unauthorized person in" she heard another say. She
couldn't hear the rest because at the same time she heard voices approaching, the soldiers must
have heard them to because they took Maria quickly out of the area. I guess they changed their
minds, she mused.
Chapter 2:
As Maria walked through the woods, she learned that the four soldiers weren't talkers. After two hours of silence one of the soldiers, named Tom started telling her about the mission of 'Hope and Succeed'. Maria was quite fascinated by all the things that had been accomplished in the past by this group. She was disappointed when the soldier had stopped talking, so she asked what she would have to do to become apart of Hope and Succeed. The soldier stiffened, afraid that he permitted this stranger to much information.
"We are not authorized to say anything," he said putting his shield up once again. Although Maria was surprised in the change of the soldiers demeanor, she pressed on.
"You know, my father used to tell me stories about you."
"And those bastards permitted that?" one soldier asked from his position behind the pair.
"No...but we did it anyway," she said smiling as she continued, "After we were finished with our duties for the day, we usually had an hour to do whatever we wanted. My dad used to spend that time telling my sister and I all kinds of different stories. I think that was what kept me sane," she said thinking out loud.
The soldiers, especially Tom, listened to the women's story.
"Anyway, I remember the story he told us one night:
'Clad in their dark outfits, patches marking their ancestry, the figures skulk through the Garinian base, releasing all the slaves from their hell. Once the soldiers get every tormented soul out of the base, they torch it, they stand outside and watch.
"Daddy? do you think one day those soldiers will come to our base," a little blond girl asks. The older man chuckled from deep in his throat.
"Perhaps, my daughter, perhaps. Maria, Tessa, never lose hope and never give up. That's the most important thing."
"We won't daddy, we never will."
I believed it for a long time, until I got older, and I guess the reality of life settled in," she said, finishing up her story.
"But we do exist," tom said, acting as if it were the first time he'd ever thought about it. He continued, "Listen, I know I shouldn't do this but...I don't know." Struggling with his demons, he continued, "I trust you, I don't know why even though we just met. What I'm trying to say is...that, if you want, we will take you to the base and let you have a chance of joining, but I warn you, it's more than joining, it's your undivided duty. Fighting for freedom would become your main priority."
Maria looked up at Tom. "I understand," is all she said but her eyes conveyed much more, an undying promise that he should trust her. In that moment, tom realized that he trusted her with all his heart and from there they walked in silence, each thinking to themselves.
After a while Tom started talking, "You first, have to take a test that would show that your telling the truth and then meet with the leader of the base."
"That's all. I think I can do it," she said with a confident tone until she heard laughs from behind her. She turned around to see the other soldiers amused faces.
"What?" she asked confused. She turned to Tom with an inquiring look.
"We have to explain the leader, to really understand it."
As they walked, the soldiers explained that the leader, Alicia Vanzetti could be a little intimidating at times and warned her of Alicia's temper. They walked until they stopped at a small clearing in the woods. It had stopped raining and a thick sheet of mist had surrounded them. One of the soldier attempted to put a black blindfold on Maria, but she backed away before he could. Tom explained that she would have to wear the cloth the rest of the way because of necessary precautions. She understood, she then took it from the soldier and put it on herself. They walked a while longer until they stopped. She could hear, what she figured to be buttons on a keypad, being pushed, she then heard a sliding sound and was moved forward. After being lead down a staircase the blindfold was taken off and Maria had to adjust to what little light there was in the room. After a few seconds she could make out that she was in a cave of some kind with candles brightening the room.
"So, how do you like our base? Is it what you expected?" Tom asked.
"Um, it's nice" she lied, "but I didn't really expect a place like this by the way you were talking about it" she said.
One soldier went to one of the candles on the cave wall and pulled it down. The cave, in a shape of a door, opened to reveal white walls and bright lights. "Wow, now this is what I imagined", Tom just grinned at her reaction and led her in. The cave door shut behind them and he told her to wait there and that he would be right back. After ten minutes he came back with a grin on his face. "Is everything alright" Maria asked. "Yes, just, um, sibling quarrel, that's all" he stated. "Oh". Tom led her into a room where she was told to stay and that someone would be there to see her shortly.
________
"WHAT, No, No, what was he thinking? Send him up here now" Alicia Vanzetti shut off her phone clearly very angry. "How could he do this, what was he thinking? Dammit Tom" Alicia mumbled to herself as she paced across her office. There was a knock on the door and a good looking blond man with short curly hair and blue eyes entered.
"Um, hey sis, how's it going" he said a bit sheepishly.
"Don't give me that Tom, what the HELL were you thinking bringing an unauthorized person into our base" she asked infuriated, "You know as well as I do that the Garinian army are beefing up their precaution measures and they send spies out all the time".
"yeah bu...",
"don't yeah but me, what were you thinking?".
Tom Vanzetti was very intimidated by his big sister at that moment and decided not to argue. "Um, you see, this woman is amazing, she would be the perfect addition to our cause, she took out two Garini...." he stopped talking when he saw the look on his sister's face.
"Listen to me Tom, you can't take a chance with anyone, this movement is the most important thing right now, and we can't have anything or anyone jeopardize it" Alicia saw the puppy dog look that was forming on Tom's face and stopped talking.
"What?" she asked ready to be influenced by her little brother.
"I just want to say that she really want's to be apart of this, please give her a chance, give her the tests, which I know she will pass, and then meet her, you won't be sorry," he said with the most charming/pathetic voice that he could muster up.
How could I say no to this pathetic display. "Oh fine, I suppose I could meet her." She said. "Your just a big softy" he said smiling at her.
"Yeah, Yeah, leave before I change my mind". She went to sit down at her desk and as he was leaving he said "You know, she's very pretty, I think you'll like her....a lot" He grinned back at her expression as he left the room. When he left, Alicia called the bases' doctor and explained the situation to him. He said that he would go down and meet the girl and give her some tests.
Chapter 3:
Maria had been waiting for a long time and nobody had shown up yet. She was getting very tired, and frustrated. You know what, this is stupid, how could they leave a person in this room for this long, if the door doesn't open in um, thirty seconds, I'm leaving, 1,2..........29 and a half, thirrrrrrrty. Darn, okay, thirty more, but after that, it's bye bye Maria. 1,2.....29 and a ......a knock on the door took her out of her thoughts and a white haired man with a friendly smile entered the room. "Hello, my name is Doctor Bandarie, nice to meet you" he said sticking out his hand.
"I'm Maria Thomson, nice to meet you too" she took the offered hand and shook it.
"I know that your tired, Ms. Thomson, but I have to ask you some questions, if that's all right?" "That's fine", she replied.
After he asked his questions he just talked with her, a friendly conversation that lasted a while. "That is an incredible story Maria", he said still surprised that so much strength could be found in such a little package. "Well", he said standing up, "I must be going, your probably tired, I will get someone to show you to your room and I'll see you tomorrow." he said.
"Alright, um, when do I get to meet Ms. Vanzetti?" Maria asked.
"Oh, soon enough," he replied.
"Goodnight, Ms. Thomson"
"Goodnight Dr. Bandarie".
__________
Alicia was still at her desk working on an idea. She looked up and saw Dr. Bandarie entering her office. Why does everyone look so damn giddy today.
"Why hello Alicia." He sat down on the opposite side of her desk and saw that she was working on something. "What did I tell you about working this hard young lady?"
Dr. Bandarie was always sort of a father to Alicia, always looking out for her, it made her feel good that he cared about her.
"I'm just finishing up some work, that's all" she stated giving him a warm smile.
"Well, I talked to Maria, I mean Ms. Thomson, the girl that Tom brought in," he said waiting for Alicia to look back up at him.
"Well?" she asked.
"She is definitely not a spy, in fact, Alicia, I suggest that you meet this young lady, sh....."
"Why is everyone doing that to me" she said.
"Doing what?", Dr. Bandarie asked a little confused by the question.
"Never mind, go ahead, what were you saying?"
"Um, yes, she would make a great contributions to this cause. I suggest you look up her records, she has an amazing story to tell," he said getting up from the chair. "Goodnight Alicia" "Goodnight", Alicia said distracted by her thoughts.
________
Maria was lead to the room where she would be staying for the night, confident that if she made a good impression on Ms. Vanzetti, it would be her room for good. As she walked through the sliding, metal door, her eyes wandered around the small room. It was poorly lit and only had two pieces of furniture in it, a bed with folded sheets and a small desk with a lamp on it. There was another door too, presumably the bathroom. The room was different from the rest of the base, what little she saw of it anyway. The room was clearly very old, whereas the base was much more advanced. At least it's not like the slave quarters in the Garinian base, she thought to herself gratefully.
She thanked the soldier who lead her to the room as he was leaving. For the first time Maria Thomson was alone, not sure of where to go, not sure what was out there. As she laid down on the bed that was provided to her, she thought about the past day, so much change in her life in so little time. She couldn't quiet comprehend what had happened, is this what having freedom feels like, being able to talk, to sleep in a bed, even to just get up and go to the bathroom, I could get used to this.
_________
Alicia turned off her computer and headed for her quarters. Quite frankly, she was amazed by Maria Thomson and she didn't even meet her yet. After hacking into the Garinian database, she found Maria's transcripts, they were brief, but explained a lot about this woman. She was the daughter of a cook for the Garinian's high officials, at the age of thirteen she started to cause trouble by stirring up some of the other slaves. After several times being punished, she quieted down. It was not until she was eighteen that she started causing trouble again, this time, gathering other slaves and starting protests against little things, such as better conditions to sleep in. The guards put her in containment, ignoring her 'insignificant' protests. She was then moved to a new section, where she cleaned clothes, a job where she didn't come in contact with people. She didn't cause trouble for a long time and the guards put her back as a the cook's assistant. Then one night she and about a hundred other slaves marched in protest against their enslavement. One-third of the slaves were killed by the Garinian soldiers and Maria was taken to the Prison for slaves. Maria's record ended at that spot with a warning at the bottom saying "Missing, if you see this slave, report them to us and we will pick them up."
After Alicia read the transcript, she immediately arranged that Maria would have a nice place to stay for the rest of her trip. Even though a part of Alicia said not to trust an outsider, the other part was ready to trust this woman and was actually excited about tomorrow.
Chapter 4:
Maria woke up from a semi-peaceful sleep, confused until she remembered the events from the past day. So much had happened, and after having some rest, she could think a little more clearly. There was a knock on the door and a soldier walked in carrying a bag.
"Ms. Thomson, I'm sorry to disturb you" he stated politely, "Here are some clothes and other items that you will need," he said handing her the bag. "Ms. Vanzetti wishes to meet you today. When you are finished getting ready, I'll show you to her office. Are there any questions?"
"No, thank you for the clothes, I won't be very long."
"Take as long as you want Ms. Thomson."
"Thank you," Maria said with a warm smile.
As the soldier left, she was amazed at the difference between the Garinian soldiers and these soldiers. These soldiers were so polite and helpful. She emptied the contents of the bag the soldier handed her. There was a mini tube of toothpaste and a small tooth brush, some deodorant, and a little comb all rapped up in plastic. She pulled out a blue t-shirt with the word 'freedom' on the front, she also pulled out draw string sweat pants, a pair of socks and underwear. After she finished showering, she went out to find the soldier. To her surprise, the soldier was waiting outside for her, "Are you ready, ma'am?" the soldier asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be".
As they walked through the narrow halls of the base, Maria noticed several eyes on her. As they turned a corner and headed for an elevator she heard a voice call her name, "Maria, Maria wait up, Rob, hold the elevator," As the man came running in the elevator she realized that it was Tom. "Good morning Maria, how did you sleep," he asked in a cheerful voice.
"How are you, I slept well, thank you for asking" she said in a friendly tone.
"Good, have you met the boss lady yet?"
"Actually, I was just about to," she said.
Tom asked if he could escort Maria the rest of the way, which he was allowed to do. They got off the elevator and walked through another hall, similar to the one that she just had been through. They walked to the edge of the hallway and stopped at double doors.
"Good luck, Maria,"
"Um, thank you," she replied.
Tom opened the door for Maria, as she walked in she was met with clear blue eyes studying her. "Hey sis, this is Maria Thomson," Maria was surprised because Tom had never mentioned that he was Alicia Vanzetti's brother.
"Ms. Thomson, it's a pleasure meeting you," Alicia said holding out her hand. God, she's gorgeous.
"Nice to meet you too, Ms. Vanzetti, it is Ms?" Maria didn't even know she said that until it sunk in. She was met with an amused grin from the other woman.
I can't believe I said that. She probably thinks I'm a freakin whore or maybe it was to innocent for her to think that. This woman is beautiful. I can't believe it I'm thinking this, calm yourself Maria, breath, 1.2.3 breath.
"Yes, it's Ms, but please, call me Alicia".
Tom was still standing near the doorway observing the two woman before him who hadn't taken their eyes off each other.
"Um, well, wow look at the time," making a big show out of looking at his watch. "I have so much to do, see you later. Sis, be nice, Maria, don't be intimidated, she's just a big softy". He left the room with an amused grin.
"You can call me Maria," Maria said breaking the spell between them.
"What?" Alicia said still entranced by the beauty that stood before her.
"Maria, call me Maria."
"Oh, yeah, um, you can call me Alicia."
"You said that already," Maria said smiling.
"What?" Alicia said still a little perplexed.
"I said you already told me to call you Alicia," she said with a laugh that made Alicia's heart beat faster.
Get a hold of yourself woman, you are Alicia Vanzetti, leader, killer, no one would want you. What beautiful green eyes.
Gaining back some of her composure, Alicia attempted to get to business.
"Well, Maria, have a seat," alicia said pointing at a chair. " I hear your interested in helping." Taking the offered seat Maria nodded.
Alicia continued, "I have read what little files the Garinians have on you, and I'm quite impressed".
Maria tensed up at the news that this woman could have read her painful memories.
"Um, are you okay?", Alicia asked with a worried look.
"Yeah, I'm fine, I just, what kind of things did it say?"
"I'll show them to you, if you want" Alicia said a little worried that this woman was worried about something that had happened. Alicia began to get angry at anyone who would hurt this woman. She couldn't understand why she felt so protective, only knowing her for five minutes. Alicia pulled up the saved file on her computer and showed it to Maria. As Maria read, she visibly became less tense and gave a warm smile to the worried woman sitting across from her. "Thank you" she stated.
"Your welcome, are you hungry?" both women a little surprised by the out of nowhere question Maria said yes.
After the soldier delivered breakfast to Vanzetti's office, the two woman sat at the round table near her desk.
"So Maria, what do you think you could do for this cause?"
"Well, I'm not sure. Do you mean, what kind of job I could do best?", Maria asked.
"Yes."
"Well, I'm not really sure, I self-educated myself." She sat for a moment trying to think of something. " I don't really know what I'm good at," she said truthfully.
"Oh, I could guess what your good at," Alicia said realizing that the woman could have taken her statement the wrong way. "Um, I mean, I meant that, I think I know what your talents are, no, I didn't mean that, I meant......"
"I know what you meant," Maria said amused that this woman that is known around the Garinian base as a ruthless killer, was stumbling with her words and blushing furiously. "What do you think I'm talented at?" Maria asked suggestively. Am I flirting with this woman. Her comment was met with an embarrassed look.
"Well, it sounds like your very good with people," she said trying to get her thoughts out of the gutter. She continued, "Everyone that you have met came up here raving about you."
"Really?" Maria was surprised.
"Yes. So, after three people came to my office, I pretty much new what one of your talents were."
"So what would you suggest I could do for Hope and Succeed?" maria asked.
"Well, you see...A lot of people are intimidated by me, I don't know why by the way. Anyway, even soldiers and people I work with are, so I was wondering if you could sort of be the one who transfers what I have to say to other people. So I guess that would make you sort of my consultant secretary." Alicia took a breath.
"That would actually sound really good," maria said, ecstatic that not only would she be spending time with Alicia, but that she would see the differences that Hope and Succeed makes.
After breakfast Alicia brought Maria back to her room.
"I almost forgot, I picked out a room that you could stay in. Do you have any stuff that needs to be moved?"
"No," Maria responded, "I...don't really have anything."
"Oh, well, after I show you around the base, I'll go above and get anything you need, but I need to know your size," alicia said casually while walking beside Maria.
"Alright, thank you," maria said, a little suspicious that someone is being so kind to her but then quickly dismissing that paranoia.
Alicia showed Maria around the base. She was amazed how this woman interacted with people, every time she introduced her to someone, Maria would just fall into a comfortable conversation with them.
"Wow, this is a huge place," Maria said tired from walking around.
"Actually, you've only seen the offices and a section of the soldiers room's." Alicia said proudly.
After about an hour of walking, Maria was led to her new room. When she walked in, she was surprised at the size of it.
"Wow, this is one big room,"
"It's your's" said the taller woman in a casual manner, but secretly thinking woo hoo, she likes it.
As Maria stepped onto the hardwood floor, she took in the sight. In the back of the room, there were two steps that lead up to a king size bed. There was a small kitchen to the right of it, along with a door that lead to a bathroom with a huge hot tub. To the left of the bed, there stood a dark oak desk with two book shelves. Alicia stood and watched the other woman as her mouth stood gape.
"Um....I have to get to work, you can look around, if you need anything, just knock." Alicia turned to go out of the room, when she felt a hand on her arm stop her. She turned to find Maria regarding her with a serious expression.
"I just wanted to say thank you, I have never really been treated like this before, I feel like one of those princess's in those fairytales." Maria stood up on her toes and gave Alicia a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Um...your welcome," Alicia said, her cheek tingling from the kiss. Before she closed the door she murmured, "By the way, you are a princess," then closed the door. Maria was speechless by the comment.
________
Alicia was working in her office when Tom walked in,
"Alicia, Henry is complaining about...what's that stupid look on your face?"
Alicia just smiled at him,
"What are you talking about, I don't have a stupid look on my face.",
"Um, yes you do, oh wait, I know why, you wild animal you."
"I don't think so, Tom, what was it you were saying before?" Tom put aside his comment for later and instead got serious.
"Henry is complaining about the soldiers performance, he say's that they just aren't motivated anymore."
Henry was in charge of the night division, which, Alicia had to admit was not one of the best jobs.
"What does he suggest we do about their progress?" Alicia asked concerned that the soldiers weren't happy.
"A one week break...and a big party" Tom said with a happy face.
"No."
"Alicia, it will give the soldiers a chance to rest, see their families, dance, you know" tom said trying to sound convincing. "Come on sis, the soldiers will be refreshed after some time off, everything's been quiet with the Garnians."
Alicia seemed to consider it but really wasn't sure.
"Hey, it will give you time to help Maria out with her new job, what is she doing anyway?"
With that comment Alicia decided that it would be good for her soldiers to take a break.
"She's going to be my consultant secretary," Alicia said proud of herself that she found such a fitting position for Maria.
"You mean to tell me that you hired a person you just met into a high position? She must be pretty high on your list" Tom said in a friendly mocking tone that made Alicia cringe. "Alright, I admit it, my decision was a little rushed..but, Um...weren't you the one who begged me to let her in?" she asked gaining the upper hand in the childish banter.
"Yeah, bu..."
"See, you could just say that I'm doing this for my little brother," she said with a smile on her face.
"Oh, your good," Tom said giving up.
"Yes, I admit I have many skills."
Alicia called Henry up to her office so that the three could discuss a good time for the one week break. The three decided that the break would be in a week.
"This will be great for the men, Alicia, they will be grateful," Henry said happily.
Alicia didn't like the idea that this officer would think she's softening up so she asked how the night division was doing.
"Until the past week they were doing great. Everyday they came home from a small win. And of course 'The battle of the Baddas' was one of the biggest victories since two years ago."
'The battle of the Baddas', Alicia recalled wiped out one of the Garinians major hideouts, that caused a lot of deaths from her team. There were ninety nine deaths from the Garinian side, and only fifteen from ours. It was an outstanding battle, and Alicia was proud. With every loss, the Garinians lost power, and with every win, Hope and Succeed gained power. This is what made Alicia the happiest, getting closer to freedom.
As they were talking there was a small knock on the door.
"Come in," Tom said, amused at the pissed look he got from his sister.
Maria came walking in with a smile. That made Alicia smile, which caused Tom to smile, which left Henry wondering why everyone was smiling.
"Henry, this is Maria Thomson, she just joined today, she will be my consultant secretary," alicia said noticing the surprised look that she got from the other man.
"Maria, this is Henry Ninskey, he is in charge of the night division." Henry and Maria shook hands amiably.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Thomson, I'm surprised that I haven't heard of you."
Maria looked at him questionably.
"Oh, it's just that, in this base news spreads faster than a fart on a flagpole." Alicia raised her eyebrows in a worried expression, while Maria just laughed,
"A fart on a flagpole? Uh, that's a new one."
"Well, Ms. Thomson, I wish we could talk more, but I have to be getting back to my office," Henry said with a smile on his face.
"It was nice meeting you Mr. Ninskey." Henry left the room with Tom, Alicia, and Maria smiling stupidly. They laughed when they realized that no one was saying anything.
"He was nice," Maria said.
"Yeah, he's a good officer. Do you need help on something?" Alicia asked.
"Actually I was just wondering if there were any files or books about Hope and Succeeds background. You know, stuff that will help me with some speeches." She said, secretly hoping that Alicia would personally help her.
"There is a library on the other side of the base, but if you give me about an hour, I could show you some background stuff on my computer." Alicia said.
"That'll be great, besides I'd probably have a heart attack from walking to the library. This base is huge. I got lost on my way to your office."
"Oh, well Tom will show you back to your room. If your hungry, he will show you to the public cafeteria."
"I'll do better than that, I'll eat with you. I'm starving. Besides I haven't eaten in," he looked at his watch, "Um, an hour," he said with an embarrassed look. They all laughed.
Chapter 5:
Alicia was frustrated, trying not to scream at the men in the monitor.
"You are losing too much, soldiers die, we send them to you, they die. It's not like we're sending you soldiers incapable of fighting, their the best in the US. Now, explain why their dying and why your losing every GOD DAMN BATTLE," Alicia screamed, losing what little self control she had left.
The Southern US base was located in secluded mountains, formally know as the Blue Ridge. They were run just like the others, even the quality of the division leaders was the same. Up until a year ago, they were gaining power every day, but for some reason, they started to lose miserably. Soldiers died. Alicia was out of ideas for them, nobody could pinpoint the problem. "Now, Ms. Vanzetti, calm down. This is very hard on us too. I think we should schedule a meeting in private, we may have an idea of what the problem is. Do you think that you could come down so we can talk," A man in the monitor said.
Calming herself, Alicia said that she would be there in two day's but she would have to go back right away.
___________Tom and Maria were enjoying their lunch and chatting.
"How can such a little person consume that much food?" Tom asked, still amazed by the event. Maria looked up from her food and gave him a little smile,
"So, what is it like living here, I mean..don't you get bored or lonely?" Maria asked.
"We don't have time to get bored. Either I'm on duty or I'm helping Alicia out, and I don't really get lonely," tom hesitated then continued, " I sort of have this penpal, she lives in one of the Garinian bases. I guess that's sort of the reason why I took you here, because, well, I don't know why." Tom said a little down.
"What was her name?" Maria asked sympathetically.
"Noel. It's such a beautiful name." he said staring at the table and thinking. "You know...I met her once." He said out of the blue. "I wrote her a letter and told her that I was coming to see her, I snuck in the base as a servant, and we spent a half a day together." Maria was surprised that he would do that. "Alicia would have killed me, if she found out...you won't tell her will you?"
"No, I won't tell her," Maria said and placed her hand on top of his for emphasis.
__________
Alicia spotted Maria and Tom laughing at a table near the soda machine, then she saw Tom looking sad all of a sudden. Maria put her hand over his looking at him sympathetically. Alicia went over to see what was wrong.
"Hey" a soft voice said, as Alicia walked over.
"Hello," Alicia said looking over at Tom with a worried expression "What's wrong?"
"What, oh nothing" Tom said breaking out of his mood.
"Thomas, what's wrong? you can tell me," alicia said, her voice taking a motherly tone. "Alright...Maria beat me. I can't believe it."
"Beat you at what?" she asked knowing not to push it any farther.
"Food. Gosh this is embarrassing....she ate more food than me," he said, feeling his spirits lift.
Alicia made a face of shock,
"Oh, my, is something wrong Tom. Do you need to see Dr. Bandarie?"
"No, I'll be fine, I just need to go in my room, and build back up my hurt pride." he said solemnly, leaving, sticking his tongue out at Maria. Maria laughed.
"Are you ready to go?" Alicia asked still amused at her brother's antics.
"Yes."
They went back to Alicia's office, an uncomfortable silence falling.
"Um, thank you for what you said earlier," Maria said feeling a little shy.
"I meant it."
Maria felt a blush creeping up her neck.
They walked in Alicia's office and Maria settled in front of the computer, while Alicia explained how to get on the programs. The only thing that Maria was concentrating on was the close proximity between the two woman. Concentrate Maria, Concentrate, geez, she smells good, I wonder what she uses, I bet it's natural.
Alicia asked if Maria had ever used a computer before and noticed that the woman wasn't paying attention. So, Alicia leaned down to startle the young daydreamer. She whispered softly into her ear,
"Mariaaaa."
Maria felt a breath near her ear and heard a very sexy voice call her name. Images of the bed and both of them came to her, and a blush hit her face.
Alicia saw Maria's body tense and thought she went to far, so she went on with her little computer spiel that neither were paying attention too. The reality was that Maria had to fight to control her rising libido. Calm girl. She could just hear her inner dog, ruf ruf.
All of sudden Maria felt a hand on her's guiding the 'rat' to a place on the computer screen and felt a finger on top of hers push down. Then Maria felt the warmth go away as a page full of Battles appeared. Maria was rapidly losing control.
"Here it is," Alicia said "If you ever want to get on any computer in the base, that's how you do it."
"Thank you. I better go now though, I need to take care of a few things." Maria said fighting a battle and losing against her desire for this woman. Alicia was mentally slapping herself for making Maria uncomfortable. As Maria left she said, "Um, maybe I'll see you later." hopefully.
_________
When Maria got out of the shower, she put a towel around herself and walked out of the bathroom. On her bed were bags of clothes, and a whole bunch of food was on the kitchen counter. She went through the clothes liking what she saw, and then smiled at the last thing. She pulled out, blue, silky underwear. Oh, she's good. She then realized that there were no bras. She's very, very good.
Chapter 6:
The next day Alicia was busy planning her trip. She would have to go 11 miles on foot to the airport, then would sneak onto a carrier plane going south. When the plane landed, she would meet someone from the Southern base. The riskiest part of the trip was getting past the Garinian soldiers that usually patrolled the planes carefully. If all worked out, she would be back in two days. She was sure that getting to the Southern base wouldn't be a problem but she worried about once she got there. She had no idea what to expect. She hadn't been there for a year and knew that it had changed. After she made all of her plans for the trip, she left her office, intent on finding a certain blond woman.
Maria was in her room making dinner when she heard a knock on the door. She went over and opened it revealing a dark beauty standing before her.
"Hi," Maria said warmly, "Come in, I'm just making dinner, did you eat yet?"
"No, I was actually going to go and get some after I stopped by," Alicia responded.
"Good, then you can eat here."
Alicia could smell the aroma from her friend's cooking.
"It smell's good."
"Thanks, I'm making chicken cutlets, a recipe passed down through the years," Maria responded from the kitchen.
The two women exchanged small talk while Maria finished cooking and Alicia set the table. "What do you want to drink? I have water, grapefruit juice, beer, and soda."
"I shouldn't have alcohol, so I'll have some grapefruit juice."
"Why shouldn't you have alcohol?" Maria asked.
Alicia forgot that she hadn't told the younger woman yet. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, I'll be leaving tomorrow for the Southern base, but I'll probably be back in two day's. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask someone."
Maria was disappointed that she wouldn't see the other woman for two days. They ate dinner, both enjoying the breaded chicken breast.
"That was really good," alicia said as they both walked to the couch.
"Thanks, my father taught me how to cook," maria responded feeling sad as she remembered her family.
"Where are they?" Alicia asked, compassion showing in her crystal blue eyes.
"My father's still working for the Garinians as a cook and my sister....I don't know where she is. The last time I saw her was when I was eighteen. Maria felt a larger, warm hand on hers as she replayed the whole thing in her mind. I was starting one of my protests and she was with me.
"Amy, Amy, over here." The younger sister with dirty blond hair came over to where her sister was calling her. "What?" Maria brought her sister to a place where none could overhear and whispered to her. "Extra food. I found a way to get to the main storage room. There is so much there," Maria said excitedly. Both girls' jumped up and down. "Tonight, we will sneak into it and get food for daddy, he's been really weak lately." Maria said. Her sister looked a little uncertain. "Um...you sure we won't be caught?" "We won't, the soldiers are usually in the other room playing cards or something," Maria stated. "O..Okay," Amy responded hesitantly.
That night we snuck out of the servant's quarters, we were really quiet, and managed to make it to the entrance of the storage room.
"What are you doing, girls?" Both heard the harsh, accented voice and turned around to face three soldiers looking at them. Maria stepped in front of her sister. "We are getting food for someone who is weak because you continuously deny him food."
The last thing I remembered is a gun hitting my head and then....darkness." Maria started to cry as the memories of her sister washed over her. "I...I never found out what happened to her. I woke up the next day and she was just gone. My father wasn't even told where she was."
Alicia didn't know what to do for the young woman who was obviously hurting, so she used her better judgement and went over to hug her. Maria accepted the hug and cried into Alicia's shoulder, all the while hearing comforting words directed towards her. They stayed in that position for what seemed hours which in reality was only a couple of minutes, then Maria reluctantly pulled away.
"I blame myself," Maria said.
"Why?" Alicia asked confused.
"We would have been together if I just forgot about the whole food thing."
"Your father was hungry, you were trying to help, please don't blame yourself, you don't deserve it." Alicia pleaded.
It was silent for a few moments while Maria digested that statement. What if she's right, what if it's not my fault. She then berated herself for actually thinking that thought.
"I don't know if I can accept that," she said finally.
"Please try, I hate to see you do this to yourself."
Maria looked into Alicia's eyes only seeing concern and decided that she would try anything for this woman. She moved closer to Alicia on the couch and said in a low voice, "I know this sounds stupid, but..." she hesitated then continued, "It feels that I've known you forever and my heart seems to have this connection with your soul, I don't know what it is. Maria then captured Alicia's lips in what was to be a slow, soft kiss. It was not a kiss that promised sex, but a kiss that said many things, gratitude, affection, over the line of friendship, and trust.
Alicia opened her eyes and regarded the other woman for a moment, "........" She was so overwhelmed with emotions that nothing came out.
Maria continued, "I also want to thank-you for all that you've done."
"Your....welcome," alicia said, holding maria's hands in her own. Snapping out of her dazed state, she reluctantly got up and walked to the door, much to the disappointment of the other woman.
"I should go now, I'll be leaving really early tomorrow."
Maria ran up behind Alicia and gently grabbed her arm, "Don't be embarrassed to feel, please don't put up that mask again."
Alicia was surprised that the other woman could read her to accurately. She turned around and met worried green eyes. "I want to feel. It's just so hard." That's all Alicia said and was immediately rapped in comforting arms.
"I know," maria said.
After several moments of peace, Alicia broke the peace. Clearing her throat, she continued, "Um, you see...I'm giving the base soldiers a week off in three day's. There is going to be a party one night, it's kind of formal, I was wondering if.....you would like to meet me there."
Maria thought the other woman's modesty was really cute.
Alicia continued, "Maybe we could even dance or something, it you want to."
Maria felt a big smile come to her face. "Yes, I'd really like that,"
The other woman's face conveyed her happiness.
"Really?"
"Yeah, I'll be there." Alicia made her way to the door, only managing to bump into one thing. "Then, I'll see you in two day's," Alicia said smiling as she left.
"I can't wait," Maria murmured.
__________
Early morning the next day, Alicia left the Northern Base with two other soldiers that Tom insisted come with her for the 11 mile trek.
"You haven't been a ground soldier for a long time sis," he had stated to her firmly.
She new that she would have no trouble getting through but complied to her brother's wishes knowing that he was doing it because he cared.
They had walked nine miles through muddy woods, when they heard a bunch of gruff voices. Alicia's adrenaline picked up as the voices came closer. The three hid behind trees ready to fight. Around the corner came four Garinian soldiers talking about women. She heard all of them laugh, probably talking about a woman one of the soldiers said they did the night before, when in reality he probably did a inflatable doll. With a smile she went out to confront the foursome. "Hey boy's, how are ya doin?" she asked with a husky voice.
The soldiers looked at each other with grins on their faces and responded. "Now what's a pretty girl like you doing out here all alone?" One of the men came toward her with purpose in his step, then all of a sudden was stopped by a kick to his groin. The man hunched over in pain, trying to steady his breathing. The other three soldiers went for their guns but stopped when they felt guns pointed at their backs.
"Your part of that Hope and Succeed shit, aren't you?" One man with a gun to his back asked. Just as Alicia was about to answer, she was tripped by the man that she kicked earlier.
"Your not so tough now, are you bitch?" he asked. They both got up and circled each other. "Your that Vanzetti person aren't you?" he didn't wait for an answer.
"Yeah, how'd ya like watching your mom get beaten and raped? Did she scream? he asked. The soldier never new what happened, all he saw was a quick movement and felt a knife against his throat, tearing at the flesh until he lost consciousness...forever. Alicia was enraged. She told the other three men to get on their knees. They did and she shot them without hesitating. The soldiers didn't look at Vanzetti, afraid of what they would see in her eyes if they looked up.
The rest of the trip went smoothly. The soldiers had gone when they neared the airport. At the Southern airport, Alicia met a man wearing a tailored outfit claiming to be from the Southern Base. She didn't believe him until he took out his badge and patch. She was stunned that they would actually pick her up in a car revealing himself, not even knowing if she was his contact. That's definitely one thing to bring up in the meeting. They arrived at the base three hours later. The base looked as it did when she was there last. It wasn't underground like the Northern Base was, but it was still well hidden. They hiked to the top of a mountain where they stopped and went into an outhouse surrounded by woods. The man lifted up two wide floor boards and let Alicia ahead of him. She climbed down the short ladder and was followed by the man in his tailored suit. The inside of the base was just like her's, white narrow hallways, separate room's for soldiers. The man walked her to a doorway, and let her in. Alicia was greeted with a short, roundish man, who she immediately identified as Al Robertson, the leader of the Southern Base. He smiled and extended his hand.
"Alicia, I'm so glad that your here, come, sit down, would you like anything to drink or eat?" he asked.
"No, I'm fine thanks."
Alicia trusted this man, they both fought together years ago.
"How are you, Al," she asked in a business like tone.
"We need to talk, there is a lot of shit going on." he stated.
"Come on, let's take a walk."
They walked to his office in silence, when they walked in Alicia spoke.
"What's wrong?"
Al didn't respond, he put up his hand in a 'shh' manner. He walked over to a lamp on his desk and lifted up the dust cover. He then motioned for Alicia to come and see what he was holding. A bug. She threw a questioning look at him. He sat down in his chair and started writing on a piece of paper.
There's bugs everywhere around this base. There is a major leak coming from somewhere, and we have to find it or the Southern Base is gone.
She read it and wrote back.
Give me a list of everyone who works here that hasn't been sent by me. We will have a meeting today and I'll investigate. If I don't find anything, I'll get Sanders from the in here from the Western Base to investigate. This note will self-destruct in five seconds.
She watched as he read the note grinning at her perverse humor at the end.
"How's Tom," he asked casually.
"He's fine, you know, working like always."
They walked out of his office talking like the old friends they were. They didn't notice eyes studying them as they rounded the corner to go the meeting.
__________
Maria had been reading a book in the library when she saw Dr. Bandarie walking up to her with a friendly smile.
"Hello Maria, haven't seen you for a while now. How is this new life treating you?" he asked. She told him about the job she was assigned to, and about how she loved meeting everyone.
They talked until the librarian kicked them out for being too loud.
"They were mean little bastards back in my day. I'm glad one thing hasn't changed."
Maria just laughed. They went to his office to talk and found Tom waiting outside of the door with a worried expression.
"Dr. Bandarie?" Tom asked, "I need to talk to you."
Maria left to give the two some privacy.
Tom related the story that he got from the two soldiers that guided Alicia to the airport.
"They said she just snapped, but was fine when she go to the airport." he looked solemn. "She promised me that she would never kill in rage again."
Dr. Bandarie looked at Tom and honestly spoke to him. "
Thomas, you know that it is very hard, in our business to not kill in rage. When your fighting with a Garinian soldier, at that moment, are you really fighting for freedom? or are you fighting your rage?" he asked. "So many years Alicia had to live with seeing your parents die in a horrible way. She still lives with that pain. She hates the Garinians for that, she see's all of them as the one that killed your parents." Dr. Bandarie stated.
Tom didn't understand. Was he justifying murder? Was he justifying, lying to the person you love. No, I don't understand Dr. Bandarie, not at all. Tom didn't say what he was thinking.
His sister told him to trust what Dr. Bandarie said, always, so, he accepted it.
"Thanks Doc. I'm just afraid for her." he said quietly.
"I am too."
__________
Sam and Alicia walked into the conference room, where five men and three women were all seated at a large, round table.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Sam said quieting down the chattering officials, "Sorry were late. This is Alicia Vanzetti, the leader of the Northern Base."
He introduced each of the high officials of the Southern Base.
"Where is Chuck?" Sam asked, getting no reply from the others.
Alicia gave him a questioning look.
"We need to start this meeting. Look," he said raising his voice, "Ms. Vanzetti has come a long way to be here. Now where is he?"
As if on cue, Chuck Bronson came strolling in with a little obnoxious grin. He was about 6'2, brown hair, well built, good looking in the obnoxious, snobby kind of way, Alicia mused. His hair was slicked back and he wore a grey tailored outfit.
Sam indicated that Alicia was present. Chuck looked at her and said, "Hello Alley, heard that you were coming down for a visit. I'm Chuck, nice to meet you." Alicia imagined taking the pen in her hand and throwing it into Chuck's thick skull. She smiled at the thought and quickly put it aside.
Sam could see a variety of expressions cross Alicia's face, it ended with an evil grin that made him shudder. Alicia stood up and walked over to Chuck. With a dangerously sexy voice she said, "First of all, you call me Ms. Vanzetti, not Alley or Alicia, second of all, being fifteen minutes late for an important meeting is not acceptable." She pushed him down into his chair. "Now, let's get started, shall we?" she said, walking back to her own seat. Sam had to suppress his laughter at the look on Chuck's face. He was flustered and looked like he peed his pants, which he almost did.
There were only a couple of incident's throughout the rest of the meeting. One was when Chuck was about to argue with Alicia about the nice 'tailored outfits in public' situation. She just raised her eyebrow as he was about to speak and he stopped. The wonders of eyebrows. The second time, Alicia just felt like playing around. She was talking and walked up behind Chuck, putting her hands on his shoulders.
"He looked so scared when you started rubbing his shoulders," Sam said, when they left the conference room. "I was about to die. That was hilarious. You showed his little punk ass who was boss," he said, still laughing.
"Why do you keep him if he doesn't care? He doesn't even come to meetings," Alicia said seriously.
Sam stopped laughing and cleared his throat.
"Unfortunately, that little bastards a genius. He fixes computer glitches and does other complicated stuff. He was responsible for shutting down eleven main computer systems for the whole southern region."
They both walked through the halls.
"Under all that crap, he really is a good kid. I think one of the reasons why he is so thick is because he's never been in War, he's never seen injustice."
They got to the room Alicia was staying in.
"You want to meet up later? We added a bar with ten new pool tables to the east side of the base." Alicia agreed that they would meet there in four hours. She just wanted to take a hot shower and sleep.
___________
Tom was in his office working on plans for the party. He dialed Maria's room with his portable phone.
"Maria? Hi, this is Tom. Can I ask for your professional opinion on something? Yeah? Can you meet me at my office? Okay, Bye."
Maria walked through the halls of the Northwestern part of the base. She realized that this part of the Base was for the soldiers by the appreciative glances casted her way from the half naked men walking around. She walked through a door that said, 'Thomas Vanzetti: leader of the Division, 'Night Hawks'. Maria saw Tom working at his large desk. The room was smaller than Alicia's, but it seemed more personable. He had pictures on his walls. Maria walked up to one and saw that it was of him and Alicia when they were kids. She had her arm around him and both looked so happy.
"That picture was taken when I was about seven, she was ten," he said, startling Maria. She turned around and saw him smiling.
"So, what's this opinion you need?" she asked.
Tom explained that he could use some help on the party arrangements.
"So, I can decorate with anything I want?" maria asked.
"Yes, Use anything you need. Do whatever you want."
Tom was surprised to see the evil grin on Maria's face.
"Alright, we need to get flowers, lots of tables, candles, decorations, glittery things..." Maria got up and finished her list walking back and forth.
"Is that all?" tom asked in a nice, sarcastic tone.
"NO. I"ll probably need a dress."
Tom used this comment for a greater purpose. He gave her a smile and got up out of his chair, pacing back and forth. "Well...You can find enough tables and chairs in the base, but I'm not sure about the other things. Wait. I know. I could send someone out to get the things for you." Tom saw the expecting smile disappear.
"But...What about the dress?" she asked, with a weak smile.
"Why is it so important that you look nice? You could just borrow someone elses dress," he stated innocently.
"Well, I want to look nice," maria said skeptically.
"Really? Is... there anyone special you want to look nice for?" he asked with a smile.
Maria suddenly realized what all the questioning was about, with a small smile she looked down shyly.
"Yes, there's someone I wanted to look nice for."
Tom, enjoying this little game made the next move.
"Who are they?"
"I don't know if they want anyone to know," Maria replied.
"Hmm. Are... they tall, dark, and....nice looking," he said raising an eyebrow when he emphasized the last part.
"Actually their great looking," maria said quickly. "Is that a family thing?"
"What?" tom asked confused by the detour in the conversation.
"The eyebrow thing. You and Alicia do the eyebrow thing. Is that a family thing?" she asked.
"Um, I guess. Never noticed it before," he said casually. Realizing that he lost sight of his original goal, he continued. "So, Are they tall?" he asked and got a hesitant nod. "Good. Are they dark?" He got the same not. "Geez Maria, your being awfully quiet about this."
"If you figure it out I'll tell you but..."
"Alicia"
"Yes" she said immediately. Tom was quite pleased with himself.
"Good, she likes you," he said with a smile.
"I like her too," she replied with an even bigger smile.
After a few moments of silence, they went back to work on the party preparations.
"You know?" tom asked, a while later.
Alicia didn't look up from her work, "What?"
"I'm really glad that your here. Not just that I found a new friend," he gave a little, sweet smile, "But Alicia seems really happy. Every time I see her I see this little smile on her face and every time I mention your name, the smile grows wider."
Maria was smiling as she heard Tom say this. "You know? I'm really glad I'm here too. I'm so grateful that I got to meet you and Alicia. I really can't imagine going back to my old life now. I've experienced these great things. Thank-you."
Tom smiled shyly. "Enough of this mushy stuff. Let's go and get your dress," and with that they left the room.
_____________
Alicia woke up from her nap, startled by a knock on the door. She got up, muttering under her breath, ready to beat the crap out of whoever it was at the door. She opened it and Sam was standing there. "What?" alicia asked grumpily.
"We were gonna have a drink and play pool, remember?" sam said.
"Oh," she said, remembering where she was.
They went to a bar named 'Duncans' on the east side of the base. It was full of drunken soldiers who gazed hungrily at Alicia when she walked in. They got a table in the middle of the room, where they sat down and ate. When they were finished, they got a beer and went over to watch a game of pool. Alicia and Sam were talking when a group of sweaty soldiers came over.
"Hey baby, you ever play pool before? Ill help you handle the stick if you want," he said, while the other men laughed . Alicia looked over at Sam with a gleam in her eyes.
After six games of 9 ball, Alicia left the room a rich woman.
The next day Alicia spent her time looking for any inconsistent details about each person who were in high positions. She only found eight inconsistencies. She wasn't surprised when one of the eight was a Mr. Chuck Bronson. She would send the names to the best corporate detective in the organization, as soon as she got back to the Northern Base the next day.
Alicia left the Southern Base around 9:00 a.m with a promise to Sam that they would find the leak. She was brought to the airport by a now, miserable man wearing inconspicuous clothing. The rest of the trip back to the Northern Base went smoothly. She reflected on all that had happened in the past week.
____________
After duplicating the list of names, Alicia sent it over to the Western Base. With that finished, she went to her room and took a shower, ready to spend what was left of the day writing up her report. After she wrote and filed it, she sat back in her chair, closed her eyes, and enjoyed the silence. A few moments had past when she decided to make a list for her base, also. She would look over each person's transcripts for any inconsistencies, then would investigate them herself. She only got through ten percent of them when she decided to go to sleep, exhausted from the last couple of days.
The next morning, Alicia got up, got dressed, ate breakfast and went to her office. She planned to work on anything that may have come up during her absence. After that she would work on some of the list. She wanted desperately to see Maria, but knew that she would have to finish those things first.
The first part of the morning was filled with reading each report from all the division leaders that they were required to turn in. There were no complaints, to Alicia's surprise, but she did have to call Henry in because of the increased attacks on the night time soldiers.
They discussed it for a while figuring out ways to prevent attacks on Hope and Succeeds night time soldiers. Finally they decided to increase the number of watchers and keep the number of foot soldiers the same. Moments after Henry left, Tom came in welcoming Alicia back from her trip.
"I didn't see you yesterday, what time did you get in?"
"Around 5:30, I think. I had a lot of work to finish up."
"How was your trip," he asked.
Alicia related the events of the past two days. She concluded the summary by saying that she made a list for the Northern base too.
"Wow, is it that serious?" he asked, concerned.
"I don't know, it probably isn't. I just want to take extra precautions just in case though."
"Hey, did you have lunch yet?" he asked changing the subject.
"No"
"Come on," he said getting up and walking out of the room.
___________
Alicia and Tom sat at a table conversing.
"You know what?" alicia asked out of nowhere, "we hang around each other to much, aren't sisters and brothers supposed to avoid each other whenever possible?"
Tom looked at her and smiled, "You know what? I know this is hard to admit but I'll say it anyway. I am perfect." He received an eyeroll from his sister and he continued, "everyone can't help not being with me, I'm just this perfect, friendly guy that attracts people like a....a, attracting thing. Anyway, my point is that you should be grateful that I hang around with you."
"Are you finished," she asked.
"I am," he responded.
They kept straight faces until they no longer could hold it.
"Anyway, what have you been up to?" alicia asked with a smile.
"Oh, mostly making plans for the party, I spent the day yesterday with Maria. We went to get her a dress."
"Really? Is it nice?" she asked trying not to sound too interested, which didn't fool Tom.
"Yeah, it looks great. She is really excited about it, you know she's never been to a party before?" he asked.
"No, I didn't know that." I'm going to make it special for her.
"Do you know who she is going with?" he asked innocently.
"Um, no," she answered.
"Oh." They sat there silently regarding their food. "That's it," he said fed up, "Admit that your going with her to the party, admit that you like her, because you know what Alicia? She really likes you and I don't want your Power Thing to get in the way of happiness. Do you understand me?"
Alicia was floored by the emotion that her brother was emitting. "Yes," she said like a child would when their mothers berate them."
"Good," he said.
Continued in Part Two
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