Love.

“Turn it off.” Jackson said.

“But...this is your chance to get back.” Alicia said with confusion.

“I'm not going back to Norfolk. Plan on settling in Washington City.” he replied.

“Won't that be considered desertion?” she asked.

He thought long and hard about life from this moment forward. His commitment was to God and country, and nothing would ever change that. But technically, he was to be given the option of leaving the United States Navy well over a year ago, having served the time required by his contract.

He had continued to fight because a military life was all he knew. All that was left. However, from the moment he and Alicia first locked eyes, another reason to live had been presented. And though leaving the Navy seemed like a tough choice, it wasn't. It was time for him to find true love, and along with it some sense of normal. What was the point of fighting so hard to remain alive, unless he truly had something to live for?

“No,” Jackson said with a pause. “At least it better not be. I plan on killing just as many of the bastards as before, if not more.” he added.

 

“Kill 'em!” one of the men of New Kinneston yelled as the armed men charged, less than a dozen Ancients remaining, many of which were wishing for death because of such painful injuries.

It was the work of Naval fighters above, and everyone acknowledged that. But, as the group of ordinary men fired their rifles onto the dying group of Ancients, it provided them with a much needed victory. A personal victory.

They would see their wives and children once more, and many would become hardened soldiers for the Resistance, swearing their allegiance right now as they fired hunting rifles onto a star born race that had been beaten.

“Listen up,” Alicia yelled, approaching the group as she stopped to fire two shots into the chest of an already dying Ancient. “Strip what weapons and supplies you can from their dead. You are soldiers for the Resistance now, and that means you answer to me,” she added with authority, the men standing more firmly. “We leave for Washington City in fifteen minutes, and I swear with everything above that we will make it by nightfall!”

The men cheered a bit, a few even raising their rifles into the air. They had intended to stay here and defend their homes. But, after seeing the Ancients up close and knowing in their hearts an air strike had saved them, their priorities had shifted a bit.

The importance of the home they had always known, quickly took a backseat to being with the ones they loved. Homes are simply a reflection of memories made with those you care for, and so they would make new memories, and new homes, in Washington City.

“You heard the lady, get the lead out of your asses and get moving!” Jackson yelled, flexing a command that didn't exist. Still, the men moved, immediately dispersing as they pulled weapons, viable armor and even a few Ancient relics for their children.

“And somebody owes me a damn watch!” Jackson yelled loudly.

“You're such a whiner.” Alicia said with a smile of angelic fashion. The sunrise further beautifying her already perfect face.

 

“We've received word of your friends,” Commander Snelling said as he slowly approached the German airship that was still under heavy guard.

“Are they alright?” the highest ranking soldier asked.

“I think it would be best if you and your men came with me.” Snelling replied.

“I am under strict orders to stand guard over our German vessel at all times.” the soldier replied.

“Oh,” Commander Snelling said, turning to motion into the distant. “I doubt your standing orders are of any importance at the moment.” he added as dozens of American soldiers rushed to them with their rifles drawn.

“What is the meaning of this?” the German soldier asked loudly.

“This is American soil, you don't ask the questions here,” Snelling replied bluntly, raising a brow as he stared the soldier directly in the eyes. “Now, have your men throw down their weapons.”

“That won't be necessary,” Calypso said, approaching the group with Preacher and Certes, each holding weapons themselves.

“Calypso, what in the hell...” Snelling began to ask.

“Shut your mouth, you don't ask the questions here either. Not anymore,” Calypso replied heavy-toned. “This man is a sympathizer of the Ancients, and I have the document to prove it.”

“You have no such document! Shoot him! I want this man dead!” Commander Snelling demanded.

What he quickly discovered, however, is that his own men had a fierce allegiance to Calypso, Alicia and their group. For they had been the ones to slay Ancients in the thick of battle, not their Commander.

“Kill him I say!” Snelling yelled once more, his own men reading proof of his betrayal to the Human race.

“Commander Snelling,” Calypso said. “I am removing you from the position of Commander and placing you under immediate arrest. I will assume military command until Alicia Lucard returns.”

“Like hell you are!” Snelling interjected, though he was slowly convinced as his own men turned their weapons onto him. “This is madness!” he added.

“Indeed,” one of the German soldiers replied. “The thought of your own turning against you.”

“We are not without fault,” Preacher replied.