Memories of my parents, my friends, it's all here.”

“It's alright you big sap,” she said with a smile. “I understand completely,” Alicia added. “Besides, someone will have to remain in order to continue giving the Ancients hell.”

“Now that I can do,” Calypso replied, extending his hand. “Good luck.”

Bypassing his hand, Alicia lunged forward to hug the muscular man with great emotion. “You take care of yourself.”

“Will do.” Calypso replied, turning his attention to Jackson.

“Sorry, I'm not a man-hugger.” Jackson said, extending his hand.

“You take care of our girl.” Calypso said.

“Don't worry, I'll watch after him.” Alicia said, causing laughter throughout the room.

“May we meet again in more peaceful times.” Calypso said, turning to leave the rundown pool hall, taking with him all but two American soldiers.

“We're with you until the end.” one of the men said.

“Jackson, meet Perk and Saunders,” Alicia said, nodding to the men for their true loyalty. “Two of the finest soldiers Washington City has to offer.”

Perk was a large man with the thick shadow of facial hair, his skinned head nearly chalk-white, as was his body that was covered in tattoos. Saunders wore glasses, the type usually associated with someone well-educated. His medium frame was far-less intimidating than Perk's, with short hair and a clean shave.

“Soldiers before the war as well?” Jackson asked.

“Something like that chief.” Perk replied, causing Alicia to laugh.

“What's funny?” Jackson asked.

“They were soldiers in some sense of the word,” she replied, smiling at the men. “Soldiers in the Dayton Crime Family.”

“Gangsters?” Jackson asked with stun.

“Was a long time ago.” Saunders said.

“Indeed,” Jackson responded while his stare continued. “So you used to collect money for the higher ups, or?”

“Perk was doing life without parole and I was top of the chain when it came to killing people. Is that a problem?” Saunders replied sharply.

“No, not at all,” Jackson said. “Just wanted to know the skill set of the soldiers beside me. That's all.”

“Well, I once saw Perk club an Ancient to death, fist to fist. And Saunders is a master of weaponry. So I guess that's something.” Alicia replied.

“So what's the plan?” Preacher asked, breaking up the reunion as the Ancient eyes of Certes stared into the white eyes of Humanity which reflected from those of Perk.

“We'll stow away on your airship, and bring with us several weapons collected from Ancients outside of Guardian Angel,” Alicia said. “Once in the air, we fly as fast as we can and as hard as we can, using the bombing patterns provided by Jackson. Should be a lot less Ancients on those flight paths,” she added. “Will take us several days, so we'll have to land at nightfall and watch our asses until daybreak. When we arrive at Wernigerode, we'll assess how bad it is and then coordinate a strike on Berlin. Together.”

“And your people won't give chase?” Preacher asked.

“No. Calypso will stall them long enough. But once we arrive in Germany, I need to be assured there will be a place for us?” Alicia replied.

“There is a place in Germany for anyone who hunts those who hunt us. You have my word.” Preacher replied.

“Good. I want you to familiarize Perk and Saunders with the way of things in Germany. They need to know the difference between the Ancients who invade our city and those who invade yours. Jackson and I have one last matter to discuss.” Alicia said.

“Understood,” Preacher said. “I will see you at first light.” he added, extending his arm to shake hands with the bombshell on her last night as an American.

 

Washington City seemed to glow that night, more hope than usual as the New Kinneston survivors began to settle in. The enemy at their gates had been defeated, at least temporarily. And though Berlin had fallen, celebration was in order throughout the asphalt streets which once claimed the right of being the capital city of Humanity's strongest nation.

“Doesn't seem right that our people celebrate while Germans are hurting.” Perk said, Preacher acknowledging his statement with a nod.

The German sniper remained standing, his back turned to the group as his eyes focused on the celebratory happenings. Bonfires and shouts of independence rang through the nearby streets, though his mind remained with his countrymen in Germany.

“Alicia wanted you briefed, so let's get that out of the way,” Preacher said.