Chapter 63: Relief

News From Around The World

Minutes To Midnight: UNDF Stopped Ritual That Would Have Caused Immediate World Fusion

World Celebrates The Success Of Operation Overtime

UNDF Official: "Thanks to this victory, we have bought ourselves another couple months"

UNDF Soldiers To Be Honoured After Major Victory

Thomas Everett's Team Responsible For Eliminating Mordiggian and Wendigo

SYSTEM-Enhanced Soldiers And Xothicans To Receive Stars Of Honour and World Cross

Thousands Of Lives Lost In Beijing And Manhattan

Many New Xothican Creatures Have Appeared On Earth Since The Ritual

Xearth, The Name Of Our New World

VVVVVV

A week has passed since Operation Overtime. The UNDF succeeded in destroying every obelisk around the world. Civilian deaths were kept to a minimum due to the new protocols put into place in case of city invasions by alien creatures. In the aftermath, bodies that were turned into zombies and then deanimated were collected so they could be given proper burials. The world started to go back to normal. Or at least as normal as the current time allowed.

While everyone was rebuilding after the worldwide attack, Tom and company wanted to take a vacation after spending months fighting. Their vacation would start off with a large pig roast where they would invite Garza's and Azikiwe's teams and Commander Steele. So long as they didn't have their phones with them, Tom felt it would be safe for them to visit their island through teleportation. They thought of inviting the Canadian Prime Minister or other world leaders, but they decided against it since they could create some animosity among other world leaders if they chose to invite just a few of them.

Hawaiian music played over the speakers outside as everyone either sat around the fire or stood near the pig roast. The pig was split in half and placed, spread out, over a metal grate that sat over a foot over a long fire pit. The warm breeze allowed the smell of the pig to waft around. Steele sat at the outside dining table and read his tablet. Everyone else was chatting with one another with drinks in their hands. Tom was with the guys around the bonfire. They were all relaxed and slouched in their beach chairs. Their feet unconsciously dug in and played around with the sand.

"And that guy replied, 'Yeah, that's why I'm here'," Tom said as he finished his joke story.

The guys burst out laughing.

"That's good, that's good," Chris Jones said as he wiped a tear from one of his eyes.

The laughter died down and they caught their breath.

"That pig is smelling good, is it going to be ready soon?" Azikiwe Naidoo said.

"Yeah, real soon," Tom answered. "Got other things to go with it. Rice, beans, salads, and such. It's a feast we all needed after all the shit we've been through for the last year."

"It's smelling real good," one of Azikiwe's squad members said.

"Hey, you guys, again, thanks for being cool about the whole taking credit for Wendigo's death," Tom said. "I'm not trying to steal glory-"

"We know, we know," David Li assured him. "You don't need to bring it up."

"I think I speak for everyone here when I say, thank you for becoming the target of a super-monster that can defeat demons and a god instead of us and our families," Azikiwe added.

The comment earned the chuckle of some of the guys.

"Alright, I'm just making sure we're cool," Tom said.

"We're cool, man," Chris said. He leaned forward. "You know... Been wondering."

"'Bout what?"

"How do you make it work?"

"Make what work?"

"Your relationship with the girls, man."

The other soldiers muttered in agreement with Chris' question.

"Oh..." Tom blurted out. "Well, it's many things that help." He took a long swig of his beer. "Demography and culture helps. When you live in a civilization where there's only one guy for every nine women, you would be more open minded towards this kind of relationship. I doubt Human women would be as into this kind of thing. And communication. How they're feeling, what we're comfortable with, and so on. We all work to make sure we're all happy."

Tom looked up and saw the guys with a look of anticipation on their faces.

"I am not sharing those details."

The guys groaned in frustration.

"Ya killing us, Tom," Chris said. He cocked a brow. "I'm telling you. Ever since I got the SYSTEM, the wife has never been happier. Exhausted and satisfied every time."

"Though I'd imagine Tom and half a dozen SYSTEM girls would be like a natural disaster every time," one of Azikiwe's squad said.

Everyone laughed at the comment. Tom feigned a chuckle while uncomfortable with the comments.

"So what do you all think will be the hardest thing about the new world?" David asked. He picked up a new bottle and flicked the bottle cap off with his thumb.

"Pricing of everything is going to skyrocket afterwards," David mumbled. "My poor goddamn wallet."

At this point everyone was on their tenth beer and were starting to feel a buzz.

"Say good bye to big budget movies for a while," Chris added. He raised his beer and then chugged it.

"I think we could get some pretty cool movies once everything cools down," Azikiwe said. "Less use of CGI for special effects."

"Oh, I'll drink to that," Tom said.

"I'm going to miss my fishing trips with the kids," David said.

"What about you, Tom?" Azikiwe asked. "What do you think you'll miss?"

Tom leaned back in his chair to give the question thought. There were many things he was likely to miss from Earth after the merger. Places he wished he visited while he had the chance. Maybe reconnect with people he knew in his life. At this point, he wouldn't be able to speak to old friends of his without the awkwardness of his importance. The thought came across as too solemn and Tom didn't want to bring down the fun the guys were having.

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"Junk food," he answered. "It's not likely we'll have much of it for a time after the merger. I'm already buying up chocolate, potato chips, and such. I have a closet in my house that is filled with nothing but junk food."

Everyone grunted in agreement.

"Shit, I can't top that," one of Azikiwe's squad said.

"To junk food!" Chris said while raising a beer.

"To junk food!" everyone cheered.

On the other side of the area, the Xothicans, Sam, and Garza sat on the black sand beach. The small waves spread across the sand and lightly splashed against their bare feet.

"The hell?" Laura Garza muttered when she heard the guys yell out "to junk food".

"Who knows," Vivian shrugged.

"Seems to have truly become a boys club over there," Sam Smith joked. "Leave them be. I'm quite fine with the company here."

Sam's chair had fifteen empty beer bottles underneath it.

"It's actually nice to see Tom make some friends," Reia admitted. "I'm always worried that after working hard between the military work and being there for us, he doesn't have the time to focus on himself."

"You know he spent most of the day preparing this feast," Amber said. "I helped out a bit, but it's hard to keep up with him."

"Exactly. As far as I know, Tom doesn't actually have friends. I believe he once mentioned that he drifted away from anyone he knew in school. I-I think I've drank too much." Reia placed her beer bottle on the ground.

"So tell me," Sam said as she leaned forward. "How well does Tom take care of you all?"

"I-I don't follow," Tala said. She was still nursing her first alcoholic drink, a lemonade.

"Oh, you know," Sam encouraged. With her right hand, she made a ring shape with her index finger and thumb. She then took her empty bottle and inserted the bottleneck into the hole and made several thrusting motions with the bottle.

"Ah!" Tala gasped.

"And here I thought Vivian had the dirtiest mind," Sylmae sighed.

"No need to throw shade at me, Syl," Vivian said with fake indignation. "But to answer your question, absolutely incredible. I mean this one time with Syl, Amber, Tom, and I-"

Sylmae quickly placed her hand over Vivian's mouth and said, "and I think you've had too much to drink."

"I hab not," Vi tried to get out through her hand.

Sylmae glanced down below Vi's chair where two empty bottle of absinthe sat half buried in the sand.

"You've had enough," Sylmae reiterated.

"Shame," Sam muttered. She pulled out a new beer from her Inventory. "I would be open to show any of you a good time. But I know how things are with Tom. Dudes are a deal breaker for me."

Garza reached over and grabbed Sam's beer. She then poured it out on the sand.

"Hey, Captain!"

"And you have had enough," Garza said as she poured out the beer. "Give me all the alcohol you have."

Sam huffed and said, "fine..."

She pulled out another beer from her Inventory.

"And the other one," Garza said.

"Aw..." Sam pulled another beer.

"And the third one."

"Aw!" Sam pulled out a small bottle of whiskey.

"You're going to sober up until you stop saying dumb shit. Am I understood, Smith?"

"Yes, ma'am..."

Laura turned to the others and said, "I'm really sorry. She just gets dumb and talkative when she gets really drunk."

"It's alright," Amber said. "I'm flattered. She might want to look elsewhere though for companionship."

"Food is ready!" Tom yelled.

"Finally!" Reia said.

Everyone got up and walked over to the dining table. The table was long enough to host sixteen chairs. Each seat had a place mat with a plate and utensils. Various dishes were spread across the table to give everyone access to the food. The pig roast itself was flipped onto its back and the aluminum foil was removed to give access to the cooked meat. The cooking made the meat tender and soft. It was practically falling off of the bones.

When everyone filled their plates and sat at the table, Steele broke his silence.

"I'm sorry for not saying much since I arrived here," he apologized. "I only just finished the latest progress report." Steele took a bite of the pig meat. "This is incredible."

"It's alright, sir," Tom said. "We know how busy you are, especially with recent events."

"Well, it appears that the UN is giving the go ahead with Operation Mosaic."

"Operation Mosaic?" Sam repeated.

"When our worlds merge, it will reshape our borders. There's going to be territory disputes between our civilizations. We don't want to waste our time with unnecessary conflicts so a plan was created by some of the world's diplomats and our Xothican friends here to address this problem. Operation Mosaic is a multi-response plan to the different civilization centres that will pock the landscape. In cases of city-states and countries, it requires us to attempt to create an alliance with the state and open up trade routes. We will respect these countries' sovereignty, but gain popularity through our actions against monsters and Hastur, and our products and culture. We are also hoping trade with these states will help advance research into magic and the creatures of the world. Eventually, the state advances to the point where it can compete with our economies, or we might assimilate it into an already existing country. Towns, villages, and cities, on the other hand, we have a somewhat more aggressive tactic. We will make offers to assimilate them right away. We would make offers to make them citizens, grant them protection, and avoid any income taxes for at least five years. After that time they would be assessed to see if they can pay taxes. The offer to assimilate them must be voluntary, though. We must not force them or else Humanity's reputation would plummet worldwide. There's more to this operation, but we will be sending out the orders next week so everyone can read it."

"There's so much this world can offer the people back on my world," Sylmae said. "The farming technology alone would help us eliminate poverty. While we don't have much experience in diplomacy, the girls and I worked closely with the UN diplomats to develop a plan that would benefit our people and yours."

"There's still going to be problems," Vivian reminded. "Eikoryu Empire, are huge fans of slavery and conquest. I know you Humans have slaves here and there, but you are all overall against it. The Empire is going to try and add Humans to their collection based on principle. And then you have the Zokot Kingdom who are close allies with Hastur. The Duellia Kingdom would be open to trade, maybe even an alliance. I'm afraid the UN may have trouble with the Bolaweth kingdom because of me."

"Vi!" Tom tried to stop her but Vivian raised her hand to let him know it was okay.

"What do you mean?" Steele asked.

"Commander, I'm currently wanted in the Bolaweth Kingdom for assaulting a superior officer."

Steele placed his fork down and leaned forward. "Knowing you, I'd imagine you had a good reason."

"I was a good soldier in the Bolaweth army, but my accomplishments gained the attention of General Kehtan Coppertoe. He offered me military promotions in exchange for sexual favours. I refused, but he didn't take kindly to the rejection. I ended up kicking him in the balls and running. Next day, there were wanted posters everywhere. I ran to the Erlonia continent and started my life over."

"We'll take care of things," Steele assured her. "After everything you all have done for our world, you can always expect our protection."

"Thank you, sir. Even more so, because my father's hammer is still in the kingdom. By right, that weapon belongs to me."

"I will give the diplomats this information and we will work towards getting that weapon."

"If we're going to admit things, I also have something," Reia added. "The prince of the Eikoryu Empire wants me as his wife. And I definitely don't want to be his wife."

Steele rubbed his face and said, "We'll take care of it. You are under UN protection and like I said about Specialist Terrabane, our race owes you are great debt. Now... Does anyone else have any major secrets or can I enjoy my meal?"

VVVVVV

Shortly after everyone ate, Tom teleported all the soldiers and Steele back to their homes. Every UN soldiers entered their homes slightly drunk, with full bellies, and large smiles on their faces. Steele remained sober as he only drank a couple bottles of beers. He gave Tom another week and a half off to recuperate before he entered his house.

Tom returned to his island home where Reia sat outside on a beach chair. She lovingly waved at him.

"Got them all home safe and sound," Tom said as he sat down next to her. "Where are the others?"

"Um, food coma."

"Ah! Well, the Commander has given us the rest of the week off. Our vacation has been extended."

Reia stretched our her arms and legs and let out a loud, exaggerated groan sound. "Good."

Tom reached out and grabbed her hand. "Thank you, Reia."

"For what?"

"I would never have gotten this far with you or the others. You've been by my side since the very beginning and have been a pillar in my crazy life. I love you. I love all of you."

Reia got up from her chair and sat on Tom's lap facing him. She hugged his head to her chest.

"You wonderful, wonderful man. Kind and selfless. None of us would have discovered who we truly were without your help. You've done so much for us. The girls and I will always stand by your side. We will always love."

Reia allowed Tom to look up. She leaned forward and kissed his lips. Reia flapped her wings to launch off of his lap. She still held his hand and pulled him to his feet.

"Come on, follow me," she said.

Reia dragged Tom by the hand towards their house. Tom was barely able to kick off his shoes as they went through the doorway. Reia brought him to the bedroom and she opened the door to reveal their giant bed made from several mattresses shoved together. On top of the mattresses were the others; all dressed in negligee.

Tom felt Reia's hot breath on his right ear as she said, "ready for the real party?"