On the chilly morning of December 2nd, 2006, Lusty sat immersed in her duties at the command center of the firehouse, meticulously scanning through incident reports with an eagle eye for detail. Her concentration was broken by the creak of the front door and the sound of footsteps intruding the quietude of her workspace.

A familiar voice sliced through the stillness. “Hey Claire,” a woman called out, her tone casual yet laced with a hint of urgency. It was Lusty's aunt, her eyes searching. “Is your father around? Or is he at work? Or is he on a vacation?”

Lusty's gaze remained steady, her voice laced with a bitter edge. “He's passed away. But why the sudden care? You, my grandfather, and the rest of this so-called family never saw us as human. To you, my mother was just 'it,' and so was I.”

A heavy silence fell, punctuated only by the distant echo of the fire department PA system that’s talking to other companies city wide. Lusty's grandmother, the matriarch of the family, finally spoke, her voice a hollow whisper. “That’s terribly sad.”

Lusty's response was sharp, her words cutting through the air like shards of ice. “No, it's not sad. It's tragic that my father spent his entire life longing for your acceptance, for you to see his wife and child as human beings. I still remember, twenty-two years ago on Christmas, the cold disdain in grandfather’s voice as he referred to me, a six-year-old child, as 'that thing.' How can you expect respect after such cruelty?”

Her words hung heavily in the room, a testament to years of pain and rejection. “You never acknowledged me as your granddaughter, nor my mother as your daughter-in-law, simply because she was 'it' to you. And so, by your twisted logic, I became an 'it' as well."

Lusty's voice grew louder, fueled by a lifetime of scorn. “My father considered you dead to him long ago, and so do I. If you’re looking for reconciliation, seek out a medium to commune with the dead, because that’s what you are to us.”

Her grandmother's voice was strained, clinging to old hierarchies. “Claire, you must show respect to your elders.”

The name Claire sparked a fire in Lusty. “I do respect my elders, just not the two of you. Not after everything. Since that Christmas of '84, you've been dead to us. My father made that clear, and I stand by his words.”

Lusty's grandfather tried to interject, “But Claire—”

“MY NAME IS NOT CLAIRE!” she erupted, her patience worn thin. “And I am not your ‘grandbaby’ or a ‘Johnson.’ That part of my life is over. If I had to choose between saving you or a dying World War One vet, I'd save the veteran. To me, you are as dead as you are to my father. Now leave, and don't come back.”

“Please Aunt Claire,” said Lusty’s niece with puppy dog eyes.

Lusty replied, “I made my position quite clear. So get and take a hike! I would say get hit by a bus or truck or any other heavy vehicle but survival of that is next to none. So get hit by a car or get abducted by aliens to be experimented on or be abducted by aliens to be used as breeding mates. I would say get hit by a train or a subway train but we know that won’t happen. So get or I’ll have all of you arrested for being here and I will.”

“But Claire we’re family,” said Lusty’s granddad.

Lusty replied, “Family? Only family I have are my children but no one in this family is seeing my children. But all of you ain’t my family where if you couldn’t accept my mom and me then, what makes you think I’ll accept you as my family? The only people I’ll call my family is my parents, my mom’s parents and my children are my family. As far as I’m concerned everyone else in this so called family is seven feet under getting fucked by Satan and I’m Agnostic and Athiest and I don’t even believe in a Devil as well! That’s how much that to me you’re dead to me is that I believe that all of you are dead and getting fucked by the Devil!”

Defeated, her grandparents, aunt and niece turned away, leaving Lusty to the deafening silence that followed their departure. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her father's legacy. In her heart, she knew the truth – that she and her young daughters were the only real family she had. She never revealed to her grandparents the true origin of her disdain for the name Claire.

Soon Macaroni came.

“You alright Claire Bear?” Asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “I'm… fine.”

Lusty then got up from the table.

“So with a ladder company here does this house act like a normal firehouse with a conventional fire engine and ladder company?” Asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “When Squad 141 and 141 Truck get dispatched then it's a Task Force. Usually 141 Truck runs with us then it's usually for If we need additional gear that's not on Squad 141 because Ladder Co 141 doesn't act as a ladder company per but it acts like a Equipment Truck carrying additional gear.

"But in second due areas how since Squad 141 acts as a truck company in second due areas then Truck 141 will be used as a normal ladder company of forcible entry, search and rescue, ventilation, and ladder-pipe operations at the scene of a fire. But it's just filled with equipment like Hydraulic Rescue Tool Systems (Spreaders,Cutters,Combi Tools,Rams,Etc), various specialized cutting and lifting equipment,emergency medical services equipment,rope rescue equipment and other tools and equipment like more Hydraulic Rescue Tool Systems (Spreaders,Cutters,Rams,Combi Tools,etc),numerous air bags,specialized rescue saws,specialized cutting torches,rope rescue equipment,and electric and air powered cutting,breaching and breaking equipment along with emergency medical services equipment,water rescue equipment,and other specialized equipment are among the equipment. Hell the 141 Truck has a special saw with diamond blades that's made to cut windows out.”

Lusty and Macaroni were walking through Squad 141 firehouse.

“If you’re going to do that Macaroni then you can and go for it,” said Lusty. “Go join the Navy when you graduate with the class of ‘07 this summer. I’m sure you’re going to make your dad, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and other family members that ain’t your mother.”

Macaroni replied, “Yeah well I’m going to be the first Waterson within thirty-two years to be in the Navy. The last one joined back in 1975. What’s on your mind Lusty?”

“The last major Earthquake that hit the city of Empire was back in 1907 or ninety nine years ago,” said Lusty, “The city of Empire and the rest of Little Bird usually gets 2.0 to 2.9 Earthquakes with some going to 3.0 to 4.9. The last major Earthquake was a 9.0 on the Richter Scale.”

Lusty grabbed the firepole and slid down it but Macaroni went right after her before Lusty could touch the ground. Lusty let out a groaning sound.

“You’re supposed to wait until my feet touch the floor first,” said Lusty.

Avalanche replied in amusement, “Come on you lovebirds. This ain’t clown school. They won’t let you two in the police department.”

“Where’s y’all Dalmation at?” asked Macaroni .

Lusty replied, “Old age. She was thirteen and old age got her.”

“Thought Dalmations stopped being used by firefighters?” asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “Dalmations were coach dogs and they nipped at horses heels to make them run faster and run harder, and at fires, the Dalmations would guard the horses from other stray dogs and from anyone from bothering them. Also, Dalmatians are often considered to make good watchdogs, and they may have been useful to fire departments as guard dogs to protect a firehouse and its equipment. Fire engines used to be drawn by fast and powerful horses, a tempting target for thieves, so Dalmatians were and still are kept in the firehouse as deterrence to theft. But I think each house is different though.”

“Yeah because Squad 525 and FDE Homeland Defense HAZMAT Response has a Pitbull,” said Macaroni, “And Firehouse Thirty-Three has a Husky that they shave the fur down to be short so it doesn’t sweat with long fur… Okay, I’m going to go get fast food and go back to the University before the two-hour gap for in-between classes are gone.”

Soon the ground started to shake violently.

“And I had to say something about an Earthquake.” said Lusty

Macaroni fell over so did Lusty where Lusty fell on top of Macaroni with their eyes looking right into each other.

“I don’t think this is the time and place,” said Macaroni trying to make it funny.

To humor Macaroni, Lusty gave her a kiss on the mouth before rolling off of her.

“Stay here” said Lusty, “Nothing should fall on you under here.”

Lusty then rolled Macaroni under the sturdy wooden table in the apparatus bay. Lusty rolled under the Crash Rescue Tender.

“Tuck and Roll,” said Macaroni as she saw Lusty roll under the Airport Crash Rescue Tender.

They then heard Dynamite.

“Son of a Bitch that hurts!” exclaimed Dynamite when a steel frying pan fell off of the hanging pots and pan hanging rack and landed on her head.

After a few minutes the shaking stopped.

“First time I've been through a quake before,” said Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “It takes some time before you get used to them.”

The two then got out from underneath their cover.

“Squad 141-2 to dispatch come in,” said Lusty into her radio, “Squad 141-2 to anyone do you copy? Squad 141-2 transmitting in the blind does anyone receive?”

There was only static which made Lusty go to the common room of the firehouse.

“Everyone! Everyone!” ordered Lusty, “Listen up! We trained for this. First priority is assessment. If anyone needs to go home to check on your family then do so we take care of your own. With comms down we go old school. This city is in a crisis; we will serve and protect the people. Come on let’s go. Let’s go. You too Macaroni.”

Macaroni went to the gear room and took a firefighter bunker gear that has Lusty’s nickname and lastname on the turnout jacket and a firefighter helmet that said “CANDIDATE EMPIRE 141” and Lusty helped Macaroni to buckle and zip the trousers and buckle the jacket up so it doesn’t come undone.

As they were riding around they were heading to their first fire.

A traffic light pole fell.

“Look out!” exclaimed Lusty.

Irving made a sharp turn where he just said, “Christ. This place went to hell within three minutes.”

They could see smoke from nearly everywhere.

“Sinkhole!” said Lusty as she saw water in the road and parts of the road breaking apart and sinking. Irving slammed on the breaks of Squad 141.

“Wasn’t there a road back there?” asked Irving.

Lusty replied, “Go go go!”

Irving shifted the manual transmission stick from 3rd gear to reverse before coming back to an intersection.

“Take this right,” said Lusty as she gave directions to Irving to their first fire.

When they arrived at their first fire of the day.

“You smell that?” asked Macaroni

Dynamite replied, “Gas line rupture. Yeah, I know you wanted one of us to walk right into of ‘you smelt it you dealt it’ Nice try though.”

Dynamite then went on her way with a Gas wrench in her hand to go find a Gas Line Main Valve to shut it off. But there was an explosion.

“Jesus!” exclaimed Macaroni as a house exploded.

“Not the hydrant, use the cistern!” ordered Lusty as she barked orders as a Sergeant when ordering his/her squad or a Lieutenant ordering his/her platoon and so on and so forth.

Macaroni and Gallows opened up a cistern cover and dropped a hard suction hose.

“So how does a cistern operate differently than a fire hydrant?” asked Macaroni.

Gallows replied, “A hydrant well some are private others are municipalities. Municipal hydrants are connected to a public water main but can still provide a minimum flow of 500 gallons per minute GPM at 20 psi. But some other ones produce more GPM like the ones in Downtown, Uptown and the Airport are 1500 GPM, Riverview and Emerald Pastors are 500-1000 GPM and so on and so forth. A cistern is a giant underground water tank. Now stop your asking questions and help them stretch a attack line.”

Macaroni wanted to help them but they were already fifty steps ahead of her. When Irving told them that their water was on the way didn’t hesitate to turn the hose on to fight the fire. Macaroni wanted to help out so she grabbed and stretched the 1 ¾ attack line but told Irving to charge it so when he did she turned the hose on. But she wasn’t expecting how powerful the hose was and it knocked her down.

Lusty went over to Macaroni and helped her up.

“Fire hoses have enough pressure to knock you on your ass,” said Lusty.

Macaroni replied, “No shit Sherlock.”

They started getting pelted by bricks.

“Oh Hell no,” said Lusty before taking the 1 ¾ attack hose off of the ground.

“They’re crazy,” said Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “They’re not crazy. They know exactly what they’re doing.”

In the distance there was rifle fire.

“Those aren’t no snipers,” said Lusty, “Those are cops with Semiautomat Service Grand aka the Little Bird licensed version of the M14 rifle. Unless they're police snipers then they’re aiming for the head besides regular beat cops with Phoenix pistols (M1911A1), .357 Revolver Mk1 (M27,) .357 Mk2 (Python) and some shotguns with live ammo. What other countries call heavy handed we call normal.”

After some time they were able to put out the fire and move the rubble. But when they got back onto the main street in Riverview aka Starfish street they saw stores that had been looted and burned down in which a lot of the people were taking advantage of the chaos. Lusty couldn’t entirely see out of the front windshield for the officer due to it being hit by a brick.

Macaroni was about to say something.

“It’s not sad these assholes know what they’re doing,” said Lusty. “Don’t even say it Macaroni because a lot of these places won’t even rebuild because they don’t have the insurance or they’ll just go somewhere else and leave the store to decay for months, years or even decades. When asked why they don’t want to rebuild it is because it’s the same people who say they’re there for them are there for them then when shit hits the fan then said people just become thugs and criminals.

"Do that in Eastside you get filled with bullets and if you burn down a store in Eastside don’t cry when they burn your car and apartment and tell you ‘How does it feel now you punk ass bitch’ then exile you and I mean the kind of exile that if you come back you need a close casket funeral even if you have family then you can’t come and visit them on their deathbed or go to their funeral.”

***

12:00 PM

Macaroni started to look like she was about to lose herself.

"M," Lusty said gently, reaching out to clasp her hand. "We won't lose ourselves. We'll stay strong for each other, remember that."

Lusty looked up at Macaroni, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. "Promise me, Mackenzie. Promise me that you'll remind me if you start slipping," Lusty pleaded, her grip tightening around my hand. "I don't want to lose myself in this darkness."

“Lieutenant Lusty, I need a few minutes,” said Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “Go take a ten minute break.”

After ten minutes Macaroni walked up to Lusty and handed her a small piece of folded paper. Intrigued Lusty unfolded it to reveal a stunning sketch of a firefly suspended in mid flight in a swirling vortex of stars. The image took Lusty’s breath away. Macaroni then gave Lusty another folded piece of paper called “Celestial Dancers;" it depicted a night sky filled with constellations, their celestial bodies intertwined with strands of luminescent mist. The firefly, perched atop a delicate branch, watched the spectacle unfold before it.

Embedded within the luminous aura surrounding the firefly was a series of dots, arranged in a pattern reminiscent of Morse code.

As Lusty scrutinized the sketch, her mind raced, piecing together the puzzle presented before me. The dots, subtle indicators of a deeper meaning, provided an unexpected twist to the tale of hope and resilience.

Lusty recited the sequence aloud, a rhythmic melody. The repetition of short bursts and elongated pauses led me through a labyrinth of questions and doubts, culminating in a crescendo of realization.

"SOS!" Lusty exclaimed, triumph surging through her veins.

She held the sketch in her sweaty palms and she looked at how beautiful they were.

Then Lusty went over to Macaroni.

“You alright Mac?” asked Lusty.

Macaroni replied, “I don’t know how my family can fight and move on like nothing happened or how you and others who do this job can do this. Honestly I would rather make my dad’s homemade lasagna. It was delicious. I made it once.”

“Yeah it was good,” said Lusty. “Your dad must be hell of a cook”

"Yes, he certainly did," Macaroni agreed, smiling fondly at the memories. "One of my favorite dishes he used to make was lasagna. Layers of homemade pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese... Oh, it was heavenly!"

"Just hearing you describe it makes my mouth water," Lusty laughed, her enthusiasm contagious, “But if you think you can’t handle this there’s no shame in it, not a lot of people will admit that. Honestly, I’m scared every day when the bell goes off I’m scared and there’s my conscience that’s telling me that this day or this call can or could be my last.”

Macaroni replied with her voice quivering, “I don’t know how you’re brave all the time. Because I sure as hell am not”.

“No one is making you feel invincible and feel like you can’t show emotions,” said Lusty. “You’re a human and humans show emotions, it's a part of life. I show emotions. Your family and everyone shows emotions different and others do it differently. Dave told me a lot of people in the Waterson family don’t talk about their pain and suffering but just find creative and different ways to move on.

Over Lusty’s radio:

“Squ.. 4.. Com… I..” said a voice, “Squ 1,,, Co… In”

Lusty replied, “This is Squad 141. Come in”

“Squ… 4.. Re…to. Hi…od.” said the voice, “Rep… Relo… to… Hi…od.”

Lusty replied, “10-5”

“Squ… 1..1… re…lo… to…Hi…od,” said the voice, “Re… go… to… Hi…od,”

“Damn static making it hard to hear,” said Lusty.

Lusty then said into the radio, “Negative dispatch. We’re fighting a fire at our location.”

While they were fighting the fire using another cistern. Soon Squad Co. 525 came to assist them and like them they’re having radio problems where they can receive orders from dispatch but the static makes it hard to hear.

“Lieutenant what do you need?” asked Lieutenant Valkyrie.

Lusty replied, “We’re drafting water from the cistern but hook up a 4’’ hose so we can supply you with water so you can aid us in fighting this fire.”

Soon there was an explosion and glass started to fall and shatter around them.

“You just had to say something Lusty,” said Macaroni.

Soon there was a loud sound and the building started to fall so they had to leave the area before the entire building came down on top of them while they were in the streets.

Macaroni got lost so she decided to go and find them but it was hard due to some of the dust but she has no idea what’s going on and she knows she has to get the Hell out of there but when she did return to Squad 141 apparatus she found a compartment opened and thought it was Lusty who was by it but it was actually Avalanche. But Macaroni didn’t stop looking for Lusty but she was inside of another building but when she and Macaroni met the two gave each other a loving and caring hug because the two thought that either or was dead.

“Never could tell but that is what makes this job unique,” said Lusty. “Could be a peaceful day or a peaceful night or all Hell could break loose. It’s the latter.”

Macaroni replied, “And a majority of the gunshots?”

“The police,” said Lusty, “They’re doing their job. Unlike the rest of the world. The cops here during riots and emergencies like this they shoot to kill any arsonist or anyone with a Molotov cocktail, and shoot anyone looting, shoot them and detain them while they loot from stores in the city. Heavy handed? Yup but it’s either let people like where I’m from suffer from looting and arson and don’t have money to rebuild.”

Dynamite replied, “It’s that or they can recall a military division or pull two divisions from the war in the Soviet Russia who’s fighting in the war so they can patrol the streets with live ammo because I’m sure an IFV with an 25mm or 40mm autocannon won’t blow someone away or a specialized IFV that’ll shoot Napalm for thirty-two seconds at one hundred and seventy two meters or 564 feet.

"And the military if you’re not inside during curfew and if not a firefighter, cop or any other civil servant than the military will light you up more than a Christmas tree. Oh I mean with live ammo not rubber, wax or wooden bullets. I’m talking about High-Velocity, Armor Piercing, Full Metal Jacket, Incendiary, Overpressured, Hollow Point, and Frangible bullets.”

Macaroni didn’t say anything because she would rather keep her mouth shut than start questioning how Nineteen Eighty-Four or authoritarian that sounds but to her she ain’t going to tell another country how they run or organize or make laws. Not adding that Little Bird does follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but Macaroni did read about how the UN cannot interfere in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or in other terms it cannot make countries change their laws or force them to follow its resolutions.

Macaroni helped Lusty move a hose so they could go somewhere else.

“What’s the education here like?” asked Macaroni to keep her mind busy.

Lusty replied, “Focused on the individual helping each individual to develop.But before you can go to the next grade so you need to do basic math, basic literacy and basic knowledge of your grade. If you can’t do one of them then they’ll hold you back. By the time you get to the 12th grade you have a reading level of a 12th grader, know basic math like Arithmetic, money counting, money management, how to do taxes and learn basic life skills. Middle school is the same but change basic math and arithmetic to pre algebra and geometry then get introduced to Shop or Home Education and slowly learned advanced things then come high school you have advanced Shop and advanced Home Ec where middle school Shop class teaches you about tools and their functions and work on wood, leather, metal while High School shop has them learn advanced tools but work on bikes because vehicles would break a school budget.

"For males they’re required to do six years of Shop and one year of Home Ec while females it’s the same but switch it around. Elementary school you need to reach the minimum basic skills test which is 75, Middle School or Junior High as I prefer to call it, it’s 80 and High School is 85. Also if someone has a learning disability or is put into a class they can’t fully comprehend then they’re put in Special Ed or into a class they’ll learn more easily. At least we’re taught basic life skills.”

“How was this…” said Macaroni.

Avalanche interrupted, “Democracies make infightings and corruption. One reason why we’re a Stratocratic Police State but began again from the old world. Democracies have bureaucracies which leads to slow downs. I mean we have anti-monopoly laws that says how much land people can own without having them own a lot of land to make more money to give to the government to make them be corrupt through bribes. Well no perfect government, even ours is flawed. I mean we elected the same guy to be president since 1968 but at least he made promises and fulfilled his promises. Honestly even our government is flawed because all are. I mean we got two congresses one for the military and the other for the rest of us aka civilians and our civilian congress is run by high ranking military officers.

“But our founding mothers and founding fathers and the Natives no offense Lieutenant. But they wanted to make a country with Long-Term stability and one way the country was built was when ten members of each Tribe or ten from the Aurora tribe, ten from the Mountaineses tribe, ten from the Nightingale Tribe, ten from the Falconese tribe and ten tribe members from the Cascadian tribe swore they’ll help build a country if their people had a say in it and at least half of the government had Natives in it to run it.

"Or in case of the Nightingale tribe the individual has no value beyond his/her utility to the state weather as an instrument of war or production.Hell our allies aka Blister Canyon and Lava Falls they’re Corruption and incompetence. They really do mean well, but they have a tendency to put people in positions of power who are either grossly unqualified, Only in It for the Money, or both. Hell our Congresses not even an act of God can move that well because the Military Congress is focused on the war and the Civilian Congress is focused on keeping people happy but making sure enough people are helping out in the war effort by either fighting in the war or being a part of the production of war.”

After clearing the way they got back onto their rig and started to head out to another location with Squad 525 following them. Lusty remembers that when she was in the academy that one class she took was in disaster preparedness and the instructor did say that after a major storm like a earthquake that there’s a high chance that communications will be down leading to uncoordinated responses to areas and the companies got to keep their heads on a swivel and have to act as if this was the times before radio communications and mass media.

“I know the hospitals are overwhelmed,” said Irving out of the blue. “Hell they should have a mobile communications unit to help with communications.”

Soon a voice came over the radio.

“All city units calling all city units please report,” said a feminine voice over the radio, “All city units report your 10-20”

The radio buzzed with different voices with a lot of males and few female voices radioed back.

“This is Task Force Fourteen we’re Five by Five,” said a female voice, “Fourteen Engine is with us fighting a 10-75.”

“This is Task force 47 requesting 10-47 (requesting police assistance),” said a male voice, “Got a shooting going on here between the residence here and looters.”

“This is Task Force Sixteen we’re being rerouted due to some of the roads being blocked by rubble,” said Dave, “Got a lot of rubble on the street here near the intersection of Heliconia Blvd and Flurry Street. Got some shooting here between residents and looters besides that just rubble.”

When Dave said how there’s shooting between people of Eastside vs looters he reported it as if it was as if he was a news anchor or a radio announcer reporting on everyday news.

“This is Task Force Eighteen we’re at a 10-75 (active fire) but we’re 10-70 (no positive water source),” said a male voice over the radio, “Need another water source the hydrant and cistern are dried."

“This is Task Force Seventy One we’re with Task Forces Seventy Two, Eighty Seven and Ninety Three.” said another Male voice over the radio, “Show us responding to Task Force Eighteen 10-20.”

“This is Task Force Ninety One we need back up we’re fighting a massive Class B fire at a huge gas station over in Westside and we just ran out of Foam. Also requesting police assistance got looters and arsonists out of control over here. Active the militia if need be!” said a female voice over the radio. This is Task Force Twenty-Three show us heading to Task Force Ninety One 10-20."

“This is Task Force Nineteen we’re fighting a 10-25 Code 4 (manhole fire),” said a male voice.

“This is Task Force got thirty-nine 10-36’s Code 4 (automobile accident with entrapment).” said a male voice over the radio. “This is Task Force Seventeen we’re with Rescue 1-7 rescuing trapped people in elevators at the Fire Lance building, got a few people up here trapped in the Sapphire lounge. Gonna need another set of hands to rescue all of these people out of all these twenty elevators and the night/day club.” said a female voice, “Multiple 10-29 Code 1 (elevator emergency occupied) gonna need a mass cass to have paramedics and EMT to check these people out and take them to the hospital”

Lusty picked up the radio, “This is Task Force 141 with Squad 525 show us responding to Rescue 1-7 and Task Force Seventeen locations.”

“This is Rescue 1-8 we’re with Foam Task Forces 32 and 33. We got a mass MVA pile up. Part of the freeway came down, gonna need about fifty ambulances or five Mass Cass units.”

Each part of the city was the same but different where they’re overwhelmed but the reason why different Fire Department City of Empire Task Forces are in different parts of the city far outside of their station districts is because from 8:20 AM to 1:55 PM was when all phones and radio communications were down. So they had to go back to the old way of going around to find an emergency or help someone if they flagged them down.

But now with radio communications back up and running from switching the city’s fire department, police department, technical department and medical department from dispatch center to a mobile communication center to make dispatching units and companies to where they’re needed to go so they didn't have too many companies go to a emergency that doesn’t need help or don’t send companies to somewhere that’s needs backup.

“Five by five?” asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “It means fine. We're not going to go to the district of Tallwood then it can burn down and everything can be looted that ain’t bolted down...”

“All city units,” said the mobile command dispatcher, “Air Ops just reported that the dam a few miles away just broke and a giant flood wave is coming.”

A male voice replied, “This is Air Ops. Got a giant wave coming from the dam. It'll hit the city within a few minutes. Got to start evacuating people from rooftops if that wave hits in force.”

The wave hit the city after a few moments but a majority of the water was up to the ankle a bit closer to the Admiral Culver River then the water is up there the waste or higher but a majority of the ruined buildings acted like a makeshift barrier to the river and flooding.

***

Fire Lance Building a sixty-nine story high rise.

“Task Force Seventeen and Rescue 1-7 what floor are you on?” Asked Lusty into her radio.

Captain Linda replied, “Rescue Squad 1-7 I have my company split up on the thirty third, thirty fifth and forty second floor.”

“Engine Seventeen is on both the Thirty ninth floor and forty third floor. Currently getting people out.” Said a firefighter officer, “Sixteen truck is on the forty fifth floor and fifty third floor. We got twelve elevators to clear out as well to rescue civilians. Or you and your company can go up to the Sixty third floor to the Sapphire Lounge to get people out of there.”

Macaroni asked, “Powers out so that's…”

Dynamite replied, “To the 60th floor is a two-hour hike.”

Lusty replied, “Forced entry tools and tools and elevator keys. Dynamite, Avalanche and Irving you have the 30th floor on down, Gallows, Parker you two take the thirty-first floor and up. Me and Macaroni will go to the Sapphire Lounge. Truck 141 and Squad 525 assist Task Force Seventeen. It’s multiple elevator rescues due to power outage”

“Well let's get walking up those stairs,” Said Avalanche.

They got their tools and elevator keys and went to the north stairwell. They weren't shocked to see water in the lobby of the building because the dam broke a while ago but the destroyed buildings acted like barricades to deter a majority of the flood wave that was created when the dam broke.

“How long does it take to be a cop here on Little Bird to go through training,” asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “Guess.”

“480 hours,” said Macaroni, “Well that’s how long it is in Alabama.”

Lusty replied, “Nope.”

“Is it between Two Hundred to Four thousand seven hundred and twenty five hours?” asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “Nope. It’s only Two Hundred and Twenty Four hours or eight hours a day for one month. Or in other terms 16 hours for physical training, 16 hours on driving even driving with goggles to simulate drunk driving, 24 hours for both offensive and defensive tactics, 15 hours for riot control tactics aka baton charge, 48 hours in the classroom and another 48 hours learning mental health. But their training mostly relies on stress aka military model, and both physical and psychological pressure not academic achievement.

"The rest is just give them the basics and learning stuff from instructors with the final hour of them learning of how to play it cool and not start a war and keep their emotions in check and don’t let others get to them Hell the military here on Little Bird when the military labels a piece of equipment as obsolete or have surplus of it then the next day the police department gets it. If the police in either city or a small town want an APC with a minigun then they’re going to get it. Hell 28% of the APCs that the Empire Police got were APC's with .50 Caliber HMG’s. It started back during the early days of the Post World War 2 era too with many military weapons that weren't needed by the military so semi automatic rifles, automatic rifles, and shotguns.”

“Ah okay them,” said Macaroni, “Because I remember when I first came out here I read of how low crime is here on Little Bird. Guess it’s either due to the heavy handed militarization of police or strict laws and no slap on the wrist.”

Lusty replied, “And tough prisons. Or as prison guards will say to inmates here on Little Bird is that they’ll tell inmates when they first arrive that the guards will say ‘You’re here to be rehabilitated not to goof off’ or in other terms you’re here to be punished and you’re not going to goof off and think about it as year long vacation. You’re either going to work in the prison of cleaning and whatnot and earn $1 a day or work in a chain gang to get out and work. That or sit in a cell for twenty-two hours of the day getting bored out of your mind and those who do work just get $0.80 a hour to spend at the commissary.”

“Don’t touch the water without protective gear,” Avalanche warned.

Lusty nodded. “It could be teeming with pathogens and contaminants.”

They trudged through the ankle-deep water, ascending the stairs.

Lusty and Macaroni had a daunting task ahead. Reaching the Sapphire Lounge, located on the top four floors of the high-rise. They pressed on, following Lusty’s lead.

“Still think firefighting is a walk in the park?” Lusty asked, reaching the fiftieth floor.

Macaroni remained silent, her previous stereotypes about firefighters only battling fires shattered. She was witnessing firsthand the breadth of their responsibilities, from rescuing trapped office workers from elevators to navigating floodwaters.

“What’s the Sapphire Lounge?” Macaroni queried.

“It’s a 24/7 club, a hotspot for celebrities,” Lusty explained.

A helicopter buzzed overhead.

“Probably a police chopper,” Lusty guessed.

A voice blared over a megaphone, “This is the police. Evacuate the buildings if you can.”

“You were right, Lusty,” Macaroni acknowledged.

Eventually, they reached the main entrance of the Sapphire Lounge. Lusty handed Macaroni an ax and wedged a Halligan bar between the door and doorframe.

“Strike,” Lusty instructed.

Macaroni swung the ax, driving the Halligan bar deeper.

“Strike,” Lusty repeated.

After a few more strikes, Lusty commanded, “Hold it,” and pried the door open with the Halligan bar.

“That easy, huh?” Macaroni remarked.

Lusty shook her head, “Far from it.”

***

Five hours later it’s 7:00 PM

“Hey Lieutenant, where’s Macaroni?” asked Dave.

Lusty replied, “Look for the firefighter in turnout gear with the jacket having both my last name and nickname on the back”

Dave grabbed Lusty’s right arm, “No Lusty. Where’s Mackenzie?”

Dave and Lusty turned their heads as if they’re on a swivel.

Lusty grabbed her radio and said “Squad 141, firefighter unaccounted for.”

“Sixteen to Mobile Command we’re initiating a primary search,” said Dave into his radio.

Dave then was about to reenter the building.

“You’re staying put,” said Lusty.

“Yeah right,” said Dave.

Lusty replied pulling rank and putting her foot down, “That’s an order Captain. Dynamite keep the medic close and ready I’ll be on channel one.”

“We’re coming with you Lieutenant,” said Dynamite.

Lusty replied, “No I brought her in there so I’m the one getting her out.”

“Mobile Command I need a dedicated channel for search and rescue,” said Dave into his radio.

Mobile Command replied, “Roger you’re clear on channel five.”

“Macaroni do you copy?” asked Dave into his radio only to hear static.

Lusty went to where she saw Macaroni last and that was on the eighteenth floor but as she was climbing up to the 18th floor there was soon a powerful aftershock and soon two flights of the stairs behind Lusty broke and it cut off of her main access for escape. But she was able to make it to the 18th floor unscathed.

“Great, just great, the aftershock couldn’t wait an hour until I find Macaroni or whatnot,” said Lusty. “Just had to do it when I was in the elevator. I swear If I get trapped then I’ll duct tape Macaroni to my back and use an elevator cable as a makeshift rope and slide down it even if it burns through my gloves.”

Lusty searched the entire 18th floor and couldn’t find Macaroni until she found a glass conference room with a jammed door but found what looked like a boot sticking out of a pile of rubble so Lusty used her boot and kicked the glass.

She then went over to the rubble and started to move it and after some time she removed the rubble and found Macaroni who was trapped underneath the rubble. Lusty picked her up and done a fireman’s carry but picked up Macaroni’s helmet as well but Lusty was able to find another stairwell and carried her down until reaching the lobby where Lusty got Macaroni off of her back but put Macaroni into the bridal carry position.

“Hey look!” said Dave.

Soon Dave, Dynamite and Avalanche ran over to Lusty and Macaroni and helped Lusty get her to get some medical help. But Macaroni she politely refused to be taken to the hospital even when the paramedic reasoned with her to be taken to the hospital. But Macaroni politely refused and said that there’s people who need medical assistance where Macaroni has a minor injury but there’s a lot of people who have non-life-threatening and Life-threatening injuries while Macaroni has a minor injury and a cut on the head. But she signed a release form.

Macaroni, with a hint of curiosity in her voice, asked Lusty, 'If either of your parents had passed away when you were young, would they have remarried?'

Lusty, with a thoughtful expression, responded, "If either of my parents had been taken from me during my childhood or teenage years, they wouldn't have chosen to remarry. You see, my father's old neighborhood was filled with step-parents who fit the negative stereotype perfectly, emotionally tormenting their stepchildren throughout their formative years. It's a heartbreaking scenario, especially when a biological parent refuses to shield their own child from such abuse. Given what you've shared about your mother, I believe she would have acted similarly."

She continued, her voice filled with emotion, "I cherished my parents for who they were, and they always held a special place in their hearts for me. When I revealed my sexuality, they could have chosen to ignore my confession or deny my existence, but they didn't. They supported me unconditionally, even though they were navigating uncharted territory. They accepted me for who I am."

Lusty's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and sadness as she added, "Many of my old neighbors are devout individuals who despise me for my sexuality. But they also care for me as if I were their own child, thanks to the close-knit community of Eastside.

"There's a general store my parents used to frequent. The owner-cashier might have been homophobic, but he supported my coming out. The reason? My parents were regular customers. If he had expressed his true feelings and painted me as the villain, my parents and many others would have stopped patronizing his store.' Hell, I'm the first bisexual female firefighter to be an officer."

“How was that conversation went?” asked Macaroni.

***

May 29, 1994. Lusty’s 15th birthday, 10:34 AM

Lusty went to her part time job.

“Hey Claire since today is your birthday I’m allowing you to take the day off,” said Mr. Oharahan. “Here’s a birthday present.”

Mr. Oharahan gave Lusty two presents wrapped up in a birthday wrapping paper. The tag even said “TO: CLAIRE FROM: MR OHARAHAN”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Lusty sat down at a table and tore open the wrapping paper. Her first present was a hat (that’ll burn up the fire that kills her parents) and the other was her paycheck with extra pay.

“So how’s you like your presents?” asked Mr. Oharahan.

Lusty replied, “I love them. But I earn $27/week. The check says it’s $54. That's two weeks of my part-time pay as a cashier.”

“It’s a birthday present go and take the money to buy cake or something to spoil yourself,” said Mr. Oharahan.

Lusty replied, “I will. I’ll go and use it to take my parents out to dinner.”

“So Claire even though it’s your birthday but how would you like…” said Mr. Oharahan before being interrupted.

Lusty interrupted, “I’m not interested in dating your son. He already slapped me on the ass once and I knocked him out. Like my mom, you and her want me to have children already. But I’m not planning on giving my parents grandchildren not until a lot later. Also I’m not dating your son because he said a sexist and misogynistic remark to me.”

“My son will be giving you an apology later,” said Mr. Oharahan.

Lusty then took her presents and went home.

“Back so soon?” Lusty’s mother queried, her voice laced with surprise as she saw her daughter walk through the door.

Lusty responded, her voice carrying a hint of excitement, “Mr. O’Hanrahan was kind enough to let me have the rest of the day off. He even gave me a couple of gifts.”

Her mother, with a playful twinkle in her eyes, asked, “So, when do you think you’ll bring home a boyfriend? Your father and I are eager to spoil some grandchildren.”

Just as Lusty’s father was about to interject, Lusty took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest, “Actually, mom…dad,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’m attracted to women.”

Her father blinked in surprise, “Wait, you like girls?”

Lusty nodded, her voice steadier now, “Yes, and guys too.”

A silence fell over the room as Lusty’s parents exchanged a glance.

“We need a moment, Lusty,” her father finally said, his voice gentle yet firm.

After a few minutes, both of Lusty’s parents emerged from their bedroom.

“Sweetheart,” Lusty’s mother began, her voice soft.

“We want you to understand something,” her father continued.

“Even though this is something we don’t fully comprehend,” her mother admitted.

“But we’re here for you,” her father reassured her, “We’ve been here for you since before you were born. When your mother first held you in her arms, we made a promise to love and care for you, no matter what.”

“We’ve been there for you since the day you were born, through your infancy, childhood, and adolescence,” her mother added, her voice filled with warmth.

“And we’re here for you now,” her father affirmed, “Even though we don’t fully understand what it means to be attracted to both genders.”

“But we love you for who you are, and we will continue to love you,” her mother declared, “Whether we have a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law in the future, it doesn’t change the fact that we love you.”

“That’s right, Lusty,” her father echoed, “We love you for who you are. You are, and always will be, the center of our universe.”

Lusty hugged both of her parents at the same time with a smile on her face. But as said by her boss she took her parents out for her birthday dinner but Lusty gave them the money back even though they didn’t want her money to be paid back.

When they were eating dinner.

“I think Lusty will make a great Marine one day,” said Lusty’s dad.

Lusty’s mom replied, “She’s not joining the Marines nor the Army nor the Airforce or Navy. She’s going to be a musician.”

“If I want to join the Marines then a war would have to break out and if then I’ll need to be drafted,” said Lusty.

Lusty’s mom replied, “I may be from a warmongering tribe but the only way Claire is joining the Military is over my dead body literally. So far as me and my tribe I’m from Lusty will be a production of war not fighting in one. If need be she’ll be an entertainer and entertain the troops and I don’t mean in those magazines but as a singer. Not going to have my baby sign up for the military and get killed.”

“Mom the other day in school when I was leaving home ec class a fellow student said a misogynistic and sexist remark to me,” said Lusty, “And I knocked him onto his butt in one punch.”

Lusty’s dad replied, “That’s our girl.”

“Yup that’s our baby girl,” said Lusty’s mom.

Lusty’s reputation in the Eastside varied from person to person. When everyone found out she’s bisexual a lot of them still idolized her and see her as a family member even though they’re not related. Her hard work and help she offers to her community see her renowned for her extensive support and goodwill, she’s idolized by the community. Some now see her as a Wild Child. No one's sure what to make of her unpredictable nature, but she left a strong impression.

***

Modern Day, December 2nd, 2006

9:30 PM Lusty and Macaroni found an unconscious person but soon got trapped by fire.

“Hey you bring that ladder down!” yelled Lusty.

A firefighter on Ladder Co Sixteen used the controls for the ladder and swung it around and lowered it for Lusty and Macaroni to get on but Lusty and Macaroni put the unconscious person onto the ladder. Lusty and Macaroni were hanging on the sides of the 100 ft ladder.

“Have the ladder come in,” said Dave.

A firefighter replied, “Can’t the ladder is buckling there’s too much weight, Go ahead and have them swing it over.”

“Move it,” ordered Dave.

After a few seconds.

“Faster move it!” said Dave.

While hanging from the ladder.

“Don’t you think he could swing us the other way not over 100 F fire?” said Macaroni, “My feet are burning.”

Lusty replied, “I’ll ask him when I get down there.”

Soon the rungs on the ladder started to pop out and soon the ladder broke in half and the two landed on the sidewalk hurting when they landed.

“Cheeseburger and Chicken Tenders,” said Macaroni as she laid on her back before getting up.

“Hey you come over here!” said Lusty, “Need an FF/PM or a PM for this unconscious person.”

Soon a Firefighter/Paramedic came over with two EMTs with a stretcher came over to stabilize the person and put the person on the stretcher and taken to a Mass Casualty Unit where the Mass Casualty Unit/Major Emergency Response Ambulance Unit.

Once they got him the twelfth person they closed their doors and took them to the closest hospital for treatment. But out of 1656 firefighters in the city of Empire only Eighty-Two of them are trained as Firefighter/Paramedic while only Thirty-Three of them have advanced medical skills because of being military combat medics or military surgeons.

Lusty and Macaroni walked by an EMS Supervisor's car and overheard from the Empire International Airport Fire Department Supervisor who’s a branch from the Fire Department City of Empire.

“This is AAFR 1 and 2 over at Empire Airport,” said a male voice, “We have extinguished all visible flames. We have established a Medical Branch, a Triage Area, and a Treatment Area in the airport. ATC has shut down the airport and diverted all incoming flights. Only those who were less than five minutes out can land. We need the Emergency Medical Services Bureau to send us some Advanced Life Support units because a lot of these people require Critical Care or a Trauma Center.”

Mobile Command Dispatch replied, “We copy but negative on the EMSB. Our hospitals in the city are already overwhelmed and understaffed. We have to triage the injured people and use triage tags to mark their priority. Those who have red tags have life-threatening injuries and need immediate attention.”

“Copy that AARF 1 and 2 will provide Basic Life Support to these people with serious but non-critical injuries,” said the man, “AARF 1 and 2 Out.”

Mobile Command then radioed for all city fire, police and medical units to report their status and location. Some had better news than others.

“This is Task Force 141 with Squad 525, Task Force 16 and Task Force 47 over on Flurry Street in Eastside,” said Lusty into her radio, “We’re okay here. We have set up a Medical Group in the Elementary, Junior High, and High School Gymnasiums and got people in the schools to make food and assist the injured. We’re also using the Cinema that’s three blocks north of here from Flurry Street and 22nd Street as another Treatment Area so we don’t have to perform surgery on the streets.”

Mobile Command, “Copy that. Good work. We’ll notify all city units.”

“This is 10-Zebra-3 of the 10th Precinct,” said a female voice, “We have a looted gun store here on MacDonald Street and Orange Blvd. Owner reports that he had fifty handguns, forty-two shotguns both pump-action and semi-automatic, and fifty-three rifles both semi-automatic and automatic.”

Mobile Command replied, “Copy that. Be advised. We have reports of armed looters and gangs who are willing to kill and rob to survive in this chaos. We’ll notify all emergency services of the situation.”

“This is Task Force 14 we’re with Task Forces 15, 17, 18 and 19,” said a female voice, “We’re rerouting due to the debris here and almost fell into a sinkhole caused by the ruptured water main that got destroyed during the quake.”

“This is Task Force 72 we’re with Task Forces 71, 47, 68 and 69.” said a male voice, “We have a thirty-seven car pile up here. Requesting another engine and a rescue. Make that two rescues to our location to assist with extrication.”

Linda replied, “This is Rescue 17 we’re done with rescuing someone who got trapped in a vault. Show us responding to Task Forces 72, 71, 47, 68 and 69 locations. ETA five minutes.”

“This is Task Force 53 we’re with Task Forces 59, 23, 33, 82 and 87. We have multiple structure fires and a lot of injured people up here in the Highwood-Tallwood District line. We need more resources up here ASAP.” said a male voice. “This is Task Force 88 we’re with Task Forces 89 and 92 we’re rerouting from Downtown to Uptown to a high-rise fire. Show our ETA five to seven minutes. Requesting a battalion or division chief to our location. We’re heading to 8787 Lavender Blvd in Uptown. It’s just two buildings from the intersection of Heliconica and Rhizome Boulevard.”

“This is Volunteer Task Force 330 we’re with Volunteer Task Forces 331, and 332 we're downtown. We need additional water. Our tanks are half empty and the cistern is nearly dry.” a male voice.

“This is Volunteer Task Force 334 and 335. We have split up the city and are mapping out the areas that are blocked or damaged. We’ll report back by 2145 hours.” said a female voice, “But we need urgent backup over here at the border of Downtown and Westside. We have heavy gunfire from semi-auto and full-auto weapons.”

“This is Battalion 18 with Division 14. We’re responding to the high-rise fire at 8787 Lavender Blvd in Uptown. Show our ETA four minutes. Requesting a chief officer to take command of the incident.” said a male voice

“This is Battalion 19, Rescue 18, Foam Task Forces 32, 33 and Division 17. We’re en route to the multi-vehicle collision at Task Forces 72, 71, 47, 68, and 69 locations. ETA seven minutes. We will need a massive operation to clear the debris from the roads and repair the sinkholes caused by the burst water mains.”

“This is Swift Water Rescue One and Dive Rescue One. We've pulled countless people out of the water but we know that the tunnel is another story,” said a male voice. “Gonna need assistance and one of those giant industrial pump or pumps to drain the tunnel of flood water.”

Another mobile command dispatcher replied, “Is anyone even alive in the tunnel?”

“Got it will send a few more companies to help out with manpower,” said a mobile command dispatcher, “All city fire and police personnel need a truck company, a police Emergency Service Unit, a Squad, and two Rescue Squads. Anyone available to assist both Swift Water Rescue and Dive Rescue?”

Soon the radio lit up with responses:

“This is Rescue Co 17,” said Linda. “Show us redirecting from the car accident to aid Swift Water Rescue and Dive Rescue even though it’s not a rescue it’s a mass recovery. Our ETA IS Nine and a half minutes.”

“This is Volunteer Rescue 332 show us heading to the Eastern tunnel entrance 10-20,” said a male voice, “Our ETA is ten minutes and forty seconds.”

“This is Truck Company 141 our Lieutenant just told us to relocate to the tunnel to assist show us enroute to the tunnel ETA 29 minutes,” said a male voice.

“This is Empire Police Special Weapons And Emergency Service Unit 9, and 10 show us enroute to the tunnel to assist,” said a female voice.

Lusty was ready to go to bed and so was everyone else because of how tired they were. But the high rise calls were what killed them wanting to go to bed and get some rest even with off duty members coming into work after the quake that didn’t and isn’t helping anything.

“We are here at the scene of the devastating earthquake that has rocked the city of Empire. With me now is Lieutenant Johnson of the Empire Fire Department, who has been leading some of the rescue efforts. Lieutenant Johnson, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us what kind of rescues have you and your team been making?” asked the female news reporter.

Lusty replied, “We have been working non-stop to save as many lives as possible. We have been getting people out of trapped elevators, stranded roof tops, and collapsed buildings and parking garages. We have also been providing medical care and transport to the injured.”

The News Reporter said, “That sounds like heroic and exhausting work. We have been hearing that emergency services are stretched to the limit and running out of resources. How are you coping with the situation?”

Lusty replied, “It's true that we are facing a lot of challenges and shortages. Things were already bad before the earthquake, but now they are worse. We are running low on supplies, equipment, and personnel. We are doing our best with what we have, but we need more help and support from the state and federal government.”

“We hope that help arrives soon. Lieutenant Johnson, thank you for your time and your service. Stay safe out there.” Said the news reporter, “We've also heard about price gouging in some places and people are charging as high as $100 just for one bottled water. But people expect to see looting and price gouging.Back to you in the studio.”

Lusty at first she can’t believe that the city dispatch center when it was transferred over to the mobile command post that they had to go old-school of using pen, paper, and punch card technology that was slowly replaced throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s with computers.

“Be careful what you wish for Lieutenant,” said Avalanche. “I heard you tell Macaroni that we haven’t had a major earthquake within a century and you just had to say it earlier and cue all of this.”

Lusty replied, “And I’m surprised a you know what hasn’t hit the city yet,”

“A what?” asked Avalanche.

Dynamite replied, “Tidal wave, Tsunami, Killer wave.”

That made Avalanche backhand Dynamite in the mouth.

“I! REALLY! HATE! THIS! YEAR!” exclaimed Lusty, “I had a fellow trainee at the fire academy and she was an Academic Alpha Bitch who looked down on everyone but at least she learned her lesson. When I threatened to put by foot so far up her ass that she won’t be sitting down again and when an instructor told her that if she tried to act all smug and superior to everyone else then he can bounce her from the academy in a New York second and to put her into her place more for acting all high and mighty. She got put at the Fire Department Supply Building to put her snobby ass in her place. Hell, she was put in another class so that’s why she wasn’t in my class photo because she had to go and redo the academy for the Fall class. This year has been Hell so far!”

When they were able to put out the fire Lusty and the companies there decided to take a short break before rushing into the next place to help.

“Forgot how long it has been since we last ate and the last time I went this long without eating was back during the war back in ‘00,” said Dynamite.

Avalanche replied, “Ditto. Back in Winter ‘99. Recon Mission, the Caucasus Mountains well the Greater Caucasus range, Soviet Russia. Mount Elbrus to be precise. Cold. Freezing. Fuck that.”

They heard Lusty going off why she doesn’t like her being stereotyped with other firefighters as being both Lazy and always on duty. Yeah they may sit around the station but they mostly do training, drills, or respond to emergencies. She kinda agrees with the stereotype of almost being on duty because of the Modified California roll schedule they do of them being on duty every other day before taking a week off but the same is true for the other three shifts as well.

Macaroni fell asleep with her head on Lusty’s shoulder.

“Good night Mac,” said Lusty, “Talk to you in the morning.”

***

The next day

“Top of the morning to you, ladies and gents,” the radio announcer’s voice rings out, a touch of the 1940s grandeur in his tone. "You’re tuned in to your reliable news station, delivering the freshest news at the crack of 8:30. The sun’s rays are beaming down, promising a high of 77 and a later dip to 69.

"In a turn of events that has left no eyebrows raised, President Bill Waterson, along with the respected members of the Little Bird Military Congress, have made a tactical call. Two sturdy divisions are pulling out from the icy wilderness of the Sakha Republic in Russia’s Far East. Their next stop? The lively city of Empire.

"A battalion of our top-notch, war-tested Government Issued/General Infantry soldiers is being dispatched to bolster the local constabulary. Their dual mission: uphold peace and order, and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid. The President is also extending a hand to other nations, seeking their backing in sending aid to our city.

"When the clock strikes twelve, aid from our Stratocratic Government will be touching down in Empire. And in a short span of seventeen hours, a regiment from a classified division of the Little Bird Armed Forces will be on the ground. Whether they’re foot soldiers, marines, or airborne remains under wraps.

"Let’s take a step back and revisit yesterday’s headlines. The Little Bird Geological Group has verified that the tremor that rattled our city was a whopping 9.3 on the Richter scale. Our valiant fire department has tackled 2000 blazes, while our vigilant police department has made 8000 arrests. Our hospitals are operating beyond their limits, and supplies are running low at a worrying pace.

"Given these circumstances, the much-awaited three-way baseball game has been put on hold. But don’t lose heart, dear listeners, for we shall prevail. And now, to brighten your day, we’ve got some charming melodies queued up for you. Stay tuned, stay secure, and remember, we’re all in this together."

Dynamite mumbled, “Damn I wanted to watch a three way baseball game.”

When Macaroni went to go stretch her legs she saw both male and female cops wearing the same outfit which is: dark blue uniform and wear a helmet with black balaclava mask, goggles, a mask, knee pads, and a tactical vest with "POLICE" or “SWAESU” decals on the front and back. They also have a holster containing a pistol. But they have either semi-automatic shotguns, pump-action shotguns, semi automatic rifles, battle rifles, tactical rifles, automatic rifles, and a few having Squad Automatic Weapons.

But there were some cops on the roof buildings with either or having Bolt-action or Semi-automatic sniper rifles or Marksman rifles even though most of the police sharpshooters and snipers where 70% of them are female even though all cops on Little Bird are trained as Marksmen with 80% trained as sharpshooters and 20% trained to be snipers even though the 20% were either snipers or designated marksmen/markswomen in the Little Bird Armed Forces.

Macaroni also saw the Empire Militia set up in some ruined buildings of machine gun nests or patrolling the streets in trucks or light high mobility 4x4 vehicles.

“Hey Lus…” said Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “Little Bird has one of the highest unions in the world within the same as the Nordic countries. You name a union we got it. Companies try to do union busting and try to disband unions but can’t. Not even companies try to intimidate people who are in unions but that’s a violation of the Little Bird 1935 Union Act.

"I’m a part of four unions which are the Fire Department Union 22, Fire Department City of Empire Union 1, Fire Department of Little Bird Officer’s Union 44, and Fire Department City of Empire Union 4. Hell, the Deputy Fire Commissioner when I was on my first and second Maternity leave he tried to get me to sign a ‘I’ll quit during my maternity leave then reapply to redo the fire academy to become a firefighter’ again but I was about to sign but I decided not to and talked to the Firefighter Union about it they told me that what the Deputy Fire Commissioner was illegal because it would’ve be me just quitting so I wouldn’t have a case of illegal termination because the signature would say that I volunteered and gave up my rights.

"It’s because he didn’t want a female firefighter to go on maternity leave then after sometime come back to work. Linda didn’t go through the same trap because of her being married to your cousin Dave and he’s a Union Firefighter. He helped me out of a jam. At least I stopped and thought about doing research on something before just signing a document without having someone walk me through what would’ve happened if I signed that release document. I remember I told him that I would sign if my rights to maternity leave and coming back to the same company would be protected but when he said no then I told him no.”

“I know that it’ll cost the government a lot of money,” said Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “And the Rich will pay most of it.”

“Huh?” Macaroni said confused.

Lusty replied, “In peacetime, low-income people pay 3% on taxes, the middle class pays 5% on taxes, and the rich pays 15%. In wartime low-income people pay 4%, the middle class pay 7% and the rich pay 15%. That’s the 1969 Little Bird Tax Act. Oh yeah the rich tried to strong arm the president into reversing it to have the low-income families pay more on tax while the rich pays less and what did your great grand uncle do that’s right he had the military start sending draft cards to the rich people’s kids to fight in the military during the waning years of the police action war aka the Vietnam War. Well we had declared war on North Vietnam but like the US which didn’t have declared war. Hell my parents liked your great grand uncle when my parents were alive. Hell if it wasn’t your great grand uncle then we wouldn’t have a lot of policies that he made or reworked to be more humane.

"Even though a lot of employers, mostly those in the industrial making careers where employers want their employees work inhumane hours and the wartime workers act is where industrial employers violate every labor law under the damn sun. I mean it says that employees can work 10-12 hours a day if they want to but they got to be paid for how many hours they work but those industrial employers reword it as to make their employees work 10-12 hours but pay them for eight hours, have an elimination of sick leave pay, 6/72 work schedules, restrictions on breaks.

"In 1935 the Little Bird Union Act and the 1925, 1957, and 1965 Little Bird Fair Work Act said that employees who work more than eight hours have to be paid for that time, two breaks one at 10:00 AM and another at 1:00 PM, paid sick leave, paid time off, hours worked, and overtime.I mean in the first quarter of 2006 in a factory that once made civilian goods turned into making military goods one factory there were 123 cases of sickness, 12 dismemberments, and 31 deaths. The second Quarter of 2006 doubled it, and the third quarter tripled it. Hell the company said that they were following the Wartime Workers Act which was a lie and even the government saw through that and canceled their contract to make bullets, grenades, knives and other types of munitions for the military.”

“They ain’t going to have an accurate casualty rate for weeks or months,” said Dynamite. “They probably got a miscount or counted something twice or more. How many people have we saved so far Lieutenant?”

Lusty replied, “My tally so far that I got written down is 2369.”

“We need more help,” said Irving.

Lusty replied, “Yeah well this city is on our own. Hell the towns of Moonlight Bay, Sunset Vale, Cozy, Clearlake, Aurora, Pine Valley, even our nation’s capital felt that shake one way or another and they were fighting their own battles of SAR and whatnot.”

“And I bet the hospitals are finding a way of turning people away because they got earthquake victims, car accidents, burns and smoke inhalation and other type of people who are injured in earthquake-related injuries.” said Gallows, “They’re probably doing triage on the streets due to a lack of room at hospitals. Oh yeah, I heard on the radio of them having to convert rooms in hospitals to help others. The cafeterias in hospitals were converted for minor injuries, quarantine wings were converted for intensive and critical care.

"The only wings in hospitals that are the same are the Virus Lab wing, Counseling wing, Pediatric care wing, HAZMAT wing, Decontamination Wing, and Pharmacy. Hell, all of the city’s 4 hospitals are between 30th-38th stories tall. They’re even treating people in the Emergency Department and in examination rooms on how out of the room they are.”

They were about to ask him how he knew that to be more detailed.

”My wife is a combination of a surgical and medical doctor,” he explained. “Only break she had was to drink a cup of coffee and eat a ham and cheese sandwich… At 2 AM. She told me that some doctors are doing surgery on the sidewalks due to a lack of room. Hell the Marine and Naval Air Base within five minutes after allowing people to come on to get treated for earthquake and flood-related injuries it wasn’t five minutes before the Infirmary was at full capacity and that they had to reorganize both the armory and the base staff rooms for MP’s and the Marine version of the Military Police go to take a break into makeshift hospitals to treat injured people.”

Lusty replied, “Yeah but outside resources are unavailable due to other places dealing with earthquake-related injuries even though a lot of other places here on Little Bird would’ve felt it but not as much as it was here in the city of Empire.”

Then they went on a ride while Lusty kept her ear glued to the radio to hear where they would respond to any emergency. But they decided to stop at the Mobile Command Post turned Field HQ.

***

Mobile Command Post

There was a radio.

“And with me now is Sophia Wilson. Alderwoman for Empire 10th District,” said a Radio host, “Welcome Sophia to Empire Echo 99.0 to the Empire Morning Rush.”

Sophia replied, “Thank you for having me even though a majority of people won’t be hearing this.”

“So you’re here to talk about how you’re both a firefighter and alderwoman who tried to pass bills and try to support your fellow local responders,” said the radio host.

Sophia replied, “Yes. I want people to know that we got to stop living like this during the Interwar period of 11 November 1918 to 1 September 1939. Pre 1942 this city’s services aka fire, police, medical, and sanitation dates back to 1942. During World War 2 the Little Bird Armed Forces took a look at the city population and one of the biggest hits was the fire department where out of Seven Hundred and Eighty Four members half were drafted for the war where only the guys whose wives were expecting or went and put themselves through college to avoid getting drafted. While yes we did turn to women to fill in those vacant spots. The city even had to form a second Squad Company in 1943 which was just a normal Engine Company until 1953

When Squad 141 was invented from Engine 141. Yeah the fire department has a lot of members..”

“1652 to be exact,” said the radio host.

Sophia replied, “Three hundred and Seventy Eight per shift. Times it by four you get One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Two. Those numbers may be great and with dwindling numbers you think the ones who are floaters will just go to the companies that face company shortages. But that’s not happening because this city doesn't have the manpower even with having a new class to help out to relieve the shortages but 80% of said class will just sit at home collecting 75% pay and just go where they need a relief firefighter for the day or for how long.

"I done my research and yes it’s great to have people who fill in wherever they’re needed such as covering for other firefighters who are sick, doing training or on vacation and it’s flexible that all shifts are fully staffed but the ones in the floater pool always need to be adaptable and ready to work and go to different firehouses on short noticed. For a while I was a floater because I was put into the floater pool because my former firehouse was Firehouse Fifteen.

"I was on Engine Company 15 and the members got through me and just made me go into the floater pool because there were no open houses. But I tried to get bills passed that would allow firefighters to get another set of turnout gear so the ones they wear can be washed and cleaned and while drying they’ll have a clean turnout gear waiting. I proposed to open four new firehouses but nope even though we have more floaters sitting at home doing nothing. Well since the earthquake hit I know that all of the floaters are out and about doing their job even joining up with other companies to help.

"But I tried to pass bills to get firefighters new turnout gear, have new firehouses opened, new radios that the communications that date back to 1938, hire more Paramedics and EMTs, get new armor and better weapons for the cops, have the city hire some double ambulances that can carry two people instead of one and have at least a new hospital or a few to be built. I mean even the mayor took my and Ms Abigail Marteniz idea of opening new firehouses, new police stations and new hospitals and saying it’s all his idea.”

“You mind breaking down your numbers?” asked the radio host.

Sophia replied, “There are Twenty-Three Engine and Ladder Companies. Each Shift has 14 members per company or fifty six for all four shifts combined is six hundred and forty four. With the foam companies and four SOC companies then it adds an additional two hundred and twenty four. That's eight hundred and eighty eight. That leaves 765 remaining but then there's 24 battalion chiefs, eight battalion chiefs and fourteen safety battalion chiefs and eight division chiefs. Then another 100 for fire investigation and 250 for HQ workers and another 34 to have the interest for the department but not the workers because the 34 is how my friend Claire Johnson would say ‘sycophant bureaucrats’ that's all about politics and have the best interest for politics not being a smoke eater. But out of that number the remaining who are floaters are 349 and I say we can take about half that number and make a new company.”

The radio host and Sophia kept talking but Macaroni wanted to listen to music.

As they heard the radio host and Sophia talk was when Squad 141 and Macaroni was able to get some breakfast and a cup of coffee and get some rest which would be their only rest that ain’t some sleep that Macaroni got.

“I know they’re not going to restart power until they repair the lines,” Lusty said while eating some scrambled eggs with toast. “Unless they can reroute power to avoid making downed power lines be active. But sooner or later the power got to be restored and city buildings like hospitals are running on backup generators or running on auxiliary power which is only meant to be a backup for sometime not indefinitely so within the next one hundred and fifty hours to two hundred hours because the auxiliary power will shut down.”

As Macaroni was about to throw away her paper plate she heard over the fire department radio

“It’s hitting every side street and has structural fires, and a couple hundred inhalation cases already,” said Marcus (over the radio), “I can’t keep it out unless you send me some help.”

Mobile Command replied, “We’re working on it. Meantime do everything you can to push the fire towards the flooded part of Westside.”

When Lusty and the rest of her company got done eating and drinking coffee they told Mobile Command that they’ll go.

***

Westside

“The whole city’s out of power,” said an electrician.

Marcus replied, “You have to get me some more water pressure in the hydrants that aren’t broken.”

“I’d love to,” said the man, “But the city’s out.”

Marcus replied, “But the cisterns and few remaining hydrants are going dry.”

“Don’t you hear me?” said the same man, “The lights are out in other parts of the state of Mountain.”

Marcus replied, “Everything on this street is on fire nobody gives a shit about the other places that felt less than what we received from that earthquake.We’re trying to keep the city in one piece pinhead.

“What are you blaming me for?” asked the man.

Marcus replied, “Convenience OK.”

Soon there was a shot that rang out. Everyone took cover but Lusty grabbed her radio and radioed, “10-47 I repeat 10-47 requesting policing we’re being shot at by a sniper. Repeat 10-47 requesting police we’re being shot at by a sniper.”

Mobile Command replied, “Did you say a sniper?”

“10-4” said Lusty.

Mobile Command replied, “Okay give us a few minutes to find a patrol unit or a SWAESU unit to respond. We’re swamped with calls for police assistance. Give us a few minutes before a patrol unit can be located or redirected to your 10-20.”

“Who wants to shoot at us? I mean we’re the red cross of flames,” said Macaroni. “We had nothing to do with the Quake.”

Lusty replied, “Takes me back to when we were getting shot at by a sniper. He loved picking at us and what caused his downfall was shooting at us outside of a courthouse that has both courthouse police and regular police.”

Dynamite put her hand on her left upper chest then looked at her hand and saw her blood. She then fell down. Avalanche went over to her and she got shot as well but she was able to drag Dynamite out of the sniper’s line of fire.

There was another shot.

“To break the ice-ish,” said Macaroni, “And not think about what’s going on. But I think the people over in the Eastside…”

Lusty replied, “Due to a lack of police my old neighbors they armed themselves and took to the rooftops of local businesses and their tenements to defend themselves and each other not adding that the police defensive perimeter around the wealthier areas abandoning low income areas aka Anderson, Eastside and Westside and the people in Eastside are once military once in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Special Operations and they either see that people want to loot and destroy things already broken.

" I mean the businesses are family operated non franchises, yeah I may have worked for a mom and pop fast food joint but they hired me because my boss and his wife were friends with my parents not adding Eastside is a close knitted community. Honestly before we left to go to the Mobile Communications for breakfast the moment we left Eastside I just gotten a wave of fear of getting shot. I mean the people there have each other’s back.

Hell, one way that they’re united is via radio listening and use it like what emergency services use the emergency number to know when there’s trouble. Yeah when you heard that there’s shooting going on in the Eastside or Westside it’s the people defending what's rightfully theirs. Oh these people don’t have handguns but they have what weapons they were issued in World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf war they were Army, Army Rangers, Marines, Airforce, and Special Forces.”

“I guess this is what my dad felt like when he was in Panama and in the Middle East during both Operation Just Cause and the Gulf War,” said Macaroni.

Avalanche replied, “Yeah minus the fact we can’t shoot back because we don’t have guns.”

“Lusty give me your Tomahawk,” said Macaroni, “Gonna make a decoy.”

Lusty replied, “A what?”

“A decoy, well a sniper decoy,” said Macaroni, “So one of us can see where the shot is coming from.”

Lusty replied, “Yet the shot happens before the sound. So that means the sniper is far away because if the sniper was close then we would’ve heard the gunshot before the bullet hit.”

Lusty then gave Macaroni her tomahawk where Macaroni took off her helmet and put it onto the tomahawk and leaned it out but had Lusty be somewhat a spotter. The sniper took the bait.

“Need another shot to make sure it’s right,” said Lusty.

Macaroni leaned the helmet out again and another shot occurred.

“Eighth floor far left side that midrise in the flooded zone,” said Lusty.

Macaroni made a break for it.

“I remember having a Anti-Armor launcher once,” said Avalanche, “Even though we were in an enclosed place but my squad leader said ‘I know it's technically impossible to shoot a M33 LAVW (Light Anti-Vehicle Weapon) from an enclosed position. Don't read the fucking manual next time, and you won't care so much!’ and the black blast hurted several Mountaineers. And then I told my squadleader that .I'm stuck on the Eastern Front, and so are fucking you!”

***

(Mackenzie “Macaroni” Waterson POV)

“I will fuck you up!” Macaroni mumbled, “Back home I was a crack shot, out here I can't hit shit. I figure it's because the gophers never shot back.”

Macaroni even though wet from the water but she managed to start to walk up the steps. She then made it to the Eighth floor, southeast wing.

“Who believes in the bogeyman?” Macaroni mumbled, “When you're as cold as steel, the rain has no effect.”

Macaroni was able to sneak up on the sniper but she took his handgun but when the sniper turned around to see Macaroni was when she pulled the trigger on the handgun before throwing it away.

“Just like huntin turkeys with my uncle near his farm.” said Macaroni before radioing in that she “lost eyes” on the sniper before returning back.

***

Back with Squad 141

“So you didn’t find the sniper?” asked Lusty.

Macaroni replied, “No I didn’t. Guess he ‘vanished’ before I got there.”

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” asked Lusty.

Macaroni replied, “The sniper won’t be bothering us again.”

“What do you mean?” asked Lusty.

Dynamite replied, “The sniper is dead.”

“Dynamite save your strength until you can be taken to a hospital,” said Lusty.

Dynamite replied, “I just need this bullet removed, swelled up and a bottle of whiskey then I’ll be good to go.”

Dynamite performed self first aid on herself and after they were able to knock the fire down and they went back to the Eastside.

“Imagine the most intense war movie you’ve ever seen, where the destruction of a town, village, or city is laid bare. Now, remember that every war was fought in someone’s home, their schools, their streets,” Macaroni said, her voice echoing the harsh reality of the situation.

As Macaroni ventured out into the aftermath, it was as if a bomb had detonated. Buildings lay in ruins, vehicles were wrecked beyond recognition. The chaos had given rise to anarchists and looters, who seized the opportunity to wreak havoc until radio communications were finally restored.

In the Eastside, the scene was no different. Fire apparatus were scattered around, some with shattered glass from bricks hurled with reckless abandon, others bearing dents and bullet holes - silent witnesses to the anarchy. Like Lusty, Macaroni kept her ear glued to the radio, listening intently to the dispatches from Mobile Command.

Whenever a Fire Company or Medical Unit was dispatched to an area for a fire or medical aid, they were often left without police protection. Captains or Lieutenants would radio back to Mobile Command, their voices firm and resolute, “That’s a negative. I’m not taking my guys down there to get shot up.”

They refused to risk their teams in areas where they were likely to be attacked. The earthquake had not just shaken the earth, but also the very fabric of society. It was a stark reminder of how destructive nature could be, and how some individuals exploited such chaos for their own gain.

Macaroni was like a child and just wandered off and when she hid behind the remains of a brick wall of what was a tenement building and caught first hand of how militaristic the police force not adding there’s a once military turned police APC that still has it’s .50 Caliber HMG on it and every third bullet is a tracer bullet while the rest is live ammo and they’re engaging shots with armed criminals who are firing at them.

But when Macaroni started to head back to Squad Co 141 she was called by someone for help so she did but radioed Lusty for some help and when Lusty and the rest of Squad Co 141 got to Macaroni’s location, Macaroni was helping a woman give birth to a baby where the woman wanted to go to the hospital. But Lusty broke the news of the hospitals are overcapacity and if a doctor was available there’s a 100% chance she won’t give birth in a hospital delivery room and probably in the Delivery Wing or the Patient Rooms, Emergency Center, Wellness Center, Diagnostic Lab, Surgical Center and other hospital wings and hospital rooms are full and some doctors are performing surgery in the hospital cafeterias even out on the sidewalk due to lack of room. Some of the commercial buildings that surround the hospitals are turned into makeshift hospitals.

They put the woman onto their rescue engine but as they were en route to the hospital Lusty radioed mobile command to tell them that they’re currently en route to Empire General hospital to drop off a woman in labor. But as they were getting close the last thing the woman wanted was to give birth inside a fire engine but it happened but Macaroni only had Avalanche help.

After they delivered the woman off to the hospital.

“Congrats Macaroni,” said Avalanche, “As per company policy for either getting in the newspaper even if it’s bullshit or delivering your first baby then the entire company has to buy you an entire round.”

Lusty replied, “Never heard that policy.”

“It’s from what I learned from when I was over in the Fire Department City of Las Adventure,” said Avalanche. “The day after a massive car accident well when I was on Engine Co. 27 we responded to a massive car pile up in the rain and when I went to a car to check on the people the driver he said that he’s a little shaken up because it was the first time his car hydroplaned.

"For me to check on his wife who was in labor and when I did radio that I had a woman going into labor I was told I would have to walk the woman to give birth as the ambulances were on the rain but how since it was raining hard they had to drive slower so they wouldn’t have to hydroplane and cause another accident. By the time the ambulances got there the woman already delivered the baby. The next day Task Force 27 bought me an entire round of drinks. Different types of Task Force.”

Macaroni replied, “What kind of different type of Task Force?”

“Here in the city of Empire a Task Force is a single Engine Company and a Truck Company,” Avalanche explained. “In Las Adventure it’s Two Engine Companies and one Truck Company. I was on Engine 27 and our second engine was Engine 227 with Truck Company 27. Different Departments have different policies and ways. But since Las Adventure is the world's gambling oasis. Home to bright neon lights, busy casinos, enormous hotels, wedding chapels, sinful nightlife. Population 297,000. Has thirty-seven firehouses or three per district. At least that city has enough firehouses to cover the city and still the same size unlike this damn city that this city would rather keep making false promises and use city money for their hookers and blow.”

Macaroni replied, “But you like it out here don’t you?”

“Damn straight I like it out here,” said Avalanche, “Far away from my dad… my abusive police bully of a father. And I don’t have to live in fear thinking my dad is going to walk up behind me and put two .38 bullets in the back of my skull because I ran off to join the Army then later the Fire Department instead of becoming a cop who commits act of police brutality every one millisecond to people who disagree with him.”

Macaroni replied, “He needs to be in prison.”

“Welcome to a police state,” said Avalanche. “You want to know why people don’t riot or protest about this country being a police state?”

Macaroni replied, “Because they’ll get a nightstick to the head and get a broken skull? Or shot?”

“No it’s because of plenty of protection,” said Avalanche. “Or a recent poll says 8 out of 10 feel happy and secure due to the police state, 0.5 says they hate the police state and 1.5 are unknown. Honestly we may be a police state but people have freedom of speech and do things in places with freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press even though that’s somewhat bullshit, but it’s not your stereotypical all-seeing Orwellian entity.”

When it was sunset the 12th Infantry Regiment from the Little Bird 3rd Infantry Division was the first to show up with the 9th, 10th, and 11th Regiments would l be showing up later because the War Department have to move the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th Ranger Battalions to fill the gap that the 3rd Infantry Division is leaving opened but Lusty suspects why the Third Infantry Division is called the “Volunteer” Division because of the Division Commander been volunteering the division since it was first organized all the way back in 1703 even though the Little Bird 3rd Infantry Division is called the Green Diamond division.

“Hey Lusty, why are all 19 Little Birden Mechanized-Motorized Infantry Divisions named after a color and diamonds?” asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “Red Diamonds, Blue Diamonds, Green Diamonds, Yellow Diamonds, Orangish-Red, Reddish-Orange, Yellowish-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Orange-Yellow, Orangish-Yellow, Yellow,, Green-Yellow, Yellow-Green, Yellowish-Green, Green, Bluish-Green, Blue, Violetish-Blue, Bluish-Violet Infantry Divisions. Reason why they got those nicknames is because their original division commanders wore class rings with diamonds with said colors. Well besides the Red Diamond they got that by using unseen warfare before and closing in before the Blister Canyon soldiers would have gotten into a line formation to fire their muskets and use their tomahawks and knives while officers used their swords to slice and dice but by the time the Blister Canyon soldiers could grab their muskets it was too late.”

“Ah okay then thanks for the history lesson,” said Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “We won but a battle... now the real war begins.”

“What war?” asked Macaroni.

Dynamite replied, “Rubble removing to find people who are buried and other people who are… less fortunate.”

“She means dead,” clarified Avalanche.

When night fell what scared Lusty was the sound of the Little Bird M62 Tri Barrel Minigun that’s loaded with 7.62mm High-Explosive-Incendiary or High Explosive- Armor Piercing or Tracer-Full Metal Jacket bullets that’s either mounted on vehicles or being carried by operators of Thunderbird armor that’s a lightweight, yet incredibly strong, alien alloy. The suit is powered by a compact fusion reactor, reverse-engineered from the alien spacecraft.

This reactor provides the suit with nearly unlimited energy, allowing the operator to carry heavy, crew-served weapons with ease. The armor enhances the operator’s strength, speed, and endurance exponentially, allowing them to perform feats that would be impossible for an ordinary human. The suit’s advanced targeting system, derived from the alien tech, ensures unparalleled accuracy with all types of weaponry. The armor is also equipped with a personal energy shield for added protection. The project started in the 1960s but due to the tech limitations of that era it was just a pipedream until an alien spacecraft crashed and the military took the spacecraft to a secret location where the best and brightest dismantled the ship and worked for years on reverse engineering the tech.

But the anarchists were lucky they’re not being fired upon by some reverse engineered weapons like the: Photon Disruptor: This handheld weapon fires a concentrated beam of high-energy photons. The beam can cut through most known materials, making it an effective tool for both offense and breaching operations.

Plasma Cannon, Quantum Destabilizer, Graviton Pulser:, Singularity Projector, Pulse Laser Rifle (PLR), Beam Laser Sniper (BLS), Scatter Laser Shotgun (SLS), Laser Sidearm (LSA), Heavy Laser Cannon (HLC)

But the infantry there are just using standard ballistic weapons but some of them have while some of the vehicles and tanks have:

Man-Portable Railgun (MPR), Gauss Cannon (GC), Super Gauss Cannon (SGC), Direct Energy Weapon (DEW)

Lusty and people have seen them in use due to war footage from war correspondents.

***

Five days later.

City Hall. 1:39 PM

Macaroni even though not being a member of the Fire Department City of Empire or a member of the Empire Police Department or Medical Service or Technical Service. Macaroni was awarded both the:

The Golden Medal of Little Bird is a distinguished award, its design reflecting the spirit and unity of the people of Little Bird. The medal, cast in radiant gold, takes the form of a bird in mid-flight, its wings spread wide in a symbol of ambition and unity. Each feather is meticulously crafted, showcasing the attention to detail in its design. The bird’s eye is set with a deep blue sapphire, a nod to wisdom and leadership.

On the front of the medal, an ancient oak tree stands tall, a symbol of strength, endurance, and prosperity. A river meanders beneath the tree, representing the lifeblood and vitality of the nation. The seal of the town or city’s mayor is embossed at the bottom, signifying the local authority’s endorsement.

The back of the medal carries the inscription “For Exemplary Contributions to the Advancement and Unity of Little Bird” in elegant calligraphy. This is encircled by delicate engravings of olive branches, denoting peace and solidarity.

The medal is attached to a white ribbon, adorned with a single blue five-pointed star. This represents the honorable service and sacrifice of the recipients, and is worn with pride during formal events and special occasions.

The Golden Star of Little Bird (Civil Service) is another prestigious award. This golden medal is shaped like a radiant five-pointed star, symbolizing the courage and selfless dedication of civil servants. Each point of the star represents the essential roles of firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel in protecting and serving the nation.

The front of the medal features the emblems of the fire department, police force, and medical services, intertwined with a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and victory. The seal of the Little Bird government is embossed at the bottom, signifying official recognition.

The back of the medal bears the inscription “For Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” in dignified lettering. This is encircled by depictions of a firefighter’s helmet, a police officer’s cap, and a medical caduceus.

The medal is suspended from a white ribbon with a single blue five-pointed star, representing the exceptional bravery and sacrifice of civil servants. The ribbon is proudly worn by recipients as a testament to their extraordinary commitment to public safety and welfare.

Lusty, Dynamite, and Avalanche all advocated for Macaroni, leading to her receiving the highest medal in Little Bird and the top honor for civil servants. These accolades surpassed the Medal of Valor for the Fire Department City of Empire, the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor for the Police Department, the EMT of the Year Medal for Medical services, and even the Little Bird Armed Forces/Home Guard Humanitarian Ribbon, Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service, and the National Defense Medal.

The latter two are typically reserved for service members of the Little Bird Armed Forces. So, how did Macaroni, a civilian, come to receive these military honors? It wasn’t due to her great-grand uncle, Bill Waterson, the president of Little Bird. Instead, it was Lusty who championed Macaroni’s cause, persuading the Little Bird Military Congress and Joint Chief of Staff to bestow a military medal on a civilian.

Their agreement was based on Macaroni’s heroic actions, saving countless lives despite not being a civil servant. Her actions were protected under the Little Bird Good Samaritan Act of 1943. Among her many acts of bravery was assisting in the delivery of Lusty’s old friend’s baby, at a time when hospitals were overworked, overcrowded, and on the brink of running out of supplies. Macaroni’s courage and selflessness truly made her deserving of these high honors.

“How did I end up with the highest civil servant medal, tech services accolade, and two military medals?” Macaroni queried, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Lusty chuckled, “Well, let’s just say we had a hand in it. I might have persuaded the Little Bird Military Congress to recognize your heroism.”

As they descended the stage steps.

“So, who did you have to cozy up to for this? Who did you fucked or sucked off?” Macaroni teased.

Lusty shot back, grinning, “Despite my suggestive nickname, I assure you, I’m no femme fatale. I’m a loyal partner, not some sneaky, giggling gossipmonger like my ex.”

***

At a diner in the Eastside. Macaroni and Lusty got some lunch.

On the radio.

“Our civil service results of how they handled the aftermath of the Earthquake and flood wave their results of how fast they went to work and saved countless lives were beyond our expectations and that is not a statement this Council makes lightly,” said the city of Empire Head Councilman of Public Safety, “Yes for five hours our communications of all types were down but that didn’t stop the Fire Department, Police Department, Medical Services, Hospitals, Technical Services from going out to do their job.”

Lusty looked at some of her old neighbors and they felt lost and alone. They wished they had someone to talk to. Someone who would understand. Someone who would care. But they were talking with their friends who either did or didn’t lose things and had different ways of moving on like being with friends to cheer them up.

When Macaroni and Lusty decide to go see other parts of the city they just saw an army of construction workers up on scaffolds and either tearing down unsafe buildings or removing stuff and bringing building material in to build things. There were also road workers either tearing apart the roads and putting down fresh asphalt with roads closed or just doing some minor repairs.

“You know they’re making good money for a while,” said Macaroni as she fiddled with Lusty’s car radio.

“All this won’t get repaired until late 2008 or early 2009 or mid to late 2009. Because you know a lot of them will work overtime for money because Christmas is in three weeks on Sunday and Monday.” said Lusty, “But yeah they’re making good money. You know they’re making $17-20 per day due to the Little Bird Wartime Workers Act. But yeah it’s going to take years for this to be all rebuilt. I know that both Residential and Industrial buildings are getting repaired around the clock so people can have roofs over their heads and don’t live in either motels, hotels or trailers and eating take out every night.

"Hell the bridge is closed for major repairs and the tunnel is closed for draining then when the tunnel gets fully drained then electrical specialists will go in and replace everything in the control room to get the wiring and electricity running again. But the lights, vents, and exhaust system in the tunnel has to be all fixed but that tunnel will take a long time for all that to happen.

"Happened once during the Second World War where the tunnel was supposed to be completed by Spring of 1943 but didn’t get done until 1947 because of the war and a lot of the workers were taken for the war. Then when a lot of army or marine engineers got jobs in the fields that they did in the war well the company behind building the tunnel wanted to pay the returning vets just pennies on the dollar so they left to go work for that guy’s rival and made more.”

As they just rode around they just saw the damage caused by the 9.3 Earthquake. Every now and again they would see a police car go by or a military 4x4 jeep with four soldiers or a military 4x4 jeep with two soldiers and another soldier on either a 7.62mm machine gun, 5.56mm Machine gun or an .50 caliber machine gun. Or saw soldiers ride around light 4WD and medium 6WD military utility trucks, or in armored military 4x4 vehicles with one soldier driving, an officer in the passenger seat, two soldiers in the back passenger seats, a soldier manning a machine gun and a soldier riding in the back with the trunk hood removed. There were also a few military APC’s every two blocks and some Infantry Fighting Vehicles and some of the APC’s were Dynamite’s favorite of those flamethrower vehicles.

“So why aren’t you working?” asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “Overworked and the Little Bird Civil Defense Administration. They took over so the rest of us can get somewhat level of rest before suffering from burnout and sleep exhaustion. But honestly that’s what the Civil Defense is for they were made human-made and natural disasters. It uses the principles of emergency operations: prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, or emergency evacuation and recovery. Programs of this sort were initially discussed at least as early as the 1920s and were implemented in some countries during the 1930s as the threat of war and aerial bombardment grew. Civil-defense structures became widespread after authorities recognised the threats posed by nuclear weapons. Not adding that this city has Auxiliaries. Aka Auxiliary Firefighters like Volunteers but unlike the Volunteers the Auxiliaries are paid but they fill in the gaps when professional firefighters aren’t available and are only activated during times of war or disasters or when a State of Emergency is declared."

There is the Empire Police Auxiliary but they don't carry guns but they just do traffic control, crowd control, and other services during major events or I call them glorified crossing guards because the crossing guards in this city are a majority of them are a part of the Empire Police Department Auxiliary. The Little Bird Civil Defense they wear black casual suits and raincoats. But we're all a part of the Civil Defense team, everyone in the community, every fireman, every policeman, every doctor, nurse, lineman, teacher and you're a part of that team. Oh that part is from a 1954 Civil Defense film I've seen back in both Junior High and High School.

In the quiet solitude of the cemetery, Macaroni and Lusty found themselves standing before a tombstone adorned with coins. Macaroni, puzzled, turned to Lusty for an explanation.

“Each coin left here tells a story,” Lusty began, her voice heavy with emotion. “A penny signifies a visit of respect to a fallen soldier. A nickel means the visitor trained with the deceased at boot camp. A dime indicates they served together in some capacity. The eight pennies here represent the thoughts and respect given to my father. The ten nickels symbolize those who stood with him during boot camp. The twelve dimes are from those who fought alongside him from 1969-1975. If these pennies are from my father’s family, it’s their way of seeking his forgiveness.”

Macaroni, taken aback, asked, “Why would your father’s family seek his forgiveness?”

Lusty sighed, “They never accepted his love for my mother, a Native Little Birden. They tried to separate them, but my father stood firm. He even went to Vietnam, partly to escape his family’s prejudice. They only sought forgiveness ten years after his death, but I turned them away.”

“But surely your mother’s family must have had issues with her dating outside her tribe?” Macaroni ventured.

Lusty nodded, “Initially, yes. But when my father returned from Vietnam, he dined with my mother and her parents. They got to know him and their views changed. When they asked why he wanted to marry my mother, he simply said he wanted to make her happy. They gave him a chance and were glad to call him their son-in-law.

"My father always said his in-laws were more of a family than his own. His family’s refusal to accept me as their granddaughter was the last straw. He disowned them and considered them dead. He was content with just me and my mom. My mom, however, held out hope for a reconciliation, but it never came. That Christmas was the worst of my life.”

Macaroni asked, “If it’s not too painful, could you share how your parents passed away?”

Lusty took a deep breath, steadying herself before she began, “It was a day seared into my memory - July 3rd, 1996. We had just finished refilling our Rescue Engine at a commercial gas station when we heard Firehouse 47 needed specialized equipment. Lieutenant Marcus took the initiative, radioing in our acceptance of the call. Squad 525 was told to return to quarters. I managed to rescue my parents from the blaze.”

Her voice faltered, “Later, back at the firehouse, we were gathered in the kitchen when the phone rang. It was a call for Marcus, who was in the officer’s quarters. He returned with a somber expression. The news was devastating - my parents had succumbed to severe carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide poisoning. Despite my efforts, I wasn't able to save them.”

Lusty’s voice broke, “I retreated to the locker room, my fists meeting the cold metal of my locker in frustration and grief. Tears streamed down my face as I grappled with the harsh reality of our profession - we can’t save everyone, no matter how desperately we try.”

“Perhaps you could consider counseling to discuss your feelings,” Macaroni suggested gently.

Lusty responded, “I could have, but I chose not to. I did my best to cope with it outside of work. My approach might not have been the healthiest, but I managed to get through it in my own way - the Marine way.”

Intrigued, Macaroni asked, “What exactly is the Marine way?”

Lusty explained, “It’s about moving forward, not letting your emotions control you, and dealing with your pain during your own time.”

Macaroni responded with concern, “That can be quite unhealthy, Lusty. In the Marines, you’re in a constant state of war where letting your guard down could mean life or death. But it’s important to remember that it’s okay to seek help and talk to others. The Continental Marines, later the U.S Marines, and the Little Bird Marines all share the same ethos of being amphibious infantry. Marines are trained to be warrior-athletes, with a focus on maintaining positivity in adverse conditions. Courage, both mental and physical, is deeply ingrained in every Marine. You’ve shown that courage by coming to terms with your feelings on your own terms and in your own time. Yes, you kept your feelings about your parents’ passing hidden, not showing your vulnerability, but you also let it fester inside, acting as if it never happened.”

Lusty replied, “I’m aware that they’re gone, but I don’t want to show that I’m still hurting, still feeling the loss. Even though a decade has passed since their death, I wish every day that they were still here. Seventy-five percent of me feels like a lost child in a store, while the remaining twenty-five percent of me has come to terms with what happened.”

“You know there’s specialists out here in this city who are here for psychological and emotional counseling for people who loss others during the quake and I’m 100% sure that this city and country has counselors to talk to.” said Macaroni, “I know that the hospitals has a counselor wing for people to talk to all types of therapists and counselors. I know that the fire department has councilors and I know the police department has councilors, the schools have them and so on and so forth.”

Lusty replied, “I know but I don’t want to waste their time because they have other people with more bigger problems to help out with. I know that the police and fire departments have situational room for planning in both departments for operations in the city. But the police department have armories, barracks to house officers during crises, gunsmiths to refurbish weapons, an indoor shooting range, Canine units, and other rooms that’s useful in a police state. But yeah I should go and talk to a counselor.

"But my mom before I was born and after I was born she refused to let her sense me when I was a baby and she lost her license to me when I was a baby and she lost her license. She was the only one who I opened up too besides my dad. When I was with Zofia I moved on a bit but never fully. I guess I ran in head first of being with someone who I thought loved me but in reality she was just a snob and didn’t see the red flags until it was too late.”

“Well you got me to talk to,” said Macaroni, “And some members of my family you can talk to because of the trauma they deal with as soldiers, marines, pilots and other military careers that see a lot of trauma on a daily basis since the war began. Talk to my father because he has PTSD because he fought in Operation Just Cause and in the Gulf War. There’s no shame in talking to people.

"My great grand dad when I was old enough and when I would talk to him he talked about how Both World Wars were and the Korean War and mentioned how in World War 2 of how he lost his sons Terrence Charlie Waterson Junior on D-Day and his other son Kevin who died during Operation: Stalemate II aka Battle of Pelieu but he had other sons who fought in World War 2 either in the Navy, Army Aviation, or other ways fighting in the War. I mean his son Stanley Waterson almost died during the Battle of Berlin.”

Lusty replied, “Yeah I do got you to talk to. I also got some other friends to talk to. They say that time heals all wounds but to me that’s not true.”

They just stood there for a few moments before leaving in silence. When they went back home they just picked up everything and reorganized things as they were before the Earthquake.

“Brace yourself for a hefty window bill,” Macaroni quipped, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

Lusty, grunting as she heaved the couch back into place, retorted, “Tell me about it. At least it ain’t raining.”

With a broom in hand, Macaroni began a ballet of sorts, sweeping up the shards of glass that littered the floor. He carefully deposited the fragments into a trash bag, ensuring every surface - countertops, tables, and more - was free of the glittering remnants. As she worked, she flicked on the radio, filling Lusty’s kitchen with a hum of static and chatter.

“Empire Utilities and Technical Experts are working round the clock to restore power across the city within the next 24 hours,” the radio host announced, “They’re currently mending the ravaged power lines and infrastructure. Tallwood, the city’s affluent district, is the only one basking in electricity.”

Lusty couldn’t help but roll her eyes, “Oh, joy! The rich folks get to toast their bread before the rest of us. Sure, it’s great they’re not overloading the lines, but wouldn’t it make more sense to start with the district closest to the power plant?”

Macaroni, intrigued, asked, “What options does the power plant have?”

Lusty launched into an explanation, “Well, they could distribute energy equally across the entire region, but that would result in frequent brownouts because there’s not enough power to distribute equally. Or they could push the plant beyond operational levels to ensure everyone gets power, but that would mean violating government regulations.

"No sane person would risk a nuclear disaster just to keep their lights on. They could but no one and none of their influential friends can protect them when the Government sends their regulators down here and put their foot up the owners asses so far that their plant will be decommissioned for a while.”

Just as she finished, the lights in Lusty’s penthouse flickered back to life.

Macaroni, seizing the opportunity, opened the fridge, only to be greeted by a smell so foul it could knock out a horse. She quickly slammed it shut.

“Looks like everything but the soda’s taking a trip to the trash,” Lusty declared, “The milk’s turned, the food’s spoiled, the whole fridge is a disaster zone.”

Macaroni shot back, “Still smells better than your ex’s breath from the day when I called her a dumbass,” followed by a hearty, sarcastic laugh.

As Lusty approached the fridge, ready to tackle the mess, the stench hit her full force. She recoiled, joking, “I think we’re going to need a HAZMAT team for this one!”

They held their breaths and threw away all of the spoiled foods and spoiled beverages away but Lusty also went to go get her children who were with an old neighbor who was watching them and made sure they were safe and sound, well fed, and taken care of.

“When I was in elementary school and in PE class when we first learned Dodgeball,” said Lusty, “The Gym teacher said ‘Now this game is called Dodgeball and if you play your cards right then the person you hate will cry like a bitch’ and when I got used to playing dodge ball I threw a dodge ball and it actually did make someone cry.”

Macaroni replied, “Fun teacher.”

Due to every window repair company in the city was already pre-occupied and one just put Lusty in a list until they can get someone to come out to repair the windows but in the meantime Lusty and Macaroni put wooden boards up to protect the penthouse apartment from the rain and the elements.

“Do you ever think there’s life on other planets?” Macaroni asked out of the blue.

Lusty replied, “With all of the planets and other galaxies out there. Probably. Or as Arthur C Clark said ‘Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.’ And that’s The Fermi Paradox refers to the dichotomy between the high probability that extraterrestrial intelligence exists and the fact that we have no evidence for such aliens.

"I say yes Aliens and other types of Exteressials do exist. I know aliens have visited us before because some of the weapons that are used by the Little Bird Military are reverse engineered from something that doesn’t get pulled out of someone’s ass maybe from a sci-fi movie or a sci-fi book but yes. My main reason why aliens don’t visit us a lot because us humans love to tear each other apart and don’t want to get caught in the crossfire.”

“Just like a 1951 black and white movie called The Day the Earth stood still it’s one of my dad favorite films about a humanoid alien visiting earth.” said Macaroni, “Remember him saying ‘The universe grows smaller every day, and the threat of aggression by any group, anywhere, can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all or no one is secure’. It’s a great movie.”

Lusty then went out to get some food to stock her fridge with food but she went to the grocery store she found that they’re rationing everything and just handing stuff out to prevent hoarding. They limit everything and people can get so much per day and they can’t just go into the store, get everything within the limit, buy it, go out, put it in their vehicle, and come back in to rinse and repeat. When Lusty returned.

“Why don’t you have a coffee machine?” asked Macaroni.

Lusty replied, “I do, it's my dad’s military coffee pot. This chrome colored steel large pot that gently slopes inwards. It was made to be used on a stove or a hot plate. After this I’m going to go and see the department councilor.”

After a long day, Lusty carefully stored her groceries away. Her next stop was the local fire department, she had an appointment with the resident psychologist. The session was enlightening, revealing a strength in Lusty that was born from a lifetime of hardships and adversity. Her resilience, it seemed, was rooted in her past, a testament to the battles she had fought and won.

Lusty’s life was a stark contrast to that of her ex-girlfriend and many others. She grew up in a world where modern medicine was a luxury her family couldn’t afford. Instead, they relied on tribal remedies, lovingly prepared by her mother whenever illness struck. Entertainment was scarce, with no television to fill the silence. Her options were simple: play outside with friends or wait for the excitement of Friday night fistfights, where two opponents would duke it out only to shake hands afterwards.

The city of Empire, where 98% of the population enjoyed regular medical care, quality childcare, stable housing, and food security, was a world away from Lusty’s reality. While the city’s children attended well-maintained schools, dressed in new clothes, and never knew hunger, Lusty faced the opposite. Her wardrobe consisted of her mother’s old, worn-out dresses, handed down to her because her father’s clothes were too tight and were given to a neighbor’s son instead.

These dresses, ill-fitting and contrary to Lusty’s tomboy nature, were a constant reminder of her circumstances. Yet, she wore them without complaint, a symbol of her acceptance and adaptability. Despite the hardships, Lusty remained unbroken, her spirit undeterred. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, a beacon of hope that shines brightly, even in the face of adversity.

Lusty has been happy that she had the childhood she was given because her hardships that she had to face shaped her to be a resilient woman. It made her appreciate things she has rather than just waste money on something that will do the same thing then get bored with it a day or two later just to buy a new one that does the same thing.

Lusty even though she’s like her parents a mix of Authoritarian and Authoritative of but Macaroni says that Lusty is a better mother than Macaroni’s mother because Macaroni’s mother just done the uninvolved parenting not caring about Macaroni but Macaroni did mention that her father was Authoritative.

“Why are you an Authoritative parent?” Macaroni asked.

Lusty replied, “Because my parents put in a lot of effort into creating and maintaining a positive relationship with me, they explain the reason behind their rules and they set limits, enforced rules, gave consequences and took my feelings into consideration. My father at times did the saying ‘kids should be seen and not heard’ and rules with ‘my way or the highway’ at times.”

“A lot better than my mother,” said Macaroni, “Once my mother said she was going to pick me up but I went with a friend because it was two hours after a game. Remember my friend’s landline rung and it was my father calling all of my friends asking if I was with any of them. It was 10 at night but my dad got me and after I went to school the next day my dad yelled at my mom because she failed to do something she promised to do and since that day back in ‘98 my dad always came to my sports games and I played soccer. After every game we would go and get ice cream. But she ain’t a mother, she's just dead to me.”

***

Months later, June of 2007.

Macaroni graduated from Arcane University but she was expecting just her dad showing up but nope she was expecting just expecting her dad but Lusty, David “Dave” Waterson, Linda Richter-Waterson, and a few other of Macaroni’s other family members showed up even though Linda didn’t have to show up because she’s Macaroni’s cousin-in-law.

When Lusty and Macaroni were walking together Macaroni told Lusty that the next day she’s going to go back to the United States to be with her dad for a while and join the Navy. Lusty being supportive of her girlfriend tells her that she’s going to wait for her if she wants to come back.

“You don’t have…” said Macaroni.

Lusty interjected, “My mom waited for my dad for six years to come back from Vietnam. I can do the same.”

Lusty showed her loyalty right then and there. They could’ve broken up right there but nope. But they soon came Zofia.

“I see it’s whore and whore,” said Zofia in a threatening tone, “Give me a reason why I shouldn’t shoot you?”

Lusty replied, “Because it won’t turn out well for you.”

Zofia put her hand on her gun.

“It's time I remind everyone why I'm here. A reminder to all. Not to mess with a Waterson!” said Macaroni.

Zofia replied, “Do you think I’m scared of you, you fake ass bitch?”

Macaroni responds with a fake laugh and a "Fuck you!".

When Lusty and Macaroni started to walk away.

“My dad always told me,” said Macaroni, “He said ‘You aren't alone in your suffering. There's always someone out there who's going through something as bad as if not worse than you are, and opening up to them is immensely more helpful than putting up walls and isolating yourself’. I’m happy now that you’re talking about your trauma. But only if my dad can do the same.”

Lusty replied, “Yeah but the difference is that we try to save others on a daily basis. Your father took people’s lives. We try to save others even when we can or can’t. Your father is told by his government to go to another country and tell him who’s the enemy and that the government enemy needs to die."

“Yeah,” said Macaroni, “You know what I like about this country? It doesn’t break the 10th Commandment that’s ‘You shall not covet’ which means You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. I follow the Remember the Sabbath day, Honour thy father and thy mother, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, and Thou shalt not covet. No wait screw the Honor thy father and thy mother just remove thy mother I just honor my father. Now I want Ribs.”

Lusty replied, “Not a religious person. I’m Agnostic and Atheist. But yeah this country put in place to leave things alone and not take anything if it doesn’t lawfully belong to us without paying for it. Of course that doesn’t stop our military from taking stuff to reverse engineer or take war trophies for study.”

Macaroni tripped over a rock.

“Yay! Pain!” Macaroni said as she was getting up but noticed she had a cut on her hand.

Lusty replied, “You like pain?”

“Just like my granduncle Charlie Waterson who was in the 82nd Airborne from ‘42 to ‘45 and landed on D-Day,” said Macaroni, “Of course I’m not a man, I didn’t land in a tree and a tree branch didn’t hit me in my right nut or as he said ‘Landed on a fucking branch that cracked my nut’ or in other terms he probably wanted to scream like a little girl..”

Lusty replied, “Sounds painful. But I guess he made up his mind that night but also the fate of the world was still in the balance of the Allies liberating the World or the Axis winning.”

“Yeah and during the Battle of the Bulge when he got lost somehow he overheard an Little Birden Combat Medic tell a Lieutenant that ‘If your men freeze to death, they cannot die fighting the enemy!’ but he didn’t want to take that chance but he made his way well he somehow found his way to the 112th Infantry Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division.” said Macaroni, “Or has he put it of how he got lost he said ‘I have one hundred and twelve .30-06 for my M1. One bullet per Jerry. I’m not going to die in the damn snow’. And well it’s kinda different but what he said he wasn’t going to do happened though because in January of ‘05 he had a stroke in the snow oh he’s fine because well as he phrases it ‘If the best the Germans couldn’t kill him then it’s God that needs to’ even though us Waterson’s believe that when you’re born that your date of death is already written in stone.”

With that being said Lusty and Macaroni went their separate ways because Macaroni wanted to spend time with her dad and cousins before she had to leave and Lusty went home.

When the next day did come Macaroni came and got her stuff but she and Lusty shared a hug and a kiss goodbye for now but they’ll see each other again. Stay tuned.