Chapter 7

Jade took over my training, which we both knew i didnt need. I’d spent my whole life expecting the country to fall, and my wish had come true.

Jade had all sorts of patches on her vest. She commandeered another vest for me, which i decked out in some classic political patches. Similar to Jade’s vest.

We were sitting, taking a lunch break. Not far out from the school. Jade had been showing me some details about the drones they flee for recon. But right now we were enjoying sandwiches she’d made that morning. She had pb&j, i had Balogna.

“So, what was it like out here? I’m glad you were able to escape the dam yankees.” i commented between bites.

She replied likewise. “Well, it took a good 3 days to learn the guns, with all the time we spent on them in the years. But with the drones, that took another few days.” She smiled, then leaned her head on my shoulder. We were sitting together in the canopy of the forest.

“Thats good. I was treated quite poorly at the prison. That was no place for me.”

“Yeah i’m glad you got out as well.”

“Jade,” I paused, “I’m sorry about your brother.”

She stiffened but didnt move from my shoulder, “It’s okay. It wasn't you.”

“I know you don't believe that.”

She pulled away and looked at my face. I didnt meet her gaze. So she touched her hands to my face and redirected my gaze. “Stop saying that. You didn't pull the trigger. What he was doing was right. So shut your fucking mouth.” She looked at my lips and softened again. “Fuck I missed you.”

Then Ophelia walked up, sneakily as usual. Ruined the moment.

“Jade, Hunter. We got a job.”

“Oh?” Jade asked, mildly annoyed.

“Calloway wants to see us 3.” Ophelia returned.

“Not lily too?” I asked.

“I was surprised too. I’ll leave you alone but you gotta be there by one.” She gave a slight smile. Then slinked off into the woods.

“I hate her.” Jade grumbled.

I gave her a kiss on the cheek. “She reminds me of you you know.”

Jade smiled then wrinkled her nose at me. “I hate you too.” And punched me in the shoulder.

“If I may ask,” Jade began. “Why Isn't Lily here?”

“Well, her ambush wasn't that long ago, and nearly her whole crew died. She is on leave, for at least another 2 months. She deserves it.” Finn Calloway responded. Swell guy I thought.

“Oh, I understand sir.” Jade replied.

“However, high general Barry Osborne has requested I join you 3. Nothing to worry about.”

“Is that so? I haven't met the guy before.” Ophelia commented.

“Nice enough guy, mostly see’s to the invasion of Missouri.” Jade replied, “what's this gotta do with us sir?”

“He has requested that we send some aid to make a final push up north. This will make it easier to defend here and keep what we have here in Tennessee.” Calloway said, reluctantly. “I don’t like it, but he may be right.”

“If you feel it will change the tide. I’m all for it.” I said.

“It shouldn't be terribly hard. The majority of the citizens are unarmed and don't want to take sides. And we have been receiving thousands of recruits per day.” Jade stated. “What's the plan with a strike team?”

Calloway smiled, “Sabotage and assassination.”

Ophelia gave a dark grin, “Oh hell yeah.”