"Well, that was a bold move, blowing off your dad like that," Mitchell remarked.

  Cadenza shot back, "Rule number one on the battlefield: 'Never leave a man behind.' So, screw my dad. It's worth facing a firing squad."

  "Let's get moving downriver," Sonata urged.

  Mitchell added, "I can probably call my cousin Macaroni for help if we need a naval guided missile cruiser."

  Jack raised an eyebrow, "And how exactly do you plan to contact her?"

  Mitchell shrugged, "We'll find a payphone. If this country still has them."

  With that, Sonata, Mitchell, Cadenza, Jack, Sam, and Mackenzie Rose climbed into a boat they found and started their journey downriver.

  As they drifted downriver, a voice crackled over the radio, announcing an upcoming election. Sonata's eyes lit up with a plan. "One of us could go undercover," she suggested, glancing at Mackenzie and Cadenza.

  Mitchell scoffed, "Cadenza? Undercover? She's been genetically altered to go all gung-ho, not stealth. You, maybe. Mackenzie, maybe."

  Sonata frowned, "You think I can go undercover? Even though I haven't lost most of my baby weight?"

  Mitchell shrugged, "It's not about the weight, Sonata. It's about blending in and getting the job done."

  Jack chimed in, "Let's focus on finding a payphone first. We need to contact Macaroni."

  We continued downriver for a while until we reached a dock. We got off and spotted a payphone. Mitchell approached it but realized he didn't have any change. Cadenza, using her enhanced strength, broke open the coin box and handed Mitchell the coins. Sonata, Jack, Sam, and Mackenzie took up defensive positions to discourage any curious onlookers.

  After a while, Mitchell returned. "Alright, we've got help coming," he announced.

  Mackenzie asked, "When?"

  "Fourteen hours from now," Mitchell replied. "At least Macaroni isn't working this week, but she said I owe her because I'm the one who called."

  Sonata inquired, "Who's coming to help?"

  "My cousins, Mackenzie 'Macaroni' and the other Mackenzie 'Nighthawk,' are coming," Mitchell explained.

  Mackenzie raised an eyebrow, "How are they going to help?"

  "Macaroni was a fire controlman in the U.S. Navy for a year before finishing her enlistment in the Naval Reserves. Nighthawk is a helicopter pilot who, if there's a 99% chance of being shot down, will say there's a very high chance but not 100%, and there's a 1% chance of making it through. Nighthawk has flown sorties that ended up with her helicopter covered in lead and bullet holes," Mitchell said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

  Jack mused, "Kinda wonder what favor Macaroni is going to call in?"

  Mitchell shrugged, "Don't know, don't care. It's not relevant right now. Besides, he has to do whatever she wants, and my guess is it's probably harmless."

  Sonata urged everyone to refocus on finding Julia. The group split up to question the town's residents, many of whom were hesitant to speak. However, some reported seeing armored vehicles heading west into the heavily guarded mountains a couple of days prior. After a fourteen-hour journey, the group arrived to scout the area.

  Mitchell inquired about the well-being of Sonata's daughters, expressing his wish to occasionally check on them despite not being in their lives. Sonata responded that her daughters were fine and that she was considering having more children.

  Cadenza took off her helmet and handed it to Mitchell. "This is for you," she said.

  "This is Nighthawk 1-1 standing by overhead for tasking. Let's make a deal: you target, and I take it out," said Capt. Mackenzie "Nighthawk" Waterson over the radio.

  Mitchell replied, "Cadenza will mark targets for you, Nighthawk."

  He then handed the helmet back to Cadenza, who began marking targets for Nighthawk.

  Cadenza marked a target for Nighthawk, who responded with a smirk, "Your international incident's on its way." Moments later, the guard tower exploded in a fiery blast.

  "Yup, that's an international incident right there," Jack quipped as he lay down and deployed his machine gun on a bipod. Sam scurried off to find a suitable location, knowing that as a Designated Marksman, he views that he’s more or less a glorified sniper. After every shot, he would need to relocate, given that DMRs and sniper rifles were designed for long-range engagements, not close quarters. Despite DMRs being battle rifles with 2x-10x scopes to bridge the gap between a sniper rifle and a battle rifle, Sam preferred to fight from afar. His only close-quarters weapon was a .40 caliber revolver, making long-range engagements his forte.

  Jack, on the other hand, as a machine gunner, was prepared for medium-range combat. The team settled into their positions.

  Mitchell, Sonata, and Mackenzie Rose used the chaos as a chance to sneak around the side of the base. At the same time, Cadenza just went in, but she was smart about it. Cadenza is basically a super-soldier thanks to genetic mods: she's got bones that can't break, she's super strong and has crazy good senses, she thinks way faster, her aim is unreal, she can run like 34 mph, and she can snap a dude's bones no problem. She's tough enough to shrug off bullets and probably even survive explosions like grenades and rockets if she's lucky. She can lift at least three times her own weight (she's around 169 pounds without her armor). With the armor, she can lift six times her weight.

  While Cadenza was causing a scene up front, Mitchell, Sonata, and Mackenzie Rose were quietly sneaking around the outside, trying not to get caught. They knew that everyone would be focused on Cadenza, which gave them a chance to get inside and attack from the side.

  Sonata used a spray she had to cut through the chain link fence, creating a wide enough hole for herself, Mitchell, and Mackenzie Rose to enter. Sonata went first, followed by Mackenzie Rose, with Mitchell bringing up the rear. Once inside, Mackenzie Rose went her own way while Mitchell and Sonata took a different path.

  "Still can't believe what Cadenza said the other day before you recruited us for this," Mitchell remarked.

  Sonata looked puzzled. "Said what?"

  "In her own words, Cadenza said Mackenzie Rose has hips suited for bearing many children—four, five, six, maybe even twelve," Mitchell replied.

  Sonata chuckled, "Don't know if she's joking or serious."

  Mitchell shook his head, "Cadenza never jokes. Her idea of a joke is throwing someone like a baseball. Don't believe me? You can ask Macaroni when she gets here."

  "At least Cadenza isn't like Ms. Rose's mother," Mitchell remarked.

  Sonata inquired, "How so?"

  Mitchell explained, "Ms. Rose's mother is very traditional. She has tried to pair us up more than once, even though I told her I'm happy with Cadence. She doesn't care about polygamy and says so. But polygamy is creepy to me, unless it's in a religious context, then I can overlook it. Mackenzie Rose's mother has seriously outdated views. She wants her daughter to quit her job, be a housewife, and have children."

  Sonata nodded, "That reminds me of when I was in the cult called 'Almighty Believers.' Their views were severely outdated. The men worked to bring home money, half of which was given to the cult as a 'donation.' Women's job was to cook, clean, and have children. If a woman got a job, she was 'encouraged' to quit and expected to give 100% of her paycheck to the cult as a 'donation.' In high school, many guys wanted to be with me because in that cult, there were only two types of marriages: traditional weddings and wedlocked weddings. The latter meant a pregnant woman and the guy who got her pregnant had to marry or face expulsion which was more or less a death sentence to fanatics. Those were the only two ways people got married in the cult I was born and raised in."

  Mitchell shook his head, "That's rough. At least we're out here, making our own choices."

  Sonata smiled, "Yeah, well at least when I was kicked out for being Bi... well what was the cult’s downfall was that they took over my hometown of Dillimore... well that led to military intervention and they couldn’t hide behind their religious status anymore because what they done fell under 'Uprising'... but surprise surprise that muskets and lever-action rifles from the 1860s is no match for the Rangers armor, Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Tanks."

  Another tower exploded, possibly a communications relay or equipped with communications gear. Mitchell believed Cadenza wouldn't waste an airstrike or helicopter gunship attack on a less valuable target.

  We then observed Cadenza with her LMG. She pulled the charging handle, used her right hand to make a fist, and hit the right side of the ammo box knocking it off before attaching another ammo box to her machine gun.

  "Enemy armor is destroyed. Now mopping up the bad guys on foot," Nighthawk reported over the radio. "Base is clear of all enemy armored vehicles."

  "Thanks for the high heat. Don't be a stranger," Cadenza replied.

  "Never by choice," Nighthawk responded. "We'll mop up any hostile infantry. You and the rest of the unit find those prisoners so we can get out of here."

  With Nighthawk providing air support, Cadenza and the rest of the team moved swiftly through the base, searching for the prisoners. The sound of gunfire and explosions echoed around them as they navigated the maze of buildings and corridors.

  We quickly reached a series of outdoor cages, all but one of which were empty. Cadenza, true to form, ripped the padlock off the occupied cage. Inside, we found a lone prisoner. Mitchell instructed Mackenzie Rose to tend to the man's wounds.

  "Where are the other prisoners?" Sonata inquired.

  The captured Little Birden Special Forces soldier informed us that they had been separated and transported to different camps. Suddenly, an explosion rocked the area. We looked up to see Nighthawk 1-1 spiraling out of control, its tail rotor ablaze.

  __________

  The Nighthawk 1-1 crash site was a scene of controlled chaos as Mitchell and Sonata worked tirelessly to extricate the two Mackenzie Watersons - call signs "Nighthawk" and "Macaroni" - from the wreckage.

  As they carefully maneuvered Macaroni, who was thankfully unharmed, out of the damaged aircraft, Sonata couldn't help but notice the woman's ample bosom. "Whoa," she remarked, "I've never seen a woman with such a... pronounced chest before."

  Macaroni, ever aware of the attention her physique attracted, sighed. "Yes, they're a real pain," she grumbled, adjusting her flight suit. "They get in the way, bounce around when I'm trying to be athletic, and attract all the wrong kind of attention. I hate them."

  Sonata raised an eyebrow. "Really? A lot of women would love to have your... assets."

  "Trust me," Macaroni retorted, "they're more trouble than they're worth. I was a late bloomer, so in high school, I was just this skinny, awkward kid. Then, one summer, I shot up four inches and gained four cup sizes practically overnight. Suddenly, I went from being invisible to being the center of attention. It was overwhelming. Guys were constantly hitting on me, but I wasn't interested. I told more than a few of them to get lost."

  Sonata chuckled. "I can imagine. Let me guess, people started saying you were a lesbian?"

  Macaroni nodded. "Yep. Eventually, I came out as bisexual, but I was careful about who I told. A lot of people I knew weren't exactly open-minded."

  Macaroni's phone rang, and she answered, putting it on speakerphone. "Sorry, can't talk right now, Dad and Martha," she said. "I'm kind of in the middle of a terrorist situation."

  There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. "Wait, what?!" her father and stepmother exclaimed in unison.

  Meanwhile, Sam arrived and surveyed the situation. "Well, now there are three Mackenzies here," he observed, amused.

  "Yes," Jack replied, "Pilot, MCMS, and one named after food."

  "MCMS?" Macaroni questioned, momentarily distracted from her phone call.

  Sonata clarified, "Marine Corps Medical Services. Similar to your American Corpsman for the Navy, except that in our world, the Little Bird Navy and Marine Corps are separate branches, unlike your American Marines and Navy, which are interconnected."

  Macaroni ended the call with her dad and stepmom, promising to call them back once she got home. She muttered under her breath, "If my stepmom had called, she'd probably start asking when I'm going to have children."

  Mackenzie Rose overheard Macaroni's comment and asked curiously, "Then why don't you?"

  Mitchell explained, "When she was growing up, the average age for marriage and having children was around 27. Nowadays, many people don't want to have children or choose to wait until later in life. She's American, and there's a cultural difference; in our culture, it's common and socially acceptable to marry and have children by 22."

  Macaroni's frustration was evident in her response, "I already told my stepbrother that if I want children, I'll choose the father, and if she keeps pushing me, I'll throw her wish back in her face."

  Mackenzie was shocked and disgusted when she understood what Macaroni meant.

  Sonata understood Macaroni's meaning immediately, while Jack and Sam didn't until Sonata explained that Macaroni meant she would choose a distant relative to allow for some genetic diversity. Knowing they were living in the 21st century, not the Medieval Era, and that the Watersons weren't nobles, Mackenzie Rose asked Macaroni if she knew that. Mitchell had told her they were mostly Knights in the Holy Roman Empire, and many didn't marry because of their duty to protect their realm.

  Sonata, stating that Knights of the Dark Ages were the lowest level of Nobility, remarked that the three should've paid more attention in middle school history class.

  Mackenzie Rose said that here in Little Bird, 6th Grade history teaches about the Ancient Era, 7th Grade History teaches the Classical Era, and 8th Grade History teaches the Medieval era while 9th Grade teaches the Renaissance era, 10th Grade History teaches the Colonial period and Industrial Revolution, 11th Grade teaches about the World War period, and 12th Grade teaches about the Cold War period.

  We then went on our way after Cadenza threw some kind of grenade into the cockpit of the crashed helicopter, making it blow up to cover any trace of the country of Little Bird being here, in the country that Mitchell calls "Look like a slice of pizza" because from a satellite view it somewhat resembles a slice of pizza.

  There was also a military vehicle we found that could accommodate us all, so we got in, and the first thing that Mackenzie Rose did was press a button on the radio to play music to which Mitchell said "Oh no, no, no this won't work," before Macaroni leaned up front and connected her phone to the vehicle's speakers and started to play first, second, third and fourth generation country music because, to her, modern country music isn't that good.

  In the back of the vehicle.

  "So," Sonata began, her voice laced with curiosity, "you really see your... assets... as a curse instead of a blessing?"

  Macaroni sighed, resignation evident in her tone. "Yes," she confirmed, "they're more of a burden than a benefit. I have to wear tight shirts to keep them from bouncing around when I run or exercise. Otherwise, they'd be a constant distraction." She paused, a wry smile playing on her lips. "And I could do without the unwanted attention they attract."

  Intrigued, Sonata raised an eyebrow. "Unwanted attention?"

  "Believe me," Macaroni replied, "it's more trouble than it's worth. I'd much rather be flat-chested like my girlfriend. I don't like the way men and women stare, or the inappropriate comments they make. It's especially awkward at work. I've had guys interrupt dates with Lusty to ask me out. It's gotten to the point where we just stay home for dinner dates now."

  "That's... unfortunate," Sonata remarked sympathetically. "I can see how that would be frustrating."

  Macaroni nodded. "Exactly. So, yes, I wear a tight shirt and a tight sports bra to minimize them and keep them from being a bother." She shrugged. "It's just easier that way."

  "You know," Sonata interjected thoughtfully, "there's a type of surgery that can help you out there so your bust doesn't get in the way."

  Surprised, Macaroni's eyes widened. "Wait, really? All this time and I never knew that was an option."

  Sonata nodded. "It's called breast reduction surgery. It's a procedure where they remove excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of your bust."

  Macaroni's interest was piqued. "That sounds... interesting. But I'm guessing it's expensive?"

  "It can be," Sonata acknowledged, "but you do live in a country that has universal healthcare if you don’t have insurance and if it's causing you physical discomfort or affecting your quality of life."

  Macaroni pondered this for a moment. "I'll have to look into that. It's definitely something to consider."

  Sonata smiled encouragingly. "I think it's worth exploring. It could make a big difference in your life."

  Macaroni agreed. "Yeah, it might. Thanks for telling me about it."

  Sonata glanced at Macaroni and couldn't help but chuckle. "Good thing we didn't go to the same school. You would've been the odd one out, and every guy, especially the jocks, would be tripping over themselves to be with you. You'd be the main enemy of all the other girls with smaller chests. Even if you weren't in a cult, being in an outside religion would have made you so many enemies."

  Macaroni sighed, adjusting her flight suit. "Yeah, it's been a pain. My biological mother wanted me to get married right after high school. She set me up on blind dates, telling the guys I was 'a woman of perfect breeding.' I was offended, like she wrote my future in stone as a housewife having children. Some guys were understanding, but others couldn't take no for an answer. I told them I'd rather live in an alternate universe where the Axis won World War II or the Commies won the Cold War than be a housewife."

  Sonata nodded, understanding. "You and I are the same, liking men and women equally. My mother didn't approve, and the cult I was in only approved if you were married in a traditional marriage between a man and a woman and had babies. They couldn't overlook same-sex relationships, even with adoption or surrogacy. I had many guys wanting to date me, but I said no in fifty different ways, from polite to why people have weapons for home defense. The cult members had more babies than they could raise on a single income, like ten or fifteen children. Half of their annual salary went to the cult as a 'donation,' leaving them with barely enough to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and childcare."

  Macaroni laughed, "I had people chasing me throughout high school. It was a gigantic pain. My mother wanted me to get married right after graduating, but I told her I was offended by that. I wanted to choose my own path. If someone wants to be a housewife like Mitchell's wife Cadence, that's their choice. Cadence is happy being home and taking care of the kids. But for me, forcing me into an old way of life pushes me away from having children."

  Sonata smiled, "And me as well. Mitchell is my chosen conception partner. When I decided to have kids, I did extensive background checks on potential partners before choosing him."

  Macaroni looked curious. "So how does the cult you’re from view you having a girlfriend and kids from a man not in the same cult?"

  Sonata sighed. "That's simple. They abhor it. At the same time, they view Mitchell and me as married because he's the father of my children. Many of them faced a firing squad back in 1995, and others are sitting in max security prison for an uprising. The cult bred like rabbits and used their so-called 'donations' to buy weapons and ammo, causing an uprising. I even told my mom and a few other cult members, 'Thus far, you and the rest have been adrift in the sheltered harbor of the government's patience.' They hadn't sent in the troops sooner because of Little Bird's freedom of religion. But once the cult started a revolt, the government had to act. The uprising happened because they didn't like other religions with different views."

  Macaroni nodded, understanding Sonata's past. "That's intense. I'm glad you're out of that situation."

  Sonata smiled, appreciating the support. "Yeah, it was a rough time, but I'm glad to be free and making my own choices now."

  "I remember that uprising like it was yesterday," Sonata chuckled, her voice laced with a hint of nostalgia and grim satisfaction. "800 battle-hardened Army Rangers, each one a seasoned veteran, backed up by the sheer firepower of seven M1947 Main Battle Tanks, two squadrons of agile and deadly medium and heavy attack helicopters, and the awe-inspiring might of the 17th Multirole Fighter Squadron raining down fiery napalm canisters, launching precise air-to-surface missiles, and strafing the enemy with devastating 20mm or 30mm rotary cannons. And if that wasn't enough, the Rangers also had the support of off-map artillery and mortar barrages, capable of leveling entire city blocks in a matter of minutes. The battle was undeniably one-sided, a testament to the overwhelming superiority of the Rangers, those elite commandos and infantrymen, experts in clearing out objectives and handling the most specialized and dangerous operations long before the main army even arrives on the scene. They faced off against a horde of fanatical cultists who fervently believed the end of the world was imminent. The higher-ups in the cult, driven by their twisted ideology, had amassed a vast arsenal of weapons and meticulously trained for the apocalypse, resorting to horrific terror tactics such as the wanton destruction of sacred symbols and historical landmarks, and the audacious rewriting of history to fit their warped narrative. And don't even get me started on their abhorrent views about interracial couples and mixed-race people. Depending on which parent the children resembled, they faced unimaginable discrimination and ostracization within the cult's twisted social hierarchy. I'm eternally grateful that the cult is no longer a blight on society, but I vividly remember the relentless harassment I endured even as a young woman of eighteen. Men in their thirties and forties, blinded by their twisted desires, sought to 'win my heart,' but I always met their advances with a resolute slam of the door. I was branded an apostate, a traitor to their twisted cause, and people I once considered friends spewed venomous words, declaring, 'You, ma'am, are worse than Hitler.' It was utterly laughable, considering I had never harmed a soul, let alone orchestrated the genocide of millions. Their twisted logic stemmed from my service in the military, which they condemned as working for an 'oppressive regime.' But it's far from oppressive when the government upholds the fundamental right of all citizens to vote, regardless of gender, wealth, or religion (with the exception of those who have forfeited their rights through criminal activity), implements labor laws that protect and empower workers, respects the sanctity of personal privacy by refusing to regulate what people do behind closed doors, and provides a hybrid healthcare system that ensures access to quality care for citizens of all economic levels, where the poor and destitute are never burdened with insurmountable medical bills."

  Macaroni nodded thoughtfully, his expression a mix of understanding and contemplation. "I can certainly see why they would label the government as 'oppressive' from their distorted perspective. They allow universal suffrage regardless of gender or wealth, barring those with a criminal record, grant freedom of religion or the choice to declare oneself agnostic, and have a hybrid healthcare system that doesn't financially penalize the uninsured. The country boasts labor laws that favor workers, and the government refrains from interfering in people's private lives."

  Sonata continued, her voice unwavering and resolute. "One of the primary reasons they used to justify their condemnation of the government was a blatant lie. They claimed that autocracy or dictatorship was superior because a single ruler, answerable only to themselves, could make decisions more swiftly than a collective body. While it's true that Little Bird may be classified as a stratocratic police state, it's important to remember that the President is surrounded by a cabinet of highly skilled experts in diverse fields such as trade, economics, and various other crucial areas. These experts could be Captains of Industry with vast business acumen, renowned Economists with a deep understanding of financial markets, seasoned Editors with a wealth of experience in the world of journalism, efficient Quartermasters with unparalleled logistical expertise, or influential War Industrialists who advocate for a strong and robust defense industry. This country boasts a multifaceted system of councils: a Presidential council that offers invaluable advice and guidance to the President, Governor councils that play a vital role in the administration of each of the five states, Mayoral councils that assist and advise the Mayor on local matters, and military councils for each division that collaborate with the divisional commander to formulate effective orders and strategies."

  Shifting the conversation to a more personal tone, Macaroni remarked, "At least your parents didn't bother you during your pregnancy."

  Sonata's expression softened for a moment before hardening with a hint of bitterness. "My mother bombarded me with countless letters, enough to fill an entire library shelf, expressing her ardent desire to meet her grandbabies. But each letter she sent was met with the unforgiving flames of a metallic flip lighter because they were laced with manipulative guilt trips, accusing me of being a 'horrible mother' for denying her the chance to meet her grandchildren. But my answer remained unchanged, unwavering in my resolve to shield my daughters from the toxic influence of their grandmother, who languished behind bars, a convicted lunatic. And yes, she shamelessly attempted to feign insanity in court, but a thorough psychological evaluation exposed her ruse, revealing her true nature and ensuring that the justice system wouldn't be swayed by her deceitful tactics. The only reason she wasn't facing a firing squad was that she hastily named names, trading information for a reduced sentence of life imprisonment in a maximum-security facility. She even had the audacity to send me letters urging me to visit my half-siblings, but I knew better than to fall for her manipulative ploys. I was well aware that if a female inmate became pregnant, the government would intervene, diligently searching for any suitable relative to take custody of the child. And if no such relative could be found, the innocent baby would be placed into the foster care system, their fate uncertain and their future hanging in the balance."

  Mackenzie Rose interrupted Macaroni before she could speak, "Besides, that's a silly nickname." She continued, "Here on Little Bird, prisons are single-gender. Cisgender men go to men's prisons, and cisgender women go to women's prisons. Transgender individuals are assigned to prisons based on their birth gender, as many people falsely claim to be transgender to be sent to a prison of the opposite sex for nefarious purposes. Additionally, the guards are the same gender as the inmates; male corrections officers work in men's prisons, and female corrections officers work in women's prisons. The few co-ed prisons that exist are minimum security. This is because inmates at minimum-security prisons are serving short sentences for non-severe crimes. They typically only serve a few years and rarely cause trouble or attempt to escape. They are also less likely to riot, as adding time to their sentence for misbehavior isn't worth it. Serious infractions can result in them getting more time added and a chance of being transferred to medium security.

  Medium-security prisoners have low-medium length sentences and may stay in prison for a reasonable amount of time. They are generally less troublesome than higher security-classed prisoners but are more easily disgruntled than minimum-security prisoners.

  Maximum-security prisoners tend to have very long sentences and are some of the most violent prisoners. They are easily angered and frequently participate in fights, riots, and other brutality. They may even kill other inmates if given the opportunity.

  The CO to inmate ratio here on Little Bird varies based on security level. In minimum security, it's 1 guard to 4 inmates. In medium security, it's 1 guard to 1 inmate. In maximum security, it's 5 guards to 1 inmate, and in supermax, it's 8-10 guards to 1 inmate."

  Macaroni inquired why the government doesn't permit transgender individuals to be incarcerated in prisons that align with their gender identity. Cadenza explained that back in 2002, a man who was arrested claimed to be female. He was subsequently incarcerated in a female medium-security prison, where he impregnated half of D block before being transferred to a male security prison. He admitted that he had lied about his gender identity in order to be around women. And he got additional charges for that for lying about gender identnty and that the judge threw the book at the guy saying how there are actual people out there struggling with gender idenity and said how that back in 1974 the country of Little Bird to allow transgender people to legally change their sex, and provides free hormone therapy and legally change their name and gender on the birth certificate after undergoing sex reassignment surgery before a few years later the country passed trans-inclusive civil rights protection legislation. Cadenza even told Macaroni that it really didn’t affect the military becauase the Little Bird military has refused to sign any law or policy that refrain from people joining the military and that the only policy that the military has in place to bar people from joining is if they’re a single parent and only legal loophole around that policy is that they put their kids up for adoption or have the other parent or family member take their kids in and sign away their paternal rights. Macaroni said how her girlfriend has ran into when she thought about joining the military because the world was at war globally for the Third time but couldn’t join the military because she’s a single mother in which she had three options: Have their father take them in with his and his wife four children, put them up for adoption and wave her paternal rights or just not join and she chose option three.

  Mackenzie Rose said how even that’s a controversial policy because it bans a group of people from serving their country in the armed forces but to her it’s a useful because it prevents from families being broken up. And that in the Little Bird Military before you even get assigned a role and she said how in basic training she met guys and gals who wanted to be an Infantryman, Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman), Engine, Construction Engineer, Combat Engineer, Bridge Crewmember, Diver, Quarrying Specialist (RC), Construction Engineering Supervisor, Plumber, Firefighter, Horizontal Construction Engineer, Prime Power Production Specialist, Power Line Distribution Specialist (RC), Interior Electrician, Technical Engineer, Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator, Carpentry and Masonry Specialist, General Engineering Supervisor, Geospatial Engineer, Field Artillery Technican, Cannon Crewmember, Fire Direction Specialist, Fire Support Specialist, Fire Control Specialist, Multiple Launch Rocket System/High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Crewmember, Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator, Field Artillery Surveyor/Meteorological Crewmember or in the Air Defense Artillery Branch or in Aviation or Cyber Corps, Special Forces, Armored Unit, Signal Corps, or other combat roles but after thirteen weeks later before graduation when they get their assignments that she has seen men and women who wanted to be a normal infantryman, grenadier, machine gunner, sniper, designated marksmen, tanker, Combat Engineer, Engineer, Assault Engineer, or pilot but no they get told that they’re going to be a desk jockey doing paperwork and getting their boss a cup of fresh coffee or they’re going to be a jeep driver who’ll drive high ranking officers and VIPs around or be back at base or still on the homefront making foods like Sweedish Meatballs after going through two almost three months of physical training and learning how to use a firearm and take it apart and reassemble said firearm while blindfolded in the dark only to be told “Oh yeah now you’re going to be a pencil pusher, you’re going to drive higher ups around and you’re going to be a cook,” or not even be near combat or not even leave the homefront.

  Jack turned to Macaroni, "You know, Marine Drill Instructors aren't exactly friendly. Their introduction is usually something like, 'I'm Sgt. [Name here], your drill instructor for the next fourteen weeks, maggots!'"

  Sonata nodded in agreement. "Marine training is next to impossible. Some of the Special Forces units I served with in the 1st SFG said their training was a cakewalk compared to the Marines and both the 8th and 11th Silent Serpents Battalions. Their training methods are so unnecessarily extreme and brutal that they drive recruits to madness. But their training is more specialized."

  Jack continued, "My wife is a female Marine Drill Instructor, and she says, 'Drill Sergeants are ultimately responsible for preparing their recruits for combat. In those fourteen weeks, the pressure to make someone have a fighting chance against the enemy is enormous. It's my job to train and send them to war. They're going to come back in bags, they're going to come back in wheelchairs, they're gonna be maimed, they're going to be messed up people when they come back.'"

  He added, "My wife and other drill instructors also belittle and demean their recruits to push them to their limits. It gives some recruits a chance to think if the Marines or Special Forces are a career for them, and if they should drop out or go to the Army, which has easier training."

  Sonata reflected on her own experiences. "The Marines' training is designed to break you down and build you back up stronger. It's not for everyone, but those who make it through are some of the toughest and most resilient individuals you'll ever meet."

  Jack, drawing from his extensive experience, elucidated the rationale behind the Marines' combat doctrine, which prioritizes overwhelming aggression and relentless forward momentum. He emphasized that amphibious assaults, by their very nature, necessitate an unwavering commitment to advancing on the objective, as the sea offers no avenue for retreat. This strategic imperative has shaped the Marines' training and tactics, fostering a warrior ethos that prizes aggression and initiative.

  To underscore his point, Jack delved into the specific weaponry and equipment employed by Marine Corps machine gun teams. He described how handles were affixed to the barrels of medium and heavy machine guns, enabling gunners to maintain a high rate of fire while maneuvering across the battlefield. While this approach inevitably sacrifices some degree of accuracy and stability, it significantly enhances the mobility and responsiveness of machine gun teams, allowing them to provide crucial fire support during assaults.

  Mitchell, recognizing a shared doctrinal principle, drew a compelling parallel to the training and operational philosophy of Airborne forces. He highlighted that paratroopers, once they have descended from the sky, are similarly committed to their objective, as there is no possibility of returning to the aircraft. This shared reality fosters a sense of urgency and determination among paratroopers, who must seize the initiative and exploit their initial momentum to achieve their mission.

  Sonata, expanding upon the discussion of specialized units, contributed valuable insights into the unique capabilities of certain companies within the Silent Serpents. She revealed that these elite soldiers are equipped with compact jet packs that enable them to achieve low-altitude flight. This cutting-edge technology allows them to rapidly traverse challenging terrain, including vertical obstacles, granting them a significant tactical advantage in specific operational scenarios.

  Macaroni said that it kinda feels like an upgrade in an XCOM game to allow the player to have their XCOM operatives have jet packs so they can hover above the battlefield.

  Macaroni also said that living in an advanced country is different because of technological advancements. But she also said how she overheard some double standards in which she said how every country there’s some kind of double standards and said how the other day she overheard a couple have an unbiased third party in which said third party wasn’t unbiased in which the woman said how uncomfortable she was around her husband’s family in which the unbiased third party said how it was her fault then when the husband said they were actually at her family that he wasn’t comfortable and stayed in the guest bedroom then the “unbiased” third party told the woman that it’s her fault that it was her fault that the husband felt unsupported and isolated and said how it’s her job to keep the husband happy. Cadenza said that if someone told her that it’s her job to keep her boyfriend happy then they would be drinking through a straw for the rest of their life and using the bathroom through a straw for the rest of their life as well.Mitchell told Macaroni that “unbiased” third party was biased as hell and that person never heard of “Happy wife equals happy life”.

  "So how's everyone's day so far?" Macaroni asked, trying to ease the tension.

  Sonata replied, "Some countries are in a civil war, some countries have hundreds or thousands of nukes at stake. Just another day at the office."

  Sonata could see it in Macaroni's eyes that she felt like the new guy in a team, and her eyes showed how badass they were because of their special forces background.

  ---

  A few hours later, the armored vehicle's engine sputtered and whined as it decelerated, finally rolling to a stop beside a dilapidated service station. The air was thick with the scent of gasoline and dust as Mitchell, Sam, Jack, and Macaroni cautiously disembarked, their boots crunching on the gravel. Sonata, ever vigilant, scanned the surroundings, her hand resting on the grip of her weapon, ensuring the perimeter was secure before the others disappeared into the decaying structure.

  Meanwhile, Cadenza, the enigmatic figure in advanced armor, stepped into the abandoned mechanic's shop. With practiced ease, she deactivated her sleek, futuristic armor, revealing a surprisingly human form beneath. The harsh lines of her protective gear gave way to the soft curves of a clean, form-fitting jumpsuit that clung to her figure, highlighting an unexpected femininity. She hummed a forgotten tune as she rummaged through the dusty shelves, her movements fluid as she retrieved a selection of tools.

  Sonata, returning from her perimeter check, paused at the entrance, her expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Cadenza's humming and the gentle sway of her hips as she worked painted a picture of unexpected humanity, a stark contrast to the cold, emotionless warrior she had come to expect. Sonata knew of Cadenza's origins; a product of the secretive "Project Phoenix," an intensive training program that prioritized the mission above all else. The project's graduates were known for their icy cold determination and their ability to compartmentalize emotions, often viewed as cold and calculating individuals who placed the objective above any personal feelings or losses. They were trained to be the perfect soldiers, unburdened by the messy complexities of human emotion.

  Cadenza was a prime example of this rigorous training. Her intelligence was unmatched, her marksmanship was legendary, and her skills in stealth, weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, and martial arts were unparalleled. She possessed a strength and agility that was superhuman, a testament to the enhancements and augmentations she had undergone as part of the project. Yet, in this moment of unguarded vulnerability, Sonata glimpsed a different side of Cadenza, a hint of the woman beneath the armor, a flicker of warmth in the eyes of a soldier trained to be cold.

  Sonata walked over to Cadenza. "So how's the training for Project Phoenix?"

  Cadenza replied, "The military won't retake you."

  What Cadenza said was true because Sonata was a single mother, and the Little Bird military wouldn't accept single parents for obvious reasons.

  "Oh no, I wonder if my daughters, Sonata Nicole Jackson Jr. and Mackenzie Rosie Jackson, can do it," Sonata admitted.

  Cadenza replied, "Abridged version or no?"

  "Abridged version," said Sonata.

  Cadenza replied, "98 recruits drop out."

  Cadenza, being a terse talker, not talking a lot and keeping her sentences short, gave Sonata the 411 that their training was incredibly harsh, complemented by high-level education. By the time the trainees turned a year older after one year of intense training, they all had the physiques of Olympic athletes and, with nothing but dart guns and stun grenades, were fully capable of outfighting adult soldiers armed with live ammunition. By the end, their instructor had them going up against squads who were actually trying to kill them. And that's all before they received their armor and augmentations. Cadenza even said that in their training, they consisted of not getting enough food, getting beaten for stealing food and getting caught, possibly getting beaten for disobedience to their older peers, and once a year getting ritually beaten for no reason whatsoever. Cadenza also said that the entrance exam more or less consisted of having to march through 24 miles of rugged country terrain in less than 10 hours, all the while carrying 100 pounds of gear. Sounds bad? Cadenza didn't forget to mention that they give you the absolute bare minimum of navigational information to find the endpoint of the route. Cadenza admitted that she used the North Star to find her way back. Cadenza even said how in training they were issued live ammo, which was far different than Sonata's training because the other branches and units of the Little Bird military used rubber and wax bullets in training because their instructors said, "It won't kill you, but it'll sting and hurt for a while." Sonata was a little bit appalled at recruits actually using live ammo in training before they even did live fire exercises.

  "So y'all are a more advanced version of the Marines?" Sonata inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice.

  Cadenza's expression remained neutral, a slight hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Yes and no," she replied, her voice measured and thoughtful. "We share similarities with the Marines in terms of our rigorous training and combat focus, but our roles and capabilities extend far beyond theirs."

  Jack, appearing suddenly in a broken window frame, interjected with his characteristic enthusiasm. "The Little Bird Marines only accepts volunteers and doesn't take draftees," he explained. "The Marines are trained in amphibious operations, expeditionary warfare, raiding, amphibious recon, long-range recon, direct action, and aerial warfare. They're specialized in fighting in wetlands, marshlands, and beach landings. I may be a machine gunner, but I can also fly a helicopter, fly a jet, and operate a tank because the Marines here are cross-trained. This is just basic training before going off to more advanced courses like advanced training to be a tanker, pilot, artilleryman, mortarman, sniper, or engineer."

  Sonata nodded, absorbing the information. "So, how long is the training for the Phoenixes?" she asked, turning her attention back to Cadenza.

  "180 days. That's 25 weeks," Cadenza replied. She went on to explain that their training hours were brutal, with sleep only allowed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights from 8 PM to 2 AM. They trained for 18 hours on those days and 96 hours straight on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The training was designed to push them to their limits, both physically and mentally, forging them into the elite fighting force of the Little Bird military. They could outshoot the best snipers, outfly the best aces, and some Phoenixes were even better than others in selected disciplines such as sniping or hand-to-hand combat.

  Cadenza admitted that she felt bad for regular military TACOM soldiers. Macaroni, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, asked what TACOM meant, given the different militaries and their varying acronyms. Sonata explained that in the Military of Little Bird, TACOM stood for "Tactical Command," encompassing roles like radiotelephone operators, information services, network management, information protection, electromagnetic spectrum, mobile monitor repairmen, network communication systems specialists, multichannel transmission systems operators/maintainers, satellite communications systems operators/maintainers, signal support systems specialists, telecommunications operations chiefs, and chief signal NCOs. Essentially, anything involving communications for military command.

  Macaroni nodded, then added, "In America, TACOM means 'Tank-automotive and Armaments Command.'"

  Cadenza, acknowledging the difference, went on to explain that fireteam leaders in Project Phoenix had helmets with a model called UA/HUL, or UpArmored and Hardened Uplink. The Hardened Uplink allowed the fireteam leader to be in constant contact with higher-ups and provided a live feed to Command for a clearer picture of what was happening on the ground. Sonata remarked that she wished they had that in training and during her time in the army special forces, but admitted that excess gear like that would have slowed them down. Cadenza acknowledged the trade-off between agility and communication, then added that Little Bird Special Forces units, aka the Marines, Rangers, Airborne, Project Phoenix, and the Special Forces Groups, received prioritized fire support ranging from 61mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar fire to 105mm, 155mm, 190mm, and 210mm artillery fire, as well as airstrikes, more so than regular army infantry. And that wasn't even including naval gunfire, carpet bombing strikes, and thermobaric bombs or those specialized Air to surface conventional bombs that are used to flatten a section of forest into a helicopter landing zone,

  Sonata, after careful consideration, determined that the probability of her daughters encountering a fatal situation was incredibly low, merely one in a thousand. This calculation was undoubtedly influenced by her knowledge of the rigorous training regimen followed by the 8th and 11th Silent Serpents. This program was renowned for its intensity, pushing recruits to their absolute limits. Out of every 1000 individuals who embarked on this grueling journey, a staggering 800 would ultimately succumb to the pressure, symbolically removing their training helmets, placing them in a designated row, and ringing a bell to signify their surrender. This act, while disheartening, was met with understanding and compassion.

  Sonata had been informed by her friends within the Silent Serpents that the Drill Instructors, while undeniably tough, were also empathetic, often interspersing their demanding instructions with words of encouragement. They would remind the recruits that there was no shame in acknowledging their limitations and admitting defeat. This sentiment resonated with Sonata, who recalled her own experiences in basic training for special forces. Her Drill Instructor had candidly stated that giving up would be the easier option, a statement that held undeniable truth given the extraordinary challenges of special forces training.

  The demands placed upon these elite soldiers were immense, with seventeen-hour training days and a combined Basic Combat Training and Certification period spanning a total of 30 weeks. This rigorous schedule was further intensified by specialist training, such as bilingual or multilingual courses. Sleep deprivation was a constant companion, with regular Army Special Forces personnel receiving a mere four hours of sleep per week. This starkly contrasted with the 36 hours of sleep allotted to Project Phoenix supersoldiers, highlighting the immense physical and mental toll exacted upon those who served in the Special Forces.

  The reason for this relentless training became clear when considering the operational requirements of these units. Army Special Forces Groups, Marine Commandos, Naval Tridents, and fireteams from the 8th or 11th Silent Serpents were expected to be ready for deployment on short notice, often under the cover of darkness. These missions typically involved four-man teams, with 8 or 12 man teams being deployed only on rare occasions. The emphasis on stealth and agility was paramount, a fact that underscored the limitations of Project Phoenix supersoldiers.

  While these genetically enhanced warriors possessed extraordinary strength and resilience, their towering 7ft stature and imposing 1000-pound titanium armor made them ill-suited for covert operations. Although some Phoenix operatives were equipped with specialized power armor that granted them invisibility, this technology was considered to be a subpar form of camouflage. The reality was that concealing a person encased in such heavy armor was a formidable challenge, further emphasizing the unique skills and attributes of the Special Forces units.

  Sonata opened her mouth to speak, but Cadenza cut her off. "Yes, the few Phoenixes who have that stealth armor are using a cheaper version of the Project Thunderbolt armor. The other set of armor is a combat armor system designed with an emphasis on stealth. It uses advanced materials or panels that mimic the surrounding textures, making them nearly invisible. To the trained eye, they can still be seen, as it's not full active camo. The armor for stealth is near-perfect active camouflage, ranging from a sort of distorted transparency when moving to almost total invisibility when stationary. But it can still be spotted because it's not pure 100% invisibility. The ones in this unit are called 'Specter Weave,' and they are sent far behind enemy lines on near-suicide missions in hopes that their efforts would greatly impact the enemy."

  Macaroni returned and inquired about Cadenza and Sonata's conversation. Sonata honestly replied that they were discussing the Shadow Weave. Cadenza added that the Shadow Weave is typically deployed behind enemy lines on near-suicide missions, mainly to assassinate enemy officers and other high-value targets. Their objective is to bring back either the head or the entire body for positive identification. Cadenza was about to elaborate when Macaroni interjected, stating that she knew PID meant Positive Identification.

  In a conversation between Cadenza and Sonata, the topic of Macaroni's potential involvement in a special program arose. Cadenza suggested that Macaroni's genetic makeup might make her a candidate for this program.

  Sonata elaborated on the program, explaining that it stemmed from the beliefs of some military geneticists who theorized that special forces soldiers possessed superior genetics. These geneticists proposed that these soldiers should be encouraged to have children after completing their military service, thus passing on their advantageous genes.

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  This theory, Sonata explained, had its roots in the traditions of the Nightingale tribe. The Nightingale tribe believed that individuals who survived wars had the most desirable genetic traits. This belief, however, was challenged by the World Wars. The nature of warfare had changed dramatically, and survival was no longer solely dependent on individual strength and skill. Despite this, the Nightingale tribe continued to value experience and survivability in their officers.

  Cadenza, returning to the topic of Macaroni, remarked that her physique, particularly her hips, indicated that she was well-suited for bearing multiple children. Sonata clarified that the program did indeed encourage special forces soldiers to procreate with each other. The underlying goal was to produce offspring who would inherit the supposedly superior genetic traits of their parents and potentially become future special forces soldiers themselves.

  During the debate, Macaroni established a comparison between the Little Bird program and a historical breeding program, alluding to the disturbing remembrance of a German dictator's aspiration for a master race. This comparison encountered strong resistance from Sonata, who stressed that Little Bird's objectives were distant from global supremacy, and involvement in the program was completely voluntary.

  Sonata recognized that the outcomes of the Little Bird program were diverse. While some children did enlist in the regular army to acquire financial assistance for education, others were motivated by a sense of patriotism or family tradition. Among these, some subsequently pursued entry into special forces units, driven by the aspiration for a greater challenge and a more elite experience.

  The discourse then transitioned to the population control strategies of different states. Sonata accentuated the contrasting methodologies of Starfish, Aurora, and Blueberry states, which correlated family size to income levels, with the goal of managing population expansion. Conversely, Cascade and Mountain states embraced a more laissez-faire approach, asserting that if parents possessed the resources to sustain their children, the government had no authority to intercede. Cascade progressed further, actively promoting large families through public acknowledgment and an array of state incentives, including marriage loans and child bonuses.

  Mackenzie Rose joined the discussion and shed light on the State of Cascade's policy of promoting large families. She explained that the state's rationale behind this policy was rooted in the potential risk of many young people being unable to join the military when they reached adulthood. This inability, she elaborated, could stem from injuries sustained during sports or roughhousing activities, leading to a 4F classification by the military, deeming them unfit for service.

  To illustrate her point, Mackenzie Rose recounted her experiences growing up, where she witnessed many young men who played sports like football, soccer, baseball, or wrestling, sustain injuries that left them with lasting disabilities, such as bad knees or other physical impairments, preventing them from enlisting in the military. She emphasized that in Little Bird, both volunteers and draftees were required to undergo basic training before receiving their career assignments.

  Before Macaroni could respond, Sonata interjected, explaining that Little Bird had its own version of the American "Selective Service System." During peacetime, the country conscripted 2.5% of the male population. For instance, if one million eighteen-year-old men registered, only 25,000 would be drafted. However, during wartime, this percentage could increase to 5%, resulting in 50,000 conscripts, or even be raised to 10% or 20%, translating to 100,000 or 200,000 conscripts, respectively.

  Mackenzie Rose further added that Little Bird's current state of peace had placed its conscription law at "Limited Conscription." However, if global tensions escalated or war loomed on the horizon, this could be upgraded to "Extensive Conscription," or potentially even to "Service by Requirement" or "Many Young Adults Serve." Sonata also pointed out to Macaroni that she was fortunate to live in a country where military instructors were former soldiers who had been pulled from the front lines and reassigned to training roles. Sonata emphasized this, because it was far more beneficial to learn from individuals with actual combat experience than from someone who had merely glanced at a textbook for a few minutes.

  Macaroni was on the verge of responding, but Mackenzie Rose interjected. She explained that within the Little Bird Military, women were indeed part of the ranks, but exempt from the draft. They had the option to enlist, just like their male counterparts. However, there was a significant distinction. Men were obligated to sign up, with the only exemptions being physical or mental unfitness. In contrast, due to the country's chivalrous traditions, women's participation was strictly voluntary.

  Mackenzie Rose continued, drawing from her own training experiences. She described how the separation of genders was maintained through distinct training units. The only exception to this was during firing exercises, where wax and rubber bullets were used, and mixed-gender tactics were employed. She went on to share an aspect of the Marines training that she particularly disliked—the water immersion drills. These involved a series of pools, starting with one that was barely a foot deep, progressing to others with water levels reaching the ankles, waist, and finally, the neckline of someone who was 5'11". The purpose behind this was to acclimate recruits to fighting in wet terrain, a specialty of the Little Bird Marines.

  Just then, Mitchell joined the group. He turned to Sonata and Macaroni, recounting a time when Mackenzie Rose had worked as a waitress. He told them about a rude customer who, upon receiving the check, had remarked, "Aren't you forgetting something?" Mackenzie Rose had retorted, "In the 40 minutes you've been here, you've complained about the food, the coffee, and the service. I couldn't care less if you have a pulse, let alone if you have a nice day."

  Mitchell then told Sonata, Cadenza, Macaroni, and Mackenzie Rose that the abandoned building was clear and there were no booby traps inside. As a Paratrooper Commando, Mitchell, along with Jack and Sam, who were Marines, knew all types of booby traps and how to disarm them. Mitchell's favorite was what the Airborne called "The Alarm Clock." At night, a Paratrooper would take out an enemy sentry, put TNT on the body, and booby trap it. When others came across the body, it would blow up and alert sleeping enemy soldiers. Alternatively, the commando paratrooper would place the dead body among the sleeping enemies, booby trap it, and when one of them found the body in the middle of the night, the explosion would take out the other sleeping enemies, hence the name "The Alarm Clock."

  During a conversation, Macaroni questioned the legality of booby traps, asking if they constitute a war crime. Sonata responded sarcastically with "Who are you? The Geneva Convention?"

  Macaroni then pointed out that booby traps violate Protocol II (b), which prohibits the use of such devices against sick, wounded, or dead persons.

  The Country of Little Bird and its War Department, as Sonata explained, were all about keeping things hush-hush. They did this by using unmarked weapons and gear, so if their agents were caught or killed, there was no way to trace anything back to them. Even their standard-issue stuff, like radios and knives, were just normal commercial models with any logos removed. The only thing different about the knives was that the blades were painted black after being serrated.

  When they were sent to places like Southeast Asia or the Middle East, Sonata and her fellow special forces operatives were told to use AK rifles. This was so they could use ammo from enemies they took down and also so that nobody would know they were behind any attacks. AKs were everywhere in those war zones, so nobody would think twice if they saw one.

  The "Adaptive Camo" armor was new and was supposed to make the wearer invisible, but it only worked if you were standing still, crouching, or lying down. If you were running, it didn't work unless you used a special move called the cover-shift technique. Plus, it had this glitch called "Invisibility Flicker" that would sometimes show your outline for a second.

  Sonata left the military the same day the "Adaptive Camo" armor became standard issue. She was pregnant and couldn't be a special forces operative anymore.

  Macaroni then asked Sonata who her daughters' father was. Sonata put her left arm around Mitchell and pulled him close to her. Macaroni was about to say something but decided to assume either she chose her cousin to be a sperm donor or it was like that program they mentioned a few minutes ago.

  Mackenzie Rose cleared her throat and asked, "If Julia is KIA, what will you tell Sonata Jr. and Mackenzie Jackson?"

  Sonata replied with a hint of humor, "She went to colonize life on Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, or Mercury."

  We all picked up on the sarcasm, but Cadenza said we would use this abandoned gas and mechanic station as a base of operations.

  Sonata, Macaroni, Mitchell, and Mackenzie Rose went inside the abandoned gas-mechanic station, leaving Cadenza alone to continue working on the vehicle.

  Macaroni expressed her deep admiration for how Little Bird embodies the powerful phrase "words backed by strength." She emphasized the stark contrast between Little Bird and many other nations that merely preach lofty ideals without the resolve to uphold them. In Little Bird, she argued, actions consistently speak louder than words.

  To illustrate her point, Macaroni highlighted the historical role of Little Bird's presidents in deterring invasions. These leaders, she explained, have traditionally issued declarations underscoring their army's unwavering commitment to defend their homeland. This resolute stance, she argued, has often given potential invaders serious pause.

  Macaroni further elaborated on the formidable challenges that any invading army would face in Little Bird. The country's diverse and challenging terrain, which encompasses vast plains, rolling hills, towering mountains, and dense forests, makes it exceptionally difficult to conquer. These geographical obstacles, combined with frequent rain, create a logistical nightmare for invading forces. Moving supplies becomes a Herculean task, and evacuating wounded soldiers is fraught with peril. The thick mud that forms in the rainy season can easily immobilize vehicles, further hindering an invading army's progress. In essence, Macaroni argued, Little Bird's terrain itself is a powerful weapon that has historically contributed to the nation's defense.

  Macaroni and Sonata were engaged in a deep conversation about the intricacies of life and relationships. The topic of Julia and her strained relationship with her parents arose. Sonata explained that Julia's parents had disowned her because of her sexual orientation; they couldn't accept that she was a lesbian.

  Mitchell, who was also present, drew a parallel between Julia's parents and Macaroni's mother. He pointed out that both sets of parents had rigid expectations for their children and were unable to accept them for who they were. Macaroni's mother, he explained, had always wanted her to be a traditional housewife, conforming to societal norms and expectations.

  Sonata then went on to describe their small town, Dillimore, painting a vivid picture of its close-knit community and somewhat stagnant way of life. News traveled slowly in Dillimore; something that happened in 1932 could still be the talk of the town. The biggest news usually revolved around births and deaths, highlighting the lack of significant events and the slow pace of change.

  The town's economy was largely driven by mining, which provided the majority of jobs. Other employment opportunities were limited to a handful of essential services, such as the diner, school, fire department, police station, and the clinic. The clinic was a relatively new addition to the town; previously, the only medical facility was located in the doctor's house, offering little to no privacy for patients.

  Sonata expressed her disapproval of Julia's parents' actions, emphasizing that they should have supported their daughter instead of disowning her. Their rejection had ultimately led to Julia disowning them, severing their relationship completely.

  Macaroni, reflecting on the conversation, offered a poignant observation: not every child is fortunate enough to come from a loving home, and not everyone deserves the privilege of having children. However, every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to have parents who love and support them unconditionally.

  Macaroni shared that when her girlfriend disclosed her bisexuality to her parents, they briefly withdrew to their bedroom for a discussion. Upon their return, they expressed to their daughter that while they did not fully comprehend bisexuality or homosexuality, they would love and support her unconditionally. Macaroni explained to Sonata and the others that her girlfriend's parents were raised in an era and location where homosexuality was neither accepted nor legal. In the "Commonwealth of Mountain," their birthplace, it was not legalized until 1972, when they were 18 and 19 years old. Their unwavering support stemmed not from a desire for grandchildren, but from a conviction that good parents should always be present for their children, even if it necessitates asking questions or learning about unfamiliar subjects.

  Macaroni's girlfriend's parents held a firm belief that nobody can be an expert on every subject, and there's no shame in seeking help when needed. Sonata wholeheartedly agreed with this perspective. She openly admitted that while she possessed expertise in areas such as money management, military science, and military theory, science was not her forte. To illustrate her point, she brought up the concept of heat transfer, which Mackenzie Rose was able to identify correctly.

  Sonata then delved into a personal anecdote, revealing that her mother had not been supportive when she came out as bisexual. In fact, her mother had kicked her out of the house, forcing her to live with her sister until she reached the age of legal adulthood. Her father, unfortunately, had been submissive to his wife and hadn't stood up for Sonata during that difficult time. Sonata also mentioned that the State of Cascade had legalized homosexuality in 1961, providing some historical context.

  The conversation then took a slightly contentious turn as Sonata and Macaroni found themselves disagreeing on a seemingly minor point. Macaroni preferred to refer to all five states as "Commonwealths," while Sonata insisted on using the term "States." Sonata, however, ultimately acknowledged that everyone has their own preferences and that some people might even call them Counties or Boroughs. The disagreement, while brief, highlighted the nuances of language and the different ways people can perceive and categorize the same things.

  During Sonata's harrowing time within the cult, her mother, even after the painful act of expelling her own daughter, persisted in attempting to orchestrate relationships for Sonata with men who were strikingly older, nearly twice her age. Sonata, however, remained resolutely uninterested in these proposed matches. She further revealed the disturbing fact that a significant number of these men are currently serving time in maximum-security prisons for crimes that, while unrelated to the 1995 uprising, were committed between the years 1989 and 1994, painting a grim picture of their character and the potential danger Sonata may have faced.

  The cult, Sonata explained, had its own twisted logic for labeling her and Mitchell as husband and wife, despite the lack of a formal marriage. They justified this designation solely on the basis of their shared children, Mackenzie Jackson and Sonata Jr. Mitchell, seemingly unconcerned with the intricacies of the situation, had simply inquired whether his name was listed as the father on their birth certificates, or if they bore the impersonal mark of "Father Unknown." Sonata confirmed that his name was indeed included, as Mitchell appeared indifferent to the matter. As Macaroni was about to interject, Sonata preemptively clarified that both children were conceived through natural insemination, dispelling any potential misconceptions.

  Sonata also shed light on the discrepancies between legal adulthood and marriage age on Little Bird and within the five states. While the overarching national marriage age on Little Bird is set at eighteen, there are variations across the five states. Notably, Aroura and Starfish permit marriage at the age of seventeen, provided that both parties are engaged in full-time employment. The concept of legal adulthood on Little Bird can be somewhat ambiguous; while eighteen is generally considered the legal adult age, seventeen-year-olds with full-time jobs are granted the status of legal adults in certain contexts. Those without full-time employment, however, are required to obtain parental consent and present a compelling reason for marriage, although exceptions to this rule do exist. The absolute lowest allowable marriage age is sixteen, and even then, parental consent is mandatory. This particular provision appears to be primarily motivated by a desire to prevent out-of-wedlock births because of the country’s high religious population.

  Mitchell explained to Macaroni that his wife Cadence is aware and content that their children, Mckenny, Rose, Platinum, and Flurry, have half-sisters. He expressed his belief that if people don't want children, they should abstain from sex. Mitchell mentioned that many acquaintances in Clearlake advocate for banning contraceptives to boost the country's birth rate, citing moral grounds. He stated his opposition to these views and labeled himself as someone who wasn't interested in having children but ended up having them. He criticized those who use religion to justify their stance on procreation. Mitchell concluded by saying that Cadence doesn't consider sperm donation through natural insemination as infidelity.

  Mackenzie Rose inquired about the whereabouts of Sam and Jack. Mitchell explained that Jack was taking a nap, while Sam, a Designated Marksman, was positioned on the roof as a lookout.

  Mitchell remarked that Sam's brain functioned like a computer chip, which Sonata dismissed as typical sniper training. She explained that snipers are trained to account for factors like gravity, wind, and bullet drop. For instance, the M75 DMR, a common gas-operated bullpup rifle used by the Little Bird Military, has a length of 43 inches, a 15-round box magazine, a muzzle velocity of 2600 ft/s, and an effective firing range of 950 yards.

  Sonata further elaborated that if a target is 633 feet away, snipers and designated marksmen are trained to adjust their aim and elevate their scope and weapon slightly higher than the target's distance. This technique is particularly useful if the target's distance is closer to the next scope adjustment level. The high muzzle velocity of the M75 DMR means the bullet will travel faster to the target. Conversely, a lower muzzle velocity means the bullet will travel slower and be in the air longer, increasing the time it can be affected by wind, gravity, and bullet drop.

  Macaroni, with a puzzled expression, voiced her confusion about the Little Bird military's adoption of the Imperial system instead of the Metric system. She scratched her head, muttering, "Why do they miles and pounds? Because other militaries around the world use Meters and Kilometers." However, she then conceded, "Well, I guess different countries have their own ways of doing things."

  Meanwhile, Mackenzie Rose excused herself from the conversation, her brow furrowed with concern. She moved purposefully towards the wounded Little Birden Special Forces soldier they had rescued earlier. Although every soldier in the Little Bird military received comprehensive training in battlefield first aid and carried individual first aid kits (IFAKs) containing essential supplies like bandages, a tourniquet, burn ointment, water purification tablets, and QuikClot combat gauze, Mackenzie Rose's medical expertise went beyond the basics.

  Slung over her shoulder was a specialized medical backpack, brimming with a comprehensive array of life-saving equipment. The backpack's contents included an assortment of bandages in various sizes, sterile dressings, adhesive tape for securing wounds, clotting agents to control bleeding, a diazepam injection syringe for managing seizures and anxiety, an abdominal wound trauma kit for internal injuries, a chest wound dressing to seal punctures, an atropine injection syringe to counteract nerve agent poisoning, intravenous equipment for fluid and medication administration, a water-repellent heating blanket to prevent hypothermia, shears and scissors for cutting away clothing and bandages, splints for immobilizing fractures, an eye shield to protect injured eyes, a nasal trumpet to maintain airway patency, alcohol pads for sterilizing skin, and a compact, foldable stretcher for transporting patients.

  With her extensive medical knowledge and the comprehensive supplies in her backpack, Mackenzie Rose was prepared to provide the injured soldier with the advanced care he needed, potentially making the difference between life and death.

  The country was once known for its beauty, according to Sonata, before it was overrun by terrorists. The primary import is meat, and the primary export is paper.

  It has a large population, with a monarchy led by Sophia Y. Garcia. The population is 53% female and 47% male, with 52% over the age of 41 and 48% under the age of 40. The military comprises 2.7% of the total population.

  The official language is undefined; however, six other languages are spoken. The land mass is medium-sized, and the currency is the Unit. There are eight note denominations, with one unit equaling $5.54. The country is a member of an undefined alliance and is presently at war; Salaqueras is occupied by an OpFor. The country has one enemy nation.

  The culture is known for its soothing accent and simple clothing. Conservatism and democracy are the prevailing ideologies.

  Laws

  Commonly Prohibited

  Tax evasion

  Fraud

  Drug dealing

  Punishments for Criminals

  Imprisonment in the stocks

  Harassment

  Assassination

  A short prison sentence

  Mob attack

  Burning at the stake

  Socially Acceptable Behaviors

  Public drunkenness

  Major Taboos

  Witchcraft

  Cheating in games

  Punishments for Breaking Major Taboos

  Death by lethal injection

  Execution by firing squad

  Confiscation of property

  Minor Taboos

  Blowing your nose in public

  Playing loud music

  Gossiping

  Punishments for Breaking Minor Taboos

  Public humiliation

  Community service

  Harassment

  A small fine

  Sanctioned bullying

  Ostracism

  Slander

  Sonata revealed to Macaroni that she had visited the country during her first trimester, before her pregnancy was visible. She had come despite a Red Flag warning from the Little Bird government, which strongly discouraged travel to global hotspots. Macaroni compared this to a US Government travel advisory, which warns of issues like bad weather, security threats, civil unrest, or disease.

  Sonata acknowledged the similarity but emphasized that if she encountered trouble, neither the Little Bird military nor the government could help her. Unfortunately, she did get into trouble when the situation in the country worsened, and all flights, including overseas travel, were permanently delayed. Macaroni inquired about Sonata's return home, and Sonata explained her good fortune. The Little Birden 2nd fleet was nearby, and her brother arranged for a Guided-Missile Destroyer to detach from the fleet and rescue her from the coast in a wooden rowboat.

  Sonata explained to the others, except Cadenza and Mackenzie Rose, that when she had to escape, she had to rehome her covert takedown and archery skills. Being outnumbered and outgunned, she had to be smart, especially since she was three weeks pregnant at the time. She was determined to get back home and have her babies.

  Sonata, with a hint of nostalgia, recounted her time in the military, a chapter that ended abruptly due to an unexpected pregnancy. She vividly remembered making the conscious decision to forgo the typical prenatal care route, opting out of OBGYN visits and ultrasounds. The distance to the nearest city and a whimsical desire to keep the baby's gender a surprise played a significant role in her decision. The arrival of twins caught her off guard, a revelation she met with a mix of surprise and acceptance. Sonata candidly admitted to not delving into the plethora of pregnancy or child development books, choosing instead to navigate motherhood through experience and intuition. Even the decision to breastfeed was spontaneous, driven by the unavailability of formula at the local grocery store, a fact that Macaroni found quite astonishing.

  Macaroni's curiosity led her to inquire about the mating program for Special Forces soldiers, a question that Sonata met with a gentle explanation. Macaroni wouldn't qualify, Sonata explained, as she wasn't part of the elite Little Bird Military Special Forces, having served in a foreign Navy. Sonata dispelled the common misconception that children of Special Forces soldiers were destined to follow in their parents' footsteps. The reality was far more nuanced. Many young people on Little Bird enlisted in the military straight out of high school, completing a single 18-month tour before utilizing the military benefits to pursue higher education or vocational training. Mitchell chimed in, adding that certain branches, like the Marines and Airborne, were exclusively volunteer-based, seeking individuals who fully grasped the gravity of the commitment.

  Mitchell's thoughts drifted to the stark contrast in war experiences among different types of soldiers. The Army and Marines, fueled by raw passion and deep-seated hatred, were known for their rapid advancements. In contrast, Airborne, Rangers, and Special Forces operated at a slower, more calculated pace, often maneuvering deep within enemy territory. The Army and Marines had earned a reputation for their unwavering resolve and ferociousness in battle, a testament to the moral complexities inherent in warfare. Mitchell recounted the chilling fact that the BCLBLFDF were prepared to sacrifice millions of their own soldiers to achieve victory over the Soviets, underscoring the historical willingness of Little Bird's citizens to defend their homeland at any cost. He painted a vivid picture of young Little Birden soldiers, some barely 17, bravely facing the Soviet forces, their unwavering determination acknowledged even by Soviet officers.

  When asked how the Soviets lost the war, Mitchell explained that it was due to overconfidence and the ill-fated decision to underestimate their opponents. They failed to recognize the Little Birdens' 200+ years of combat experience on their own soil and the fierce determination they had to protect their homeland. The Soviets, mostly conscripts, lacked the same will to fight as the Little Birdens who were battling for their country's survival, not for a stratocratic-police state.

  Mitchell also highlighted the civil war that erupted between the Loyalists and "The Federation," who desired a democratic or republic government. This provided a perfect opportunity for the Federation rise up and that since day one of the war they provided aid to downed pilots and LBIAOSA agents by providing hidden caches, rest stops, guides, and informants, proving invaluable to both BCLBLFDF Special Forces and LBIAOSA missions. In which that the LBIAOSA done missions for “The Federation” because of using an future alliance or have healthy country relationship and that by the LBIAOSA Agents doing missions for “The Federation” also helped the war effort as well.

  Cadenza entered after some time and informed us that she had repaired the engine. It was only the radiator that had broken and a few bolts had come loose, which she fixed while dusting her hands off on her jumpsuit. Sonata questioned whether it was appropriate to clean her hands by using her jumpsuit, to which Cadenza retorted, "You're not my mother," despite never having had a mother.

  Cadenza left to go into the garage.

  Mitchell explained to Sonata that he and Cadenza are superfetation twins; they share the same mother, but have different fathers. Cadenza's father's wife didn't want children, so Mitchell's mother offered to be a surrogate. This makes Mitchell and Cadenza half-siblings; they share a mother, but have different fathers. Before their fathers' names were added to their birth certificates, they underwent DNA testing. Cadenza went with her father, who was a Major in the Little Bird Military Special Forces, but worked a desk job. Mitchell went with his mother and his father, who was the President of Little Bird at the time.

  Mitchell confessed that at one point, he and Cadenza had feelings for each other. However, once they discovered they were half-siblings, they decided to remain friends. Macaroni mentioned that the American state she was raised in for eleven years has a joke about cousins marrying, but she refused to repeat it, as she'd heard it too many times.

  Sonata, driven by an unwavering sense of duty and camaraderie, acknowledged the inherent risks and potential consequences of their decision to return to active duty. They understood that by embarking on this audacious mission to rescue their captured comrades, they would not only be defying orders but also blatantly violating international laws by invading another sovereign nation. The specter of a military tribunal loomed large, with charges of going AWOL and unauthorized incursion hanging over their head like a Damocles sword. The gravest of all punishments, execution by firing squad, was a stark possibility that Sonata had to confront.

  Yet, in their heart of hearts, Sonata believed that the noble cause of rescuing their fellow soldiers, who had selflessly put their lives on the line for their country, justified the immense risks involved. They were also optimistic that public sentiment would sway in their favor, recognizing the moral imperative of their actions and the injustice of leaving their comrades to languish in captivity.

  Macaroni, however, expressed skepticism about the potential repercussions of their actions, particularly regarding the reaction of the Little Bird government. She alluded to a historical incident that had taken place in 1943, hinting at the potential for a volatile situation.

  Mitchell, intrigued by Macaroni's cryptic reference, mistakenly assumed that she was referring to Operation Husky and Operation Avalanche, the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy during World War II. Macaroni quickly clarified that she was not alluding to the military operations themselves but rather to a lesser-known but equally significant event that had occurred in the aftermath of the invasion.

  She recounted the story of a riot that had erupted in the Eastside district of Empire City, triggered by the unjust and brutal treatment of a female sailor on furlough by the local police. The incident had quickly escalated into a full-blown riot, with the city's authorities and media unfairly labeling the residents of the Eastside district as "Communist and Fascist sympathizers."

  The residents of the Eastside district, feeling aggrieved and marginalized by the authorities' heavy-handed response and the media's biased portrayal, resorted to desperate measures to protect their own. In a stark act of defiance and self-preservation, they deliberately inflicted injuries upon themselves or sought the assistance of the Italian mafia to fraudulently discharge their men and women from military service during World War II.

  When Sonata sought Macaroni's perspective on a strategic decision, Macaroni drew a parallel to the unwavering resolve of the Little Bird community. She recounted how the residents of Little Bird had defiantly declared their intent to repel any Axis invaders back into the Pacific, showcasing their fierce determination and unwavering patriotism.

  Shifting focus, Macaroni shed light on the prevalent practice of draft evasion within the Eastside district. She explained how numerous men and women had exploited a legal loophole to circumvent mandatory military service. This loophole, established by a 1936 law, granted deferments to couples who had a child. The law recognized parenthood as a legitimate reason for exemption from conscription, whereas marriage alone was not considered sufficient grounds for avoiding service.

  Macaroni went on to elaborate on other methods individuals employed to evade the draft. She mentioned medical exemptions, which were granted to individuals with specific health conditions such as asthma, and conscientious objection, which allowed individuals with strong moral or religious objections to war to avoid combat service. Conscientious objectors were typically assigned to non-combatant units where they could serve without bearing arms.

  In 1941, Little Bird took a progressive step by introducing an alternative service program. This program provided conscientious objectors with various options to fulfill their service obligation without compromising their beliefs. They could choose to serve in non-combatant roles within the military, bypassing the rigors of basic training, or they could contribute their skills and expertise to other essential services such as firefighting or secretarial work. This program recognized the value of conscientious objectors' contributions to society while respecting their pacifist convictions.

  Sonata expressed that she would not have wanted to be a Little Bird Military combat medic in the Second World War. Their uniform was indistinguishable from a regular infantryman's, with the only difference being a white armband with a red cross. This armband, however, was not removable, making them easily identifiable targets. The marines and airborne had a similar system, their non-removable armband was a red circle with a white cross.

  Sonata also questioned how Mackenzie passed Marine training with her phobia of ships, since their training involves being on boats and ships due to their specialty involving fighting in the water and performing beach invasions. She acknowledged that the Marines do have Amphibious Armored Assault Vehicles that can each carry a platoon (30 Marines) to the beach.

  Sonata's voice was heavy with remorse as she expressed her regret for not including Julia's sister on their trip. "In hindsight," she admitted, "she might have been instrumental in helping us find Julia." The revelation that both Julia and her sister had been disowned by their families hung in the air, a stark testament to the harsh realities they faced. Sonata clarified that their estrangement wasn't due to their sexual orientation, as Macaroni had initially assumed, but because Julia's sister was, for all intents and purposes, a cyborg. This transformation, she explained, was a result of "Project ReGenesis."

  Macaroni's curiosity was piqued. "Project ReGenesis? What's that?" she inquired, her brow furrowed.

  Sonata elaborated, explaining that it was a Little Bird Health Program initiated by the military back in 2000. The project's aim was to provide advanced cybernetic limbs for soldiers who had suffered the loss of limbs in combat. These weren't just any prosthetics; they were designed to be highly functional and, remarkably, visually indistinguishable from natural human limbs.

  As if to punctuate Sonata's explanation, Macaroni slowly extended her left arm, revealing it to be a cybernetic limb. A flicker of surprise crossed Sonata's face, quickly replaced by understanding. "I lost my arm in a fire at a science facility," Macaroni explained, her voice steady. "A door closed on it, and well... surgery and a prosthetic arm were the only options." She recounted how the doctor had informed her about the need for periodic recalibration at a military base.

  Mitchell, who had been listening quietly, chimed in, "That's right. And it's crucial to keep that arm in good shape. It cost the taxpayers a pretty penny – a hundred thousand dollars, to be precise."

  Sonata nodded, her gaze returning to Macaroni. "Julia's sister is... well, she's more cyborg than human at this point. Cybernetic feet, legs, arms, hands... the whole works." A hint of unease crept into her voice as she added, "She's a firm believer in 'Human Transcendence.' Thinks the future is all cyborgs and androids, with a few normal humans kept around for... breeding purposes."

  Macaroni's expression was a mix of disbelief and morbid fascination. "That's... messed up," she admitted, "but hey, she's entitled to her beliefs, as twisted as they are."

  During their conversation, Sonata brought up a rather unsettling point - that some men, like Mitchell, were spared from becoming cyborgs solely because Julia's sister believed their only value was in breeding. This notion clearly struck a nerve with Mitchell. He vehemently disagreed, arguing that while he wasn't a geneticist, such a theory didn't hold water. If it were true, he reasoned, there would only be a few generations of non-cyborg humans before everyone became related.

  He went on to explain his logic, drawing on something he'd overheard his Commanding Officer discussing. In small, isolated communities with only a handful of residents - say, 25 people - it was inevitable that after several generations, everyone would be related to some degree. This, he implied, would be the same outcome for non-cyborg humans if they were only kept around for breeding purposes.

  Macaroni, clearly intrigued by Mitchell's line of reasoning, couldn't resist a jab. He questioned how Mitchell could be so sure of this genetic phenomenon without any expertise in the field.

  Mitchell and Sonata delved deeper into the unsettling beliefs held by certain Little Bird military officers. These officers, they discovered, viewed their soldiers not as individuals but as mere experimental subjects in a relentless pursuit to engineer the "best of the best." Their chilling ideology drew disturbing parallels to the ancient human domestication of animals and the selective breeding of crops. The ultimate goal, it seemed, was to mold soldiers who were not only exceptionally healthy and strong but also unquestioningly obedient, mirroring the traits observed in Cadenza.

  Sonata, with a hint of unease in her voice, elaborated further on the historical roots of this practice. It was a tradition, she explained, that stretched back to the ancient Native Little Birden tribes. These tribes, living in a harsh and unforgiving environment, held a firm belief that only the strongest warriors could survive and, therefore, should be the ones to choose their mates and pass on their genes. The Nightingale tribe, in particular, known as the "Proud Warrior Race," had taken this belief to an extreme, structuring their entire social hierarchy around battle prowess. Regardless of gender, those who had survived numerous battles were granted the privilege of choosing their mates, even if those individuals were already married. This created a ruthless system where strength and survival in combat were the sole determinants of social status and reproductive rights.

  Macaroni expressed her belief that she understood the reason behind her and Mitchell's cousin, David "Dave" Mitchell Waterson, assisting Macaroni's girlfriend in conceiving children. She attributed this to Claire's heritage as a half Native Little Birden from the Nightingale tribe.

  Macaroni, however, presented a different perspective, stating that her girlfriend chose him and he helped her have children simply as any good friend would. Macaroni remained skeptical, speculating that Dave's actions were influenced by her girlfriend's cultural background. She implied that her girlfriend may have coerced him, suggesting that she essentially told him, "You're going to give me a child whether you like it or not."

  Mitchell countered Macaroni's argument, proposing that Dave's assistance could have been purely out of friendship, similar to how Mitchell helped Sonata become pregnant and have children. He implied that Dave's actions didn't necessarily have ulterior motives and could have been motivated by a genuine desire to help his friend.

  The group decided to take a break and settle into their surroundings. During this time, Mitchell discovered a functioning phone and immediately called his wife. After his conversation, he announced to the group that he had found a working phone.

  Macaroni, upon hearing that Mitchell's first call was to his wife, questioned his priorities, asking, "The first person you decided to call was your wife?" Sonata interjected, emphasizing the practicality of the situation, stating that a working phone is a valuable resource, regardless of who was called first.

  Sonata then proceeded to use the phone herself. She decided to call in a favor from a childhood friend. Sonata's request was met with resistance. The friend explained that she was on a watch list and couldn't provide the clearance Sonata needed.

  Undeterred, Sonata reminded her friend of a past debt, stating, "Don't give me that! You still owe me for what happened in Ft. Sunction. I'm calling it in." This declaration prompted the friend to reveal that during the war, the TSA (Tactical Solutions Associates) had used drones to survey the country and identify several heavily fortified locations that could potentially be used to house prisoners of war.

  Sonata's friend, with a knowing glint in her eye, revealed that each heavily fortified base possessed a singular, heavily guarded entrance and exit point. This crucial piece of intelligence sparked an idea in Sonata's mind. She proposed a daring plan: a stealth paradropping insertion. Her rationale was sound; enemies typically anticipate direct, frontal assaults, leaving them less prepared for a silent infiltration from the skies or a swift aerial attack.

  With a mischievous grin, Sonata turned to Mitchell, declaring it was his time to shine. After all, airborne assaults were his forte as a seasoned paratrooper. Mitchell, however, was quick to ground her enthusiasm. This wasn't some romanticized WWII propaganda poster, he retorted. He vividly described a famous Little Bird Airborne poster that depicted a paratrooper descending gracefully with an open parachute, all while firing a Thompson-styled SMG one-handed. Wider versions of the poster showcased multiple paratroopers engaged in the same daring feat.

  Mitchell's historical knowledge proved invaluable. He explained that in the early years of the Little Bird Army Airborne, SMGs were ubiquitous. Paratroopers, as the vanguard of the first wave, were often armed with these compact and maneuverable weapons. Transport aircraft would simultaneously drop heavy wooden or metallic crates containing the heavier armaments for the second wave, which consisted of riflemen and machine gunners. Upon landing, these soldiers would swiftly retrieve their weapons from the crates and join the fray.

  The evolution of paratrooper landing techniques was another fascinating aspect that Mitchell elucidated. In the late 1930s, Little Birden paratroopers were trained to jump head first and land on their knees and feet, followed by a quick roll. However, this method was eventually phased out due to the high incidence of injuries. The "Flared" landing, where paratroopers landed squarely on their feet, was practiced since 1941.

  In 1943, a new technique called the "Greased" landing was introduced. This method involved paratroopers starting to run close to the ground before touchdown, aiming to be "battle ready" immediately upon landing. However, the success of this technique was heavily dependent on wind conditions, leading to varied results.

  Mitchell expressed that this landing technique is superior to the "On Four" landing, used by the Little Bird Army Airborne. In an "On Four" landing, a paratrooper lands on their hands and knees, but it can take up to a minute to recover and remove their harness. He acknowledged that both the "On Four" and the traditional "Parachute Landing Fall" (PLF) are common in training. Many Little Bird paratroopers continue to use the PLF, but find it uncomfortable when wearing the combat armor introduced in September 2005.

  This discomfort arises because the advanced defensive polymers used in the armor are lightweight and incorporate components such as thermal-dissipative membranes, concussive protection plates, and synthetic fibers attached to the standard load-carrying equipment of the infantryman. Mitchell further explained that the winterized version of the armor is even more uncomfortable during landings due to its additional insulation and bulk, compared to the normal version designed for warm and hot climates with short sleeves.

  Jack entered the room and complained about the Marine combat armor being too tight in the crotch area. Mitchell jokingly retorted that Jack must have received a female version, implying that due to his slender physique, Jack could be mistaken for a woman from a distance. He teased Jack for not being the type to lift weights, emphasizing his skinny frame and rectangular torso.

  Sam countered Mitchell's joke, stating that the armor was designed for a Marine of 5'9" height, which was Jack's height when he received it. Sam suggested that Jack had grown a couple of inches since then, causing the discomfort. He compared the situation to someone with size eight feet trying to wear size five shoes, highlighting the issue of wearing something too small.

  Mitchell, however, took offense to Sam's shoe size analogy, as he himself had unusually feet, measuring 9 ? inch foot length and wearing size seven shoes. He interpreted Sam's comment as a personal jab due to his unique physical attribute.

  Sam attempted to clarify his point by using an analogy. He compared the situation to an adult wearing a shirt that is too small for them, much like someone trying to fit into a child's clothing. Mitchell understood the comparison and humorously remarked that it sounded like his wife, Cadence.

  Cadence rarely wears shirts, opting mostly for dresses. However, when she did wear pants and a shirt, she would often borrow Mitchell's clothes. These clothes were always baggy on her due to their large size. Mitchell wears a large shirt size because of his physique. While not overly muscular, he maintained a slightly athletic build through a combination of cardio and weightlifting exercises.

  Mitchell's wife, Cadence, wears a medium dress or shirt size, which was significantly smaller than his large size.

  Sonata then expressed her relief that they weren't facing a betrayal from within their own ranks. She explained that whenever the LBIAOSA appoints a new director, there's always a faction that believes the new leader is unfit to command and that the LBIAOSA could be restructured into a more effective organization, even if it means sacrificing countless innocent lives in the process. Many past directors were internal reformists, forward-thinkers whose policies often involved introducing new blood into the LBIAOSA and phasing out older elements. They believed in the necessity of retirement for the old guard, advocating for a new way of doing things, echoing the adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

  Sonata illustrated her point with a historical example: at the dawn of World War II, the LBIAOSA recognized the need for agents with specialized training to handle new threats like plastic explosives (such as Composition C) and to operate behind enemy lines. These agents underwent rigorous training in a variety of disciplines:

  Assassination: They were skilled in eliminating high-value targets with precision and stealth.

  Reconnaissance: They were experts in gathering intelligence and surveying enemy territory.

  Intelligence Gathering: They were trained to collect and analyze information critical to Allied operations.

  Sabotage: They were adept at disrupting enemy infrastructure and operations.

  Search and Rescue: They were capable of locating and extracting captured Allied POWs.

  These agents were deployed behind enemy lines to carry out a range of missions, including sabotaging enemy infrastructure and factories, stealing enemy blueprints for advancements in military technology, and freeing captured Allied POWs. Their specialized skills and training proved invaluable in the war effort.

  Mitchell, having just finished another phone call that lasted several minutes, was immediately questioned by Sonata about who he had spoken to this time. With a hint of exasperation in his voice, Mitchell revealed that it was his mother-in-law. He went on to explain that his mother-in-law had assured him of her ability to provide protection and support from her end. However, her tone turned grave as she warned them that if their current operation went sideways, it would be Mitchell, Sonata, Jack, Sam, Cadenza, Nighthawk, and Macaroni who would bear the consequences.

  She emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that they would be in a precarious position where no amount of political influence or connections could save them if their "mission" failed. The reason for this, Mitchell explained, was that their presence there was not just "unofficial" in the typical military sense of operating covertly. They were truly operating outside of any official sanction or support. If things went wrong, they would be completely on their own and vulnerable to the full force of any repercussions.

  Sonata, maintaining a firm and unwavering tone, addressed Mitchell directly. She elucidated the precarious nature of their situation: they were operating beyond the scope of authorized military action. Their mission lacked official sanction and support; it was, fundamentally, illegal. Their presence was voluntary, motivated by a commitment to rescue Julia and the other Special Forces soldiers who had been forsaken by the Little Bird Military. These soldiers were confronting a dire predicament—death or indefinite captivity, subject to the whims of their captors.

  The allusion to potential protection for Mitchell's mother-in-law against any repercussions stemming from their actions underscored the gravity of their decision. It was a calculated risk, a gamble with potentially severe consequences. Sonata then proceeded to delineate a strategy: a clandestine operation designed to neutralize the enemy without detection.

  At that juncture, Mackenzie Rose reentered the room, her entrance coinciding precisely with the conclusion of Sonata's tactical briefing. With a tinge of sarcasm, she remarked, "What do we resemble? Charlie's Angels?" Although facetious, her comment emphasized the audacity of their plan and the inherent perils they were confronting. It was a stark reminder that they were a small, autonomous team undertaking a formidable challenge, with the odds stacked against them.

  “You might not but for me I was trained a hundred ways to kill a man and make it look like natural causes and I’m trained a thousand ways to kill a man with whatever is at my disposal,” Sonata countered

  Sam and Sonata were having a conversation about life in small towns. Sonata, who lives in the tiny town of Dilimore, admitted that it had its ups and downs. One of the major downsides, she explained, was the agonizing wait times for just about everything.

  Unlike the town of Clearlake, where most of their friends resided, Dilimore didn't have the luxury of a supermarket. Clearlake was conveniently connected to major highways like I-15, I-10, and I-15, making it easily accessible for residents and businesses alike. This accessibility likely contributed to Clearlake having a larger population and more developed infrastructure, including a supermarket.

  Dilimore, on the other hand, was a small, rural town in the middle of nowhere. Its only grocery option was a small, local grocer that stocked only the basic essentials. Sonata expressed her understanding of the situation, recognizing that the town's size and remote location made it difficult to sustain a larger grocery store. However, she still found the grocer to be a major inconvenience.

  The grocer was small, with only two cashiers and limited inventory. On Saturdays, the lines could be excruciatingly long, with wait times of an hour or two not uncommon. Even with modern, barcode-scanning cash registers, the checkout process was slow and inefficient.

  Mitchell, who lives in Clearlake, chimed in, mentioning that their supermarket still used outdated cash registers from the 1970s. These ancient machines required cashiers to punch in credit and debit card numbers manually, and then wait for the terminal to make an automated phone call to the cardholder's bank to verify the card and transfer funds.

  Sonata expressed her concern that the town's livelihood is inextricably linked to the mines. She believes that if the mines were to close, the town's economy would plummet, leading to mass unemployment and an exodus of residents seeking work elsewhere. The once-bustling town would then risk becoming a ghost town, haunted by empty buildings and silent streets.

  However, Sonata also predicted that the closure wouldn't deter everyone. Thrill-seekers and daredevils, she warned, would be drawn to the abandoned mines, enticed by the allure of danger and the thrill of exploring forbidden territory. But these adventurers would face a myriad of hazards that lurk within the depths of the deserted mines.

  The dangers are numerous and varied. The ground itself could be unstable, prone to subsidence and collapse, swallowing the unwary. Remnants of past mining operations, such as undetonated explosives, could remain hidden, waiting to be accidentally triggered with catastrophic consequences. The air within the mines could be deadly; blackdamp, a suffocating gas, could accumulate in stagnant areas, while unventilated tunnels could harbor a toxic mix of poisonous gases and oxygen-deficient air.

  The physical structure of the mines would also pose threats. Hidden shafts, concealed by overgrown vegetation or weakened boards, could give way underfoot. Tunnels, roofs, and passageways could be unstable and prone to cave-ins, burying those below. Rotting timbers and ladders could collapse, sending climbers plummeting into the darkness.

  The environment within the mines could also be hostile to human life. Venomous snakes, spiders, and other dangerous creatures could make their homes in the dark corners. Deep pools of contaminated water and flooded tunnels could lead to drowning, hypothermia, or waterborne diseases. Hazardous remnants of mined elements, such as lead, could poison the unsuspecting. The layout of the mines, often pitch-black and labyrinthine, could easily disorient explorers, leading them to become lost or trapped.

  Additional dangers could include radioactive materials left behind from certain types of mining, falling rocks from unstable ceilings, and the ever-present risk of injury from sharp edges and protruding objects.

  Macaroni added a real-world perspective to Sonata's concerns. She shared that her and Mitchell’s cousin Dave works out of a firehouse that has specialized firefighters in the city of Empire. That team is trained to respond to urban disasters, including structural collapses and mine cave-ins. She revealed that many of their calls involve rescuing people who have ventured into abandoned mines around the city, only to become trapped when the unstable structures collapse.

  Sonata then shifted the conversation, mentioning that Julia and her sister shared a fascination with a particular vehicle employed by the Little Bird military. This vehicle, known as the "Visala Viper," was a hybrid anti-materiel and anti-fortification platform. While classified as a main battle tank, its design prioritized agility and maneuverability over heavy armor.

  The Visala Viper's exceptional mobility stemmed from its six all-terrain wheels, which allowed it to traverse challenging landscapes with ease. These wheels were further protected by pivoting guards at the front and rear. Interestingly, the two rear wheels retracted when the vehicle entered "lockdown mode," a feature that hinted at its dual functionality.

  In its standard mode, the Visala Viper operated as a highly mobile tank hunter and gun system, equipped with two 30mm light railguns. These railguns fired high-density ferrous slugs at incredible velocities, relying on kinetic energy to penetrate enemy armor. Due to the immense power requirements, the railguns could only fire intermittently, alternating between the two cannons. However, a synchronized blast from both railguns could obliterate even the most heavily armored targets.

  The Visala Viper's lockdown mode transformed it into a formidable artillery piece. In this mode, the two 30mm railguns combined to form a single 105mm heavy railgun capable of firing both high-density ferrous slugs and conventional explosive shells at supersonic speeds. This versatility allowed the Visala Viper to engage a wide range of targets, from heavily fortified positions to enemy armor.

  Mitchell was explaining how his cousin by marriage, Visala, had been instrumental in revolutionizing the Little Bird Armed Forces' arsenal. Visala was a brilliant mind, with a knack for creating futuristic weapons. One of her most significant contributions was an artillery tank, unique among LBAF vehicles due to its armament: a devastating plasma cannon.

  This plasma cannon was capable of firing superheated plasma at a 45-degree angle, with a remarkable firing range of 62 miles. The plasma it fired was not only destructive upon impact but also had tactical applications. By strategically deploying the plasma cannon, the LBAF could create "aerials of denial", effectively preventing enemy soldiers and vehicles from using certain routes. This forced them into chokepoints or kill zones, where the LBAF could concentrate their firepower.

  Mitchell emphasized that Visala's ingenuity extended far beyond the plasma cannon. He believed that without Visala's contributions, Project Phoenix would still be outdated. This project involved creating genetically modified super soldiers with unbreakable bones, enhanced strength, senses, and reflexes, who were also equipped with advanced power armor suits complete with deflector shields. These super soldiers were a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of turning the tide of any battle.

  Furthermore, Visala had introduced other groundbreaking gene mods for the military. These included modifications that gave soldiers hyper-reactive pupils for improved vision in low light conditions, enhanced depth perception, and adaptive bone marrow that accelerated healing and increased overall agility. Some soldiers even received gene mods that increased the density of muscle fiber in their legs, allowing them to jump slightly higher, giving them an edge in close combat and traversal.

  Mitchell's account painted a picture of Visala as a visionary and a game-changer. Her inventions and advancements had propelled the Little Bird Armed Forces into a new era of military prowess.

  Mitchell disclosed Visala’s endorsement of a "breeding program," wherein former special forces soldiers, both male and female, would be encouraged to have children after their military service. This initiative stems from Visala's advanced genetic manipulation capabilities, which enable her to modify human traits even before birth.

  Mitchell, caught up in his own enthusiasm, continued to elaborate on Visala's impressive accomplishments. He detailed how she single-handedly engineered the LB-45, a formidable energy weapon inspired by the M1928 Thompson submachine gun. This innovative laser rifle, with its titanium-housed crystal array, was not only remarkably powerful but also incredibly durable, capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

  Mitchell meticulously listed the weapon's specifications, emphasizing its rapid 2.5-second reload time, substantial 24-round ammunition capacity, and efficient semi-automatic firing mode, capable of delivering 24 shots per release. He marveled at Visala's ingenuity, highlighting how her groundbreaking work had propelled the nation of Little Bird to the forefront of technological advancement.

  However, Mitchell's tone shifted as he cautiously revealed Visala's peculiar fascination with reproduction, particularly human reproduction. He hinted at her audacious ambition to elevate humanity to the next evolutionary stage, leaving Sonata apprehensive and hesitant to delve deeper. Mitchell's cryptic response only fueled Sonata's unease.

  He went on to explain that while some of Visala's species possessed 34 chromosomes, her alien physiology had uniquely adapted to facilitate interspecies offspring, such as Human-Verlopiousian hybrids. Mitchell also alluded to the possibility of legally modifying humans to enhance their physical capabilities, citing Cadenza's unbreakable bones, super strength, and heightened reflexes as examples.

  In Visala's case, Mitchell suggested that she was interested in bestowing humans with "The Gift." Macaroni, interjecting with skepticism, likened "The Gift" to something out of science fiction, envisioning humans wielding extraordinary psychic abilities. These abilities, she speculated, would extend far beyond those of ordinary psychics, enabling individuals to manipulate reality with their minds, casting telekinetic fields, inducing panic, inspiring others, controlling minds, and even inflicting mental anguish.

  Sonata asked “Verlopoiousian?”

  Mitchell explained that Visala hailed from a planet called "Verlopoious". He detailed how their historical timelines diverged; when Earth was in its Classical era, Verlopoious was experiencing its Industrial Revolution. Similarly, Earth's Industrial era corresponded to Verlopoious' Cold War period.

  Visala, Mitchell explained, was born towards the end of Earth's World War period, placing her birth around the early years of the 22nd Century on Verlopoious' timeline. However, Mitchell admitted that Visala's exact birthdate was ambiguous due to differing interpretations of historical periods.

  On Little Bird, the "tail end" of a war is taught to encompass the final year when surrender was inevitable. In the context of Earth's World War, this period extended from roughly July 1944 to September 1945, when the Axis powers were desperate and resorting to increasingly unpredictable measures.

  Therefore, Visala's age on Earth is either 66 or 67, depending on the specific birthdate within that timeframe. However, from the perspective of her home planet Verlopoious, she is only 29 years old. This discrepancy highlighted the significant differences in timelines and cultural perspectives between Earth and Verlopoious.

  During a conversation, Sonata inquired about Mitchell's intuition regarding Visala's true age. Mitchell responded with a touch of humor, stating that he'd never inquire about a woman's age directly. However, he ventured a guess, suggesting that Visala was likely between 29 and 34 years old. He based this estimation on the assumption that she was still within her childbearing years. Mitchell concluded his response by emphasizing that his guess was as good as anyone else's, and that Visala's age remained somewhat ambiguous.

  Jack, in a moment of candid conversation, revealed that he had once overheard Visala talking to Mitchell about his wedding. Visala's words, as Jack recounted, were somewhat dismissive, suggesting that Mitchell was "marrying a nice woman" who would likely "bear many children." Sonata, who was present during this exchange, interjected with a touch of irony. She remarked that, given Mitchell's recent praise of Visala, it wasn't surprising that Visala held such opinions.

  Mitchell, however, had been quite clear about his wife Cadence's choices. He had emphasized that Cadence's decision to be a stay-at-home mom was entirely her own, made of her own free will. Jack, undeterred, countered with another piece of overheard gossip. He claimed that Visala had muttered something about Cadence's role on her homeworld being that of a "breeder." Mitchell acknowledged that Cadence's mother, Star, had expressed similar sentiments, but he dismissed them as the typical longings of a mother for grandchildren.

  Eager to clarify any misconceptions, Mitchell delved into the specifics of Visala's homeworld's culture. He explained that on Visala's planet, there existed a profession, open to both genders, where individuals were paid to either impregnate someone or carry a child to term. Once the child was born, it was handed over to the father and his partner, severing all ties with the birth mother. Mitchell likened this practice to surrogacy, but with a crucial distinction: on Visala's world, it was a recognized career path, and the birth mother or sperm donor had no legal or emotional connection to the child.

  Mitchell further elaborated on the intricacies of this system. He explained that if a couple who had hired a breeder ended up with more children than they desired - twins, for instance, when they only wanted one child - the breeder had the option of keeping the additional child or relinquishing them to the government's adoption system. However, the most common outcome in such situations was for the breeder's friends or family to legally adopt the extra children.

  Mitchell recounted his conversation with Visala, who had explained the two methods for procreation on her home planet. For homosexual couples, there was the option of a "biological child," achieved through advanced scientific techniques that combined the DNA of both partners, a concept Mitchell found astonishing.

  The alternative was "natural conception," the only legally recognized method for heterosexual couples on Visala's world. However, Visala had revealed that same-sex couples were exempt from this law if they wished to have a child. They could choose to have a child through DNA combination, similar to the biological child process, or they could opt for a natural child with a "breeder" of the opposite sex.

  During a conversation, Jack and Sam shared their observations about some of their male relatives. They noted that these relatives seem to have an aversion to growing up and taking on responsibilities. Instead, they appear to emulate the stereotypical image of a "frat bro" – someone who engages in casual sexual relationships without considering the potential consequences.

  Jack and Sam expressed particular concern about the lack of responsibility these relatives display when it comes to fatherhood. They mentioned instances where these relatives had engaged in unprotected sex that resulted in pregnancies, leaving the women with no choice but to take legal action to secure child support. Sam even revealed that some of his extended family members currently have outstanding warrants for their arrest due to unpaid child support.

  Despite their apparent disregard for the responsibilities of fatherhood, Jack and Sam noted a peculiar irony – these same relatives would likely jump at the opportunity to have a job where they could conceive children without having to form any relationship with the child or provide any financial support.

  Soon Cadenza returned all suited up in her advanced power armor and asked if we’re going on to raid the next place so we decided to go.