One

Miles looked at the large map that was spread over the table top and shook his head. They had all heard the rumours regarding the invasion, but had dismissed them. All too often such things had proven untrue, some wild story mad up by some equally wild Militia leader.

Ivy leaned over the table and pointed at the California Commonwealth, "We know they landed here and now control 90% of that part of the country". She moved her finger over to the Wasteland, "Some troops have broken through the lines here and there are reports of enemy soldiers near the Texas and Plains Nation borders".

"Any idea who they are?", Bass asked. "I heard it was the French, but then there is also talk it's the British". Ivy cleared her throat and sat back down in her chair. Her gaze drifted at all the Militia leaders before her and let out a loud sigh.

"You would be correct on both counts Bass". Her eyes drifted over the map, stopping at the Georgia Federation. "It seems those we thought our allies, were in fact our enemies".

"I had wondered why she wasn't here", Miles sighed. "Do you think the old President has sided with the Brits?".

"I have spies working on the answer to that question as we speak". Ivy leaned into her chair, "Let us hope that is not the case and she is under duress". She closed her eyes for a moment and let out a loud sigh, "We must put that out of our minds for now. General Hancock, do we have any update on movements in the Wasteland?".

A tall woman stepped toward and leaned over the table, her long, red hair spilling over her shoulder as she moved. "Latest reports show at least five thousand of the enemy in that territory General Jackson. However, that is only in the eastern part of the territory as it is too dangerous for my scouts to head anywhere else".

"Thank you Sarah", Ivy motioned for the woman to leave the table. "General Lee, I'd".

"Really!?", Aaron rose up from the table and thumped his hand down, making everyone look up. His race was red and Ivy could see he was annoyed.

"Excuse me?", she asked firmly.

"I think you've played this charade for far too long Jackson!", Aaron huffed. He pointed at her Generals, "Come on! General Lee. General Pickett, Hancock and Longstreet! What the hell are you playing at? This isn't some game you know!".

"Aaron", Miles grabbed his friends arm and tried to pull him back down. "Sit the hell down".

"No", Ivy hissed from the other side of the table. She raised her hand up and gave Aaron an icy glare. "I would very much like for him to be standing for this".

Ivy crossed her arms and stared defiantly at Aaron. "George, could you please formally introduce yourself to this", she let out a loud huff, "gentleman". The man at her side stepped forward and nodded. "General George Pickett. Originally from Washington DC, but now I call Fredericksburg home".

"Please tell him about your family history", Ivy asked firmly.

"Yes Mam. I was adopted when I was just a child, so know nothing of my birth parents. My paternal family however, the Picketts, they were direct descendants of General Pickett. The same Pickett who fought in the American Civil War".

"Thank you George". Ivy glanced around the room and smiled, "My goodness me Pamela, I almost did not see you standing there. Would you please tell Aaron about yourself".

The small woman moved to the front of the group and offered Ivy a firm salute, before turning to face Aaron. "I was born and raised in Antietam and am proud to still call that wonderful place home. My Great Great Great Grandfather was General John Buford". She moved closer to the table and leaned forward, "You know, the dude from the Civil War".

"As for me", Ivy rose up from the table and walked towards Aaron, not once shifting her eyes from him. "My husband was a descendant of General Thomas Jackson. When I married him I inherited the name". Ivy locked her eyes onto Aarons, "Would you care for me to run through all of my Generals family ancestries, or are you happy now?".

"Come on", Aaron spat defensively. "You're seriously telling me that after the black-out you just happened to meet people who had the same names as some of the most famous people in American history?".

"No, you trumped up bafoon. Only when I began to form the Neutrals did our paths cross. When word got out that someone by the name of Jackson was trying to protect sites of historical significance, many of them came to me. It all came together from there". She shrugged and turned to face the people she trusted more than any, "If someone had of said to me 10 years ago that I would be in charge of these people, I would have laughed. It would have seemed so improbable to me".

Slowly Ivy walked back to her team and Miles couldn't help but be amazed at the tenderness reflected in their eyes as they watched her. The Generals not only respected her, they both adored and loved Ivy. She was strong, intelligent, an incredible fighter, but a fair leader. It was these traits that had made her so important to many people.

"Yet here we are", Ivy continued as she sat back down in her seat. "And as unbelievable as it is Aaron, I would not have it any other way. We were brought together for a reason and I am not about to question it".

Aaron nodded and sank back down into his seat. "Sorry", he sighed. "Given everything else that's happened, I was kind of stupid to question the names of your Generals".

"You were", Ivy hissed. "Just make sure you do not do it again".

Two

What a glorious woman, the man thought, as he watched Ivy and several others walking through the camp. Every now and then soldiers would stop her, eager to shake the hand of one of the most well known leaders in existence. Ivy would offer them a warm smile and brief conversation, before carrying on ahead. Can I do this?, the man pondered as he turned away. Can I truly do this? He already knew the answer.

It didn't matter what he wanted. All that mattered now were his orders and he had never disobeyed them before. This time would be no different.

Three

The night sky was clear and those brilliant stars illuminated the vast camp below. Nearly all of the residents had gone to bed for night, preparing themselves for the long day to come. All of the leaders had agreed they needed to form some kind of plan, but had argued as to what that plan may be. There was no union amongst them, those years of division too great, making it hard for any to come together.

As Ivy gazed up at the star lit sky, she wondered just how they would manage to defeat their enemies when they were so divided. She closed her eyes and let out a gentle sigh, "God help us all", she whispered.

"You're troubled Ivy", Georges deep voice murmured from behind her. Ivy nodded and slowly opened her eyes, "Very much". She felt those strong arms wrap around her and Ivy sank back against his chest. "How are we supposed to stand against such a formidable enemy, when we cannot even hold a conversation without it becoming an argument".

"They need a leader", George whispered in Ivys ear. "They just need someone to step forward and take charge".

Ivy let out a loud sigh and eased herself around to face George. She looked into those blue eyes and felt all her concerns melt away. Ever since the day they had first met Ivy had felt a connection with George and it had only grown over the years.

"Who", Ivy murmured, "would be foolish enough to attempt to lead this lot?". She motioned around the camp, "And who could we trust to lead us?". George pulled her in closer and leaned down, "Can't answer that beautiful. But I can tell you this". He raised his hand up and brushed Ivys hair back, "No matter what, I'll be by your side".

"You are such a sappy man sometimes George", Ivy smiled. She lifted herself up and kissed him firmly. "Guess that is why I love you", Ivy whispered.