The radio didn't offer much in terms of uplifting news.
The President, his cabinet, and the Congress had left Washington in time just as the enemy engulfed the city. The nation still stood, but was under siege. The world was at war. It was too soon to say who was winning and who was losing, but the losses were significant.
The enemy was not coming in waves or continuous pushes. Instead, they were scattered across the continent, striking in the most unexpected places.
They were hostile but not entirely merciless. It was as if they weren't seeking to conquer or destroy; they were out for something else.
...Like testing the waters?
Enterprise didn't like what her thoughts were leading to.
The broadcast again informed those in the vicinity of Baltimore to evacuate immediately following the last wave of airstrikes that turned much of the neighborhoods into scorched rubble. The harbor and Fort McHenry were still holding out; the National Guard had set up defensive positions to allow remaining civilians to flee through the sea.
The road leading there wasn't as clogged as they thought. Whether that was because most had died or had already fled, she didn't know, but she didn't dare think about it.
Soldiers were making rounds, urging people to follow the instructions. Bring just enough. Don't run off on your own. Leave the cars and board the ferries.
"Hello, please leave your car and—" One soldier approached and paused when she peered inside.
Maybe it was the KANSEN behind the wheel. Maybe it was the tired man in the back. Maybe it was the eagle staring back with his sharp gaze. Maybe it was the shotgun in plain sight. Maybe it was the scared little girl. Whatever it was, Enterprise was sure they had left an impression.
"USS Enterprise, US Navy. The man behind me is Commander Jeremiah Halsey. We were at Norfolk when it was overrun, and now we're heading to New York as ordered. Do you need our credentials? I'm afraid we can't board the ferries, so we'll be going through I-95. Don't worry about us. Are your ferries protected?"
"The ferries have their escorts," the soldier stammered, her voice a tad higher. "Um, but that girl...she's a civilian. You shouldn't..."
"She has no family," Commander Halsey interjected. "They're all dead. I'd love to have her leave for safety, but she has no one and nowhere to go."
Just then, the girl woke up, her hands feeling around the coat, searching for something.
"Dad...Dad...Mom..."
"Shhh...don't cry. It's alright. It's alright. Hey, these nice people are taking others to safety. Do you...want to go with them?"
Upon hearing that, she violently shook her head, clawing and grasping at the Commander's shirt and burying her face in his chest as she wailed.
"No! No! Don't leave me! Don't go!"
"Okay, okay, calm down. Shh...calm down. I won't leave you. I promise."
The soldier, who looked like a fresh recruit, didn't seem to know what to do.
"Sir..."
"She's staying with us," the Commander said, his tone resolute.
"O-okay," the soldier nodded, stepping aside. "Please take care."
"Thank you."
They continued their journey, passing by the ferry dock. Many people had gathered there, waiting for the ferries.
Some of them looked relieved. Others were not. Some carried a lot of bags. Others had nothing but the clothes on their backs. Enterprise smiled as she recognized the escorts—Wasp, Ranger, and a couple of vessels, including USCG cutters.
Nearby, the Star-Spangled Banner was still flying over Fort McHenry, proud and strong. Hope had not yet been lost.
The radio was now talking about the evacuation efforts and how they would get as many people out of harm's way as possible. There was a chance not all would be saved, but the priority was to get the women, children, and the elderly out.
The tunnel was near, and beyond it, they would have to make haste through another part of Baltimore again.
The girl was munching on the bread the Commander offered. Although she'd not eaten anything for hours, she nibbled slowly, chewing quietly.
"What's your name, dear?" Enterprise asked. There was no answer. She took it as a cue to back away.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I won't ask again. It's okay. We're here. Just take your time."
"...Amy," the girl finally replied. She didn't reveal her last name, which might no longer be relevant since her parents were no longer around.
"Nice name. I'm Ente—Enty."
"Nnn."
"And I'm...just call me Jerry. That bird is Grim. He's nice, so don't be scared."
"Mm-hm."
Enterprise turned her attention back on the road just as Commander Halsey offered Amy some juice. She chose apple flavor and murmured her thanks.
The tunnel was right in front of them, the entrance wide open. It was still well-lit.
"I'm going faster, so hold on, okay?" Enterprise said, and the Commander nodded, his hand patting Amy's head. The girl was clutching his arm.
"Don't let go. Please don't leave me," she begged.
"Don't worry, I won't."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Mm."
Nobody was passing the tunnel. The other lane had empty cars, a sight now too familiar to startle. There were a couple of soldiers and the occasional police officers in battered cruisers, who let them go without much question once they identified themselves.
Grim was quiet, his wings folded. He was sleeping, his beak tucked under his wing. Enterprise ruffled his feathers gently enough not to disturb his sleep.
"You did great today, Grim," she whispered.
"He's a good partner," the Commander remarked.
"That he is."
The light was bright, almost blinding, when they emerged from the tunnel.
Baltimore, or what remained of it, was in view. That part of the city still stood, but signs of hasty evacuation were everywhere.
More weary soldiers, along with firefighters and policemen, were there, for the last time urging people to leave their homes.
Enterprise thought of looking for a gas station. The tank was not entirely empty, but filling up while they still could seemed like a good idea.
An officer, though confused—or maybe even suspicious—directed them to one, so they left the route and made their way there.
The place, which was in the vicinity of Pulaski Highway, wasn't entirely deserted, but the owner and workers had left, leaving only a note that said, "Feel free to take whatever you need. Last good thing I can do."
No civilians were around, only an M939 truck with several NECC personnel. They recognized Enterprise and Commander Halsey—and promptly saluted when they came into view.
"Commander Halsey and Miss Enterprise? Are you heading for New York?" A Warrant Officer inquired.
"Yes, as ordered," Enterprise said. "Are you people heading there, too?"
"No, ma'am. We're on our way to Philly. They're expecting us there, and we're tasked to bring as many supplies as possible."
"Ah. I see."
"But we can spare a bit, sir."
"I'll appreciate that."
The men and the Commander conversed a bit. Enterprise, however, didn't pay much attention. Among the buzzing, she only managed to make out "Norfolk" and "Virginia Beach," and the rest was too indistinct. She decided to just focus on refilling.
The fuel gauge was soon back at the full mark.
The Commander told her to wait a bit and went inside the store. He came out a moment later, holding some plastic bags.
"Got kiddie clothes for Amy. Enterprise, can you go with her to the restroom and help her change?"
"I...sure."
"Thank you. I'll wait out here."
Amy seemed a little hesitant at first, but Commander Halsey gently nudged her toward Enterprise, whispering something, and her resistance melted. She even allowed her hand to be held, which was a significant progress.
"Come, let's go," Enterprise said, and she was led to the restroom.
Amy took her time changing. Enterprise washed her face again as the water was still working. The girl didn't say a word, nor did she, and it was probably the right thing to do. She dumped Amy's old, torn clothing in the bin and led her out.
When they emerged from the restroom, she noticed the Commander was speaking to a couple of officers.
"Thanks for your cooperation. Stay safe, sir. We're going, too."
"Be careful. Good luck," one of the men said.
"Same goes for you."
The truck left first, and the Commander watched as it disappeared around a corner.
He had a new jacket on—a windbreaker.
"How do I look?" He asked, and Enterprise couldn't help but laugh.
"It's not very you," she remarked, and he shrugged.
"Let's see if you can still laugh after you wear this," he tossed her a bundle, which she caught, surprised.
The same windbreaker, only shocking pink and decorated with hearts on the sleeves.
"What—how—"
"It was the only size large enough," Commander Halsey explained, stifling a laugh.
"Hmph."
Her face was just as pink as she put it on. Why did she agree to it anyway? She didn't have to.
"I think it looks nice," the Commander remarked, his gaze softening.
"Y-you..."
"But really, you need it. Sorry, I could only find that, okay? At least you're not cold anymore."
"Yeah. I guess."
Amy was giggling, and Enterprise's blush deepened.
"Anyway, shall we go?"
"Y-yes."
They returned to the car, and this time, the Commander insisted he drive.
"You've been at it for quite a long time," he pointed out. "I'll handle it from here."
"But—"
"Enterprise, I don't want to make it an order. This is a request from someone who...is concerned. Okay?"
Something was burning inside her chest. Pushing and pushing against her throat. This man—she knew he cared, and he'd told her more than once, but why was it so different?
Why'd it become difficult to say no, like there's only one thing she had to say and everything else didn't matter?
"I...okay. Thanks, Commander."
"No problem."
She climbed into the passenger seat, Amy following, and Commander Halsey slipped behind the wheel, starting the engine.
"Hey, Grim," he reached over, rubbing the eagle's head. "Hope you don't mind having this old man at the wheel."
"Krr," the bird replied, and the Commander chuckled.
Enterprise leaned back, letting out a sigh. Maybe she should just admit that she was indeed tired. The bigger legroom and the softer seat were welcome, and it was so easy just to relax, the stress and tension washing away.
She glanced at Amy, whose hands were on her lap. She was staring at the floor.
"It will be alright, Amy," Enterprise said, her voice gentle. The girl scooted closer, pressing herself against the KANSEN's side.
"Okay..."
She felt the girl's hand brush her fingers, and she reached out, allowing Amy to clutch them.
"Don't worry. Everything will be okay."
"Okay..."
"Lessee...We'll have to get back to I-95 Express...It will then take us roughly four hours to get to NYC if we don't stop too much. Unless Philadelphia gets attacked, we should be okay. Hopefully not, because I had fond memories of that place, and it would suck if those were all gone."
"I'm sure the Philly you remember is still there. You know, I visited the place once. It's a nice place."
"Yeah, the Ben Franklin Bridge is pretty awesome. I love how the sunset is reflected on the river. That, and the lights, too."
"It's a wonderful view."
"And the cheesesteak. Damn, that's good. And the Liberty Bell, too. Alright...enough daydreaming. Time to hit the road again."
Just as the Commander turned the key, the chilling wail of a siren tore through the air.
"Huh?"
"Air raid!"
Shadows filled the sky and scattered like an infestation spreading. There was no formation, no order, no coordination. They were just swarming like hungry locusts. Everything was their target.
"Damn it!" Commander Halsey cursed, slamming his fist on the wheel before breathing in. He stepped on the pedal, and with a screech, the car jerked forward.
Enterprise took Amy under her arm when she heard the whimper, shielding her, feeling her shaking against her body.
"I'm scared, Enty...I'm scared!"
"Shhh...don't be. We're here. Don't look up. It's okay. Don't look up."
"Can't those jets scramble faster?!" The Commander growled, swerving. The siren continued to wail. Explosions boomed and thundered. The ground shook, the windows rattling.
The car swerved, the back wheel hitting the sidewalk as the car maneuvered around the debris and the fires.
Scattered resistance was a common sight along the way, with National Guardsmen firing Stinger missiles from portable launchers and Humvees. But the drones pressed on, unfazed by the loss of their kind.
Those who didn't retreat were swiftly vaporized, and those who did were forced to run, abandoning their equipment.
Detours, too many detours. The Commander didn't have a choice. They had to make a lot of turns and cuts. The roads were either clogged or blocked, and there was no way they could go through.
Fire, smoke, and destruction. They could do nothing but keep running, even though each turn was a risk.
From the rear windshield, Enterprise could see buildings gutted. The drones had begun their descent, their eyes burning.
"Commander...it's just a matter of time before they realize we're here. My bow wouldn't be of any use..."
"I'm driving as fast as I can."
"Commander, can I ask you for something?"
"What is it?"
"Allow me to send out my planes."
"Enterprise—"
"Please, Commander. I know the risk. But we don't have a choice."
Commander Halsey was silent, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.
"You...could have died. You know that. I'm not the only hu—"
"Commander, please. We don't have a choice. Sooner or later, I will have to. It's my duty, and...if there is any chance at all, please let me. Didn't you say you believe in me?"
He didn't reply. He just continued driving.
Enterprise took the silence as a no, and she slumped.
"Alright. If you don't want me to—"
"You know what, fine. Send them out."
"Huh?"
"Send...your planes out. I'm not going to deny you this, Enterprise. This is your choice. I know that. So, I will respect it. Even if it means..."
The Commander swallowed.
"Commander, I—"
"I know. So, send your planes out. Do what you must. I believe in you."
"I understand."
She forced the sunroof open and stood up, her flight deck taking shape. Pain coursed through her veins, and she gritted her teeth.
"Please, just hold on a little longer..."
Flashes and electrical currents danced across the deck, and one by one, her planes took form.
Bombers, fighters. Relics of the past, given new purpose.
"Go. Fight. Protect."
She felt the wind against her face. Her eyes were shining.
The planes soared, guns blazing, their engines roaring.
Their deceptively small frames packed the punch of an entire squad of aircraft, and they were far more agile, dancing in the sky as they picked on the swarm.
The machine guns tore through the drones, shredding them, and the bombs pulverized the remaining ones.
The swarm scattered and fought back, but her planes were relentless, harrying and hounding the enemy, not giving them a chance to attack.
One of her fighters was hit, and she could feel its pain. But she sent a few more to replace it, and they continued the chase, firing and firing.
But she knew she could keep this up forever. There was a limit, and the limit was close.
No, she must push through. She had to. For Amy. For the Commander. For herself.
The pain was becoming unbearable. Her head hurt, her chest hurt. Her body was shaking.
Her knees gave out, and she nearly fell back into the car.
"Enterprise!"
She heard the Commander's cry, but her consciousness was rapidly slipping. She had to hang on. Just a little longer.
The drones suddenly veered off, their formation breaking.
"What..."
"Fighters...I don't know if they're from the Air Force or the Air National Guard...Enterprise, get back here! Now!"
A squadron of F-15s flew overhead, weapons hot, the rumble almost drowning out the Commander's words. The Eagles engaged the remaining drones, their Sidewinders and M61 cannons obliterating the machines before they set off to pursue the fleeing ones, leaving contrails in the sky.
Enterprise could barely stand, but she managed to get herself back into the car.
Her flight deck had already dematerialized. It was crackling and flickering before vanishing, and she collapsed onto the seat.
Her fringes clung to her drenched forehead, but the pain had started to fade. Her breaths came out in wheezes.
"Thank you, Enterprise," the Commander said. She wished he would at least look at her. But his eyes were on the road.
Her own was beginning to feel heavy, her vision on the edge of fading.
"Rest. Just...rest."
There was a hard edge to his tone, but she could tell he was trying to stay calm.
"Commander, I'm..."
"Not a word more, Enterprise. Rest."
He still didn't look at her.
"Yes, sir," she said, closing her eyes.
***
The same dream had come knocking again. Still about hands joining and feet tapping and moving to a song.
It was only a little clearer this time.
Hands cupping her cheeks. Fingers brushing her skin.
A laugh, then that person yelling how much of a fool she was for risking herself. Screaming into her face.
Was that truly the Commander's voice?
He had never raised his voice, had he?
The occasional stern words and rebukes were to be expected, but never anger.
She had never seen him mad.
This person, though...
The Commander wouldn't call her an idiot in such a blistering manner. Each syllable was like a stab from a venomous dagger.
But why?
What did she do wrong?
Didn't she save the day?
So, why was that person—the Commander?—so angry?
It was over when she woke up.
It was already nightfall. They were already on the I-95 Express, but the car was parked on the side of the road.
Amy was leaning on her, her face buried in her shoulder as she slept, occasionally sobbing and trembling. Enterprise stroked her hair and cheek, and she calmed down somewhat. Commander Halsey was also asleep, his head resting against the headrest and his arms folded over his chest. Grim was vigilant as always, his sharp eyes scanning the area.
The radio was playing some sort of song, the volume low.
She was thirsty and hungry, and her head was aching, too.
But she had managed to hold on. That was the important thing.
The Commander was right. He wasn't the only one hurt, so to speak. She was, too.
Not the wounds that could be healed with bandages or stitches. Whatever those fiends did had left her...changed. The mocking laughter echoed in her head. What, then, when they reached New York, and everyone found out?
But he didn't leave her. He kept his promise.
It was just a dream. Just a dream, she kept repeating in her mind. It wasn't real. It wasn't real.
Commander Halsey didn't see her as a fool. He'd always had the utmost faith and confidence in her. Believe in yourself, he had said. You're strong, he had told her.
Light snores and gentle breathing filled the air—real. The weight of the girl's head against her shoulder—real.
It was a dream. It wasn't real.
Enterprise closed her eyes, sighing.
Grim looked at her, cocking his head.
"It's alright, Grim," she whispered. "I'm...okay. Everything's alright."
All around her was steady breathing.
She thought the Commander was muttering something, but that could be just her imagination.
She leaned back, staring up at the sky. The stars were twinkling, the moon high and bright.
But behind them, a city was burning.
And before them lay a road that could lead to more—or none at all.
There was no going back.
Pretend that this is a nice little trip to the Big Apple.
That was what he said. She could try to believe that still.
She had to.
Or everything would be meaningless.
***
The dream, for once, didn't come.
Enterprise didn't know if she'd miss it or not.
Maybe not.
It was better not to be drowning in the unreal, especially if they were vague.
Commander Halsey was still asleep, so she gently tapped his shoulder, careful not to startle him.
"Commander, wake up," she called, her voice low.
"Hmm...Enterprise?" he blinked, rubbing his eyes. "Oh...it's...morning."
"I can drive. You need to rest, Commander. You're still not fully healed."
"Oh...right," he groaned, his hand rubbing his side. "Sorry...for sleeping on the job."
"It's alright. I'll take it from here. Come on."
They exchanged seats. Amy was still soundly asleep, and she seemed more...at peace.
"But you gotta eat first. Here," Commander Halsey went to the trunk and rummaged through their bag. "Hmm...we may need to...scavenge again. I don't like that word, but we don't really have a choice unless we can find a store that's still open. Hah, fat chance."
"I'm not really hungry," Enterprise declined.
"You need to eat. Here," he handed her an energy bar, a piece of jerky, and a bottle of orange juice.
"I'll be fine," Enterprise insisted. "You and Amy need it more. I'll manage."
"We can always find more. We always did. So, eat."
"Really, I'm okay—"
"Enterprise," he called, looking at her, and she looked down.
"Okay," she relented, taking the offered food. Her stomach was threatening to grumble anyway, so she might as well feed it.
"And how are you feeling? Still drained...?"
"I'm...better."
"Sorry if...I spoke too harshly last night. I was...afraid. And angry, too. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"Commander...I understand."
The yelling Commander in her dream didn't apologize.
"I wish I could do more...damn it..."
His fists were shaking as if he was holding back from slamming them into the trunk.
"You've done a lot. You saved me from those things and got yourself injured. You helped Amy. You didn't have to, but you did. I'm thankful, really."
"Still not enough..." he muttered. "Not enough..."
"Commander..." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "We're still alive. You had a big part in that. You're hurt, too. So, please...stop thinking you're not doing enough because if you do, then it will never be enough."
Commander Halsey didn't answer, but his fists unclenched.
"Commander, thank you."
Was that the appropriate thing to say? Will that ease the pain?
But that was the only thing she could think of now.
"Haven't you thanked me a lot lately...?" He said with a small smile.
"Not for...."
Being here. Being you.
She didn't say it. Didn't know how to say it.
But he didn't ask her to continue.
Maybe he understood. Maybe he didn't.
Either way, the whistling from Grim snapped them out of the mood.
"Let's go. We...should get going."
"Right."
Commander Halsey settled in the back. Amy was still asleep. Enterprise checked the gas and the engine before slipping behind the wheel.
"Ready, Commander?"
"Yeah. You know, I've always wanted to say this, even though I'm not a Captain yet. Set a direct course for New York, maximum warp."
Enterprise laughed at that; he did, too, a little sheepishly.
"...Aye. Course laid in, sir. I'm ready."
She looked back. He was still smiling, looking better than before. Relaxed, assured.
"Engage."