A month had passed since they had defeated the New Gods in Galveston. While the island was on the path to recovery, there were still plenty of signs of battle. Craters pocked the streets, and rubble still lay in piles where buildings had burned and collapsed.
But repairs were already underway on other buildings like the Harbor House Hotel which remained the new command center for the Allied States.
Beckham looked toward the port while he drove around the potholes and cracks in the road. He slowed as they passed a four-foot high wall made of bricks recovered from many of the destroyed buildings. Each brick was inscribed with a name representing someone who had died in Galveston.
In time, they would replace that memorial with a more permanent one. As the Allied States spread back into reclaimed territories more memorials would be constructed, lest the nascent nation ever forget the sacrifices their people had made.
Kate broke the silence. “I got good news about the Fallen Chimeras we rescued. Most have been moved to the colony in Houston. Our doctors have been able to take care of their unique medical needs.”
“That is good news,” Cornelius said.
“Especially since there hasn’t been any attacks or violence from or against the Chimera refugees as we first feared,” Kate said.
Beckham looked at the bricks they passed. Somewhere in that wall was one with Corrin’s name. The Chimera would be proud to hear that report.
“It’s a good start,” Beckham said. “The Chimeras deserve a new shot at life.”
“And I’m also happy to report that Sammy has confirmed over ninety percent of the network is dead due to anthrax,” Kate said. “We haven’t detected any signals passing through the network since the defeat of Los Alamos, too. Whatever monsters that are left out there won’t be able to reorganize or reunite through any webbing communications.”
“I’ve heard rumblings from some of the Fallen Chimeras that they would be willing to assist in our hunts to root out any of those remaining enemy forces,” Cornelius said. “Their senses—as Corrin showed—would be enormously valuable to our recon groups.”
“I agree,” Beckham said. “We can start training them with our next class of recruits. It will be imperative in taking back our territories and rescuing stranded people out there.”
Beckham thought about what was left. It wasn’t much. Only a few outposts in Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida had been confirmed as safe for resettlement. Once they started moving refugees they would need to focus on revitalizing agriculture and industry, but it would be a long process. For the next six months, managing their existing supplies would be the key to survival. That and working with their allies.
As they neared the port, Beckham spotted a massive cruiser docked along the pier that the United Kingdom had promised months ago. An entire contingent of European workers had arrived with the supplies.
Next to the British Naval Cruiser was the sole surviving ship in the First Fleet they had been able to restore with the help of their allies over the past month. It was a five-hundred foot-long Arleigh Burke class destroyer that had managed to survive the battle with minor structural damage.
A large crowd had gathered in front of the ship, soldiers and civilians spread over the street.
“Big turnout,” Kate said.
“That ship gives us all something to rally around,” Cornelius said.
Beckham parked and they all got out, starting toward a temporary platform built around the bow of the ship. A group of six Marines stood stiffly around the platform.
“Ringgold would be very proud of what we’ve accomplished together, Captain,” Cornelius said.
“I can’t thank you enough, General,” Beckham replied. “You have helped save our country.”
“You knew her better than perhaps any of us left on this island today. I imagine she would be looking forward to what you accomplish next.”
“What we will accomplish next,” Beckham said.
Cornelius nodded.
“Perhaps there’s a better strategy for us to work together, on the same presidential ticket,” Beckham said.
“Are you asking me to run with you?”
“I suppose now is as good as time as any,” Beckham said.
“I’d be proud to be your vice president.”
Beckham was slightly taken back. He figured Cornelius would want the top slot.
“Don’t act surprised,” he said. “I know it’s what Jan would have wanted.”
Beckham reached out and Cornelius met his hand, sealing the deal with a shake.
“I look forward to working with you to restore our country,” Cornelius said.
“We will bring it back from the brink, General,” Beckham said.
“I look forward to where the country’s headed with you two working together,” Kate said.
“Fortunately, we have some of the greatest scientific minds in the world on our side, too,” Beckham said. “That’ll be equally important to our future.”
“You can say that again,” Cornelius said. “We wouldn’t be here today without you, Doctor.”
Kate smiled and then looked to Beckham. “You ready for this?”
“Yes.” He gripped her hand and they started toward the crowd and the ship.
Beckham was relieved to have her blessing to run, and even more relieved to have Cornelius running with him. What they needed right now was to support one another and work together, despite any differences they might have.
As they approached the crowd, Beckham spotted his friends and family already here.
Horn was with Javier and the girls, Fitz, Rico, Dohi, Timothy, Ruckley, and all the others. A month ago, they had all gathered in mourning and remembrance as they buried loved ones, but today was a brief reprieve from their sorrow.
Perhaps one glimmer of light in a time marred by darkness.
Beckham walked up a few steps to the platform and then took to the podium. Kate joined him, standing by his side.
He looked at the city in the distance, seeing the ongoing restoration efforts and thinking of all the lives lost there. Next, he surveyed the survivors who had gathered here.
“Today, I am honored to stand before you as a soldier for this great nation,” he said, his voice echoing over the speakers set to either side of the
