Civil War

Part 1

She looked out over the smoldering battlefield and waited for the reports to start pouring in.
A fresh faced private kept pace with her as she moved to walk past the wounded from the battle. It was one of the biggest differences between the two sides. The enemy was a perfect collection from every aspect of life.
:The Westies have that going for them. Complete desegregation, whites and blacks, men and women.: She thought as she moved past them trying not see think on how young they all looked.

“General.” A Sergeant said snapping to a salute.

“Report.” She ordered returning the salute.

“We’ve pushed through their main force and scattered it. Intel had it right for once. I think we broke them.” He said with a grin.

She controlled the urge to break his teeth and shove his face into the blood and gore around him to teach him that there was nothing to smile about.
“Any word on the bombers?” She demanded.

“Yes Sir. Wiped the entire command structure out.” His grin faded. He knew that was a bad thing.

With no command to tell them otherwise the Westies would hold until the last man went down and that meant weeks of bloody battles before the war would be over.

“Round up the highest ranking prisoners we have and after the medics check them out bring them to my office.” She ordered and the man disappeared.

A disturbance drew her attention to the processing line for non injured prisoners and she strode toward it at a careful haste. They looked like dirty skeletons crying as they accepted food and blankets from the same men and women they were shooting at hours before.
One of her men was pushing them forward clearly tired of dealing with the wretches.

“Move your asses.” He called out swinging a baton randomly and hitting anyone he thought wasn’t moving fast enough.

She drew her sidearm and shot him in the leg.
“I have very personal reasons to frown on the mistreatment of POWs. Arrest that man.” She called out and watched as several of her men arrested him and carried him toward the medic tents.

“General Morgendorffer.” The young private said holding out a paper report that had been delivered moments before.
She took the paper and smiled. They had downed a helicopter and captured 5 officers alive and the squad responsible had made a discovery when searching the bird.

A pair of stars hidden in one of the seats. One of their newest prisoners was a flag officer. She gripped the stars tightly in her hand.

She started back toward her makeshift office and barked orders to her men along the way. It had been 4 years since she had gotten her stars and been assigned command of the advance attack group. 4 years of pushing past the Rockies and now here they were, California. Her men respected her and even feared her a bit. She had been the first to bring back drumhead hearings and had no problem ordering a man shot for anything out of line.

:It’s almost over and if we got a general they can order the cease fire and maybe just maybe I can go home before another year passes.: Daria Morgendorffer thought wistfully.
She was 32 years old and her mother promised she looked 18 but she suspected she was biased.
Entering the large tent that would serve as her office until they pushed forward deeper into the state she stretched her arms, heading toward the trunk that had already been moved into place behind desk. She opened the lid and paused long enough to run her fingers across the faded picture that hung on the lid. Her younger self smiled back next to a leggy raven hair girl.
:I remember joking with you. Telling you that damn lipstick was going to get you shot.: She thought with a smile.
:I wish you were well enough to be here at the end of the trip we started together but I’ll be home soon.:

She pulled out several bottles of whiskey and a collection of glasses that didn’t match but she didn’t care and most likely her guests wouldn’t either.

“General.” One of her men said from the flap of the tent.

Daria straightened up and nodded at the man. She couldn’t remember his name so she waved her arm to tell him to send them in.

A group of soldiers no different than the ones being processed walked in and she noted they each carried their blanket and a tray of food and were eating as they walked.

:That’s another thing they got on us. The officers are no different than the rank and file. If one was starving so was the other.: Daria thought with respect. Her thoughts distracted her enough she didn’t look close at the faces until she caught a glimpse of dirty red hair.

She stepped forward and grabbed the paper thin soldier and turned her around.

“Quinn!” She said shocked. She had known that her sister had been on the west coast when the restrictions went into place and figured her to have joined like most anyone else but she had given up real hope of ever seeing her again.

The girl blinked and a smile came on her face. “Daria!” It hardened and dropped back to a frown as both women realized where they were again.

“I am Major General Daria Morgendorffer. I am Commander of the Advance attack group tasked with retaking the western seaboard and to be blunt, I just did that.” Daria said honestly and harshly.

She watched their faces harden and she raised her hand to stop any comments.
“I am sure that pockets of active troops will prevent a complete declaration of victory for the next few months but for all intents and purpose it’s over.”

“What is it you want?” A Captain asked as he ate.

“As of 1900 hours bombers leveled the capital. We have been unable to contact anyone in the command structure to discuss conditions for your surrender.” Daria said truthfully.

She poured out several glasses of whiskey and offered them out.

“So why talk to us?” He asked.

Daria gently placed down the two stars that had been found and didn’t bother to explain.

“It’s been a bloody war and we all know it’s going to get worse if we have to start sweeping the cities to weed out any remains of your army. I will do it but at this point I think that you can see and accept that it’s a price those men shouldn’t have to pay just to delay what is inevitable.” Daria frowned.

It got quiet and Daria let them eat but she couldn’t help staring at her little sister.
“You still look like a kid.” Quinn said as she wiped her mouth with a dirty sleeve.

“You still look like a super model.” Daria returned and offered some wet wipes to the collected officers.

“You’ll all get a chance to take a shower and rest but I really wanted to talk with you.” Daria promised.

“How is … ?” Quinn tried and could say the words.

“Still in Lawndale.” Daria said with a small smile.

“And your friend. The one you went to school with in Boston.” Quinn asked but Daria could tell she knew at least part of the answer.

“We joined up together. Over ten years ago. She got captured in New Mexico and tortured. Mom and Dad are taking care of her for me until I can go home again.” Daria’s voice got cold.

“Damn.” Quinn sighed and shook her head.

“Chaplin.” One of the other officers swore but they all looked disgusted.

“Ya. Prisoners will be treated with utmost respect unless I find him. He is going to beg me to torture him.” Daria spoke seriously.

“To late.” Quinn replied. Daria looked at her confused and she continued. “We hung him last year. Him and everyone of his educators are still hanging from an overpass in LA. A lesion that some lines must never be crossed.”

“Well then I really have something to celebrate tonight.” Daria smiled.

“What’s going to happen to us?” One of the officers asked.

“You will be removed from the front lines until the end of the war. After that I don’t know. Chaplin is the only person or Commander I’ve heard being accuse of war crimes.” Daria shrugged.

“I’d like to check on the other prisoners.” The Captain said and he rose.

“Of course. Please think about what I said and if you want to speak with me just tell one of the guards and they’ll bring you directly to me.” Daria sighed.

“Thank you General.” He said and started to the door. Daria watched the other officers follow him and almost asked about Quinn but she didn’t get the chance as Quinn asked.

“General. LIEUTENANT Morgendorffer has requested permission to visit if that’s acceptable.” The Captain said looking annoyed.

“Yes. Thank you Captain.” Daria smiled.

Daria gave orders to the guards outside her door to not enter unless they heard shots fired or some other kind of emergency. As she walked toward her desk she removed the stars off her collars.

“I won’t ask you anything that would violate your oath as an officer.” Daria promised as she turned around to face her sister.

“Thank you.” Quinn smiled and pulled off the rank pins on her uniform.

“I guess the embargo on supplies worked.” Daria said angrily. Her sister looked like she hadn't eaten in weeks.

“Yep.” Quinn sighed. “That was you up in Washington wasn’t it?”

“We swept the upper states before heading south.” Daria nodded.

“Sorry about the bridge.” Quinn smirked. Daria again looked confused.

“I was in command of an artillery company. We hit you pretty hard before withdrawing south.” Quinn shrugged.

“The Norse bridge. That was you!” Daria said and her sister was surprised to see the respect in Daria’s eyes.

“General, sorry to intrude but the rear guard caught a group of Westie deserters sneaking through.” One of the guards called through the flap.

“So, standing orders apply. Pay them their reward and put them on a transport back east.” Daria sighed.

“One of them says he knows you and wants to meet with you.” The guard answered. “Keeps calling you the coolest person he ever met.”

“Send him in.” Daria said and turned to Quinn. “This’ll just take a few minutes.”

“Who is it?” Quinn asked as she continued to clean her face with the wipes between drinking the whiskey and eating the food off her tray.

“Honestly I have no clue.” Daria said but she had an idea and it was proven true.

He was shown in and smiled at her tiredly.

“Been forever Trent.” Daria chuckled.

“Hey Daria.” He replied and seeing Quinn. “Hey Daria’s sister.”

“Hello Jane’s brother.” Quinn responded.

“Jane’s in Lawndale with my folks.” Daria said as he turned back toward her.

“So I can just go.” Trent said surprised.

“All deserters were offered a 10 thousand dollar reward and transportation to any location within the US.” Daria smiled.

“Cool, I joined up just so I could get to the front lines and desert.” He explained looking down at his uniform.

“Get out of here and ask one of the guards for some different clothes.” Daria dismissed his concerns.

Trent left looking pleased and Quinn just shook her head.

“That reward really made it hard to keep some of the less than determined around.” She laughed.

Daria grabbed her sister suddenly and pulled her into a hug. “I thought you were dead.” She whispered.

“I’m sorry.” Quinn responded and returned the fierce hug.

Part 2


“You have to admit what the government did was wrong.” Quinn demanded and Daria sighed. She shouldn’t have let the conversation go in this direction but a good debate was one of the things she missed.

“I do agree. I agree that everything from trying to enforce emissions standards to the military being sent in the shut down the older power plants was wrong but I don’t agree that civil war was the answer.” Daria conceded.

“People were dying Daria. I saw them. We had no food, no power and it was winter. We needed that food the Senate promised.” Quinn said emotionally.

“And it should have never been withheld. But sending in armed national guard into another state to take it was a recipe for disaster.” Daria sighed.

“It was bad Daria. I can’t even describe it. People dying from disease that aren’t suppose to exist anymore. I was there in Kansas. I joined up right before they sent us to get the supplies.” Quinn said with a lowered head.

“You couldn’t have had more than a few weeks of training.” Daria responded sadly.

“Three. We had lots of officers but not enough soldiers.” Quinn shrugged.

“Just the opposite for us. 80 percent of the commissioned officers resigned at the start of the war. I guess they didn’t want to fight a war against America.” Daria sighed at the irony.

“I’m sorry about Jane.” Quinn swallowed weakly.

“Wasn’t you.” Daria answered.

“I’ve killed people. You might have known them. I’ve been in combat against your troops directly.” Quinn said.

“I’m sure and I have no doubt that I’ve been in direct combat and killed people you knew. I don’t hate you Quinn. It’s war but we’re still sisters.” Daria said strongly.

“What happens now?” Quinn asked.

“Well all prisoners will be transported to the east coast or Texas and housed in camps we’ve set up. I’ll finish sweeping the state and then once I’m done, the war will be over and everyone can go home.” Daria answered.

“Why do you want the general?” Quinn asked.

Daria held out her hand for Quinn to stop.
“Off the record I want to end this quickly because the only way I can clear this state is going to result in massive civilian casualties and I don’t want that.”

“Then what happens? People are starving to death if the cold and sickness doesn’t get them first.” Quinn pushed.

Daria leaned close to Quinn and dropped her voice as low as she could.
“As soon as I can declare the area safe, I can have supplies flown in. You know how it works. We win the war and then start rebuilding. That means power, medicine and food. I can have it here in a few hours.” Daria whispered.

“And the alternative.” Quinn sighed.

“I order carpet bombing to clear out any nests of troops.” Daria admitted. “Then we go in and smash down anything that looks at us funny.”

“The Iron Boot Morgendorffer.” Quinn shook her head. Daria flinched at the name that no one dared to call her. It was accurate though and she was to honest to deny it.

“I want this war over. It took me years to get my army across the Rockies and now we’re here. The end is in sight. Please just talk to them. You know me, I wouldn’t lie about this.” Daria almost begged.

“We’d need a place to discuss this in private.” Quinn responded with a blush.

“I’ll put two privates and this tent at your disposal.” Daria said deadpanned.

“Two, I’m used to three.” Quinn smiled and Daria got the joke.

“Fine three but try to remember the third one’s name.” Daria said and she put her stars back on.

“Daria, I’m trusting you. If you are lying to me. I never want to see you again.” Quinn said sternly.

“I have breakfast at 0600. I would like you to come.” Daria said with a nod.

Quinn just smiled. “Only a war could get you up at that time of the day.”

“Pretty much.” Daria agreed.



Daria retired to her personal tent and finished up several reports before writing a letter to Jane detailing the day and another to her parents telling them about Quinn.

:Rules be damned. I’m shipping her back home for the duration. The camps aren’t bad but it’s about time I abused my rank some.: Daria thought wryly.

She read the dispatches that seemed to confirm what she already knew. The front line and main force of the Western Federation was broken and only scattered units were still able to fight.
:They’re embedded in and I could throw thousands of men at them before we could take them down.:

She confirmed her guard was in place around the tent and turned in for the night.




She watched Quinn being escorted from her office tent by one of her men and made a mental note to arrange for some kind of laundry service for the soldiers and officers so they could keep their uniforms.

Daria waited for her sister to sit before reaching up to her collar and raising an eyebrow at Quinn who nodded “No.” Daria dropped her hand. It meant that this would be at least in part a business meal.

“They’re willing to talk.” Quinn said as she began to eat after a quick prayer.

“Who, the general.” Daria said hopefully.

“Not exactly. Just go with it, Daria please.” Quinn pleaded.

“I’m trusting you, just like I’m asking you to trust me. I sent a letter home to Mom and Dad and told them I captured you.” Daria grinned.

“You didn’t!” Quinn gasped. “You did. That’s just wrong.” Quinn pouted.

“I’m expecting a response to release you at once and stop fighting with my baby sister.” Daria smiled.

“Now I have to try to escape.” Quinn groaned.

“Make sure Robinson isn’t on duty. He hasn’t let a runner get away yet.” Daria said.

“Which one is he?” Quinn asked looking around.

“I’m not telling you.” Daria teased and felt like a kid again. Going to college and making her sister’s life miserable.

“I see you’re not holding back on the food for us.” Quinn said as she pointed to the line of ragged soldiers being fed and checked out for the second time by medics.

“I believe in the rules of engagement. Prisoners are to be treated with respect and well cared for. I have no intention of someone under my command being mistreated.” Daria promised.

“I haven’t seen fresh fruit in years. The groves all burned and the farms never recovered after the first two winters.” Quinn stated as she dug into the fruit the cook had served with the eggs and bacon.

“I hear the earthquakes three years ago were pretty bad.” Daria said casually knowing that they had been terrible.

“I was only a … grunt then. I was stationed out here.” Quinn answered. “The damage is still there. We couldn’t afford the man power to rebuild. God why wouldn’t anyone just stop long enough to talk.”

“Because that would have been the smart thing and everyone wanted to do the right thing.” Daria said in disgust.

The sister’s continued to eat as the various soldiers did so as well.





Daria entered her office tent and smiled at the empty bottle of whiskey before moving next to the desk and taking a seat on the edge.

“You know I talked to Quinn last night and gave her some information to give to you. I understand you want to talk.” Daria said and waited for someone to talk.

“Let’s say there is a general among us. What happens to him if he comes forward?” The Captain asked and Daria scratched him off the list.

“Well I would begin to try to hammer out a peace accord that would first end the fighting and then help smooth out the end of this conflict.

“That’s not what I asked?” The Captain said firmly.

“He would be identified as the highest ranking member of the Western forces and the only person remaining in the chain of command that can issue a cease fire order. We would talk. I hate to tell you but we don’t hang enemy officers.” Daria sighed.

“What about after the war?” He demanded.

“Well I would assume that as part of the surrender it would include some declaration of non hostile intention and anything seen as other wise might be acted on. I can’t say honestly but I would do everything in my power to hold to any deal we make.” Daria swore.

“Can you guarantee us the General’s safety.” The Captain asked.

“For as long as I am in command of this army then yes.” Daria said without a doubt.

“That’s good enough for me.” Quinn said and the other officers all started protesting. She walked to the table and scooped up the stars and started putting them on. She raised her hand and her staff stopped talking.

“Damn. I was really hoping I was wrong.” Daria chuckled.

“Sorry. We’ve heard horror stories about commanders being shot down or hung. I guess I’m trusting you now.” Quinn smirked.

“Brigadier General Quinn Morgendorffer. I am prepared to discuss terms of our surrender. I’ll need a radio.” Quinn added softly.

Daria moved to the tent flap and ordered a captured radio and one of their own be brought to the tent.

:I am so telling Mom and Dad about this.: Daria though evilly.

Part 3.



Daria sat as Quinn sent out coded transmissions that she claimed would order a cease fire to all units and her own reports confirmed that the Westies were pulling back and bunkering in at every location.

Daria's radio order sending a general withdraw to secondary positions was followed without question and her men seemed almost cheerful at the rumors spreading through the ranks. She confirmed through her various channels that there wasn’t any secret agenda going on behind the scenes that would infer with what she was trying to do.

“So I guess you would be Red.” Daria said when Quinn finished with her transmissions.

“That’s my nickname. After my battlefield commission it was decided to keep the identity of all high ranking officers secret to prevent assassination.” Quinn nodded.

“Ok well no time like the present. What are your demands?” Daria asked.

“Depends on what you want.” Quinn countered.

“A smooth an orderly surrender and all arms and munitions locations secured.” Daria didn’t miss a beat.

“Would you like a glass of wine with that?” Quinn laughed.

“Productive.” Daria sighed.

“Ok we can agree to all those points but here’s what we want. First and foremost full amnesty for all prisoners. No war crime trials unless approved of by a committee that consists of former Westies. Second aid and support for the civilians, it’s getting colder out there by the minute. Lastly general elections to be held by the civilians to replace their elective officials that have either run off or were killed in the war. No military governor. ” Quinn said.

“I can do that. There will have to be a military governor until elections can be held but it should be less than a year.” Daria agreed.

“You have the authority to agree to all this!” Quinn said surprised.

“You aren’t asking for anything that wasn’t considered ahead of time. It’s already been approved.” Daria shrugged.

“What would you need approval for?” Quinn asked thoughtfully.

“Allowing troops to keep their weapons. Setting up a Westie led leadership, things of that nature and honestly they would never be approved.” Daria answered truthfully.

“What happens now?” Quinn asked.

Daria looked at her administrative chief who was writing up the terms.
“Once she’s done then we sign it and you have your field commanders agree to it and give the order to surrender. Then I start flying supply choppers in.” Daria said strongly.

“It’s over.” The Captain said looking tired.

“We did this for the best intentions. That’s all we can carry now.” Quinn said calmly reaching for another glass of whiskey.

“Just so you know. One of the parts of the surrender is going to allow you to honor your soldiers with metals and such. Gives the masses a good feeling to see even the losing soldiers aren’t forgotten.” Daria offered.

“I have a few metals I want to hand out.” Quinn nodded looking pleased at this news.

“This is the real signing but be prepared for a reenactment before congress or some such in a few days.” Daria warned.

“Maybe I can get a clean uniform by then.” Quinn joked.






The treaty was signed and the second civil war ended 11 years and 56 days after it started with a quick and smooth switch over back to government control.

Daria resigned her commission with a smile and walked away with a medal of honor under her arm and didn’t even consider looking back. Quinn was relived of her command by the first military governor then she posed for the pictures for the press before boarding a charter flight to the east coast. Daria was waiting on the plane with her.

“How does it feel to be a civilian again?” Daria asked grumpily as she pulled on the outfit she was wearing.

“Like I just walked away from my entire life.” Quinn admitted.

“I got Stacy and Tiffany out and they arrived in Lawndale yesterday.” Daria told her.

“I’m sure their folks are happy about it. I still feel guilty about Stacy’s hand.” Quinn said.

Daria nodded remembering her surprise when Stacy had led a platoon of grunts into the camp and surrendered after the treaty had been signed and Quinn had sent the order to lay down arms.

“She was a better soldier with one hand than most with two.” Quinn sighed.

“She didn’t seem to hold it against you.” Daria offered.

“I know but I still feel guilty.” Quinn agreed.

“At .last .I .can .get .my .nails .done.” Daria joked mimicking Tiffany’s comments.

“God don’t remind me that was embarrassing.” Quinn said covering her forehead.

“Quinn no matter what happens and what the press or government say. I don’t hate you or hold anything that you may have done against you and I hope you can say the same.” Daria said grasping Quinn’s hand.

“I can. Sister against sister. That was the headline for the New York Post this morning. Maybe they’ll make a movie.” Quinn said sounding amused.

“I think they’re going to really milk the two commanding officers are sisters thing to death but then people we’ll get bored with it and start complaining again.” Daria shrugged.

“How did you get so high in rank so quick?” Quinn asked.

“Lack of officers. … And the siege at Oklahoma City. Same as you, I went from a Major to a General with a battlefield commission issue from the President himself.” Daria shrugged.

“I was a Captain.” Quinn teased.

“Yes but you lost.” Daria kidded causing her sister to pout.

“You owe me a army since you broke mine.” Quinn demanded.

“Fine. I’ll give you the next army I have.” Daria relented.

“Deal.” Quinn laughed.



The plane touched down at a private airport and a government car picked them up and started toward their childhood home.

“I didn’t expect the special treatment to continue once I was booted and you quit.” Quinn said and Daria could tell she was still nervous about being executed.

“They want to keep the press away for awhile.” Daria assured her and leaned close. “The driver is one of mine and so is both of the escorts. I promise you there isn’t going to be anything funny happening.” She whispered.

“I’m being paranoid but it’s worked for me for awhile.” Quinn admitted.

They had expected a crowd but the groups of protesters surprised them both.

“I think I see more Free Quinn signs than Daria rules.” Quinn laughed.

“I like the Morgendorffer and Morgendorffer for president ones.” Daria responded as the car pulled into the driveway.

“You have to be the vice-president.” Quinn laughed and reached for the door handle.

“Wait…” Daria exclaimed grabbing her. “Wait for the guys with the bullet proof coats to cover us.”

“I see I’m not the only one being paranoid.” Quinn nodded.

“Well Mom and Dad want to talk about you running off to California right before a war starts and you aren’t getting out of that one.” Daria laughed and climbed out of the car after their escort signaled them.

They hurried into the house under cover and sighed as the door closed.

“Helen the girls are home.” Jake called toward the kitchen and Quinn moved forward and grabbed her dad and hugged him.

“Daria!” Jane said coming out of the kitchen in front of Helen and started kissing her.

“Hey, hey.” Daria protested.

“Since when is there something wrong with me kissing you.” Jane complained.

“Since you’re poking me with a spatula you got shoved in your apron.” Daria said withdrawing the item.

“Um, you didn’t mention that.” Quinn said surprised.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell.” Daria shrugged.

“Ahh. You should have joined us. We allowed gays to be open and everything.” Quinn smirked happily as she got a hug from Helen.

“Ya but you lost.” Daria answered.

“But if we had you we wouldn’t have.” Quinn countered.

“Fair enough.” Daria agreed.

“No more wars or soldiering for my girls. I think it’s time you all started thinking about going back to school.” Jake declared.

“I want to sleep for a few weeks or months then I need a guy. After that I’ll consider anything you want.” Quinn shrugged.

“Well I fully support the sleeping idea but I can’t get behind the whole guy concept. I’m going to sit back and take my massive amount of pay and figure out what I want to be when I grow up.” Daria said seriously.

“I can’t believe my daughters are going down in history as two of the most powerful women in history.” Helen beamed.

“I want to be the smart one in the history books.” Quinn said as they moved into the dining room.

“Only if I get to be the cute one.” Daria countered.