Daisy and Carter packed their things and journeyed to Lilyville two days later. The Porsche rumbled along the winding highway, the late afternoon sun dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the endless golden fields. The air inside the car was warm, the scent of pumpkin spice candles from the rest stop they’d passed mingling with the faint smell of engine oil. Carter gripped the steering wheel, driving with an absent gaze. His body was inside the car, but his mind was light-years away, wondering which of the millions of Nemesis prison camps Clive and the others were in.
But Daisy, sitting beside him, snapped him out of his trance. The dear touch of her hand on his shoulder brought his attention to her. And seeing her all too familiar look of compassion brought his thousands of scattered thoughts back into focus.”I’m fine!” He lovingly brushed her cheek with his hand.
“Great!”
“But do you think we’ll beat them there?”
"Everyone’s probably started already!"
Belle and Aisha, with Samuel and the Mulvanas, had begun the journey to Lilyville before them. Before Joseph’s death, the David family took great pride in aiding the preparations for the Thanksgiving celebrations. In many ways, this year was a return to form for them. It was an act to show that despair hadn’t broken their spirits. Especially for Daisy since she was fighting against the anguish of losing him and the failed Zeemos mission!
“What’s Thanksgiving like in Lilyville?”
“Where do I begin? Everyone pitches in. Some people set up games, and others take care of the decorations!” Daisy exhaled heavily.”And I just realized we’re running late, and it’s a David family tradition for the women to help with the cooking!”
Carter shot her a sideways glance, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, well, I’m sure they’ll forgive you!"
Daisy smiled back, remembering her mother’s meticulous preparations for every holiday, especially Thanksgiving. Her excitement to relive those happy times grew with every passing moment. In such a time of uncertainty, she knew one thing: there would be a lot of food, Pastor Mark’s annual sermon, and somewhat nosy chatter from their neighbors. And she couldn’t wait for all of it.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they saw Lilyville. The houses seemed frozen in time, their porches adorned with bales of hay, cornstalks, and bright orange pumpkins. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the trees that lined the streets, and a few American flags fluttered from porch rails, their stars and stripes catching the golden light of the late afternoon.
“Home, sweet, home!”
“Here we go,” Carter said softly, his tone warm but tinged with nerves.
Later, they pulled up in front of a large, two-story farmhouse, its red brick walls faded by years of sun and wind. Daisy’s family were already there, bustling around, carrying bags of groceries and helping with the food. Mary had an apron tied around her waist, waving enthusiastically from the front porch, a big grin spreading across her face as she spotted them. Belle was joyfully helping Rohan and the other children. And Makiway was sitting nearby, blissfully watching her daughter enjoy her childhood.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up!" Mary called, crossing the front yard to meet them.
Daisy laughed, opening her door and into the cool, crisp air. The smell of fresh bread and roasting turkey wafted in the wind. The sight of families already gathering to decorate filled her with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. But Carter had already dropped onto a nearby seat, not hiding his disinterest in the celebration. However, the townsfolk hurriedly voiced greetings and teased Daisy about being late or asking for the details of her relationship with him.
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Daisy soon stood for a moment, taking in the scene around her. Children ran across the green field, their laughter high and shrill as they chased each other in circles. A couple of men were hammering wood together to form a rustic table centerpiece while others hung streamers in the trees. The place was homey and warm in a way that healed her soul. She was returning to something bigger than herself, a living, breathing tradition. But one thing was off.
“Ma, where’s Aisha and Samuel?”
“You’re sister’s gallivanting with that new boyfriend of hers!”
Elsewhere, Samuel entered a barn alone, taking shelter from the festivities. He dropped onto a bail of hay, exhausted, exhaling a heavy sigh of relief after intensive socializing. Lilyville was a close-knit community, an extended family in all but name. And Aisha had spent the day and the one before showing him off to her old friends and neighbors. Her love and pride for her new beloved was as beaming as the sunlight.
Samuel soon relaxed, laughing at himself. The thought that he found someone like Aisha to love him was the most joyful occasion of his life. Samuel would never have dreamed of finding love. But his laughter quickly stopped as he allowed a deafening silence to fill the barn. Samuel knew the time for merriment had passed.
Samuel swiftly looked through the barn, ensuring he was indeed alone. As a final layer of defense, he locked the barn door. Finally, with all his preparation, Samuel removed a holophone panel from his pocket. And pressing a button on it, he transformed from a human to a light purple nemesis!
“Agent forty-seven alpha, reporting in!” Samuel pressed another button on his holophone.”I apologize for my lateness!”
A holographic image of a Nemesis soldier appeared before him.
“What kept you so long, soldier?”
“Well, I had a date!”
“Excuse me?”
“What I meant to say was… I had to keep my cover, sir!”
“In that case, is it safe to assume you had trouble planting more targeting devices?”
“Yes, sir! The United Planets tightened security since the first attack. And I’ve heard that Dr. Parker is developing new scanning technology!”
“What about your other mission? Have you gotten any clues to Damara’s real identity?”
“Well-“
A banging on the door came to Samuel’s ears. As Aisha was outside, looking for him. ”Sweetie, come out! Daisy and Carter just got here!”
“I need a little alone time, darling!” Samuel said, his voice cracking in fear.
“But they just set up the high striker. I want to show off how strong my man is!”
“Please wait!”
The Nemesis soldier glared at Samuel.”Did you call that human darling?”
“It's a part of my cover!”
“Is someone else in there?” Aisha asked.
“No! I’m on the phone with a business associate. Please give me five minutes!”
“Okay!”
Samuel put his ear towards the door and waited until he heard Aisha’s footsteps walking away from the barn. As he was sure she was gone, he turned to his superior and released another sigh of relief. But the soldier met him with a glare, sending shock running through Samuel’s mind.
“Sir?”
“You’ve been acting strangely since this mission started, Samuel!”
“If I may be so bold, it’s been extremely taxing, sir!”
“Have I ever told you about deep cover agents like yourself that broke under taxing missions?”
“No! Why?”
“Those who didn’t die defected!”
“Are you accusing me of being a traitor?” Samuel raised his voice, almost forgetting the secrecy of the meeting.
“I thought it best to remind you that we can disavow you! Leak your existence to the enemy!”
“With all due respect, sir, I was the one who placed the spying device on General Carter. At immense risk to myself, so don’t you dare call me a traitor!”
“Fine! But now I want regular reports first thing every Saturday. Miss one at your peril!”
Samuel glared at his superior. He wanted to cuss and shout at him for his accusations. But Samuel knew it would alert more people to the barn, jeopardizing the mission. So, instead, he gave him a cold. “Goodbye!” As he shut off the call.
“The things I do for my empire!” Samuel pressed a button on his holophone, reigniting his human disguise as he exited the barn.
Samuel, walking outside, met Aisha as she joyfully dragged him over to Daisy, Carter, and Belle by the high striker game.
