Anika, the newly minted goddess of war, made her way onto the private train bound for Placida. She was still in her formal regalia as she was sure the lord governor would find out she was on her way and set up a greeting committee. She groaned at the thought of more public appearances. The black and green war paint she wore made her flame-red hair blaze in stark contrast.

As she boarded, she noticed a tall, lean man reclining in one of the few luxury seats aboard, reading a file. At first, all she could make out was a standard field uniform and standard short-cropped brown hair, but just as she was about to question who he was, the man lowered his file.

Anika snapped to attention. “Commander!”

“At ease, ‘General’ Anika,” came the slightly sarcastic baritone voice. “we know each other better than that. If you are ready, tell the conductor that we are ready to leave, then have a seat.”

“Yes, sir!” said Anika, snapping another salute, her tone full of respect and… admiration?

A few moments after giving the conductor his instructions, Anika sat facing the man who was only a few months older than her own twenty-four years. Five years fighting alongside each other had hardened both of them, but she still found herself with a girlish smile at the idea he had chosen to join her.

“Will you be joining me in Placida, commander?” she asked tentatively.

“Anika, dear, we are alone. You can dispense with the titles. You know how much I despise them in the best of times.”

“Yes, of course. But what are you doing here? Are you coming to Tirana to help with Lord Reva or do you have other plans in Placida?” Anika asked, her eyes probing.

“I will depart when we arrive in Tirana. The capital is not for me. But never fear, I will still be within Placida. I think I will head to the coast and see what Durres is like these days.”

“Andrew,” Anika hedged, as the train speed up for the short trip to the Placidan capital city. “What do you plan to do in Durres? Didn’t you grow up there?”

“Many years ago, I was born there. But grew up? No, the Drahgfir mountains claim that honor, or horror, depending on how one thinks of the past,” said Andrew, lost in thought.

“What are my orders then?” Asked Anika, a sense of professionalism masking her face.

“Protect the people. This war has dragged on for over fifteen years now. Use this time of peace to give them something to fight for here at home. They need a strong society that allows them to forget the battles we fight. Work on the military as you can, but focus on the Fire Dragon Corporation. That is my gift to you for your service. Use it to serve the people of Placida.” Andrew explained.

“gods of war and now business hu?” Anika chuckled. “I am not sure my flavor of negotiation will go over well in a boardroom.”

Andrew cracked a smile as he watched Anika twirl a small dagger between her fingers. “It may be just what is needed in some cases, but you are right, we should minimize the bloodshed at home.”

As the train slowed, nearing the Placidan capital, Anika asked, “will we see each other?”

“I am sure you will find an excuse to visit. It is your job after all to see all of Placida, and report,” said Andrew with a smile. “I am not confining you to Tirana. Port Manai and Durres will need your attention in due time. But make sure you have a firm foundation in Tirana first.”

“Give Raya my regards.” Said Anika as they pulled into a small station just outside Tirana, the Capital of Placida.

“Always. Gah, it still amazes me that we can move between cities like this. If only trains could be used in the war it would be so much easier.” said Andrew, remembering some of the long supply groups it took to fend off the empire. Much of the nation's current rail system had come about out of necessity to get supplies to the border defenses, but rarely extended past those areas.

“You know as well as I that the empire’s air defense is almost as strong as ours. We are lucky to keep a balloon in the air outside the border without it getting taken out. A train track of any sort almost never has a chance to get established and the dirigibles get shot down instantly.” Said Anika, standing to disembark.

Andrew glanced out the window and saw a small crowd forming.

“Dam, I was hoping to avoid being noticed.”

“Yet you came with me?” Anika chuckled.

“I will get my bike out of the cargo hold and leave from the back ramp. Don’t look for me. And Anika, be safe,” said Andrew.

“You as well, commander.” Anika smiled warmly and saluted out of habit.