Fic: Nor the years condem.
He places the final signature on the document.
The money is barely a tenth of what the US Army owes her, but when they won’t even acknowledge what the kid did, how can they sort out the mess he left behind?
He glances down again, checking the paper work.
As far as Rebecca Barnes is concerned, she’s won a scholarship set up by some old British guys to help those wanting to study Classics in the New World.
The money will cover tuition, accommodation, food, it’s a great offer.
Not much compensation for losing first your father, then your brother, but still…
Sighing, Roger Audrey files the documents and leans back in his chair looking at the photo of the Invaders that Brian gave him.
Steve would probably lecture him on the value of honesty and seeing the big picture. Well, he’s never being the guy to look at that, he’s being the guy who got things done.
And thanks to him, Rebecca Barnes will get to do what her brother never lived long enough to even consider, get a college education.
He reaches out, grabbing the photo and slamming it into the drawer. Dam it; they had no right to judge him. It should be them doing this, not him.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Gwenny was still fuming over her fight with Toro, even though it’s being nearly four hours. He wondered if he should say something, after all it was him who told her the truth.
Gwenny’s father is getting sicker. It’s unlikely he’ll last the winter. There’s no doubt what’s killing him, or where he got it. He knows it. Gwenny knows it.
The anger pulsates through her like a second heartbeat. It has to go somewhere.
So two wrongs make a right? Brian’s voice mocks him from the deep recesses of his mind.
No, of course not. He replies. But Gwenny, she needs this.
Because Gwenny could focus on her anger with Toro, with what he had done, rather than her anger with her country, with herself, for what they had done.
Slowly, he moved forward to stand beside her, because he knew from experience that Gwenny packed a punch, especially when she was this angry.
“He did what he thought was right, pet.” He said softly. Gwenny shook his head.
“He won’t even consider that it was wrong.”
That didn’t surprise Roger. They were predicting 14 million US and civilian casualties. He knew, they both knew, the horror of a fight between two nations, neither of which were bond by Geneva. He doesn’t know which is worse.
“It stopped the war.” He muttered. “How many lives did that save?”
“The cost was too high.”
He didn’t know what to say to that, so he pulled her into a hug, and they both pretended her tears were for Nagasaki and Hishoma.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/
There are more zeroes on the cheque than Davey can ever remember seeing.
“Roger,” He began, swallowing. “It’s a very generous offer, but-“
“But nothing.” Roger glared up at the other man. “I know how much college costs, and I know how much I pay you.”
Davey pause, but the Harem kid who’s worked every day of his life won’t shut up. “It’s very generous, Roger. But we can’t accept.”
“Why not? The army sponsors kids though school,” Looking at the confusion on Davey’s face, he sighed. “Look, I’m going on the principle that the kid is going to come and work for the Battalion. I’m just making an investment.”
He can see the struggle going on in Davey’s head. His own pride that he’ll pay for his son’s education, versus the reality that he knows this cheque would make things easier. Roger sighed.
“Look, it’s not my money, it’s yours. Brian and Lord Falsworth put some bits away so that you, Bucky, Gwenny and Toro could go to college after the war. You didn’t want to, so it’s still there, plus interest. Think of it as some additional savings.”
He can see the cogs turning in Davey’s head. Davey’s being screwed over too many times by the American Government, by most allied Governments in fact. But like all the kids he trusted Brian.
“It’s still far more than we need.” He said, firmly.
“So put some of it aside for the next one.” He sighed. “Davey, Brian and I never had kids. Let us do the grandparent things for you guys huh?”
Davey swallowed. “Reduce it by ten percent. Then we’ll have a deal.” He smiled, suddenly. “I’m not letting you spoil your grandson.”
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
“And initial here.”
“This is ridiculous.” Anna sighed, obeying.
“In our world, I’m afraid not.” Roger pointed. “Sigh here.”
“But Jim is dead. You spoke at his funeral.”
“Didn’t see the body. And even if I had,” He turned the page. “Then I’d point out we have a bad record of second chances. Sigh here.” He stepped back. “And Jim has done this before.”
“You didn’t do this with Toro.”
Roger’s face contorted. “Yes, well that was when I believed death meant something for them.”
A pause hung between them, before Roger turned the final page. “Sigh here and we’re done.”
As she did so, he got to his feet. “Thank you, Mrs Hammond, or should I say Raymond. You are now a free woman.”
“From a dead man.”
Roger raised an eyebrow. “If you believe that’ll last, Mrs Raymond, you’re a bigger fool than I thought.”
He folded up the papers. “I’ll see myself out. Confirmation of these papers should come through in a couple of weeks.”
“Why are you doing this?” Anna demanded, as Roger headed towards the door. Roger paused. “Because I deal with the practicalities, while they save world. Because I gave Toro my word I’d look after you, because someone has to take care of these things.” He stared at her. “Take your pick.”