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Chapter Two

Thermopylae Pass - August, 480 BC

Hope and her team had been in place for hours when the sun started to rise. They had arrived the day before just in time to witness the final battle of the day. Hope had been in many battles and had seen death and destruction countless times, but she had never seen this kind of carnage. She definitely hoped that these men did not mutate, because after watching them fight, she knew that it would be almost impossible to control them.

If the historical facts were correct, this was the dawn of the third day of the battle. This was the day that Leonidas and his three hundred Spartans would die. A fact that she was here to prevent. It would be a tricky operation requiring split second accuracy.

"The scouts are back," Captain Ann Reynolds said, interrupting her thoughts.

"Thank you, Ann," Hope turned to face her second in command. Because of the years that they had spent working together, Hope and Ann were on a first name basis. "Let's go see what they've discovered. Have the medical team meet us there also."

A few minutes later, Hope, Ann, and the team leaders had gathered around a small table that was set up for medical supplies. Hope pushed some of the supplies to the side and laid down a map.

"The Persian army is camped here and here," one of the scouts pointed out. "The Persians have suffered huge losses, but they still have an enormous army. They can still offer resistance to us."

"The Spartans still control the pass," the second scout said. "They can fight the Persians off for quite sometime."

"But we all know," Hope added, "that the Persians are sending a small force to attack the Spartans from behind." Hope pointed to the path that Xerxes's forces would take. "We must make our move before that happens. Are the replacement bodies ready?"

"Yes, Major," Beth, the head of the medical team, said. "They are ready to be dressed and placed." Hope didn't need to ask where the bodies came from. There had been so many die in this battle so far. Hope knew that Xerxes would not miss or recognize a few hundred. They were careful to choose those men that looked Greek. "When you give the word," Beth continued, "we will gas the area. Then my team will remove the Spartans and place the bodies."

"Take team two with you. We need to get this done quickly," Hope told her. "And are you sure that the gas will work?"

"We have tested it many times. The Spartans will still be able to walk but they will be very compliant."

"While this is going on," Ann added, "my teams will take up support positions. I think here and here," she pointed to the map. "If we place the bodies here, we can stand behind them, hopefully unseen by the Persians and still keep them at bay."

"Remember, the Spartans managed to kill quite a number of the Persians before they themselves were killed," Hope added.

"That's not a problem. I just hope that we don't manage to kill the wrong one and set up a paradox," Ann commented.

"There's not much of a risk of that happening. Not if you use the visors, that is," Beth said. The visors that Beth had mentioned allowed the wearer to see a few seconds into the future. So the soldiers would know exact who was supposed to die and more importantly, who was not.

"Still aren't you worried that the bullet wounds won't arouse suspicions?" Ann asked.

"Guns and bullets are unknown to this era, Ann," Hope explained. "I'm certain that the Persians will think that those wounds were caused by spears and arrows. Their minds will not permit any other explanation. But remember, we must have our troops out of range before the barrage of arrows is released. This is the tricky part."

"And if anyone sees us?" Ann asked.

"If they should see us, Ann," Hope said, "they will probably think that we are one of their gods. But let's do our best not to be seen. Okay?"

"Yes, ma'am. That sounds like a real good idea to me."

"What are the Spartans doing now?" Hope asked the scout.

"When I left them, they were starting to exercise," the scout replied. "In the nude!" Everyone looked up at her comment. "I'm not kidding, Major. I've never seen anything like it. I mean, I know that we were shown movies and all that, but to see them, really. I mean. . ."

"I understand, soldier," Hope said and placed a hand on the scout's shoulder.

"Maybe we should check this out for ourselves," Ann suggested and gave Hope a wink and a slightly wicked smile.

"Maybe we should," Hope replied, "Lead the way, soldier."

It was only a few minutes walk to the spot where Hope and the others could observe the Spartans. The Spartans were still exercising and anointing themselves with oil.

"I understand that this is a custom, they have to prepare themselves for their deaths," Beth said softly.

"I've heard that too," Hope said.

"Oh, my . . .," Ann said as the women continued to watch from their advantage point. And when the Spartans donned their armor, she spoke again, "I thought that in that movie, they only wore a loin cloth and a cape into battle."

"Be serious, Ann," Hope warned, "That was a movie. Of course, they wore some kind of body armor. They were soldiers, not suicidal."

"That means that we have more to take off of them and put onto the bodies. You don't need more help, do you?" Ann offered.

"Down girl," Hope warned. "Keep your mind on the mission." But Hope understood what she was feeling. There was a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach as they watched these men. Something that she had never felt before. She wondered if the Grandmothers had ever felt like this. And she made a mental note to ask them when she returned. "And ladies, please keep this to yourselves. We have a mission to complete and judging from your reaction, the mission would be in serious jeopardy if the rest of the teams saw them."

"It's our little secret," Ann said and grinned yet again.

"You know," Beth said quietly, "I've heard the expression 'you take my breath away', but until now I never understood it."

"I wonder if all the men of this time look like that?" one of the scouts asked.

"Basically, yes," Hope told her.

"I wonder what their skin feels like?" the second scout wondered aloud.

"Most likely, the same as yours," Beth told her and then chuckled, "but I'll let you know for sure."

"Be serious," Hope warned again, "You act like you've never seen a naked man before."

"We haven't," everyone said together.

Hope smiled. "Well, I guess I did open that one up. But we need to get down to task. We need to get this operation started before it's too late."

"Agreed," Beth said, "I'll have my team in place in a few minutes."

"Let's do it, then," Hope said. While the others left, Hope and Ann continued to watch the Spartans, "I wonder which one is the famous Leonidas," she asked.

"I don't know," Ann answered, "But if I had to guess, I'd say that it is that one over there." Ann pointed to one particular man that stood surrounded by the others. "He seems to have authority."

"You're probably right. He does seem to be giving encouragement; firing them up." Hope turned her head slightly to face Ann. "You know, of course, that life will never be the same again, don't you?"

"I know exactly what you mean. And after watching these Spartans in action, I sure pray that we don't have to face them in battle. Not without a fully loaded clip or two, that is." Ann paused to watch the Spartans for a few minutes before she continued. "But either way, it sure is going to be interesting."


Hope watched in silence as the medical team went to work. The gas worked as promised. The team began transporting the Spartans through the gate. Once they arrived at the medical facilities, the Spartans would be knocked out and placed in medical comas.

Hope's teams began dressing the dead bodies and placing them in position at the pass. When the time came, the soldiers would take position behind the bodies and begin firing.

Hope was already in place when Ann approached. "How are we doing," Hope asked.

"Another fifty Spartans and we can get out of here," Ann told her, "I see that everything is ready here."

"Yeah, and it's a good thing too," Hope said, "It looks like the Persians are on the move." They looked up over the bodies to see the first wave moving towards them. "Everyone stand ready. Visor is place. Wait until they're close. It has to look like the Spartans are doing the killing."

Hope and her two teams of fifteen stood behind the wall of bodies and waited. As the first of the Persian warriors reached the barricade, Hope gave the order to fire.

Wave after wave of Persians came at them only to be mowed down. It seemed to go on forever, but still the Persians advanced.

"Major," a soldier called out, "Our scouts report that the Persians are advancing from the rear."

Hope knew that this would happen. She hoped that the medical team was done, because they would soon be out of time.

"Tell the scout to begin firing when they reach the mark." Hope shouted as she continued to fire. "Ann, find out how much more time the medical team needs."

Ann radioed the medical team and when she got the news, she shouted out, "Hope, all the Spartans have been transported. The last of the equipment is going now. Another ten minutes and all personnel except us will be gone."

"Ten minutes? In five, begin moving back. Radio the scouts to begin withdrawing also. Meanwhile, begin scattering these bodies around."

"Roger that. It would be strange to find them all here."

"Get the troops out of here," Hope ordered Ann after ten minutes.

"What about you?" Ann asked, as she crouched next to Hope.

"I'll be right behind you. I"ll provide cover while you get to the gate. Then you can cover me," Ann nodded and signaled the soldiers to fall back to the gate. One by one they entered the gate.

"Come on Hope," Ann yelled.

Hope, seeing that only Ann and two soldiers remained, Began to run to the gate herself. Just as she did, the barrage of arrows began. Most of them struck the already dead bodies. But a few of them started striking the ground around her.

"Cripes," she muttered to herself and began to run faster. She was only ten feet from the gate when an arrow buried itself deep into her right thigh. The force of it took her down to the ground. She stared in disbelief as she saw the wooden shaft sticking out of her leg. Pain burned its way up her leg but she tried to rise only to fall again.

"The Major's down," she heard someone yell and what seemed only seconds later, she felt hands grabbing her arms and dragging her to the gate.

"Give me the key," Ann ordered.

"It's in my left pocket," Hope told her. Ann reached in and took the key. "Get her out of here," she ordered the soldiers. Only seconds later, arrows lay buried in the ground where they had been standing.

Ann pressed the key as she stepped through the gate. The gate closed behind her leaving no trace that they had ever been there.


History would tell of how three hundred, brave Spartans held off the Persian army for three days only to die to the man. No where was there any mention of the small band of women that had also been there.

Chapter Four


"I said, who are you?" Leonidas asked again.

"Let go of me," Hope ordered.

"I will release you when you answer my question," He told her and sat up in the bed.

"My name is Hope," she told him and true to his word, he released her.

Amanda, after a second of shock, had dialed for help. Armed guards and a medical team barged in just as Leonidas had released his grip on Hope. Hope signaled them to stand down. She did not sense any threat from Leonidas. She understood that this had to be a shock to him.

"Where am I? Is this Olympia?" he asked. But Hope knew that he didn't believe that even as he asked it.

"No, you are in a hospital in what used to be called the United States of America. Still is actually," Hope told him. She placed her hand on top of his as she continued, "I know that this has got to be unsettling. But I assure you that you are safe. As long as you don't make any threatening moves, that is."

"What manner of dress is that?" Leonidas pointed to Hope's uniform. It was certainly not like anything he had ever seen before.

"It's my uniform, King Leonidas. You are King Leonidas, aren't you?" He nodded and Hope continued, "I am a major in the army and this is my dress uniform."

"Please, Major," Amanda interjected, "We need to examine him."

"Just a moment, doctor," she said and then turned back to Leonidas, "I know that you don't understand any of this, and you have no reason to trust me, but please understand, we mean you no harm. These are doctors, healer. They only want to make sure that you are alright. Okay?"

"I understand," he told her and he did. This dark haired woman was still holding onto his hand, offering him support. She understood what he was feeling. He was good at reading people and he instinctively knew that he could trust her.

Leonidas remained silent, as this Hope let go of his hand and stepped back and two women dressed in white clothing took her place. He did not pay them much attention. It was the three, the ones dressed in the strange green clothes and carrying strange looking weapons that attracted his attention. They hung back against the wall, holding those weapons and waited. They were waiting for him to attack. He could see it in their eyes.

But he wasn't stupid. He was outnumbered and any other time, three to one was a number that he would have laughed at. But he felt strangely weak. And then, there was the weapons to consider. Leonidas knew that they were not swords. First off, they did not look like any sword that he had ever seen. And secondly, no warrior with half a brain would be holding a sword in that manner. So, Leonidas decided that until he understood more of what was happening, he would bide his time and wait.

The woman dressed in white touched him gently. Some kind of black armband was wrapped around his upper arm. A black rope was attached to the armband and he watched in fascination as one woman squeezed a ball and the armband tightened around his arm. When it became very tight, Leonidas looked down at it, but the pressure immediately began to lessen.

"It's okay," she said, "it's supposed to be like that. I'm checking your blood pressure."

"Blood pressure?" Leonidas asked.

"Yes, it lets us know how your health is," the woman told him.

"And how is my health?"

"It's fine. Now I'm going to listen to your heart and lungs. With this," she said as she held up her stethoscope.

Leonidas watched as she held up a silver disk also attached to ropes. She placed the ends of those ropes in her ears and then placed the disk on his chest. It was cold.

"Breathe deep," she asked and after a moment or two she moved the disk to his back. "That's good." She preformed a few more tests before she finally pronounced him to be in perfect health.

"Now healer," Leonidas said, "I have submitted myself to your tests. Now I demand to know where I am and how I got here."

"Yes, sir," she told him. "Someone will be in shortly to explain everything. I hope," she added and gathered up her things and left.

Leonidas and the guards stared at each other for the ten minutes that he had to wait. He knew that they were sizing him up, because he was doing the same. He reminded himself to remain calm. More than once he had been called hot headed, with good reason. Most of the time. But until he knew what was going on here, and the nature of those weapons pointed in his direction, he needed to remain calm.

Shortly, the door opened and five women entered. The blond haired woman that had been here before; a gray haired woman used in a strange looking black dress, Hope and two other women dressed like her.

Leonidas leaned back against the pillows and watched them. He had never seen women like these. They wore little or no jewelry and their hair was shorter than it should have been. Why his own hair was longer than theirs.

The grey haired woman moved toward him, "King Leonidas, I am President Jennifer Peters," she said and extended her right hand to him. He stared at her hand. "We have a custom here called 'shaking hands'. It's a form of greeting people," she explained. Leonidas cautiously took her hand and allowed her to shake it. "I am the President here," she went on to explain, "I guess that the best way to explain it, is that I am like a king except that the people picked me."

"You are the leader here?" Leonidas asked and she nodded. "Then you can explain to me why I am here,"

"Yes. And I will explain everything. But first, let me introduce you to these women. Dr. Amanda Collins, I believe you have already met, Major Hope Mitchell, who you also have met, Captain Ann Reynolds, and Sergeant Major Margaret Tyler." The President pointed to each woman and each nodded in turn.

"We have brought you here, King Leonidas, along with your body guard, because we desperately need your help."

"You need my help?" he asked in disbelief. "From little that I have seen, I rather doubt that."

"We do," President Peters assured him. "Once I explain everything to you, I hope that you will agree to help us. But I think that my offices would be a better place to discuss this. Please join me for dinner."

"I accept your invitation, President Peters," Leonidas told her. "But I seem to have lost my clothing."

"Guard," President Peters turned slightly to face one of the armed women, "Find King Leonidas something appropriate to wear."

"Yes, ma'am." The guard saluted and left. She returned in a few minutes with a bundle of clothing and a uniform similar to Hope's in hand.

"I know that you are not used to these, but we had to leave your armor behind. I have been assured that these will fit." President Peters said.

Leonidas climbed out of the bed, the hospital gown brushing against his knees. He picked up the bundle of clothing and examined each item.

"We will wait outside while you dress," President Peters told him.

"Where do I wear this?" He asked as he held up a pair of briefs.

"Major," President Peters said, "perhaps you can help King Leonidas dress?"

"Madame President," Hope started to protest.

"That's an order, Major. Just explain it to him and help him with the uniform."

"Yes ma'am," Hope snapped to attention and saluted. She watched in silence as the others left the room. Then she turned to Leonidas and swallowed hard. This was not going to be fun, not at all. "Those are briefs," she told him, "you wear them, well . . .they're like a loin cloth. You step into them." She mimicked what he needed to do.

Leonidas watched her closely and then grinned. He understood. He also understood that she was extremely uncomfortable doing this. "Isn't there a man that can explain this to me?" he asked her.

"Sorry, no. There are no men around," she told him and continued. "If you just put your feet through these holes and pull the briefs up to your waist. . ."

Hope watched as he pulled the garment up over his muscular legs. Maybe she should have turned her back to him, but God help her, she couldn't move. She forced her attention back to his face to find him smiling broadly. He was enjoying this. But, she also noticedthat he had a wonderful smile. Straight white teeth and dimples flashed at her.

"Are you Amazons?" Leonidas asked. He was certain that these women must be amazons. He had heard about the legendary female warriors but had personally never believed in them. But now? He wasn't sure.

"Excuse me?" Hope asked stunned.

"Amazons. Female warriors. Are you amazons?" he repeated the question. He studied the woman standing before him. She was tall for a woman, several inches shorter than him. She was slender, but from the way that she carried herself, he knew that she was strong and proud. Her hair a dark brown was cut short, not even touching her shoulders. Her eyebrows arched nicely over her eyes, but in this light, he could not make out the color, except that they were light. And she had a friendly smile. All in all, he decided, she was a very nice looking woman. She could be beautiful if she were wearing a proper dress.

"I guess that I might fit that description," Hope said, bringing his thoughts back to the present. "We don't call ourselves Amazons, but I guess that you could. I guess." Hope paused a moment or two as their eyes met, "Ah, . . .Good. Now that you have your . . .ah, . . .essentials covered, I'll help you with the rest." She held out the uniform slacks for him. He looked at them for a moment, then took them and slid his legs into them.

"Like this?" he asked.

"Yes, exactly. Now for the shirt." Now it was Leonidas's turn to be uncomfortable as she began to dress him. She stood before him pushing tiny white disks through holes in the white material, she said was called a shirt. She was so close he could smell her perfume.

"I must say that you're taking this all very well," she told him as she slipped a slender piece of dark material around his neck and began to knot it.

"I am curious as to why you have brought me here. But since I am unarmed and you have three guards with weapons, I have decided to hear you out. Besides, I find it rather pleasant to be dressed by so lovely a woman," he told her, making eye contact once more.

"We do not mean you any harm, King Leonidas," she told him as she tucked the shirt into the slacks and fastened them. "But these are desperate times for us. Please sit down and I'll put your socks and shoes on for you."

"Are we finished?" Leonidas asked after she had tied the last shoe.

"Almost. Here put this on," She held out the uniform jacket for him to put on. When she had finished buttoning the jacket, she directed him to a full length mirror. "There, what do you think?"

Leonidas looked at his reflection. "This is how you dress?"

"Not everyone. But those in the army do."

"It is heavy and not very comfortable," he said as he moved his shoulders about. "And where is my beard?" Hope realized that he was unhappy about the lost of his beard.

"It was shaved off for reasons that the President will explain," Hope told him. She was glad that she was not going to have to be the one to explain that to him.

"I am sure that she will. And it had better be a good reason," he fumed.

"As for the clothing," Hope hoped to change the subject, "This is what we call 'Dress Blues'. They're for special occasions such as having a king join us. But for everyday, we wear fatigues. They're more comfortable."

"I hope so. But I would prefer my own things."

"I understand," she said. "But let me fix your hair before we go. Would you prefer it braided like you had it?"

"Yes, please."

"Okay. I can do that. Just sit in this chair. It'll only take a few minutes." He did as she asked and much as he hated to admit it, he enjoyed the feel of it as she ran her fingers and the comb through her hair. All too soon, she was finished. "Okay then. I think that we're ready to go. If you'll come with me."

"President Peters apologizes Major, King Leonidas," one of the guards said as Hope opened the door, "something has come up and she had to leave. There is a car waiting for you at the back door, so as not to attract attention. I'll show you the way."

"Thank you, soldier," Hope said. "But I won't be needing you. King Leonidas and I will be able to find our own way."

"Ma'am?" the guard questioned.

"You heard me, soldier. King Leonidas and I will be alright on our own."

"Yes, ma'am," the guard snapped to attention and saluted. Hope felt a moment of regret for the young soldier. She was only following order. But Hope wanted to prove to Leonidas that she trusted him. Instinctively she knew that this was important at this stage of the game.

Hope led the way through a maze of hallways. they didn't meet many people on the way, but those that they did, stared openly at Leonidas. Many in shock.

"Have I sprouted horns?" he asked as he walked past yet another staring woman.

"No. You look fine," Hope assured him.

"Then why are these women staring at us?"

"Because you are a man," she explained as they exited the building. Opening the door to a shiny black vehicle, "Get in, please."

"Do I look so different from other men here?"

"Yes. Yes, you do," she told him as she joined him in the car.

Chapter Six


"Are you sure that you're okay?" Ann asked Hope as they were preparing for bed "Are you sure that you don't want me to call a doctor?"

"I'm fine, Ann," Hope assured her friend.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. I just suddenly felt very warm. Maybe it was having to wear the dress blues," Hope lied. She knew that it wasn't the uniform but she couldn't tell Ann that she had been thinking about Leonidas. And she thought of him as Leonidas not as some king. But how could she explain her reaction to just thinking about him, when she did understand it herself.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Get that would you, Ann?" Hope asked as she refastened her slacks.

"Captain, Major," Mags's voice came from the doorway, "May I come in?"

Ann looked rather puzzled but opened the door wide so that Mags could come in?

"What was that all about?" Hope asked and sat down again to remove her shoes.

"For the guards outside," Mags explained. "They're young, probably never seen any real action and still believe in protocol. Hope and Ann both laughed. "So, do you believe these rooms?" Mags went on, "And I have one all to myself. Benefits of being a non-com and no fraternizing." Mags laughed loudly and plopped herself down on one of the beds.

"So what brings you here?" Hope asked. "Besides rubbing the sleeping arrangements in, that is."

Mags not one to be put off, smiled and continued, "Why to hear all the juicy details, of course."

"What are you talking about?" Hope asked again.

Ah, come on, Major, you know. What was it like dressing that King Leonidas? What does he look like? What did it feel like touching him" And don't tell me that you didn't touch him during the dressing process?"

"Hope!" Ann said concerned as she watch her friend flush once again, "Are you sure that you're okay? I'm calling the doctors."

"Don't!" Hope ordered. "I'm fine. Believe me, there's nothing wrong."

"You were thinking about him, weren't you?" Mags asked knowingly, "You were thinking about that Spartan."

Hope didn't answer. She just continued to undress and hang up her uniform

"Come one, admit it," Mags continued, "I'm right, aren't I?"

"Tell us, Hope," Ann pleaded. "What was he like?"

"Oh, alright," Hope turned to face them. "He's solid, okay? Smooth skin over hard muscles. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"For starters, yeah," Mags admitted.

"But what's it like to talk to him, one to one, I mean?" Ann added. "I know that he's intelligent, but what else?"

"He has a quick mind," Hope told them, "He grasps ideas and meanings quickly. He can also be quite persuasive. And I sense that he has a sense of humor. All in all, I like him. And that's all that I have to say on the subject."

"Okay," Mags said knowing that Hope wasn't going to say anything more ab out the Spartan King. "So what do you ladies say to a couple hands of poker? Mags pulled out her well worn deck from a pocket and began to shuffle, "and a couple of beers before we call it a night?"

"Sounds good to me," Hope said.

"I'm in," Ann agreed.

But before they could set up a table, there was a knock at the door. The young guard that had been assigned to Leonidas stood outside.

"Sorry to bother you, Major Mitchell, but King Leonidas is asking for you."

"Right now?" Hope asked.

"Yes, ma'am. He's being really nice about it, but I think that he wants to see you now," the guard told her.

"Okay, okay. Give me a second," Hope shut the door, "Sorry ladies, but duty calls."

"We're coming with you," Ann told her.

"I don't think that will be necessary," Hope told her.

"Ah, come on, Major," Mags chimed in, "You never know, you may need backup."

"Yeah, right," Hope said, "He probably just wants someone to talk to."

"Hey, then he's in luck. He can have three someones to talk to," Mags continued.

"Alright. But if you cause any trouble, you're out of there."

"Deal!" Ann said.

"I wonder if Spartans play poker," Mags joked and received an angry glare from Hope.

A few minutes later, they were standing in front of Leonidas's door. He answered it with a smile on his face.

"I hope that you don't mind that my captain and sergeant major tagged along."

"No. Please come in," he told them. Then quickly to Hope he added, "I hope that they didn't think that you needed protection."

"No, nothing like that," she assured him, then added softly, "I think that they are curious about you."

"Then please come in. We can settle everyone's curiosity. Because I certainly have plenty."

"You first," Hope said.

"Ah, yes, the reason that I asked for you," Leonidas said, "The small room in there," he pointed to the bathroom, "What is it?" Hope proceeded to explain to him, as best she could, the use of the sink, shower, and toilet. Leonidas stood silently as she showed how to adjust the hot and cold water. Then she showed him the closet where more clothing was already waiting.

"I am amazed," he said, "To have hot water ready whenever I want it. It is truly amazing. But to be honest with you, Major, I asked for you for several reasons. I am not tired and have a hundred questions going through my mind. And you have always been straight forward and honest with me. And you don't look at me like I'm some kind of monster."

"Not tired. ugh?" the woman that Hope had called her sergeant major said, "So tell me, King, do you Spartans play poker?"

Leonidas looked at the woman. Her head only came up to the middle of his chest. Her hair was strange looking to him. The upper parts were blond but the lower parts were a medium brown. He couldn't see just how long it was because she had it pulled back and pinned up on her head. Wrinkles creased the corners of her eyes from where she had laughed and smiled a lot. Which she was doing now as she looked up at him and played with some stiff pieces of paper.

"Poker?" he asked, "I'm afraid that I don't know what that is."

"Card games. You know, gambling," she told him.

"I know several games of chance but I don't know that one."

"Wanta learn?" she smiled broadly.

"Yes, thank you. I think that I might like that." He had several reasons for agreeing. He really did not want to be alone just yet. And he had found that he could learn a lot about someone through social activities. And he wanted to learn as much as he could about these women.

"Good," she beamed, "Ladies, we have a newbe to fleece." Hope and the other woman laughed.

The one that Hope had called her captain spoke, "First things first," Then she opened the door. "Guard, get us a case of cold beer. And I do mean cold. Thanks." She shut the door without even waiting for a reply.

"Now let's get down to business," Mags said. "First off, just call me Mags and I"ll call you Leonidas. No stiff formality here. Just a friendly game of poker mano e mano," When she saw the strange look on Leonidas's face, she explained. "You know, man to man, or woman to woman, or ah, man to woman. Oh what the hell, just between friends, okay?"

"Okay," Leonidas laughed. He liked this little woman. She had a lively infectious attitude about her. She loosed the tie around her neck and rolled up the long sleeves. Then she came over to him and began to unknot his tie. "Here get comfortable. You can't play poker with a tie so tight around your neck. And let's just unbutton that thing. There now, that's better," she said as she undid his top button. And she was right, Leonidas felt better. So he rolled his sleeves up in the same manner that she had.

"Well, since we're all on first name basis," Hope said, "This is Ann and you already know my name."

"Where's that beer?" Mags demanded.

"Give them a chance, Mags," Ann said, "It'll be here in a minute." Ann had no sooner said that than there was a knock on the door. "See, I told you."

"Thanks soldier," Mags said as she took the beer from the young guard and kicked the door shut. "Now let's pop the top on a couple of these suckers and get started."

The four of them sat down at the table; Hope to Leonidas's right and Mags on his left, so she could teach him better, she said. For the next several hours, they played poker, drank beer, and told stories.

The women told stories about their training, their missions, and their daily lives. Leonidas told them about the training that Spartan males went through to become warriors.

"And you begin at age seven?" Ann asked.

"Of course. When do you begin?" he answered.

"Not until we're seventeen," Ann told him, "And you were beaten and starved?"

"Of course. How else can a Spartan learn to survive?"

"Well, we don't do it that way here," Hope told him. "We have pretty rugged training but there's no beatings."

"A Spartan," Leonidas said proudly, "learns to fight through the pain and hunger. That is why we are the best."

"Yes, you certainly are impressive," Ann agreed.

"You have seen us fight?" Leonidas asked her.

"Yes," Hope spoke up, sadness filling her eyes. "We saw you at Thermopylae."

"You were there?"

"Oh yeah," Ann said," We were there. That's where Hope was wounded."

Leonidas looked at Hope, "You were wounded?"

"It was nothing," she assured him, playing it down.

"Nothing?" Mags laid down her cards and leaned toward Leonidas, "She was in charge of holding off the Persians while you and yours were evacuated. Then, she personally laid down ground cover while we got out of there."

"I was struck by a Persian arrow," Hope said flatly, "Now can we get back to the game?"

"Persian cowards," Leonidas spat.

"Hope won't tell you this," Ann said, "and don't try to stop me, Hope. But the arrow broke her leg and nicked an artery. She nearly died before we got her back here. She's been in the hospital ever since."

"It was nothing," Hope said sternly, "Just let it go, okay?"

"Alright. It's gone," Mags said, holding her hands up. But Leonidas filed the information away in his mind. Another interesting face about this Hope Mitchell.

Hope looked at her watch and realized what time it was. "We need to call it a night. 0600 comes mighty early and we have a big day tomorrow."

"Leonidas," Mags said and punched him in the arm. "It's been fun. I hope that all your men are like you."

"It has been interesting," he agreed and rubbed the spot that she had punched. For such a tiny woman, Mags was strong.

"I'll be by at 0630," Hope told him as she stood by the door.

"When?"

"Don't worry. I'll have the guard wake you. That'll give you enough time to shower and shave before breakfast."

"I shall see you then," He told her and shut the door.


"What's he like," the new guard asked a couple of hours later.

"I only saw him a couple of times. But strangely enough, he seems pretty nice. Nothing at all like what you'd think."

"Really?"

"Really. In fact, Major Mitchell, Captain Reynolds, and Sergeant Major Tyler were all here for hours. Playing poker and drinking beer."

"You're kidding."

"Honest to God," the first guard said. "Oh and here's the best part. I could hear them laughing."

"Are they gone now?" the second guard asked.

"Yeah. I think that he's asleep now. Oh, I almost forgot. Major Mitchell wants you to wake him up at 0600. She'll be here at 0630 to get him, so don't forget."

"0600. Right." The second guard took her post. She would not forget. She was anxious to get her first glimpse of a normal man.

Note to the reader: I really had to do some soul searching on this chapter. I realize that the idea of abortions may offend some of you and I am truly sorry for that. But I had to ask myself just how these women would act, just how far would they go to protect their civilization. I had to see their world, their hopes, and their fears. Thank you for sticking with me on this journey. Lady Saule.


Chapter Eight


"Where are we going?" Leonidas asked after about an hour of driving.

"To a medical facility," Hope told him. "It's not at an outpost but pretty near one."

"What is there that you want me to see?"

"I want you to see what you would have become if you had mutated."

"You want me to see the men of your world?" Leonidas asked.

"Yes," Hope said simply. She looked up to see Mags looking at her in the rear view mirror. Mags didn't say anything. She already knew what they would find there and how it would effect Hope.

"I thought that you said that you managed to force the men out of your cities."

"We did. But these are our sons and brothers," Hope turned away to look out the window as she decided on what to say next. After a few minutes, she turned back to face him. "You see when it is discovered that a woman is carrying a male child, she is given the option of having an abortion."

"You can tell whether the child is male or female before it is born?" Leonidas interrupted.

"Yes. We have tests for that," Hope explained. "Anyway, all pregnant women are tested. We always hope that a male child might be normal. When the tests tell us that the child is mutated, most women take the abortion, but a few do not. No one forces them, one way or the other."

"So, they give birth to deformed children?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Hope admitted.

"So what do you do with these children?" Leonidas asked her.

"Most of them never survive more than a few months. But sometimes, rarely, they live. In that case, we send them to this facility. Their mothers are permitted to visit them as often as they like."

"You allow these children to live? Isn't that dangerous?"

"They are well guarded," Hope responded. "They are kept well away from the city. And when they show signs of violence, they are medicated."

Leonidas noticed the tears that were beginning to form in Hope's eyes. "Do you have a son there?" he asked.

"No. I've never had any children," she told him.

"Then who do you have there?"

"A brother," she admitted, "How did you know?"

"Your expression. How old is the boy?"

"He's almost twenty. But mentally, he's only twelve. Recently, he's begun to show signs of violence. But luckily, so far it hasn't been extreme."

"We're here, Hope," Mags told them and pulled the car up in front of a brick building.

"Wait here while I find out where Jacob is," Hope told him and got out.

"Don't worry," Mags told Leonidas as she looked at him over her shoulder. "She won't be long."

"I am not worried," Leonidas told her as he looked out the window.

A few minutes later, Hope had returned with several visitor badges. "You wanted to come in, didn't you Mags?" she asked as she slid into the back seat.

"Sure do. You know that I never pass up the chance to see the little man."

Leonidas realized from Mags's tone of voice that although the women of this society feared men, these two didn't fear this one. Or him for that matter.

"Jacob's at the greenhouses," Hope told her. Mags put the car in gear and drove around to an area with the glass houses."

When they got out, Hope attached a pass to Leonidas's coat and pulled the hood up over his head. She and Mags did the same. Hope had been correct when she said that it would be cold here. A bitterly cold wind was blowing strong. But to Leonidas's surprise, when they entered one of the buildings, he was met by warmth. A women dressed in a pale blue coat greeted them.

"We weren't expecting to see you today, Major," the woman in blue said.

"Sorry that I couldn't give you more notice, but I wanted a friend to meet Jacob." Hope nodded her head toward Leonidas who still had his hood pulled up over his head.

The woman looked at Leonidas but the hood covered most of his face. "Of course," she said finally.

"How's Jacob doing?" Hope asked, pulling the woman's attention away from Leonidas.

"He's having a good day. But he has been having more and more episodes lately. We've upped his dosage, but frankly, Major, if it continues we will have to resort to harsher methods."

Hope knew what she meant. If Jacob continued to have his violent spells, they would restrain him, lock him away, or perform a lobotomy or castration. None of which Hope wanted for her younger brother.

"Surely there is some new medicine?" Hope suggested.

"There's always new medicines being developed. And I am amazed at just how gentle he is. Most young men his age have already had surgery. But I am keeping you from him. Perhaps we can talk later."

"Perhaps," Hope said as she moved forward to meet her brother. Mags and Leonidas held back a little to allow her time alone.

"What did she mean by harsher methods?" Leonidas asked Mags quietly.

"They may have to lock him away or perform surgery on him," Mags told him, "If they operate they could cut part of his brain away. Or they may castrate him. The doctors feel that this will gentle him."

"And will it?" Leonidas asked.

"Sometimes."

By this time, Hope had come up behind a short person working with some plants at a bench. "Jacob," she said softy.

"Hope!" the young man squealed as he turned around and gave her a big hug. "No one told me you were coming."

"It was a surprise," Hope told him. Leonidas watched Hope as her face lite up with love for her brother.

"Ann was here," Jacob told Hope, "she said that you got hurt." Jacob looked at her closely.

"Yes, I got hurt. But I'm better now. See." Hope held her arms out and spun around.

"Hey, little man," Mags grinned as she approached them.

"Mags, what's up?" Jacob held his hand up in the air and Mags slapped her palm against his.

"Same ole, same ole. See, we told you that your sister would be fine."

"Jacob," Hope put her arm around her brother's shoulder and turned him to face Leonidas. "I want you to meet a new friend of mine."

When Leonidas got a good look at Jacob's face, he could not help but make a small gasp. The young man's face looked lopsided; his right eye lid drooped heavily over the eye; and the entire right side of the face seemed lower than the left. It appeared as if someone had cut the boy's face up and just threw it back together. Jacob's entire right side hung lower than the left. He stood hunched over as if he were a hunch back, but Leonidas could not see a lump.

"Nice to meet you," Jacob said slowly so that he pronounced the words clearly. He offered his hand to Leonidas. Leonidas, now over his initial shock, took the hand and shook it.

"Can we have a few minutes alone?" Hope yelled out to the woman at the door.

"I guess that it would be okay. Call if you need anything." When the woman had shut the door firmly behind herself, Mags and Hope lowered their hoods. Seeing this, Leonidas did the same.

"Jacob, I would like you to meet King Leonidas of the Spartans."

Jacob stared openly at Leonidas for a few minutes and then leaned closer to his sister. "She's a strange looking woman," he whispered.

"Honey," Hope said softly, "Leonidas is a man."

"He doesn't look like a man," Jacob said softly, "He's dressed like a soldier."

"King Leonidas is a soldier," Hope told him.

"That's silly," Jacob said, "only women can be soldiers. Everyone knows that."

"Not in this case, Jacob," Hope explained, "King Leonidas has come a long way to help us."

"You are going to help my sister?" Jacob asked Leonidas.

"I am thinking about it."

"You should," Jacob said matter-of-factly. Then he turned back to Hope. "Come see my plants. Spring will be here soon and I've already got peas and beans coming up."

"Jacob is good with plants," Hope explained to Leonidas as they walked over to his seedlings.

"He's a farmer, then," Leonidas said.

"No. No," Jacob said, "The doctors won't let me work in the fields. But they do let me grow my plants here. Then some on the women come get them and plant them in the fields. I would like to work in the fields, though. It would be so nice to be able to work out like that."

"We're too near the borderland for that, Jacob," Hope told him, "You know that."

"You work on the border, don't you?" Jacob asked.

"That's right. Ann and Mags work with me there."

"And will your friend be working there also?"

"If he decides to help us, yes. He and his men will be there."

"How many men does he have?" Jacob asked.

"About three hundred," Leonidas answered.

"Then I can be a soldier too. If all those men are soldiers, so can I."

"No, I'm sorry, Jacob. But that is impossible," Hope told her brother.

"But I want to be a soldier," he demanded, "I want to wear a uniform and carry a gun."

"No!" Hope shouted.

"Why?" Jacob shouted back and before Hope could stop him, he had made a fist and struck her, knocking her to the ground. Jacob stood over her, his legs spread and his hands balled into fists. "I want to be a soldier!" Jacob had just started to move again, when he was yanked off his feet and held in the air by the strong arms of Leonidas.

"Let me go," Jacob demanded, his legs kicking wildly.

"Not until you calm down," Leonidas said calmly. "If you want to be a solider, then you need to obey orders, even if you don't like them."

Instantly, Jacob went limp and he looked at his sister sprawled on the ground; her hand pressed against her jaw. He nodded his head and Leonidas put him back on the ground.

The woman in blue burst into the room just as Hope was standing up. "What happened?"

"It's alright," Hope told the woman. Jacob had his arms around Hope and wan crying on her shoulder.

"I heard yelling," the woman said.

"Sorry. I tripped and fell. Jacob was worried that I was hurt," Hope lied.

"But as you can see," Mags turned toward the woman, "everyone's alright."

"Okay. If you're sure that everything is alright," the woman said and went back outside again.

"I'm sorry, Hope," Jacob cried. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Jacob. I'm fine. See?" Hope held him out so that he could see her face. "You have quite a punch there. I may have a bruise tomorrow but nothing is broken." She smiled at her younger brother.

"You sure?" he asked again.

"I'm sure," Hope reassured him.

"Can I talk to Leoni, . . . Leonid. . .," he stammered.

"Leonidas," Hope corrected.

"Yeah. Can I talk to him alone for a minute?"

"It's alright with me, if it's alright with Leonidas." Jacob looked up at Leonidas hopefully.

"It's alright," Leonidas said and extended his arm. Jacob did not take the offered hand but instead led the way to the end of the bench where they could talk.

"What you said about taking orders, did you mean it?"

"About soliders obeying orders? Yes. In an army, everyone must take orders. Or it would be a . . . " Leonidas paused as he searched for the right word, "mess. Everyone would be running off, doing whatever they wanted. It would be a disaster. Without orders, and the soldiers obeying them, the battle would be lost and many people would die."

"Do you obey orders?" Jacob asked.

"I have many times. Before I became king, I took orders every day."

"From women?"

Leonidas had to chuckle. "Yes, from women. When I was a child I took them from my mother and then from my wife, once in a while."

Jacob smiled back. "I also wanted to thank you for keeping me from hurting Hope." Jacob looked down at his feet and scuffed his shoe in the dirt. "I have been losing my temper lately. I don't want to," He looked up at Leonidas, "but sometimes I do. I can't help it."

"Do you really want to be a soldier?" Leonidas asked.

"Yes, I do."

"Then start acting like one, soldier. Stand up straight," Instantly, Jacob stood up as straight as his body would allow. "Head up, eyes to the front," Jacob did as ordered. "Here are your orders, soldier. From here on out, you will not lose your temper. You will not hurt anyone. You will obey every order given you. Do you think that you can do that, soldier?"

"Yes, sir," Jacob said proudly, "I will obey all orders."

"Good. I will keep checking on you to make sure that you do. If you do, I'll see about getting you a uniform."

"Really?" Jacob's face broke out into a broad smile. "I'll do it, sir. I'll make you proud of me. I'll make a good soldier."

"See to it, then, soldier," Leonidas put his hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Now go see you sister."

"Yes, sir," Jacob imitate a salute and ran back to his sister and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you," Hope mouthed to Leonidas.

"I'm sorry, Major," the woman said as she opened the door. "It's almost time for Jacob's lunch and he needs to clean up.

"Thank you," Hope told the woman.

"Can you stay?" Jacob asked her hopefully.

"Sorry, Jacob. We need to be going for now. But I'll be back soon, I promise."

"Can the King come back when you do?"

"I don't know. Maybe. We'll have to see," Hope told him.

"I would be glad to come see you again," Leonidas told Jacob. "After all, I have to check on your progress."

"Hope," Mags spoke up, "Why don't you walk Jacob back to his room. Leonidas and I will meet you at the car."

"Thanks," Hope said and looped her arm through her brother's and together they walked off.

"I wanted to thank you personally," Mags said as they walked back to the car. "for helping Jacob. He's a good kid, but he's going through that period now when he will be getting more and more violent."

"He doesn't seem that bad," Leonidas said.

"He's not as bad as most. Hope's mother worked with him every day until she died. The doctors and nurses here do their best, but they don't have the time to work with him like his mother did." Mags leaned against the car when they reached it. She looked up at the sky and smiled. "Yep, he's a good kid. And still this is just a fancy prison. They are kind to him. But it's still a prison."

At that moment, Hope came racing across the lawn towards them. "We have to get going," she yelled, "the farm near Outpost 2 is under attack."

Mags grabbed the keys from her pocket and opened the trunk to reveal an assortment of weapons. "Never leave home without them," she grinned at Leonidas as he stared at the pile of weapons.

"You are going to fight?" he asked.

"Well, yeah," Mags told him, "It's our job."

"What can I use?" Leonidas asked as he continued to look over the weapons, looking for something familiar.

"What?" Mags asked.

"I am a Spartan. We are born and raised to fight. It is what we do." He grinned back at her.

"Then, let me see what we have," Mags told him. She tossed an impressive weapon to Hope and handed an identical one to Leonidas. "He wants to help," she told Hope.

"Okay, get in then. I'll give you a quick course on the way." As they raced the few miles to the farm, Hope explained how to use the weapon. A few minutes later, when they pulled into the complex. Leonidas had the basic knowledge; point, aim, pull trigger. Mags spun the car around, sending gravel flying, as she applied the brakes.

The car had no sooner stopped than both Mags and Hope were out and running, weapons in hand, with Leonidas only a few steps behind them.

"How many are there?" Hope asked the first woman that she saw.

"I don't know," the woman yelled back, "Fifty maybe, maybe more. I didn't stop to count. Where are the rest of the soldiers?"

"On their way, probably," Hope told her, "We were only a few miles away, when we heard your call. So we came to help. Where are the men?"

"They're trying to get at the seed bins. If they get the seeds, we won't have any to plant."

"Right, Come on then," Mags said as they continued to run toward the storage barns. As they came around the corner on the barn, Leonidas caught sight of the men of this world. They looked similar to Jacob, except that their faces were distorted with rage. They were dressed in an odd assortment of rags and animal hides. But at least he recognized some of the weapons that they carried.

Now he understood why these women wanted his help. They had no understanding of how to fight against these weapons, except with their guns. And if Hope was correct, these guns would soon be useless as clubs.

Leonidas watched the women as they used their guns. He did as Hope had showed him,. but he didn't like the way his weapon jerked when he pulled the trigger. After a few minutes of it jerking around in his hands, he had hit nothing, so he threw it down and searched for something familiar to him.

He found it in a pitch fork. Not a spear, but at least he knew that he could use it effectively. And he soon got his chance. Because while the women were busy fighting, a few men tried to sneak into the barn. Fortunately, Leonidas was there, armed with his pitch fork.

A few minutes later, a truck with more soldiers arrived and the attacking men retreated without their prize.

Hope looked around for Leonidas and soon found him in the barn; holding a bloodied pitch fork; three dead men on the ground around him.

"Are you alright?" she asked, looking him over for any possible injuries.

"Of course I'm alright. It was only three to one, hardly a challenge," he told her.

"Yeah, hardly a challenge," Mags laughed as she leaned against the door.

"Mags, you and Leonidas waited for me in the car. And try not to be seen."

"Yes, ma'am. Come on, Leonidas. Put your hood up."

A few minutes later, Hope came up to the car. Mags popped the trunk so that she could store the weapons.

"So, how's it going?" Mags asked as Hope got in.

"Fine. They're going to keep an armed guard on the barns until the planting is finished. The captain is going to send messages to the other outposts and farms warning them that the men are probably starving and looking for food."

"Or women," Mags added.

"Are your fights always like this?" Leonidas asked.

"Pretty much," Mags told him.

"These men are not like Jacob," he said.

"No, they're not," Hope agreed.

"I have decided that we will help you," Leonidas announced. "After what I have just seen, I understand why you need us."

Chapter Ten


Hope stood next to Leonidas as they watched the troops workout in what once was a hanger. They had only been able to begin training in the past few days. The first week and a half had been spent cleaning. At first the Spartans had not wanted to do what the obviously considered to be the work of women or slaves. Leonidas and Hope had been forced to break up more than one fight before the problem was resolved.

But one good thing that had come out of the fights was a healthy respect for each other. Both sides found that they got as much as they gave. The women's use of martial arts quickly made up for the Spartans greater height and strength. And in the end each side developed an admiration for the other.

In fact more than one of the Spartans had asked to be taught some of the moves that the women had used on them. And the women were eager to agree. Now as Leonidas and Hope watched, his Spartans were quickly the basics.

"I'm glad to see that they're finally getting along," Hope told Leonidas.

"Yes, it is good," he answered, "A little strange, but it is good to see that everyone is working well together."

"How is it strange?"

"Our women did not fight in the army," Leonidas told her.

"But they could and would fight if the city was in danger," Hope reminded him.

"Of course. It is the duty of all citizens to defend Sparta."

"Well then, it's not that different here," she told him. "Before the war, women and men served side by side in many cases. When the men were killed or mutated, it was the female soldiers that protected and trained us."

"Major," a young private interrupted them, "There's a truck at the gate. Your presence is required."

"More troops?" Hope asked.

"No, ma'am. And not supplies either. Although we are expecting more of both tonight, this is not them."

"What's on the truck, then?"

"I don't know, ma'am. The driver said that she is supposed to turn it over to you, and you alone."

"Alright then, I'll be there in a minute," Hope sighed. "Leonidas, I'll be back soon."

Leonidas made a quiet grunt that he understood and continued to watch the troops. Hope was about fifty feet when she stopped to button her jacket. She glanced back at Leonidas and smiled as she watched him standing there, legs akimbo, his hands behind his back, looking every bit a king. She sighed heavily and continued to the gate and the mysterious truck."

Hope found the tractor trailer and the driver waiting at the gate. "With your permission, ma'am," the driver saluted and handed Hope a sealed manila envelope.

"You're kidding," Hope said after she had read the letter.

"Ma'am?" the driver asked.

"Do you know what this is?"

"No ma'am. My orders were clear. Deliver the rig and the envelope to you and leave."

"You have transportation?"

"Yes, ma'am. My ride is right there," the driver pointed to a small car parked behind the truck.

"Thank you then. And have a safe trip back."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you ma'am,' the driver saluted, turned and headed to the waiting car.

Ann, who had been waiting at a distance, now approached. "Okay, I'm curious. What's in the truck?"

"I don't know exactly," Hope said staring again at the letter. "It's from President Peters. She says that the truck contains a surprise for Leonidas and that this," Hope held up another envelope, "will explain everything."

"Why all the secrecy, I wonder?" Ann mused.

"I guess that we'll find out soon," Hope said and folded the letter and put it and the other envelope into her pocket. "Let's take Leonidas's surprise to him."

A few minutes later, Ann and Hope were pulling the tractor trailer in front of the hanger. "Go get Leonidas, while I open up the back," Hope told Ann.

"Okay, but don't open anything until I'm back. I don't want to miss a thing," Ann said as she opened the hanger door.

Hope had just unlocked the doors and swung them open when everyone gathered at the back of the trailer.

"Ann said that you have something for me," Leonidas said.

"It's a surprise from President Peters," Hope told him, fished the envelope out of her pocket and handed it to him.

Leonidas took the envelope, looked at the script on the outside and handed it back to Hope. "Read it aloud, please. I don't read your language."

They had not thought of that. That Spartans had been taught to speak English, but no one had thought to teach to read it. "If you would like, we can teach you to read English," she said as she opened the envelope. "King Leonidas," Hope began to read, "Please accept these with our grateful thanks. I hope that we got them right." Hope folded the paper and handed it back to Leonidas. "That's all that it says."

"Well then, shall we see what she has sent us?" Leonidas suggested.

Without being asked, a couple of women, jumped up into the trailer and began to pull the crates off. At Leonidas's signal, several of the Spartans lifted the crates off and onto the ground. Where, as everyone watched, Hope pried the lid off of the first crate and pulled out a long slender bundle. Leonidas stood over her shoulder as she unwrapped the bundle to reveal a sword. One that was very similar to the one that he had carried in his own time.

"Hey, neat!" Ann said as she moved closer.

Leonidas took the sword and swung it around for a few minutes. "Not bad," he pronounced.

"Hey, this one has spears," one of the women announced as she opened a longer crate. "Hey, Spartan," she called out, "come over here and get this." She tossed the spear to the closest Spartan, who caught it and examined it closely.

"The workmanship is excellent," Leonidas announced. At his nod, the Spartans moved forward and finished unloading the truck. In less than half an hour, they had unloaded enough swords, spears, and even shields for all of the Spartans. And to their surprise there were still more crates. These crates contained small, lighter versions of the Spartans's weapons.

"These must be for us," Mags said as she picked up a sword and swung it around, trying to mimic the Spartans.

"Careful, woman," the Spartan named Kairos said as he grabbed the sword away from her.

"Then maybe you should show me how it's done, big boy," Mags said as she stood directly in front of him and issued the challenge.

"Maybe I should," he said, returning the challenge and the sword. He then took a position behind Mags and guided her through the motions. The other women seeing this, grabbed swords, selected Spartans and demanded to be shown how to handle them.

"Looks like fun," Ann noted.

"Would you like to be shown how to handle a sword also?" Leonidas asked her.

"Well, . . ." Ann began.

"Stephanos," Leonidas called out, "show Ann how to use her sword."

"Yes, my king," Stephanos said and immediately stood behind Ann, "Hold the sword like this, he told her."

"Like this?" Ann asked.

"Yes, exactly."

"What about you, Hope?" Leonidas asked as he picked up one of the lighter swords, "Don't you want to learn?"

"And which of your Spartans will you get to teach me?" Hope asked as she watched him swing the sword gracefully.

Leonidas stopped and looked her in the eyes for a moment before he answered. "Why me, of course."

"Then I accept," Hope smiled as she took the sword from him. But she quickly lost the smiled as he wrapped his arms around her and his hands covered hers. She had known that he was strong but she never realized just how strong until she felt his strenght and warmth wash over her.

Relax," he said softly, his words tickling her ear.

"Uh, okay," she said as she tried to sound unaffected by his nearness.

"Let the sword become part of your arm," he told her. Hope relaxed and let him guide her through the swings as she enjoyed the whole experience. Suddenly Hope realized that they had stopped moving. She turned her head to look at Leonidas and found him staring at her with such intensity that it sent a jolt through her.

"I think that we have done enough for today," he said but did not immediately release Hope.

"You're right," Hope replied and moved away from him. "We can pick this up again tomorrow. We need to get these put away before it gets dark."


"Hey, Kairos," Mags called out after they had finsihed storing all of the crates. "How about we eat together? I'd like to learn more about these swords and spears."

"If my king can spare me," Kairos told her.

"Hey, Leonidas," Mags yelled across the hanger. The Spartans looked at her in utter shock at her familiarity with their king, but Leonidas merely looked up and smiled. "Can you spare Kairos, here? I have a few things I want to talk to him about."

"Poker and beer?" Leonidas yelled back.

"Hey, I hadn't thought about that," Mags grinned, "Can you spare him?"

"I think that I can," Leonidas told her.

"See. All fixed up," Mags told Kairos as she slipped her arm through his and dragged the rather stunned Spartan off/.

"I have a feeling that you're about to lose your body guard," Hope laughed.

"Hum," Leonidas stroked his chin and grinned. "You may be right. Am I in any danger without them?" he asked.

"I certainly hope not," Hope continued to laugh.


That night at dinner, for the first time, the Spartans and the women ate together in small groups. Conversations were loud, lively, and filled with laughter and hand gestures.

"It's amazing," Hope said as she spooned mashed potatoes into her mouth, "how little things like teaching each other beings everyone together." Hope then noticed that some of the troops were already gathering dishes and heading toward the kitchen. "I wonder what they're up to," she said as she watched more and more begin to clear their dishes.

"What makes you think that they're up to something?" Leonidas asked.

"They're all too willing to do dishes. No one wanted to do them before," she noted.

"Are you finished with these?" a young soldier asked Hope and Leonidas.

"See what I mean?" Hope asked Leonidas.

"I do," he told her.

"What is going on?" Hope asked the woman.

"We're going over to the club," the woman explained. "Julie Preston and Beth Andrews found some music. It's kind of old but sounds good. We thought that we'd celebrate tonight."

"Who's going?" Hope asked as she handed her dishes to the woman.

"Anyone that wants to and is not on duty."

"Are the Spartans invited?" Hope asked.

"Yes, ma'am. We're hoping that they will come."

"All right then. But keep things under control."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am."

"What is this club?" Leonidas asked after the woman had gone.

"It's basically a place where people get together to drink, dance, and socialize. They'll have fun and get to know each other better."

"Are you going, then?" he asked.

"Not tonight. We have another batch of soldiers arriving soon. I need to be there to get them settled in."

"Do you need help with that?" Leonidas asked.

"The help would be appreciated. But don't feel that you have to," Hope told him.

"I don't feel that I have to," Leonidas looked at her thoughtfully, "I want to help. Where are you planning on putting these women?"

"We have plenty of barracks left. I'm expecting four more groups to be arriving in the next few days," Hope grinned slightly. "I hope that your Spartans are up to it."

"What?"

"After what we've been through here with mu girls, are you ready for more?"

Leonidas shook his head, then grinned back at her, "We're Spartans, madame. We can handle anything."

"I hope so," Hope laughed, "I really do hope so."

Chapter Twelve

"Everything is ready," Mags said as she looked into Hope's office.

"Have the others gone?" Hope looked up briefly and continued to stuff stacks of papers into a folder.

"Yeah, the last left fifteen minutes ago," Mags said.

"How's Leonidas doing?" Hope asked and fastened the folder.

"Does he miss his baby chicks?" Mags asked teasingly. "Is that what you're asking?"

"You know what I mean."

"He's doing fine," Mags answered. "You know, I'm going to miss this place." Hope looked up puzzled. "It's where we really got to know the Spartans."

"It's just how well you got to know then, that has me concerned," Hope replied.

"Ah come on, Hope," Mags entered the room and shut the door behind her. "I know that technically I'm out of line, but we've known each other for years, so I'm going to speak freely."

"Go on," Hope told her.

"Yeah, we've come to know these guys really well. You, and everyone else, knew that it would happen. Are you going to order us not to have anything to do with them? 'Cause I've got to tell you that you'd be the only one," Hope shook her head. "No, I didn't think so."

"Just be careful, okay?"

"Relax, Hope. We're just having fun. Just think about it, for the first time in seventy-five years, men and women are acting the way they're suppose to. Maybe you should try it with, say, Leonidas?"

Hope sank down into her chair and rested her forehead on her palms.

"Come on, admit it," Mags moved closer to Hope and spoke softly. "He makes you feel things. Doesn't he?" Hope didn't respond or even move. "He messes with your chemistry. I've seen the way you look at him." Still Hope kept quiet. "Why don't you just grab him and lay a big kiss on him. You just might like it."

"He's married," Hope said finally.

"And his wife has been died for three thousand years. I think that makes him available."

"He's a king," Hope countered.

"Who's kingdom is long gone. For crying out loud, he's a man. And believe it or not, I've seen how he looks at you too."

Hope started to respond but was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Enter," she called out. Mags straightened up as the door opened and Ann and Leonidas entered the room. Hope's breath caught in her throat as she saw Leonidas standing there. She prayed that he had not heard what was just said. Relieved that he did not appear to have heard anything, she asked if everything was alright.

"Everything is fine," he assured her.

"We just wanted to let you know that everything is loaded," Ann told her, "and we need to be going if we're going to be at base by nightfall."

"Good. I was just finishing up here," Hope told them. "I'll be out in just a moment." Hope gathered up her files as the others left. Standing at the door for a moment before she shut it, she admitted to herself that she, too, would miss this place.


"You're being very quiet," Leonidas broke the silence. "What is bothering you?"

"What makes you ask that?" Hope glanced over at Leonidas before she turned her attention back to the road."

"You have the look of someone that has a lot on her mind. Are you still worried about the troops?"

"No, they'll be fine. I do wish that we had more time for training, thought. But they'll work together just fine."

"I'm glad to hear that. But you still look like something is bothering you."

"It's nothing important," she lied. She didn't want to tell him that she had been thinking about what Mags had told her. Sometimes, Mags was just a little too observant to suit her.

"If you say so," Leonidas commented. But Hope wasn't quiet sure if he believed her. "Would you like to talk? It might make the trip go faster."

"Sure," she glanced over at him again. "What would you like to talk about?"

"I don't know. Why don't you tell me about your family."

"Not much to tell," Hope began. "My mother went into research after her tour of duty. She was killed in an accident several years back. My bother, you've met. The only other family, I have is my grandmother."

"She's still alive then?"

"Oh, yeah. She was invited to become one of the History Grandmothers last year. Last I heard, she was still thinking about it. But what about you?"

"I had the usual childhood," he told her. "I started training at age seven. Joined the arm at eighteen. Became King when my brother died. Married a beautiful woman and had a son by her."

"Do you miss your wife?" Hope interrupted.

"I missed her a lot at first. But now, it is better."

"You don't miss her now?"

Leonidas looked around as if others were in the cab with them before he answered. "No. I still miss her, but the pain has lessened. My duty to Sparta comes first. I was trained from childhood to accept that one simple fact. But I loved my wife and son. But they're gone now. I have no family left."

"I'm sorry," Hope told him and meant it.

"No need to be," he said seriously and looked out the window. "It happened a long time ago, even if it only feels like a few months."

"Weird, ugh?" Hope said smiling slightly.

"Yes it is. But can we talk about something else now?"

"Sure. How do you think the troops are doing?" Hope already knew the answer. They had discussed it on a daily basis; but it seemed like a safe subject.

"They're doing fine. Your women are learning very quickly."

"I told you that we were quick learners."

"So you did. And I am pleasantly surprised. My men are also pleased. I wasn't sure how they were going to respond to female warriors. But they seem to rather enjoy it."

"To tell you the truth, I, too, was a little worried about how they would interact," Hope said and instantly realized what was implied there. She prayed that he would not continue on that line of thought.

"So, tell me what's this place we're going like?" Leonidas asked.

Hope was relieved that the subject was changed. "It's not much like the base we just left. We do have a small barracks area. But they're more like dorm rooms," when Hope saw Leonidas's puzzled look, she explained. "A room that is shared by two people. It has it's own bathroom and a small kitchen area."

"Oh. Like the room, I had in the city?"

"Yes, like that. Another difference is that the outpost is more like a small town."

"How so?" Leonidas asked.

"Many of us will continue to live there after we leave the army. In fact, most of us have lived there all of our lives. There are small houses and apartments scattered around. There are small and large farms, businesses, and even several schools there."

"Are there tall buildings?" Leonidas asked remembering the skyscrapers from the capital city.

"No. In fact, the tallest building only has three floors. Like I said, it's like a small town. Just about everything that we need can be found there."

"So once there, will we be cut off from the other Outposts?"

"Oh, no. We have phone lines so you'll be able to talk with your men daily. And we have computers. Thanks to a few satellites that are still in orbit, we can keep in touch with other female societies around the world."

"You can talk to people on the other side of the world?" Leonidas asked.

"Actually, we can. As long as the other societies have electricity and the technology, we can set up links and actually see and speak with them."

"Does Sparta have this? I would like to see my city," Leonidas said excitedly.

"I'm not sure about Sparta. But I think that Athens might. Athens was a large city before the war, so I'm pretty sure that they might still have the technology. When we get home, I'll see what we can find out."

"Thank you. I really would like to know what has become of my city."

Hope had never seen Leonidas as excited as he was right now. She couldn't help but smile. But then she sobered. "I hope that you come to see my home as yours also. I know that I speak for the others when I say that we want you to feel as one of us: as family. I don't want you to feel like a stranger."

"You have already made us feel welcome," Leonidas told her. "We have been accepted by your women in a much friendlier manner than I expected."

"See, I told you that they would love you," Hope said and suddenly remembered her conversation with Mags. They were acting just like men and women were supposed to, she had been told. And Hope had to admit that she had never heard so much laughter. Even during intense training, there was laughter. And Hope was now sure that there was more going on than just training. And there was no going back.

"You're smiling," Leonidas commented. "Does that mean that whatever was bothering you earlier, has been settled?"

"Yes, it is, at least for the moment."

"Good," he said and turned his attention to the scenery. "What are those?" he asked pointing to a field of tall metal poles with turning blades at the top. "Are they metal trees?"

"Oh those," Hope chuckled at his description. "Those are windmills. That is what we call a windmill farm."

"You don't expect me to believe that you grow them, do you?"

"No," she continued to laugh, "the blades turn when the wind blows and that causes turbines to create electricity. We use the electricity for lights and stuff. Years ago, electricity was created by burning coal, but there's no coal mines around here. So we use the windmills. And I think that this is a good spot for a break."

"A break?"

"Yeah, we have several more hours of driving. I don't know about you, but I need to stretch my legs."

Leonidas started to laugh. "We always walked into battle, so I guess that our breaks were to sit down."

Hope looked puzzled for a moment before she got the meaning and laughed also. "Sorry. It went right over my head for a moment."

Hope signaled the stop and everyone enjoyed a half hour break. As Leonidas mingled among the troops, Hope sat slightly off to the side and watched everyone as they sat in groups munching on sandwiches and laughing. But mostly she watched Leonidas and the natural way that he took command. She allowed herself the luxury of watching him.. Something that she found herself doing more and more each day. Suddenly, Leonidas looked up and made eye contact for only a few seconds before she broke it off and looked down pretending to be reading a map.

After a few minutes of studying a map that she already knew by heart, Hope looked up again to see Leonidas laughing with a small group of soldiers and Spartans. She watched, fascinated as he made gestures and brought laughs from his audience.

Because the weather was warmer than normal, Leonidas had removed his jacket. Each gesture that he made stretched the fabric of his shirt across his muscles. Muscles that Hope remembered only too well.

"See something that you like? Ann's voice over her shoulder startled Hope.

"What? Oh, . . . ah . . .I was just watching him tell that story." Hope lied. To cover her discomfort, she took a gulp of water from her canteen. "It looks like it was funny."

"Sure you were," Ann told her, "Come on, admit it, you were watching Leonidas and not for the story. But I can't say that blame you. He is rather nice to watch, all those muscles and all."

"Was there something that you wanted," Hope said sternly.

"Okay, have it your way," Ann said, "I was doing some calculations. If we take this route," Ann pointed to a road on the map, "we can shave an hour off of our travel time. The road is not well used, but still in good repair. That would put us home well before dark."

"You sure the road is good?"

"Yep. I headed off a local a few minutes ago. She told me about it. Said that she was biking on it just last week."

"Sounds good," Hope said, "Let's get going then." Hope watched as Ann spread the word. She gathered the map and canteen up and head for the cab of the lead truck. Once inside, she rested her head back on the seat, closed her eyes and took several deep breathes to calm herself down. She had succeeded to a great degree by the time that Leonidas climbed in. "Ready to go?" Hope asked with a smile.

"Yes," Leonidas replied, "Ann said that we are taking a different route."

"Yes. She said that it'll save an hour off our travel time. We should be home well before dark."

"That sounds good. I'll be able to see some of this place you call home."


The road proved to be in better shape than expected and the small convoy was able to shave off extra thirty minutes. It was almost 3:30 in the afternoon when the lead truck passed through the gate of the walled city.

Leonidas sat up straight and looked around at the passing scenery. At first there were several large, windowless buildings; warehouses, Hope told him. But a few minutes later, he saw buildings that he recognized. Barracks.

"There are no fences," he noted.

"No, we don't need them. The outer wall keeps the men out."

As she pulled up in front of one of the barracks, they were greeted by a young lieutenant.

"Welcome, Major," the lieutenant saluted, "You made excellent time. We weren't expecting you so soon. But everything is ready."

"Thank you," Hope returned the salute.

The lieutenant's mouth dropped open as she saw Leonidas get out of the cab and the Spartans stepping our of the bus. "Ah, Major," she stammered, "we have a slight problem."

"And what is that?" Hope asked as she was joined by Ann and Mags.

"Ah, the sleeping arrangements, ma'am."

"You were supposed to be called regarding our arrival," Hope said.

"Yes, ma'am, we were."

"Well?"

"Well, ma'am," the lieutenant stammered, "the call said that you were bringing fifty more troops. Ah, ma'am, she didn't say that they were going to be men."

"I don't see the problem," Hope told her, "We'll just put them in the second barracks."

"Ah, . . .well, ma'am, we can't. We had a major water leak in it last week. The plumbers said that it will be at least another week before all the pipes have been replaced."

"What?" Hope asked, not believing what she had just heard.

"We took all the bunks and put them in the first barracks. It's a bit crowded but I thought that it would be okay for a while."

Mags started to snicker when she heard what the lieutenant said. Hope glared at her and Mags stopped snickering and asked. "Now what are we going to do?"

"Well, we can't have the Spartans sleeping in the barracks," Hope replied. "We're going to have to find someplace for them to sleep for a while."

"I have an idea," Mags spoke up almost immediately. "I have a share room. Kairos can stay with me for a while. It won't be a problem."

"I don't have a spare room," Ann said, "but my couch folds out into a bed. Maybe Stefanos would like to stay there. In fact, I bet most of the girls can take in a Spartan," Ann paused for a moment, "At least until the barracks are ready."

"Where do you want us to put our things?" Leonidas asked as he joined the women.

"We have a slight problem with the barracks, Leonidas," Hope told him.

"Yeah, it seems that the guys are going to have to bunk at our places," Mags grinned.

"This is alright?" Leonidas asked.

"Oh, yeah," Ann and Mags said in unison.

"It's going to have to be," Hope said, "Don't worry, it's only temporary. Until we can get you something."

Leondias looked at Ann and Mags who were both searching for Kairos and Stefanos, then he turned back to Hope. "I don't think that my men will mind. But where am I to stay?"

"Oh that," Mags said, not looking at Leonidas as she continued to search for Kairos's face. "You're stuck with Hope."

Leonidas raised one eyebrow as he looked at Hope. Hope shrugged her shoulders. "Sure. I have an extra bedroom. You're more than welcome."

"Thank you. I accept," Leonidas told her. "I would like to see where you live."

"I don't live far from here," Hope told him, "Just a couple of blocks. We can walk."

"I would like that."

"We'll go tell the others," Ann said, "And make sure that everyone is settled in."

"I'd tell you to behave that I don't think that you would listen," Hope told them as Ann and Mags started to walk away.

"Oh, don't worry," Mags told her. "We'll be good, I promise."

"Sure. I just bet,' Hope replied. Then she turned to Leonidas, "Come on, Leonidas. Let's get our stuff. I'll show you the way."

"Lead the way. I think that this is going to be interesting."

"Interesting," Hope muttered to herself. "Interesting will be an understatement." Hope wondered how she was going to maintain control with Leonidas living in the same house. She was having a hard enough time when they were only working together; when there were other things to think about and concentrate on.

Chapter Thirteen

Hope led the way down the tree lined streets and well kept lawns until they finally arrived at one that she said was hers. There was a sense of peace surrounding the small house. The smell of freshly cut grass filled the air and brightly colored flowers were starting to bloom in well cared for beds.

They had just started up the sidewalk when a large black dog came bounding around the side of the house, barking joyfully. Leonidas took a step back but Hope merely laughed as the animal almost knocked her down. "How's my girl?" Hope crooned lovingly as she ruffled the dogs ears. "Have you missed me? Ugh? Did you miss your mommy?"

"Hope!" a young girl squealed with delight. "You're home!" The girl, who appeared to be about ten years of age, also nearly knocked Hope down as she hugged the older woman. "I've missed you so much. And see, I took real good care of your place and Sheba, too."

"Yes, I see," Hope smiled down at the little girl, "And you did an excellent job of it."

"When I heard that you were coming, I dusted and swept and mopped everything. Everything is clean for you."

"Thank you, Charlie," Hope said, "I want you to meet someone," Hope turned the girl to face Leonidas. Charlie gasped and ducked behind Hope as she saw Leonidas. "It's okay, Charlie. This is King Leonidas of the Spartans. Leonidas, this is Charlotte Burns, my neighbor. We call her Charlie, for short."

"Nice to meet you, Charlie," Leonidas took a step forward and extended his hand.

Charlie was a little hesitant about shaking Leonidas's hand but when she looked up at Hope and saw Hope's nod, Charlie took his hand.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Leonidas asked.

"No," Charlie said shyly, "Are you really a Spartan?"

"Yes, I am," Leonidas answered.

Charlie forgot her shyness and looked up at Leonidas. "We've been studying the Spartans in school," she said excitedly.

"Really. And what did you learn?" Leonidas squatted down so that he was on the child's level.

"That they were fierce fighters. Kinda like special forces. And that they trained all their lives. Is that true?"

"Mostly yes," he answered.

Charlie glanced around and then leaned in a little closer before she continued. "I thought that you were all dead."

"Most people think that," he chuckled, "But you can see that I'm not."

"Yes, I can see that," Charlie said with all the seriousness of a ten year old. "Hey! I have an idea! Why don't you come over for dinner. Hope doesn't have any food in her house. I know that Mom won't mind."

"Now, Charlie, don't you think that you should ask your Mom first, before you invite company?" Hope told her.

"Mom!" Charlie shouted, then grabbed Leonidas's hand giving him little time to stand before she tugged on it, "Come one, what'd you say your name was?"

"Leonidas," he told her.

"Leo, Leoni . . . That's too hard for me to say. I'll just call you Leo. Anyway come on, let's ask Mom."

Leonidas glanced helplessly at Hope as Charlie dragged him off toward her house. "Look's like you've lost this battle, Leonidas."

"It would appear that I have," he answered and went off with the child.

"I'll put our things in the house," Hope called after him, "And join you in a minute."

A moment later, Leonidas found himself being pulled into the back door of Charlie's house. The room that he found himself in was bright and cheerful.

"Mom!" Charlie called out again, "We have company."

"Charlie, don't yell in the . . ." The smile instantly disappeared from the petite blonde's face. There in her kitchen stood a six foot tall man holding her daughter's hand. "Let go of my daughter," she said as she looked around frantically for a weapon.

"Mom, this is Leo. He's my friend."

"Charlie come here," her mom ordered. She pulled a knife out of a drawer and waved it in Leonidas's direction. "Now, Charlie, get away from him."

"But Mom . . ."

"No buts, young lady. Get over here. And you, you stay there," Leonidas held up his hands to show what he meant no harm. But he was already calculating how to disarm this woman without harming anyone. He understood that she was frightened and trying to protect her child. And that single fact made her dangerous.

"Eve, put that knife away," Hope ordered. She had entered the room unheard. "Eve, I said to put the damn knife away," Hope repeated the order. Her voice conveyed the command of an office and slowly Eve lowered the knife.

Hope positioned herself in front of Leonidas. "Sorry about this," she told him. Then she moved to face Eve. Carefully, Hope took the knife out of Eve's hand. "It's alright, Eve. I want you to meet King Leonidas of the Spartans. He's a friend and here to help us."

"He's a man," Eve said quietly.

"Yes, he is. But he's not mutated. He's not like them. Trust me," Hope told her. "I've never lied to you."

"Yeah, Mom," Charlie moved closer to Leonidas again.

Eve glanced at Charlie then at Hope before she relaxed. "You'd better be right, Hope. You'd better be right."

"I am," Hope assured her.

"Sorry," Eve apologized to Leonidas, "I guess that I got carried away there."

"It's alright," Leonidas assured her, "I understand. It had to be quite a shock to see me standing here. And you were behaving just as any mother protecting her young would have."

"Mom, guess what? He's a Spartan," Charlie said excitedly and pulled Leonidas closer, "Just like in the history books. I can't say his real name so I'm calling him 'Leo'. Just think what the other kids are going to say when they find out we're living next door to a real life Spartan king."

"He's living next door?" Eve asked, "with you?"

"Yeah," Hope told her, "It's a long story. But there was a housing problem. So he'll be staying at my place for a while."

"I assure you, madame," Leonidas said as he joined them, "I am no threat to either you or your daughter."

Eve looked up at the man who stood towering over her five foot frame. "I guess that I can handle this. Charlie and Hope vouch for you. It was just a surprise, that's all."

"Understandable," Leonidas said.

"Mom," Charlie chimed in, "I've invited Leo and Hope to dinner. They just got home and you know that Hope doesn't have any food in the house."

"Yes, yes of course. You must stay for dinner," Eve insisted.

"Thanks," Hope told her. "I've been gone longer than I planned. But I insist on helping."

"I will help also," Leonidas offered.

"Thank you, but you're a guest," Eve told him. "Charlie, why don't you entertain King Leonidas."

"It's just Leonidas," he told Eve, "My kingdom is long gone and the title seems a little empty here."

"Come on, Leo," Charlie tugged on his hand again. "I'll show you what we're studying. You can tell me if it's right."

While Hope and Eve prepared dinner. Charlie was delighted to have Leonidas all to herself. She showed him her room, her text books, and what they had been studying about the Spartans.

Leonidas told her about what life was like in Sparta and ancient Greece. But it was the computer that fascinated him the most. Hope found the two of them hunched over the monitor as Charlie was explaining to him how the machine worked.

"Will this machine let me speak to someone in Athens?" Leonidas asked when he saw Hope standing there.

"Sorry, not that one," she told him.

"But you can talk to people in the other Outposts," Charlie told him, "I have friends all over. I can't wait to tell them about you."

"Charlie," Hope placed a hand on the young girl's shoulder, "I hate to tell you this, but there are Spartans at the other Outposts also."

"There are more of you here?" Charlie looked up at Leonidas.

"There are three hundred of us. Fifty at each Outpost," he told her.

"Oh," Charlie thought about it for a moment. Then her eyes lit up. "But you're the only king, right?"

"Yes, I'm the only king here," Leonidas chuckled.

"Wow!"

"Dinner's ready, everyone," Eve said as she stood in the doorway, "So go wash up."


"It's nothing fancy," Eve apologized as everyone sat down at the table.

"It smells wonderful," Leonidas assured her and spooned a helping of mashed potatoes onto his plate.

Charlie monopolized the conversation as she told Hope everything that had happened over the past few months. "Mom said that you got hurt and that was why you were gone for so long," Charlie said.

"Well, I was hurt, but I'm better now."

"How did you get hurt?" Charlie asked.

"She was shot with an arrow," Leonidas told her.

"Really? An arrow? How?"

"It was when we went back to get Leonidas and the Spartans," Hope said.

"You made another time incursion?" Eve asked, "I thought that the incursions were stopped."

"They were and still are. Except for this one," Hope said. Then to Leonidas, "Eve was one of the scientists that helped develop time travel."

"Do you have a sword?" Charlie interrupted.

"Yes, I do," Leonidas told her.

"Can I use it?"

"No," he told her, "I'm afraid not."

"Why?"

"Well, for one thing, it's not a toy. It's sharp and deadly. And secondly, it's too heavy for you."

"That's true," Hope added, "his sword is way too heavy for you. It's a lot heavier than mine."

"You have a sword, too?" Charlie's face lite up.

"Yes, and no, you can't use it, either," Hope told her and watched as Charlie's face dropped.

"But, maybe we can make you one," Leonidas suggested, "Maybe out of wood; like I had when I was a child."

"Wow! Can I have a sword, Mom? Can I?"

"We'll see," Eve said.

"Oh, boy!" Charlie exclaimed. "I'm going to get a sword. I can hardly wait."

Leonidas helped clear the table, but Eve banished him from the kitchen. Charlie was more than glad to keep him company.

"Can you show me what your computer has about Sparta?" Leonidas asked her.

"Sure," Charlie was delighted and she tapped the keyboard and a list of sites appeared. "What do you want to see?"

"I don't know, something about Sparta's current history," he told her.

"I don't know how much has been added to the data bank since the war, but I'll see," she said and tapped the keyboard some more, "Ah, here's one." She clicked on it and the pictures and text appeared. "There you go, have a look."

"Can you read it to me?" Leonidas asked.

"You can't read?"

"Yes, I can read," Leonidas told her, "I read Greek. I just can't read English."

"Hey! I have an idea. What if I teach you to read English and you teach me how to use a sword? Deal?"

"Now that sounds like a deal," he told her, "So tell me what is written here."

Charlie read the article, telling Leonidas how Sparta had survived the war. The women, there, revived many of the old ways of fighting. Several had volunteered to travel to other Greek cities to teach the women there how to use the spear and sword.

"Looks like your granddaughters are making you proud," Hope said form behind his shoulder.

"Sparta is still there and doing well," he told her.

"I am so glad, But, we need to be going. Charlie has school tomorrow and she needs to get her rest."

"Will I see you tomorrow?" Charlie asked Leonidas.

"Of course, you will," Hope promised her.

"After all, we have lessons together," Leonidas said and lightly tapped her nose, "Now off with you."


Later after Hope had given Leonidas a tour of the house; after she had readied the bedrooms; after she had unpacked; she lay in her bed staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. It had been a long day, and her mind wouldn't shut down.

She had seen a side to Leonidas that she had not seen before. Sure, he had been good with Jacob, but tonight she had seen a gentle side to him. His interaction with Charlie surprised her. She knew that he had a magnetic personality, but he had always presented strength and control. Tonight, he was a different person. He smiled and laughed at the child's jokes and was genuinely interested in what she had to say. Tonight, Hope saw him as a father. And she had to admit that Leonidas was the most complex person that she had ever met.

Hope punched her pillow and rolled over onto her side. She listened to the silence, broken only by the breathing of Sheba, who was asleep on the floor at the foot of her bed. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep.


Leonidas, also lay awake, staring at a wall. It was nothing usual for him to stay awake; he suffered from it often enough. But always before, he had lain awake wondering what had happened to the world that he had known. Tonight, he finally got a glimpse of it. Charlie had shown him that Sparta was still there. She had given him a small glimpse of the history. Now, his mind raced with excitement. These computers held the answers to all of his questions.

But Charlie's computer wasn't the only reason he was still awake. Tonight was the first time in a long time that he had sat down to eat with a family. It wasn't his family, but it made him remember how it felt to eat with a child that was wanting his attention. He missed his child. He missed being a father. As he lay there he wondered what kind of man his son had grown into. Something that he would never have know, just might be possible now. But, now, only a house away was another small child that wanted him to teach her. And whether she or her mother or Hope realized it, Charlie wanted him to be a father.

And that warmed him; awakening in him needs that he had buried under a sense of duty. He was a warrior, a Spartan, a king, he reminded himself. But a small voice cried out to him that was first of all a man and a father.

Chapter Fifteen

Leonidas leaned back in his chair. He hated this office. It made him feel as if he was locked in. He gazed out the window, watching some of his Spartans as they trained some of the newer recruits. He wanted to be out there with them, but he had two more outposts to hear from.

This had become his daily morning routine. Up early, a light breakfast with Hope, then a short walk to the base and the daily phone reports. It seemed that the men were settling into their new homes and doing well. In fact, his captains reported that the men seemed quite happy with their arrangements. And many had paired off with the women.

Leonidas had explained to his captains that they needed to be cautious around these women. He had stressed the point that the men of this world were brutish and that many of the women were afraid of how they, the Spartans, might react.

However, it would seem that his warnings were unnecessary. He had been getting reports that more fights had broken out as the women were vying for a Spartan's attention.

A smile crossed Leonidas's face as he wondered if the President had considered what would happen when healthy men and women came together and began acting like healthy men and women. If she hadn't, she was now.

A knock on the door brought Leonidas out of his thoughts. "Yes?" he called out.

"King Leonidas?" Kate, his aide, stuck her head in, "The woodworker just dropped these off for your approval. The young soldier held two small wooden swords in her hands.

Leonidas took one from her and examined the sword carefully. "It looks good," he announced, "Tell your craftsman that I am pleased."

"Yes, sir. I'll tell her personally. Oh, and sir, if it's okay, I'd like to order several more," Kate stammered. "You see, I have a younger sister and some cousins that would love to have a genuine Spartan sword."

"I don't know about the genuine part," Leonidas laughed, "Our swords are not wooden. But as long as Hope doesn't object, have as many made as you'd like"

"Thank you, sir," she told him, "But I have to warn you, everyone is wanting one since your neighbor has been telling them about it." Again Leonidas laughed. "You know, sir, if I may speak freely. You're not nearly as scary as I was afraid that you might be."

"I am pleased, Kate, that you are not frightened."

"Yes sir. Thank you, sir." Kate started to leave. "Is there anything else, you need, sir?"

"No, thank you," Leonidas told her. "Two more calls and I can get out of this room."

"Yes sir," she told him and shut the door.

Leonidas still holding the wooden sword, sat back down and again looked out the window. Thirty minutes later, he had heard from Base 3. But 6 still had not checked in. Damien had never been late before and Leonidas nervously began to pace. He opened his office door and looked for Kate.

"Is there something I can get you, King Leonidas?" Kate asked.

"I have not heard from Base 6," he began.

"Let me see what I can do. Sometimes, not often, we have trouble with the phone lines."

Fifteen minutes later, Kate announced that she had gotten through and Damien was on the line.

"Sorry to be late, my king," Damien said, "But we were attacked this morning." Leonidas could almost hear the other man's smile. "It wasn't much of a battle, my king."

"Anyone hurt?"

"No one except the enemy." Again Leonidas could almost hear the grin. "They won't be trying that again for a long time. And it felt good."

Leonidas understood that. They were trained warriors. This was what they did best. "I understand," Leonidas told him. "Is there anything else, you need to report?"

"Nothing, sir."

"The men are settling in?"

"They're settling in fine, if you get my meaning."

"I do," Leonidas told him, "If everything is alright, I'll speak to you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow then, my king," Damien said and the line went dead. Leonidas put the receiver back in its cradle and found that he actually envied Damien.

"I'm out for most of the day," Leonidas told Kate as he left the office.

"Yes, sir," she told him.


The sun felt good on Leonidas's face. The weather was turning warm; and the earth was coming back to life. Everywhere he went the conversation was about the upcoming planting and harvest. He had never paid that kind of attention to crops. That was the concern of the farmers and slaves; not warriors. But here, it seemed that it was everyone's concern.

"Hey, Leonidas!" Leonidas turned slightly to see Mags running up to him.

"How are you doing, Mags?" he asked, "It's always good to see you."

"Me? I'm great. You?" she said as she walked with him.

"The same."

"We haven't seen much of you this past week. Hope keeping you busy?"

"Her neighbor, Charlie, actually," Leonidas confessed.

"Ah, competition. Hope jealous?"

"Charlie's about ten years old. I seriously doubt that Hope is jealous."

"Ah, well, anyway. Peace Day is next week."

"What is Peace Day?" he interrupted.

"That's the day the war ended. We celebrate it every year."

"Oh. Go on."

"Well, I was thinking about having a cookout and wanted to know if you and Hope wanted to come."

"I'm not sure what a cookout is. But I would be delighted to come. I can not speak for Hope though."

"Don't worry. I'll talk her into it. She'll know what to bring. You just come. Okay?"

"Sounds nice."

"Yeah, it does," Mags winked at him. "Hey, gotta run. But I'll get back with you about the cookout." Just as suddenly as she appeared, Mags was off and running.

Leonidas watched her until Mags was out of sight. He like Mags. She was a most unusual woman. She was full of life and grabbed what she wanted. Right now, she wanted Kairos. And unless Leonidas was mistaken, she was keeping Kairos on his toes.

In fact, all of the women here, were unusual. Again, he thought about his warning and how they weren't needed. For more than one Spartan had told him how they had been all but attacked by these women.

He had not had that problem, if indeed, it was a problem. Several women had flirted with Leonidas. But he found that he wasn't interested in them. There was only one person that interested him and she was a puzzle. Sometimes he would see yearning in her eyes, then it would disappear and Hope would be all business again. At first, he passed the sudden change off as fear, but Hope had never shown actual fear around him. Leonidas was confused by her reaction. It was something that he would have to think more about later, but for now he had things to do.


Leonidas walked to Hope's house alone. Hope had taken the afternoon off so that she could visit her brother, Jacob. She had received a call from one of the nurses that cared for Jacob. She had assured Leonidas and the others that it was probably nothing. And that she wouldn't be back until late.

"Hi, Leo!" Charlie greeted him as he slipped the door key into the lock.

"Hello, Charlie," he smiled down at the little girl. He peered into the house cautiously. "Where's the animal?"

"Sheba? She's out back. We've been playing," Charlie told him. "You're not afraid of her, are you?"

"Me? Afraid of a dog? I should say not."

"Then why do you always act so strange around her? It's been over a week."

"I don't know," he said honestly. "I've never been around animals a lot. It's just a little strange having an animal in the house."

"Where's Hope?" Charlie asked.

"She went to visit her brother," Leonidas told her, "She'll be back later tonight."

"Oh," Charlie said thoughtfully, "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

"No reason," Charlie said.

"Say," Leonidas said changing the subject, "I have a surprise for you."

"For me? What is it?" Charlie almost danced with joy.

Leonidas reached into his bag and pulled out one of the wooden swords. Charlie squealed with delight. "For me? Really? An honest-to-goodness Spartan sword?"

"Well, a wooden copy of one," he told her, "And I even have an extra one, so that we can practice."

"Can you show me how to use it now?" she asked.

"Let me put my bag inside first, then we can." He had no sooner closed the door than Charlie had his hand and was dragging him to the backyard.

For the next hour, Leonidas showed her how to stand; how to hold the sword; how to lunge; and how to swing. Leonidas looked up to see Eve leaning against the door frame, smiling at them.

"I hate to break this up, but would you like some lemonade, Leonidas?" she asked. "It looks like you worked up quite a sweat."

"I would like some, thank you," he told her. Then he placed a hand on Charlie's head. "I think that we have done enough for one night."

"Ah, can't we practice some more?"

"Now Charlie," Eve said as she returned with a couple of glasses of lemonade," Leonidas has worked all day."

"Well, okay," Charlie said only slightly dejected, "But tomorrow, can we practice more?"

"That we can," he told her, "You need to practice every day if you want to be good."

"Here, look at this, Mom," Charlie handed her mother one of the swords, "Just look. Isn't it neat?"

"Yes, it is, Baby."

"Can I take it to school tomorrow? Please?"

"I suppose so," Eve said, "If it's alright with Leonidas."

"Can I? Can I?" Charlie looked up at Leonidas.

"It's your sword," he told her, "Just be careful. It may be made of wood, but it can still do a lot of damage."

"I promise. I'll be careful," Charlie said.

"Then go put them up," her mother told her.

"How are things going with you?" Even asked Leonidas after Charlie had left.

"Fine, I suppose," Leonidas finished the last swallow of lemonade. The training is going well. But the men are getting restless. Base 6 came under attack this morning."

"That's terrible," Eve gasped, "was anyone hurt?"

"Only the enemy. My men loved it. Now all of the others are looking forward to some action."

"Well, I, for one, hope that you don't see any."

Leonidas looked at her curiously. "Why? That is why your government brought us here. We are warriors. Trained all of our lives for war. We look forward to the battle. Dying in battle is a noble death."

"I know," Eve sighed. "But we fight because we have to. We fight to protect over families and our homes."

"Noble reasons," Leonidas conceded. "But you still brought us here to train your soldiers and to help protect you."

Eve let her head sink to her chest. "I know. But as a mother, I would rather see peace. And personally, I think that living a noble life; building a better future for our children, and leaving the world a better place is more important."

Leonidas shrugged his shoulders. This was a strange concept. He had heard it before, but it was still strange to him. But he supposed that it was a valid concept. "I suppose that I should be going." he announced as he handed the empty glass back to Eve. "Thank you for the lemonade."

"Is Hope not home?" Eve asked.

"No, she got a call concerning her brother. She went to see him and won't be back until late."

"Then why don't you stay for dinner?"

"I don't want to impose. I'll just fix an sandwich."

"Nonsense," Eve protested, "I'm just having spaghetti and a salad. After all you've done for Charlie, you're not imposing."

"Well, if you're sure."

"I insist. If I have to, I'll call Charlie," Eve grinned.

"In that case, I'd be delighted."



The sound of something ringing woke Leonidas. He had fallen asleep while watching the History Channel. It took him a moment or two to realize that it was the phone. He checked the watch that Hope had given him. It was after midnight. Stumbling to the phone, he picked it up. "Hello?"

"Leonidas? This is Ann."

"Hello, Ann. Do you need to speak to Hope?"

"No," Ann said. Leonidas could hear the strain in her voice.

"What's wrong?" he asked quickly.

"A patrol just found Hope's car." There was a moment's silence and Leonidas's heart sank. "It was empty and there's signs of a struggle. Leonidas, Hope has been captured."

"I'm on my way," he announced.

"I already have a car on the way. It'll be there anytime."

Chapter Seventeen

Leonidas stopped in mid stride. Relief washed over him as he saw Hope standing there; from all appearances unharmed. He stopped his sword and before anyone could react, he had crossed the room, grabbed Hope's arm and pulled her to him. "Are you alright?" he asked softly as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm fine," she answered.

"Good," he told her. Then he lowered his head and captured her lips in an almost savage kiss. Hope was stunned for a moment; first by the kiss, then by the flood of feelings that came over her as his kiss became more and more gentle.

When Leonidas ended the kiss, he still didn't release her. And Hope was glad because she suddenly felt as if her legs had turned to jelly. For several more minutes he held her tightly against him. "I have never been so frightened in my life," he said softly to her.

"I'm fine. Really," Hope reassured him.

"Did they hurt you in any way?"

"No. I am totally unharmed," Hope said.

"Do you have any idea why they kidnapped you?" Leonidas asked as he released her.

"Oh, yes," Hope said suddenly remembering that other were standing there watching them. She looked over at Ann and Mags. "You did bring a medic, right?"

"Yes, ma'am," they both said in unison.

"Ger her in here. Right now. We have a baby to deliver," Hope ordered.

"What?" Leonidas asked in disbelief. "You were taken because of a baby?"

"Not just any baby. The chief's baby," Hope explained, "and not just any delivery. The baby is in trouble."

One older woman separated herself from the group and approached Leonidas and Hope. "I am sorry to have caused you so much worry." She said and extended her hand to Leonidas. "But this is my son's first child, my first grandchild. Without the help of your medic, the mother and child could very easily die."

"Medic's here," Ann announced, "you're lucky. Carrie is a doctor, not just a medic."

"We will let you handle this," Leonidas told the women, "But we will be right outside if you need us." The Spartans exited the building and left the women to their work. After a few minutes, Hope, Mags, and Ann joined them.

""We were just in the way," Mags told them as she sat down next to Kairos.

"How's it going in there?" Kairos asked her.

"Hard to say," Mags began, "Doc doesn't look too happy. But she's good. She'll handled it. But I thought I heard something about a Cesarean."

"A what?" Kairos asked.

"A surgical procedure," Hope explained. "Basically, the baby is cut out of the mother." Hope's explanation was met with a round of groans from the Spartans.

"And this procedure is safe?" Leonidas looked up and asked.

"Yes, it's safe. But usually, it's done in a hospital. But there isn't enough time to get the girl back to the base."

"How long is this going to take?"

"I have no idea," Hope admitted. "It could take quite a while."

"Then let's talk," Leonidas stood up.

"Okay. I think that would be a good idea. Let's go for a walk."

Mags grinned, elbowed Kairos in the ribs and winked. "We'll be okay here," she called out as they were leaving, "You two go talk."

"Quite, woman," Kairos told Mags, "Can't you see that they want to talk?"

"Oh, yeah. I can see that. But personally, I hope that they do more than talk. If you know what I mean?"

"Woman, do you ever think of anything else?" Kairos asked.

"Not since I met you," Mags smiled and leaned against his shoulder.

Hope and Leonidas walked side-by-side for several minutes in silence. Finally, Hope broke the silence. "What did you want to talk about?" she asked.

Leonidas stopped, took Hope's arm and gently turned her to face him. "I think that it would be best if you never left the base unaccompanied."

"What?" Hope was shocked, "I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

"That's beside the point," Leonidas remained firm, "Do you have any idea of how many people were worried about you? How many still are?"

"And you? " Hope searched his handsome face and saw the signs of the fear that he still felt.

"Yes, Hope," he said gently and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I was worried. I was angry and I was ready to tear this place apart."

"Thank you for that," she told him. She couldn't remember when she had felt this special.

Hope raised up to place a kiss on Leonidas's cheek. But just as she was about to touch his cheek, Leonidas turned his head and instead of his cheek, she was touching his lips. She was kissing him. Again! That thought raced through her mind just before it shut down. Her arms circled his neck as she clung to Leonidas and he deepened the kiss. Once again she was flooded with sensation. Her whole existence centered around the feel of Leonidas, the scent of him, the taste of him, and the fire that was coursing through her body.

Leonidas broke off the kiss but continued to hold her close. "As I said," he told her, "you don't leave the base without someone with you."

"And I still say that I can handle myself," Hope protested, "I've -" Hope was interrupted as Leonidas kissed her once more.

"We won't discuss this any further," Leonidas told her. "I will assigning one of my men to be at you side any time that I am not."

"Really, Leonidas," Hope placed her hand on his chest, "That's a little much. We're definitely going to discuss this further."

"No we are not," Leonidas said firmly. "It has been decided. We have other things to discuss."

"Like what?"

"Starving men watching feasts," he told her.

"What?" Hope asked puzzled.

"Hey, you two," Mags yelled at them and came running up , followed closely by Kairos.

"The child has been delivered, my king, Major," Kairos told them.

"Actually," Mags grinned, "It's two babies; a boy and a girl. The woman called Lana wants to see you both."

"Then I guess we'd better get back," Hope said, "She's the woman that you met before and she's the chief's mother."

"Major," Lana greeted them as they returned to the village. "Thank you so much. My daughter-in-law and my two grandchildren are fine." The older woman's face was filled with joy and happiness.

"I am glad," Hope told her, "I know that you were worried."

"Yes, I was. But I knew that if you were half the woman your mother was, you would help."

"You knew her mother?" Ann asked.

"Yes. We knew each other since childhood. We even went into similar areas of research. But I wanted to do field research."

"What kind of field research?" Hope asked.

"I wanted to study the society of men; so see how and if it was changing, evolving," Lana explained. "But I forget my manners. Derrick," she called out , "come here son."

One man separated himself from the guarded group and started to move toward were Hope was standing. Instantly, he was stopped by two armed Spartans. But at Leonidas's nod, he was allowed to continue. Leonidas watched the man as he approached them. This man looked different from the men that he had seen earlier.

Although his hair was long, it was neat and clean. The man and his clothing were also clean. In fact, his clothing was mostly of cloth, not leather, and was brightly colored. His appearance was between that of Jacob and the men that he seen earlier.

"Thank you so much," Derrick said and held his hand out.

Leonidas grasped the out stretched hand and shook it. "Congratulations on the birth of your children."

"Mother said that your people would help us. I am sorry that we caused you so much worry." Leonidas noticed that although the man spoke slowly, his words were clearly understandable. Even better than Jacob. "But if you will excuse me, I would like to see my wife and my children." Everyone nodded and Derrick entered the wooden building.

"I must admit," Hope told Lana, "that you have done a fine job here."

"Thank you. Your mother and I always felt that the men could be taught. You can see that we were right. My village and I have managed to make a fairly decent living here. We have been at this spot for just over eight years now. And with luck, we will be here for years to come."

"It couldn't have been easy," Hope commented.

"No, it wasn't, at first," Lana replied.

"Mother," Derrick said from the doorway, "They are beautiful. We need to have a feast." Then he looked at Leonidas, "You will, of course, stay and help us celebrate."

"Of course," Leonidas said.

"I'm afraid," Lana said, "that it will be a small celebration. Our supplies are meager but we will share what we have."

"Don't worry," Hope assured them, "I'm sure that these guys brought plenty of field rations. They may not be the tastiest, but. . ."

"You would be surprised at what we can do with field rations," Lana laughed.

"I'll take out a hunting party," Derrick added.

"I'll send some men with you," Leonidas said, "After all, we will need plenty of meat."

"I understand," Derrick said. Leonidas was sure that he did. For although the extra men would be needed for the hunt, they were also there to ensure that no one would leave the group to warn another tribe.

The hunt was success as the hunters returned with two deer, several rabbits, and one bird that Leonidas was told was called a turkey. Everyone set about preparing the meat and other items for the meal. After several hours, they had finally set down to eat.

It was a pleasant time filled with laughter and stories. Lana explained how she had first met Derrick's father. Derrick's father had been a fierce fighter, but not totally cruel. Lana had over the years built on that gentleness and made changes in their lives. Still, it had been hard.

Greater changes were made after Derrick assumed the position of chief. They settled down and built a small village. Lana taught them how to plant and harvest. They had abandoned raiding and found that over the years they had suffered fewer and fewer raids on their village. The had even managed to develop a little trading with some of the other villages.

"Maybe we could trade with you," Lana suggested with a twinkle in her eyes. "We pose no danger to you since we already have our own food supplies. And we have started producing some very nice material."

Hope had noticed that the people of the village wore clothing made of a soft material very much like their cotton. "It's possible. I'll certainly present the idea of President Peters."

Lana nodded. "Then let me send a sample with you. Susan, would you get me the blue piece, please?" The young woman returned with a piece of bright blue material several yards in length. This Lana handed to Hope. "As you can see the weave is a little coarse, but it is very soft and durable. With better looms we could produce much finer fabric."

"It is amazing," Hope commented as she fingered the material, "You made this here?"

"Yes, We have been experimenting with natural dyes. I'm very pleased with this color."

"I should say. I know some people that will definitely be interested in this."

"If we had better equipment, we could make more material. The plants are plentiful here."

"What would you be interested in?" Hope asked.

"Besides the spinning and weaving equipment, we could use medical supplies and educational materials. I would love to have a clinic and a small school here."

"So you believe that you can teach these men?" Hope said.

"I know I can. Your mother and I both felt that we could. And I have proved it. I taught Derrick to read, write, and do some arithmetic. I think that you can see the results."

"What about the others?"

"All of the men of our village have been taught to read and write. With fantastic results, I might add. Their ability to learn is not as good as the girls but they have the ability to learn most everything. It just takes them a little longer, that's all."

"Do you have to start when they are young?" Hope asked.

"Ideally, yes. But, I feel that a man can learn at any age," Lana told her.

"You're thinking of Jacob, aren't you," Leonidas leaned close to whisper in her ear.

Hope nodded. "He deserves the chance."

"Agreed," Leonidas said.

"Make a list of what you need and I'll see that you get it."

"Are you sure that the President will agree?" Lana asked.

"I don't know about her, but I'll get you as much as I can," Hope promised.

"I will, also, see that you get what you need," Leonidas said.

"Thank you both," Lana said. "Anything will be gratefully accepted. "We can speak more about this tomorrow before you leave. I know that you will be wanting to make an early start, so perhaps we should get some sleep. I think that we can house everyone, but it may be a little crowded."

"We'll be fine," Ann spoke up, "We packed tents."

"Of course," Lana said, "I had forgotten how prepared you were."

"Yes, that's our motto," Mags said grinning. "Be prepared."

Later, after the tents were set up and the guards posted, Hope stood near Leonidas and looked around. "Where am I to sleep?" she asked.

"In my tent," he told her.

"Ah, well, I think that Lana can . . ."

"You are going to sleep in my tent," he interrupted, "We need to finish your talk. Don't worry, Hope, we won't do anything except talk and sleep."

Chapter Nineteen

The clock on the bedside table read 3AM when Hope opened her eyes. She had some more time before she had to get up and she found that she didn't want to get up. She wanted to stay right where she was.

She rolled over and rested her head on Leonidas's shoulder. Her hand brushed against a scar on his chest, a reminder of a wound that he had suffered, probably in battle, so long ago. Leonidas's arm curled around her and held her closer to him. She glanced up to see if he was awake, but found that he was still asleep. So she snuggled down and enjoyed the feelings that she was experiencing.

The last person who held her like this had been her mother when Hope was only six years old and having nightmares. After each one, her mother would allow Hope to sleep in her bed and hold Hope until she was once again fast asleep.

But now she was a grown woman. Nightmares did not bother her anymore. But the feeling of having someone next to her, holding her, was still the same; safe, protected and loved. The past few days seemed like a whirlwind. The days had been spend as they always had been, but once home, Leonidas had taught her just ow natural it was for a man and woman to be together.

And it did feel natural to her as she lay in his arms. She looked up again at his face; his features softened by sleep and kissed him on the cheek.

"What was that for?" he asked softly.

"I thought that you were asleep," she told him, "and you looked so sweet."

"Sweet, hum. Not a word that I would use to describe a Spartan." He opened his eyes and glanced down at her.

"Never the less, you looked sweet."

"Never repeat that outside of this room," he told her and rolled her beneath him. "I do have a reputation to maintain."

"Yes, sir," she told him, "only in this room." Even in the dim light, Hope could see the passion in Leonidas's face. Passion that mirrored her own. "We have a few hours before we have to get up. Got any ideas of how to pass the time?"

"Oh I might have one or two," Leonidas grinned wickedly at her.

"Good," Hope pulled his face down closer and grinned back, "Show me," she said as she nibbled on his earlobe.

"You wicked little nymph," he told her just before he claimed her mouth in a kiss.

"So what is this 'Peace Day' celebration like?" Leonidas asked Hope.

"Kind of like a big party," she told him and drained the last of her tea. "Do you want some more?" She lifted the tea pot toward him.

"No, thanks. I'm fine."

"We'll go to Mags and have lots of food and drink, listen to some music, play some games. Then later, everyone will go to the park for more games and fireworks."

"What kind of games?" he asked.

"Oh you know, hopscotch, ring toss, potato sack races," Hope laughed when she saw the pained look on Leonidas's face. "I see that Charlie has already shown you them."

"Sadly, yes."

"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure that you guys can think of something more manly."

"I think that we just might be able to," he grinned.

"Oh, by-the-way, if you're planning on some of those Olympic games you Greeks are so famous for," Hope paused as Leonidas raised an eyebrow, "Wear clothes."

"Are you afraid that we'll frighten or offend the women?"

"No, I'm afraid that I might have to fight them off, once they see you."

"So, you think that I'm . . . oh, what's the word . . . Oh yeah, . . . Sexy?"

Hope took a punch at Leonidas's arm before she replied. "Quite fishing for compliments. You already know how I feel about you. And I think that your head is already big enough." Then she picked up a large sealed container of food. "Come on, we need to be going."

"When is your grandmother coming?" Leonidas asked.

Hope's grandmother had called only two days before, to tell her of the visit. 'I gave her directions to Mag's place, so she'll be arriving there."

"How do you think that she'll react to us?"

Hope hugged the food container against her body as she thought about it. "Grandma was in her twenties when the war broke out. She knew men before they mutated. And as for us living together, I wouldn't be surprised, although she'd never admit it, if she hadn't been living with someone, herself. So don't worry. She'll love you."

They went out the back door as Hope called Sheba in. "Be good today, girl," she told the dog.

Leonidas squatted down, placed a hand under the dog's chin and said, "Be good and I'll being you something."

They had just rounded the corner of the house when they were joined by Eve and Charlie. Charlie, who was armed with her wooden sword and shield, ran up to Leonidas. "Leo, I have a surprise for you later."

"I can hardly wait," he told her and ruffled her hair.

"Hey, look, I painted my shield to look like yours." She held her shield up for him to see. The design was indeed very close to his own.

"So it is," Leonidas smiled. "Perhaps I should get mine."

"Could you? Could you really?"

Leonidas excused himself and reappeared only moments later with not only his sword and shield but also his spear.

"Wow!" Charlie said when she saw the spear. "Can you teach me how to use that?"

"When you have mastered the sword, we'll see about the spear."

"Promise?"

"You have my word," he told her.

"And a Spartan never goes against his word," Charlie said.

"That's right. A Spartan always honors his word."

"Shall we go?" Hope asked.

"Are you sure that Mags won't mind us being there?" Eve asked as they stated walking.

"Mags won't mind. She thinks that it is great." Hope reassured her.

It was only a fifteen minute walk to Mags's house. "Welcome, come in," Mags told everyone when she answered the door. Mags was dressed in a bright pink tank top and blue jeans. "Kairos, honey, look who's here."

Kairos stuck his head through the doorway and seeing Leonidas, came into the room. "Welcome, my king," he said as he wiped his hands on his jean clad thighs. Seeing Charlie standing next to Leonidas, he added, "And this must be the fierce young Spartan that we have been hearing so much about."

"Charlie, this is Kairos, the flatterer," Leonidas told the young girl. "Charlie is perhaps my best pupil." Charlie straightened herself up to her full height at Leonidas's words of praise.

"So tell me, young Charlie," Kairos smiled at her, "why don't you come show us what you can do?" Charlie looked up at her mother for permission. Eve, seeing Leonidas's nod, agreed.

"Leo said that he'd teach me how to use the spear once I get really good with my sword," Charlie said and held up her sword to show Kairos.

"And a fine looking sword it is," He told Charlie as they left the room.

"She'll be fine, Eve," Hope told her, "And see, Leonidas, I told you that everyone would be wearing jeans. Why don't you join your Spartans," she suggested, "I know that you don't want to stay and listen to our talk about you."

"Which is code for, we want to talk about you," Mags said. Leonidas grinned, understanding that Mags was teasing, he left to join the rest of the men.

"Come on, ladies, let's find a place for all of this food on the table in back," Mags told them.

"Looks like to have a nice crowd," Eve commented.

"Yeah," Mags agreed, "Just about everyone is coming. Thank goodness, I have a super large backyard. It'll hold everyone."

Hope looked around. "I don't see Ann and Stephanos."

"No. She called a little while ago. They're running late, but should her here anytime now."

"We're here," Ann called out, right on cue. Ann stood in the doorway, holding a large bowl in her hands. "And I brought my world famous potato salad."

"And what world would that be?" Mags teased. Ann crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue at Mags.

"Where's Stephanos?" Hope asked.

"A limo pulled up just as we arrived," Ann explained. "He's helping the Grandmother in."

"It's been a very long time since I've seen so handsome a face," a female voice was heard to say. The small group turned to see Stephanos entering, an elderly woman at his side. She had looped an arm through his and was patting his arm with her other frail hand. "If I were several decades younger, I would give that young woman friend of yours a run for her money."

"Grandma!" Hope cried out in a mixture of joy at seeing her grandmother, and shock at the older woman's flirting.

"Hello, Hope," her grandmother let go of Stephanos's arm to give Hope a hug. "Don't be a prude. I'm only 102. I'm neither dead nor blind. I can still appreciate a handsome man."

"Please Grandmother Mitchell," Ann laughed, "Stephanos is already pretty cocky, don't make it any worse."

"Please, call me Sarah. None of this Grandmother stuff. Now, Granddaughter, let me look at you to make sure that you're okay. I heard about your adventure."

"It wasn't much of an adventure, Grandma," Hope told her. "Do you remember Lana McMann?"

"Yes. She was a fiend of your mother's. Why?"

"Her grandchild was about to be born . . ."

"Grandchildren, Hope," Ann interrupted.

"Oh yeah, right, grandchildren," Hope corrected. "But there was some problem with the birth. Lana knew that a troop would be sent to find me and that a medic or doctor would be among the troops."

"So she had you kidnapped to get medical help for her grandchildren," Sarah said thoughtfully.

"Basically, yes."

"And the babies?" Sarah asked.

"A boy and a girl. They're doing fine." Hope told her.

"Well, you must tell me all about it, later," Sarah told her. "But for the moment, I want to meet this young man of yours."

"Leonidas? He's over there. Come on I'll introduce you."

"Come on Angela," Sarah told her driver, "Let's go meet a real Spartan king."

"Yes, ma'am," the driver said, trying to conceal her smile.

As they walked over to meet Leonidas, Sarah, her arm linked with Hope's, leaned close to Hope and said with a grin. "That's all she's been talking about for the past two days."

Leonidas watched as Hope hugged an older woman. He guessed that the woman was her grandmother. The older woman was several inches shorter than Hope. Her shoulder length silver hair was worn loose. Unlike the other women, this woman was wearing a long black dress. Hope had said that her grandmother was over one hundred years of age, but this woman did not look any where near that age. And she certainly did not move like it.

"Leonidas," Hope said as they reach him. "This is my grandmother, Sarah Mitchell and her driver Angela Perkins."

"It is nice to meet you ladies," Leonidas told the women and took Sarah's hand in hers.

"Hope, honey," Sarah said, "why don't you and Angela go get us something to drink. Please." Once the younger women had left, Sarah turned to Leonidas. "How do you like our society?" she asked.

"It was very strange at first, but we have adapted," he told her.

"The women are treating you and your men well?"

"Of course. Once we got past the initial shock, there had been very little trouble."

"That's good," Sarah seemed to hesitate a moment before she continued, "And the government, how has it been treating you?"

"President Peters has given us everything that we need. So, I have no complaints. But why do you ask?"

"I have lived a long time, Leonidas. You don't mind, if I call you Leonidas, do you?" Seeing Leonidas's nod, she continued. " I have seen a lot happen in that time. I know that a lot of people do not like change. And you, dear boy, are one huge change."

"What are you trying to warn me against, Madame?"

"Nothing yet. Nothing yet."

"Here's your drink, Grandma," Hope said as she returned with a glass of tea. "Mags says that everything is ready and that we should eat."

Sarah glanced at the tiny watch hanging from a chain around her neck. "Yes, of course, the festivities begin in a couple of hours."

"Festivities?" Leonidas asked.

"Yes, you remember," Hope told him, "the games that I told you about."

"Oh, yes."

"And don't forget the boring speeches," Sarah smiled. "Oh don't worry, Leonidas, they won't last long. I hope."

"I can hardly wait," Leonidas commented dryly.

"Leo," Charlie came running up and grabbed his hand. "Come eat with me. Please?"

Excuse me ladies," Leonidas told them, "but my presence is required elsewhere."

"Cute kid," Sarah said, taking a sip of her tea.

"Yes she is. And she loves Leonidas," Hope told her.

"She's not the only one," Sarah said. When Hope gave her a strange look, she responded with a look of wide-eyed innocence.

Later, Hope lay next to Leonidas in bed, her head resting on his chest and his arms wrapped around her. "I had a nice time today," he told her and kissed the top of her head.

"Me too. And you caught on to baseball pretty quickly."

"We're quick learners," he told her, mimicking the comment that she had told him only weeks before.

"I thought that Charlie's class was so cute when they demonstrated how to use their swords."

"They weren't bad," he teased, "for girls."

"Oh you!" Hope gave him a poke in the ribs. "But after they saw you Spartans demonstrating your phalanx, I just know that I'm going to get calls wanting spears."

Leonidas laughed at the thought, "Who would have thought that the new Spartan army would be female."

"Who would have thought," Hope agreed. But she wondered if Leonidas had noticed what she had. None of the women that had paired off with the Spartans drank anything stronger than tea. They had been taught early on that once they started the pregnancy progress, that alcohol was forbidden.

Hope hadn't planned to going through the process for another couple of years. But now, she was in it. Not the artificial process done in a medical facility, but the most natural way. But it still was a pregnancy process and it suddenly occurred to her that she needed to make plans.

Plans for having a baby. There was so much that needed to be done. Hope wondered what her baby would look like. Dark hair, for sure, with dark eyes. She knew that she would cherish the baby no matter whether it is a boy or a girl. But she would love to have a boy.

"What are you thinking?" Leonidas asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Hope wondered if she should tell him about her thoughts. "You and me," she told him instead. It wasn't really a lie.

"You and me, huh? What about us?"

"A lot has changed in my life since you woke up in that hospital," Hope told him.

"And you're afraid of what will happen?"

"Afraid? No," she told him honestly. "I look forward to the future with you here."

Leonidas rolled Hope on top on him; took her hand and placed it over his heart. "And I look forward to it also. As long as you're here."