Mark Spaid - Falcon Down

“Well, after World War II the U.S. and Russia were at odds and the U.S. was concerned that the European countries would be overrun by Russia. So, the U.S. and other countries formed NATO to protect each other from Russia.”

“What countries?” Belinda asked.

“The U.S. England, Italy, France, Turkey, Belgium, Spain, Canada and others.”

“We’re friends with all those countries?”

“Yes.”

“What did Russia think about this NATO?”

“They didn’t like it.”

“What did they do?”

“They formed their own group called The Warsaw Pact.”

“Who was in that?”

“Russia, Poland, Hungary, East Germany and other allies of Russia.”

“Is East Germany like Germany?”

“No, East Germany was formed in 1945 when Russia occupied Eastern Germany after the war.”

“Was there a West Germany?” Belinda asked.

“Yes.”

“Were they friends with us?”

“They were.”

“Is there still an East and West Germany?”

“No, Germany reunited in 1990.”

“Are they our friend now?”

“Yes and they are in NATO and so is Poland and Hungary.”

“So, they can switch sides?”

“They can.”

“Can you explain this meeting?”

“Okay, The U.S, Russia and The Ukraine are meeting to discuss some issues.”

“Where are they meeting?”

“In a city called Kerch.”

“Where’s that?”

“In The Crimea. It’s on a peninsula that connects The Crimea with Russia.”

“Why are they meeting?”

“They’re going to discuss a treaty and sign it.”

“What treaty?”

“There is a treaty that will give The Crimean Peninsula back to The Ukraine and in return The Ukraine will not join NATO.”

“Is that good?”

“It depends on who you are. There are elements in Russia that hate it.”

“Why?”

“Because they want Russia to take back all the territory once controlled by the old Soviet Union under Stalin.”

“Who’s he?”

“You mean Stalin?”

“Yes.” Little Wolf paused and sighed.

“Miss Belinda, I have an idea. Why don’t we wait until we’re on the plane then I’ll explain the rest?”

“Okay.” She was satisfied for the moment so they could move on to something else.

“Did the President say why she wanted you to do this story?” Will asked Justin.

“I think she feels comfortable with me writing it.”

“No, I mean why does she want a story at all?” Will continued.

“For her re-election campaign I guess,” Justin answered.

“I didn’t know you were interested in politics,” Dave said.

“I’m not,” Justin said.

“But you’ll be helping one candidate over the others,” Dave said.

“I’m doing it for the writing and the opportunity to meet the President no matter who she or he is.”

“What I can’t understand is why I’m invited,” Dave said.

“Same here,” Warren said. “Is she wanting a crash course in physics?”

“I’m not sure, I received the list and a phone call from a White House staffer confirming the people listed,” Justin answered.

“Why us?” Little Wolf asked.

“Maybe she’s trying to nail down the Native American and Hispanic vote,” Andy offered to laughter.

“It’ll be neat meeting the President,” Julieta said.

“What’s your wardrobe like, Lind?” Tatiana asked.

“I have everything I need.”

“There’s a formal state dinner with the Russian and The Ukrainian President,” Jozette reminded her.

“I know that and I have a stately dress for the occasion,” Belinda replied.

“Stately?” Jozette asked with a grin.

“Yes, Jo, I can look dignified if I want to sometimes. I just prefer to look delectable and irresistible.”

“Well, you’re that, honey, and then some,” Tatiana said chuckling and there was laughter.

“Why are we being treated like little kids?” Jessica asked.

“What do you mean?” Darcy asked.

“We have baby sitters the whole time and we have to sleep here in your house.”

“You don’t like our house?” Darcy asked.

“Of course, I like your house, that’s not it,” Jessica said.

“What is it then?” Darcy asked.

“Why can’t we stay in our own homes?” We’re all eighteen except Zara and she’d stay here anyway.”

“I don’t suppose if you were staying at your house that Dixie might end up staying with you?” Paulita asked. Jessica looked down then up with a grin.

“Maybe.” They all laughed.

“Look, we can all stay in here and you and Dixie can use the bed,” Paulita said.

“What will you guys do?” Dixie asked.

“We’ll watch,” Paulita said and they all laughed hard, even Jessica though Dixie rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“Why are your parents staying with us?” Mallory asked.

“They weren’t invited,” Darcy said.

“But why were Mr. Dave, Miss Tatiana, Mr. Warren, Miss Ariel and Little Wolf and Julieta invited. They’re not journalists?” Melanie asked.

“We don’t know and I’m not sure the adults know either,” Jessica said.

“My dad probably is better off not going. The travel and the strange environment could cause him problems,” Darcy said.

“What do you mean?” Mallory asked.

“In a strange country, there could be pollens, dust, allergens that he’s not used to and it doesn’t take much for him to have an asthma episode,” Zara said.

“Makes sense and at least we have cool parents watching us,” Dixie said.

“You mean some of our parents aren’t cool?” Melanie asked.

“No, they’re all cool but not all parents are like ours,” Dixie said.

“Yeah, how about Lacey Gregory’s parents. Her dad beats her mother and Lacey sometimes,” Darcy said.

“We’re lucky to have the moms and dads that we do,” Dixie said. Jessica noticed that Zara was looking away.

“Zara, we’re sorry for talking about our parents,” Jessica said.

“Don’t be, I don’t know who my dad is and my mother died when I was very small. Lamonte raised me and now Darcy’s parents have taken me in as their daughter. I’m happy.”

“And my sister,” Darcy said and gave Zara a hug.

“Paulita is the only one who isn’t adopted by someone,” Mallory said.

“Ray is kind of my unofficial adopted dad.”

“He’s a neat guy, Paulita,” Darcy said.

“Yes, he is, I never knew my real dad, I was two when he died. Ray and I talk and play video games.”

“He plays video games but he’s old,” Melanie said.

“Maybe but he’s good. I have fun with Ray and I think Mama likes that.”

“Of course, she does,” Jessica said.

“What’ll we do while they’re gone?” Dixie asked.

“Sleepovers,” Jessica said.

“That’s a given, we can’t go anywhere so, every night is a sleepover,” Darcy said.

“What about the daytime?” Mallory asked.

“The zoo,” Melanie said.

“Yawn,” Jessica said.

“The library,” Melanie continued.

“Honey, I love you but if you keep going, we’ll have to get you those glasses that set on the end of your nose and you can become a Nineteenth Century school marm,” Paulita said and they laughed.

“Well, I tried and I like the library and the zoo.”

“How about something a little more… alive,” Dixie said.

“The mall,” Mallory suggested.

“Better,” Jessica said.

“Paintballing,” Jessica suggested. Melanie’s shoulders sagged. Her limp and her somewhat compromised right arm made physical activity a challenge.

“No, I don’t like that,” Paulita said after seeing Melanie’s reaction.