Ice

22

Isabella's POV

"Hey Sissy?" Amara says as she comes into the kitchen holding her textbook.

"Yes?" I question as Blake and I continue making our snack tray for tonight.

Blake's spending the night tonight.

"We're going over a war crimes trial in class and I don't know what this phrase means."

"What Phrase?" I ask as I notice everyone who lives with me is in the kitchen.

"Willie Pete." Amara says.

"That's a nickname for white phosphorus munitions." I say. "Which are fucking terrible things."

"What do they do?" Sansa asks.

"Well if only 10 percent of your body is burned by them then it can be fatal." I say. "But if you survive then your respiratory system can be damage, you can have damage to internal organs, and you'll probably experience a lifetime of suffering with impaired mobility and painful horrific scars."

"So why are they used for?" Amara asks.

"It's main use is as a smoke screen, but it can be used in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets." I say. "It also fucks with infrared optics and weapons tracking systems, which protects forces from guided missiles."

"Wow." Kiara says.

"And what does the term danger close mean?" Amara asks.

"It means you're within 600 meters of a target that's going to be fired upon by some type of artillery." I say. "So if you need to do that then you'll add the phrase Danger Close when relaying the coordinates to basically say, "Hey artillery people, we're right near the fucking target and need an act of god to get us out of here so please don't fuck this up."

"Did you have to say that?" Avalon asks.

"Our forward observer did when he called in what I told him to." I say

"Forward observer?" Amara asks.

"They're the people who go out with the infantry and direct the artillery when needed." I say.

"We're you scared?" Kiara asks. "Like when everything happened?"

"Fucking petrified." I say. "And if anyone tells you different then they're either lying or have a death wish."

"Are Andrés and Omari going to serve?" Sofia asks.

"Uh that depends." I say. "If we get into World War 3 before they graduate then most likely the military will rescind the option to pay back the tuition so they can forego their service and play professional football."

"Which means they'll have to serve?" Kiara asks.

"Mhmm."

"And if we're not in World War 3?" Sansa asks.

"Then they'll either pay back the tuition that they got for free and play pro football or go serve in the army for 5 active years and three reserve years."

"And what do you think they'll do if we're not in World War 3?" Blake asks.

"Well they're dream has always been to link up with Tolani and Kaipo and play in the NFL so I think they could do that." I say as Blake and I finish making our snack tray. "But I wouldn't be surprised if they said fuck the NFL and did their service."

I think my brothers will all end up on the same team and play out their careers together.

"Now I love each and everyone of you." I say. "But Blake and I have a date with my bed, our plushies, and a movie marathon so I'll see you in the morning."