The crisp autumnal breeze usually brings about change. Mostly, the leaves on trees change colors, the weather goes from sultry and sun-touched to cool with the occassional rainy days. However, here, in a place known as the Illinois Valley, a short drive from Starved Rock State Park, and about one hour plus a few minutes of traffic from the former City of Chicago, sits the now bustling City of Greater Ottawa.
Those same autumnal breeze and weather bring much to the city. Especially now that the threat of war is gone. Sometime after the Greater Ottawan Army, led by the city's now-hero and leader's grandson, the Ghost of Ottawa, managed to defeat the forces of the One World Government, things tried to return to normal. The citizens of Greater Ottawa had spent most of the war (those not enlisted of course), culptivating the vast farmlands surrounding their city. Archie, leader of Greater Ottawa, had once been the son of a farmer. His father, Tyler, was raised on the land where they raised livestock, as well as grew corn and soybeans to be sold at the market way-back-when. However...
"A crisp, Good Morning to you, Greater Ottawa listeners! This Mike Brisson of WCMY Radio in the morning, bringing you the news of the hour. First up, local hero, the Ghost of Ottawa will be returning from his peace talks at the Multi-Regional Summit that has been held over the last week and a half, all trying to iron out the details of this post-war world we all now live in. So, if you see the poor guy, try to let him relax. Now, onto the prices of corn, soy, and such..."
Mike's voice seemed to fade as the Ghost of Ottawa started out the window of the Greater Ottawan Steam-Locomotive's Presidential Passenger Car. He was wore out after all the fighting, all the seemingly endless amounts of paperwork... The Ghost simply sighed as the steam-engine's whistle howled towards Illinois. For all of his strengths, people seemed to be the one he lacked the most with.
As the train crossed a bridge, one of the many soldiers aboard the locomotive stopped in to check on his commander. "Sir, permission to come in?" Asked the soldier timidly. "Granted, and please... take a seat, soldier." Order the Ghost. As the soldier came in and took a seat in the booth opposite the Ghost, the Ghost sighed as he looked over a seemingly endless stack of paperwork. "Soldier, mind if I have your name and get your opinion on a matter?" Asked the Ghost, copper-colored eyes glistening in the sunlight as the train steamed along.
"Of course, sir! I am Corporal Mateo O'Reilly. What can I help you with?" The Ghost looked up at his Corporal and nodded. "Well, Corporal... please note you are allowed to speak freely on this matter without consequence, but I am at a loss. I've spent the better part of September trapped in an endless cycle of meetings involving Delegates from the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast, the Floridian Dualocracy, the Lonestar Republic, and yes, myself representing Greater Ottawa and the rest of our midwestern territory. Now you'd think that in a room full of delegates who all lived and witness the cruelty of the tyrannical One World Government, you'd think we'd all find common ground to rebuild the world... except...".
"No of you see eye to eye... right, sir?" Interrupted Corporal O'Reilly. The Corporal apologized for his interruption to which the Ghost assured him there was no reason for him to apologize. Rather, the Corporal was right. "Indeed, you are correct, Corporal. Keith, President of the Lonestar Republic and Morgan of Pacific Northwest Commune refuse to work together. To make matters worse, the leaders of the Northeastern Matriarchy refuse to work with Keith and I simply due to the fact we are male leaders." The Ghost sighed exhaustedly, head shaking disappointedly. "You would think since we all put aside our differences to defeat tyranny, we'd be able to do so again to find a solution for a problem like rebuilding a nation. Alas, I can't even get us four to get along, let alone come up with compromises and such." The Ghost took a deep breath then looked at Corporal O'Reilly. "Anyways... the reason I mention this is simple... what is your opinion of the other delegate factions? Should I be steering Greater Ottawa towards a compromise with them, or should we try focusing on the homefront for a while?"
The Corporal nodded and thought a moment before answering. "Sir, as much as I'd like to answer that question, I'm just a Corporal. I have nowhere near enough information to make much of an observation...", the Corporal hesitated for brief moment before continuing to speak, "I will say however, the Pacific Northwest Commune and the Lonestar Republic have both been places that have treated us enlisted soldiers by far the best and closest to the treatment we get at home. I know this wasn't the answer you were looking for sir, but this is the best I can offer."
The Ghost nodded and smiled. "I appreciate you honest, Corporal. That is all, thank you." As Corporal O'Reilly left the train car, the Ghost returned his gaze to the window. "It's going to be harvest season by the time I get back." He thought to himself as the steam-locomotive let out another long and loud whistle, heading for Greater Ottawa... heading back home.