Whatever Markus had been expecting to happen once he offered that question, being strangled by a small girl did not make the top of that list. And yet, here we are. Once Tanya had processed what he said, her face went from befuddled to rabid in the blink of an eye.

  "You! You work for being X! I knew there was something off about you!" she shouted. He had to admit, she was much stronger than she looked. Or maybe it was pure rage giving her the power boost? Regardless, it wasn't good for him.

  "Stop! Wait! I'm not-gurk!" he yelled, trying to get her to listen. But it seems her higher faculties surrendered themselves unconditionally to the primal instinct of kill or be killed. Great, just what he needed. What happened to the rational Tanya he knew? He would sure like to speak with her at the moment.

  He reached up and tried to pry her arms off, but it was no use. He knew he was weak after being transmigrated into the body of a child, but this was ridiculous. He had been training, so this shouldn't have been possible.

  "I won't listen to your lies!" Tanys growled, eyes glowing with hatred. If he was honest, it was a scary look. He needed to do something, but what? He still had his Computation Jewel on him, so he could use that. But what to use?

  His mind wandered to his lessons with Otto. He told him of an advanced technique based on the Interference Formula that converted the mana he projected into electricity, allowing him to deliver a shock. Basically, a magic taser. But it was risky, to both the user and the person on the receiving end, so Markus dismissed it.

  He didn't exactly want to hurt the girl unless he was left with no alternative. That being said, there was another Formula that allowed for a temporary increase in strength. That had its own risks, such as tearing his muscles or overdoing it and snapping her arms like a twig, but it was far easier to use than the Disruption Formula.

  So that's what he did. He may have been able to induce physical pain in her in a non threatening manner, but that wasn't likely to endear her to listen. So he decided to take a gamble. He supposed he could have just upped his Strength a Tier, as he had the points to do so, but obtaining the same physical strength as the average adult would be a tad bit suspicious.

  So he felt for the magic within him and started to direct it. Otto had only shown this to him once, letting him feel the way the Formula imposed itself on the world, so he wasn't exactly an expert, but he could remember the feeling with perfect clarity.

  Thank you Photographic Memory Perk.

  Tanya's eyes, which had been filled with an unbridled rage, morphed into confusion as the pawn of that despicable deity slowly started lifting her hands from around his puny neck.

  This only served to infuriate her more. Of course his minion would have some special ability, her rage addled mind forgetting of the existence of magic. She growled, trying to keep her hands around their intended target, but he was clearly overpowering her now.

  He coughed as her hands finally let his throat, taking in gulps of air. He gave the girl on top of him a baleful look as she returned it with one of vitriol.

  "Tanya, listen to me!" he shouted, but she refused, glare becoming all the more heated. They continued to struggle, and even with his enhanced strength, she was proving to be quite the challenge.

  "I don't want to hear your poisoned words!" she yelled back.

  "Damn you're stubborn. I don't work for Being X!"

  "And why should I believe you!?"

  "Because!" he shouted before managing to flip her over. She gave a yelp of surprise as he pinned her hands above her head and held them in place. "I was forced here against my will too!"

  His words caused her eyes to widen and her struggling to cease. Icy blue met crimson as they stared into each other's eyes. Tanya's own narrowed as she uttered a single command.

  "Explain."

  "It's quite the story. Maybe we should get more comfortable? As long as you promise not to attack me again," he said. She regarded him for a moment before nodding her head rather slowly, as if doing so caused her great pain.

  "Very well. I promise to hear you out," she said. It wasn't exactly a guarantee of non-aggression, but it was likely the best he would get. He knew it was a risk taking her at her word, but he had little choice in the matter. The last thing he needed was for someone to barge in and see him on top of her like this. It would not paint a pretty picture, especially with that one nun.

  Releasing his grip on her, he scooted some distance away. Tanya sat up and massaged her wrists, slightly glaring at him. He might have felt a bit guilty for causing her pain, but considering the damage down to his own neck, he felt they were even.

  "Well? I'm waiting," Tanya stated, a hint of impatience in her tone. More than a bit, actually. Markus gave a sigh and rubbed the back of his head.

  "Right, where to begin… I suppose I should start with my name. Or at least, my old one. Thomas Miller. I was a programmer and part owner of a game development company," he said, catching her attention.

  This world was far away from having the technology required to create video games, and while it wasn't her favorite pastime in her past life, she did partake in it from time to time. Occasionally, it allowed her to speak to various clients on a more personal level and aided in networking.

  That, at least, gave him some credence that he wasn't from this world. But whether or not he was in league with that despicable creature was another thing entirely.

  "I see. But that still doesn't prove you have no relation to Being X or how you got here," she said.

  "You're right, it doesn't," he agreed with a nod. "So how about I tell you how I ended up in this situation. It all started on a dark and moonlit night…"

  Tanya listened as he explained how he ended up here. She couldn't help but feel a little bad at how he died. Stabbed to death by a communist? She couldn't imagine a worse way to go. She'd take getting pushed in front of a train anyday. At least that only hurt for the briefest of moments.

  She also felt a slight stirring of anger on his behalf for the way his friend and employees treated him. It sounded very similar to how a black company operated. Given his proclaimed work ethic, she would have gladly hired him should she have had the chance. A good programmer was essential for most modern businesses, regardless of the industry.

  When he reached the part of his meeting with the God of War, her fists clenched in anger. It seems all self proclaimed deities were bereft of reason. Forcing him to adhere to a verbal contract agreed to by ancestors a thousand years ago? It was beyond egregious.

  If only there was a court they could sue them in.

  More worrisome was his ultimatum. Learn to love war and spread the name of Ares or suffer eternal damnation? It sounded more like this Ares of his was the biblical god and not Being X. Or perhaps they were all like that?

  At least he had an out of some kind. By resisting the god's foul machinations, he could be freed from responsibility and live as he pleased. But that was easier said than done. In order to tempt him, he was given a gift by another god.

  Hearing he had some sort of gaming system, though one extremely limited in scope gave her pause. It sounded like some sort of isekai fantasy. Though, she supposed it wasn't too far-fetched, given the situation she herself was in.

  But by turning war itself into a game, much like the ones they had in their old life, he absolutely ran the risk of enjoying it. Gaining points and spending them on things he could visibly track? Temptation at its finest.

  She asked him more about it and he spent some time going over what he's discovered about it. It was a simple system, all things considered, but that may prove to be a benefit in the long run.

  She asked him how he obtains points, but it was apparently extremely vague. He could obtain these points by exercising or accomplishing certain tasks, like completing his physical therapy. Apparently, he even earned 100 points for the Christmas miracle he put into place. Not because the God of War cared about feeding the needy, but because morale was important for a country.

  Lastly he spoke about his new life as Markus Adler, and Tanya had to admit some jealousy on her part. Here she was, sentenced to a life of poverty in a vain attempt to break her spirit and force her to praise that false god to obtain his favor, while he got to enjoy the privileged life of an admiral's son.

  Their origin stories couldn't be further apart. Her eye did twitch slightly when he spoke of how he managed to find the orphanage she lived in with a slightly smug look on his face. Damn stalker.

  "And that's pretty much it," he said with a sigh, stretching his back out. "You know, it feels pretty good to have someone to talk to about this."

  Tanya didn't respond, too enamored with her own thoughts on the matter. Mark was content to let her think things through for a moment. Hopefully they would be able to work together to overcome the trial these so-called gods intended to put them through.

  "So, what about you?" he asked after more than a minute of silence. His voice snapped the blonde haired girl from her thoughts as she levelled him with another glare.

  "What about me?" she questioned in a somewhat harsh tone. It was a far cry from her usual curt, yet polite way of speaking.

  "Well… How did you end up here?" he asked.

  "That wasn't part of the deal," she informed him, and Mark did his best not to sigh.

  "Does she really need to be so caustic?" he thought to himself. He didn't say that out loud, of course.

  "I realize that. I just thought, sense we're in the same boat relatively speaking, it would be best to share information," he explained. Sighing, Tanya figured she may as well tell him. She didn't exactly have a good reason not to besides not wishing to divulge personal information. But she couldn't afford to alienate such a useful potential ally.

  "Very well, but there isn't much to tell. I was pushed in front of a train by a disgruntled employee after firing him. Before I was turned into a red smear to be cleaned off the tracks, time around me ceased to flow and that despicable Being X decided it was a good time to chastise me for my atheism," she explained.

  "So you were murdered for firing someone? What a pathetic guy," Mark muttered, and Tanya's eyes lit up in an excitable fury.

  "Right! Who does that!?" she exclaimed, happy that someone agreed what a waste of space her assassin was. Seeing his surprised face Tanya quickly regained control of herself, coughing into her hand with a tinge of pink dancing across her pale cheeks.

  "Sorry. I've been holding that back for a while. Ahem, where was I? Right, God. He stopped time and berated me or my atheism. Not as himself, of course. He's far too important to see me in person, rather, he took control of the people in the station and even a bird to chew me out. From there we had a slight… disagreement over the way he ran things," Tanya explained.

  "A slight disagreement got you isekai'd, huh? Sounds like all these things are nonsensical," Mark muttered. Tanya couldn't agree more, giving a happy nod at his understanding.

  "On that we agree. Anyway, he stated that to force his notion of faith on myself he would reincarnate me into a world on the brink of war, as a girl, and be placed in dire straits. He then resumed time where I was hit by the train. I regained consciousness sometime later in this body," she explained.

  He could complete the rest of the puzzle from there. She didn't really need to speak of her time in the orphanage, as they had already done so for the most part. But knowing she was an adult from his own world put a slightly different spin on things.

  "Hang on, did she say, as a girl? Does that mean…" he thought to himself, giving the girl a curious look.

  "What?" she asked, not liking the look in his eyes.

  "You said as a girl, right? So does that mean you weren't a girl before?" he asked. He didn't overly care much, he just wanted to make sure he understood her situation completely.

  "Nope. I was, in fact, a man. Being male had some decisive advantages in Japan, so that damn Being X decided being a little girl would increase my struggles and therefore, increase the odds of succumbing to his will," she growled out.

  "Well, considering we now have two self-proclaimed gods advocating sending us to war, he's not exactly wrong," Markus stated as delicately as possible. Still, Tanya levelled a glare at him, hating that he was correct in his assessment.

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  "I don't like it, but you are correct. But I have no intention of losing to Being X. I'll get a nice job in the rear and stay as far away from combat as possible," she claimed, eyes alight with a determined fire. Mark didn't think things would work out as she hoped, but he wasn't going to burst her bubble.

  Besides, wasn't he hoping for something similar?

  "In that case, those proposals I asked for your help with should prove valuable. I'm gunning for the Research and Development branch myself. The Computation Jewels they use to invoke magic is fascinating," he said. Tanya nodded, her worries of him ending up as a war monger diminished slightly. He would have a much greater chance of avoiding temptations if he eschewed combat.

  "Be careful. Wouldn't want that god to think you're enjoying yourself," she warned. Mark nodded, well aware. But it was very hard not to be excited about real magic. Hell, he should be receiving his first flying lessons from Otto soon.

  Thinking of him reminded Mark of another reason for his visit.

  "Before I forget, would you like to join me for magic lessons? My teacher, Captain Otto V?lkner said it would be fine if you wished to join. He's with the Magical Instructor Unit," Mark said. His question intrigued the young girl sitting near him. Not only would she get a leg up on what she would be taught in the Cadet Academy, but she'd also make connections with someone in a decent position.

  Hell, with that and the paper from earlier, she would have a very good chance of accomplishing her goal of a rear position. If she proved to be capable in magic, she could even join this, Captain V?lkner's unit.

  "I'd be delighted to. It would be foolish of me to ignore such an opportunity," she said, a small smile on her face.

  "Great. I'll make sure he knows to expect you," Mark replied. The two remained silent for a moment, though not in an awkward way, each one lost in their own thoughts. However, it would be Mark's thoughts that got him into trouble.

  "So Tanya…" he said, getting her attention once more. "What's it like being a girl?"

  *Line Break*

  "Come on… I said I'm sorry," Mark said, trying to get the girl to speak to him. She had been giving him the silent treatment for a while now, focusing all her attention on the papers in front of her, using it as the perfect excuse to ignore him.

  "How was I supposed to know it was such a sensitive topic?" he grumbled to himself. Would he have been as upset if he were in her position? Maybe, but that didn't make things any easier.

  He was bored! He didn't even bring a book to read, and the only source of literature was currently in the hands of the angry little girl. Not that he wanted to read it, considering he was the one who wrote the thing.

  All he could do now was wait until she either forgave him or until it was time to leave. He suspected it would be the latter, but you never know. He watched as she made a note in the margins, still pointedly ignoring him.

  "No way I'm waiting that long. Let's see, how to get her attention?" he thought. If Tanya had been paying attention to the boy in the room with her, she may have seen his devious little smirk.

  As it was, she was just glad he was being quiet for the moment. He had been whining for the better part of an hour now and she was growing weary of his constant chatter. What kind of person asks a question like that? Does he have no tact whatsoever?

  What was it like being a girl? Annoying. Not necessarily due to being female, but this body had serious limitations that her old one simply lacked. Such as low blood pressure in the mornings, making her extremely groggy when she woke up. There was also the fact that she was extremely short now when before she was tall. It was highly aggravating.

  Perhaps she could reach a similar height in this body, but she doubted it. Being X wouldn't be so kind, especially if he knew how much it annoyed her. He would be certain to stunt her growth in that case.

  Then there was her social status as well. Being a poverty stricken orphan didn't help matters either. Even if that wasn't tied to her sex, it still annoyed her to no end.

  However, her thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of something poking her cheek.

  "Poke," Mark said, his little finger extended right into her soft cheek. He smirked slightly as she turned her attention towards him, an annoyed look on her face.

  "Can I help you?" she asked, clearly aggravated.

  "She speaks!" Mark cheered, getting a roll of the eyes for the other girl. He chuckled at the miffed expression she was making.

  "She does. But I don't think you'll like what she has to say," she said. He raised his hands in surrender, backing away slightly. He did not want her choking him again.

  "Sorry, but you've been ignoring me for almost an hour. I'm sorry, really. Please forgive me," he asked. Tanya sighed, placing the papers down. Perhaps she had taken her ire a bit too far.

  "Very well, you're forgiven. Now, I have a few questions to ask about your proposal," she said, with him raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

  "Ask away."

  The two spent the next thirty minutes or so debating the various merits of his suggestions with Tanya countering or conceding some points. It honestly thrilled her to be taking part in such a familiar discussion. None of the kids or even adults at the orphanage could keep up with her, so it was nice to be around someone who could.

  "Tell me, did you go to college in your previous life?" she asked, curious. He didn't speak much of his past before he was accosted by the communist, but judging by the way he was able to put this paper together, she figured he must have.

  "I did. I received a master's degree in programming. I didn't think I needed anything further than that for the job's I was interested in, nor the debt I would have accrued in pursuing it," he responded.

  Tanya nodded at that. A doctorate, while impressive, wasn't always a practical pursuit. He achieved a high academic degree that would have likely placed him at the forefront of any possible applicants. However, if she remembered correctly, he said he started his own business, didn't he?

  "You said you were part owner of a business, didn't you? Why take that risk when you could have worked for a decent company?" she asked. That made him pause as he thought over the question.

  "Partially because the thought appealed to me I suppose. Being the boss and not having to answer to anyone above me, especially some incompetent buffoon who should have never gotten his position in the first place," he said, getting a little heated in the end. Not that she didn't understand, having had her fair share of incompetent superiors hired for the sole purpose of keeping nepotism alive and well.

  "But also, the guy I partnered with was loaded, so there wasn't much risk to me personally. His parents financed the whole thing. If I had known how useless he was, I never would have agreed," he grumbled in the end.

  She understood his position. From where he stood, he had far more to gain than to lose by forming his own company. He minimized the risks while seeking the maximum reward. Had things turned out differently, he could have become a very successful and wealthy man.

  But things don't always work out, even when you try and take everything into account. Because if there's one thing that can't be accounted for, it's the fallacy of the human condition. That was his only mistake, and one he likely took to heart.

  Or not, considering he outright blabbed to her that he was from another world. Though, to give him credit, he did wait until he was almost certain it was her. To be honest, she had suspected something was off with him for a while, given his intellect, so for him to come to the same conclusion about her made perfect sense.

  "What about you? Did you go to college?" he asked. She nodded her head, having no problem discussing her academic accomplishments.

  "Of course. Like you I also received a master's degree, though in business management rather than programming. I also obtained a bachelor's degree in economics," she said.

  "Impressive. I mostly self-studied economics myself, as many of the institutions in America have become overrun with communists who don't know the first thing about economics, so I doubt I would have passed their courses," he said.

  What a sad state of affairs for America of all places, the bastion of freedom and individual liberties to fall prey to the madness that was communism. It boggled her mind just thinking about it.

  "Understandable. A degree is only as useful as the knowledge obtained to acquire it," she said in a sage-like tone.

  "Wise words Tanya, wise words," he said, making her roll her eyes at him.

  It was at this point they were interrupted by a bundle of energy named Ella. She barged into the room like she owned the place, getting a sigh from Tanya. If Markus was a betting man, he'd wager she did this on a fairly regular basis.

  "Ella, what have I… Oh never mind. Do you need something?" Tanya asked, sounding exasperated.

  "Sister Irma sent me to tell you that his ride is here," she said, pointing at Mark.

  "Huh, that time already?" he mentioned. Guess it's true what they say about time and fun.

  "It appears so. Here, don't forget these," Tanya said, handing him the papers they were working on.

  "Oh, thanks. I'll rewrite it and we can go over it again next time we meet. If we have the energy to do so at least," he mentioned, getting a raised brow from Tanya.

  "Should I take that to mean that Captain V?lkner is quite the task master?" she asked.

  "Not really. It's just that extended magic usage can be rather tiring. Not to mention the physical exercises he has me doing," he said with a shrug.

  "I see," she muttered in return. Hopefully she wouldn't have many chores to do that day then. Last thing she wanted was to exhaust herself before or after completing her mandatory labor.

  "Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Ella asked, feeling left out of the loop.

  "Nothing you need to worry about," Tanya responded, making the younger girl pout. Mark chuckled at the interaction and ruffled her hair.

  "She's right. It's just boring talk about training and going over this proposal," he informed her.

  "Proposal?" Ella asked with a cute tilt to her head. She tried really hard to work out the words' meaning before her eyes lit up in shock.

  "You're getting married!?" she shouted, loud enough that the whole orphanage probably heard. Tanya and Mark winced at the volume, cleaning out their ears with their fingers. That is, until her question finally reached their brains.

  "Married!? Why would you-no, we aren't getting married," Tanya informed the little girl, slightly flustered. It wasn't that she was necessarily embarrassed by the question, but the suddenness of it caught her off guard.

  "But you were just talking about his proposal right? Doesn't that mean he asked you to marry him?" Ella asked, face scrunched up in confusion. Tanya sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

  "Not that kind of proposal," she moaned. She liked Ella well enough, and she was fairly smart for her age, but sometimes, the lack of understanding really grated on her nerves. She didn't blame the child, of course. She IS a child after all. But still, did she have to jump to such an outrageous conclusion?

  "Right, we were talking about a paper she was helping me with. Tanya and I are far too young to be getting hitched. Besides, we barely know each other," Mark informed the precocious little girl with a smile.

  "Really?" she asked, voice tinged with suspicion.

  "Really," Mark replied. She continued to stare at them with suspicion and disbelief. For two people claiming they didn't know each other very well, they were standing awfully close to one another.

  Tanya could see the look in the other girl's eyes and wanted nothing to do with it. She would need to find some way to distract her, but for now, she needed to gain some distance. Perhaps by doing so Ella would forget all about it.

  "Come on. No need to keep your ride waiting," she said, moving past the young girl and heading for the door. Mark chuckled and moved to follow, giving Ella a head pat as he passed her.

  "This isn't over!" Ella called out. Tanya rolled her eyes as she reached the door, pulling it open with a huff.

  "Like I said, there's nothing between us. And we are most certainly not getting married," Tanya responded. But before she could walk through it, a new voice halted her in her tracks.

  "I see. What a shame that is, my lost little lamb. I would have been overjoyed to officiate such a union in one of my holy domiciles."

  Hearing the deep, masculine voice caused both Tanya and Mark to flip around. The hairs on the back of their necks stood at attention, and the air felt charged with static electricity.

  "You! Being X! Where are you! Show yourself!" Tanya demanded. She looked around frantically for the owner of that accursed voice, but she was unable to locate it. Mark was doing the same, eyes scanning the room for the intruder.

  That's when he noticed something peculiar. Ella was standing perfectly still, as if she hadn't heard a stranger's voice. It was unnerving, to say the least, her just standing there without moving. It almost looked like she was frozen in time.

  "Tanya…" he muttered. Glancing over at the boy next to her, she noticed where he was staring. Focusing her gaze on the young girl as well, she cursed when she realized exactly where the voice came from.

  "Damn you! Have you no shame whatsoever? Release her this instant!" Tanya growled. Mark watched with horror as Ella's eyes gained a red tint to them, almost like she had been getting baked. Her innocent smile morphed and stretched into something all around inhuman.

  "Still so irreverent my child? Have you learned nothing of humility since your rebirth? To make demands of your Lord is the height of blasphemy."

  "You are not my Lord! I refuse to recognize something as irrational as you as anything more than a nuisance!" Tanya yelled, clenching her fists.

  "How sad. But worry not, you will return to my flock eventually. It is only a matter of time. Now…"

  Mark felt himself sweat as the self proclaimed god turned his attention towards him. Honestly, he preferred Ares over this thing. There was just something… not right about the aura Being X gave off.

  "It seems you have made a friend. So you are the one sent by my compatriot. Tell me, do you believe in the blasphemes spewed forth by the atheist? Or will you bend the knee to the Lord your God?"

  "I might, if I thought you were who you say you were. But there's nothing godly or holy about you. Tanya was right to call you, Being X," Mark stated. Perhaps angering the creature in front of him wasn't the smartest move, but seeing him speaking through the mouth of Ella did not endear him to the thing in the slightest.

  Tanya had a smug smirk on her face at hearing the words of her companion. Made all the sweeter by the disappointed frown worn by the despicable despot in front of her.

  "You heard him, Being X. Now why don't you take a hike already?" Tanya suggested. Being X regarded her for a moment before letting out a long suffering sigh.

  "Truly, the hubris of you mortals knows no bounds. Ares was correct to send you here. Perhaps you shall learn to humble thyself before me as well. I eagerly await such a day, my lost lambs. Until then, try and survive for as long as you can."

  "Eat shit and die you bastard," Tanya replied. Being X, after giving one, final frown, departed. The world returned to its previous state and Ella's face returned to its normal, adorable self. Her face tilted in confusion when she saw the way they were staring at her.

  "What? What is it? Is there something on my face?" she asked. Mark and Tanya gave each other a nervous look before turning their attention back to the young girl.

  "No, that's not… Never mind. Please tell Sister Irma we'll be down momentarily," Tanya replied. Ella was still slightly confused but did as she was told. Tanya sighed as she watched her go, a feeling of anger bubbling up in her chest.

  How dare that Being X appropriate Ella's body to give them a lecture! She would ensure to beat proper free market principles into his head if it was the last thing she did!

  "So that was Being X, huh? If he really is God, then I think I'd prefer damnation over whatever false salvation he offers," Mark said. Tanya snorted, his words bringing her out of her imagination.

  Though she had to admit, the thought of beating Being X over the head with a mallet was an appealing one, if impractical.

  "Yes, he really is the worst kind of snake oil salesman. And don't worry. According to him, there is no hell. Those who don't meet his lauded sentiment of enlightenment are reincarnated," Tanya said.

  "That right… So God's a Buddhist then. Guess South Park got it right," Mark joked, getting a small smirk from the girl.

  "And I bet his real form is just as hideous," she snarked in a lighthearted manner. The two shared a small chuckle before an air of seriousness surrounded them.

  "You know, I was hoping I'd make it to adulthood before the conflict brewing would begin. But somehow, I doubt those so-called gods will give us that luxury. Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if they were the reason children are allowed in the military now," Mark stated, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

  Sure, the whole thing started because of him and his Magical Aptitude score, but Zettour and Rudersdorf only wanted to start something like a ROTC program. It was the higher ups, those in Supreme High Command who altered the deal, and Mark suspected a certain being was whispering sweet nothings into their ears.

  "Sounds like something he would do. As if being raised in a poor orphanage wasn't bad enough. Guess I'll just have to be ready for whatever he throws at me," Tanya said. There was a certain hardness in her eyes, a steely resolve.

  "I think you mean us, don't you? Seems like I'm on Being X's radar now, so why not join forces?" Mark suggested. Tanya gave him a surprised look, though in retrospect, she shouldn't have. He was likely going to suggest such a thing before Being X invaded her home.

  And his proposition did have merit. They were far more likely to survive engaging in mutual cooperation. Yes, the idea appealed to her. Two people in an equal partnership fending off the vile communist god.

  "I think I can agree to that," she stated. Mark gave her a smile, holding out his hand.

  "Well then, put her there, partner."