[i]Veep and Siva ran through the streets together, two young Felness brothers laughing happily as they dodged through crowds of people going about their business. 
"Come on Veep! Catch up with me!" called Siva as he ran ahead. Veep tried to keep up, but the crowd was becoming denser. 
"SIVA! Wait for me!"
As he pushed through the crowd, Veep could see Siva up ahead, waving at him. Running to catch up, he was suddenly blocked my a roar of engines as a convoy of military vehicles rumbled between the two of them. Suddenly there was another noise. Gunfire! Shouting! Explosions! Louder! Louder! LOUDER!! 
"SIIIVAAAA!!!"[/i]

With a start, Veep awoke. His head was covered in sweat and the covers of the bed had been kicked off. He must've been thrashing in his sleep again. He'd been dreaming of his brother. The same would happen every few nights. Different dreams but always the same subject. Losing his brother. The fact that he didn't know whether Siva was alive or dead must be the cause of these recurring nightmares. In a way he wanted confirmation one way or the other, but he was also scared to receive that confirmation. 
What if the worst had happened? What if he was a prisoner, being tortured and mutilated and ... a shudder ran through Veep's whole body as he forced himself to stop contemplating such terrible things. Siva was dead. That's what he chose to believe. Dead and at peace. He got up and dressed, then headed downstairs.

Veep was staying with a human family who lived on a farm, in a small village on the outskirts of Jacksonville. Annie, a friendly woman, her husband, Jeff, who was gruff but warm, and their young son, Freddie who was hardworking on the farm and quite playful. They had taken him in when he first came to Earth and they had become like a surrogate family to him. They'd even helped set him up with the Coalition's SPEAR division to which he now reported to. He enjoyed their company during these times when he was off duty. 

Annie looked up as he entered the room.
"Afternoon sleepyhead."
"Afternoon? What time is it?" Veep asked with confusion.
"It's nearly two." Annie replied kindly. "Jeff and I heard you tossing and turning last night. Thought we'd let you sleep in. We saved you a sandwich from breakfast though."
"Thank you." Veep retrieved the sandwich from the fridge then sat down at the table. After adding his Felness supplements, he tucked in. Through the window he could see Jeff and Freddie working the field.

Just then, the buzz of his pebble broke the silence. Veep activated the comms.
"Operator Veep. You are required to report to JAX immediately for an urgent mission. Details will be provided on site."
"Affirmative." Veep responded formally. "I'll catch the next transport and be there within the hour." He looked at Annie. "Sorry I won't be able to help feed the animals today. I have to head in."
"Oh don't you worry about that. You just keep yourself safe you hear?"
Annie hugged him warmly. 
"I will. I'll come back when I can."
Veep returned to his room to gather his equipment. He came back down to find Jeff and Freddie waiting to see him off.

After bidding his farewells, he headed to the nearby outpost to catch a transport back to JAX. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he'd do whatever it took to hurt the Totality. For Siva. 
"I'll make you proud of me brother. Just you wait and see."