2. Fighting a War

[nowayhome]

[A: Phone (Filtered to Children)]

[Nabuca doesn't often use the phone, he doesn't feel the need to engage in the idle chatter that most of the people here indulged in. It was like they didn't even realise they were fighting a war sometimes, like they could forget the battles waged just because people didn't always stay dead.

That wasn't a good thing in his opinion, death was a release and a rest well earned at the end of the fight. And this was a fight. Everyone here had become soldiers whether they wanted to be or not, consent was unimportant in the end, they were here now and everyone had a duty to fight or they'd never win.]

You need to stop hiding behind the adults for protection, you are all capable of fighting yourselves. The faster we win this war, the sooner we will be able to return home. If you think you are too weak or inexperienced to do this, arm yourself with the thought of freedom and home.

[B: Church (Open to All)]

[He has often heard it said aboard Hellywood that their war was a holy one, and after hearing that there was a church here, he had to wonder if the same could be said in Mayfield. It's this reason that brings him to the church, wary as he slips quietly inside and starts to look around for any signs that this place could be more than what it seems. Clearly a teenage boy stalking the pews should be questioned as to what he's doing, right?]

Comments

[nowayhome]

You're wrong.

Only through victory can we return to our homes, that's how it works.

[firstofthefallen]

True. To some extent.

And yet only a fool would feel the need to point out that deaths are the cost of victory. Or someone who seeks death, itself.

[nowayhome]

Only someone who has never seen war would think that's anything other than a plain truth. There is no such thing as a bloodless victory. I'm not looking for death, but I'm not blind to what the cost will be either.

[firstofthefallen]

Which is the problem.

More would answer if you hadn't stated the obvious. If you had taken advantage of the foolishness of those who hadn't seen it.

[nowayhome]

I'm not going to exploit anyone, there's no point hiding what war is. We're all in one anyway, lying won't change the truth of that.

[firstofthefallen]

If you're not willing to exploit, then you'll never win a war.

[nowayhome]

I'm a soldier, not a leader. I follow orders and fight.

[firstofthefallen]

As am I, and as do I. The only worthwhile leaders ARE soldiers.

But there are different ranks and different breeds of soldiers. And often it is the soldiers who ARE the exploited. So even if you do not exploit yourself, you will need to be led by someone who will exploit you.

[nowayhome]

I know that.

[He's not under any illusions that soldiers are well-treated and not exploited, but...]

If that's the price it costs to win a war, so be it.

[firstofthefallen]

And you believe it's inevitably your place to be exploited then?

[nowayhome]

I believe that everybody has their part to play, and pretending otherwise is pointless.

[firstofthefallen]

Then keep your opinions to yourself.

Cannon fodder has no right to speak to others.

[nowayhome]

Do you consider yourself a leader?

[firstofthefallen]

I have never made or asked for anyone to follow me, nor is that a relevant point to the discussion.

[nowayhome]

I see. Do you have experience of war?

[firstofthefallen]

Do I have experience of war?

[Alright. Now that is funny, and it's hard for him to keep the amusement out of his voice.]

Yes. I do.

[nowayhome]

Good. The more people who have experience here, the better chance we stand.