[ 07 ] Voice

[oldsoldiersneverdie]

[If Nate sounds pissed off... well, he is. This battle was far too much like ones in his past, ones that still haunt his dreams sometimes, and he can't just let it go]

I think if the last few days have shown us anything, it's that we, as a group, are woefully undertrained, and that while this may have started as the Initiative's war, it's all our war now. Us, and every potential reality. What happened there could happen to any world - hell, it could be happening right now, for all we know. And I know I at least have no intention of letting them continue. We may be able to chance the past, erase all these timelines from ever forming - but time-shifting has it's own risks. Best be prepared to deal with the present, as well.

I know there are people here who aren't fighters, out of choice or out of necessity. I respect that. Do what you can to support those fighting, but when push comes to shove? Stay the hell out of the way. Hard enough to fight a battle you're outnumbered in - having to cover civilians as well means we can't fight effectively.

And if any of you think what the United Earth did was in any way right? I will personally ensure your life is a living hell.

[There's a pause, and then when he continues he sounds calmer, if more determined]

I'm taking volunteers interested in training in a small combat unit. Experience isn't necessarily, though a willingness to follow instruction is. And the roster is, obviously, my pick. Let me know if you're interested.

Comments

[demonbloodblade]

You're better than a lot of military commanders I knew, who thought that a quick potion and a nap was enough for us to keep going. I'm planning on getting drunk for the first time in my life, just to see what it's like.

I think some people underestimate a good bow or crossbow. I'm not skilled at that kind of crafting, but I should ask in the labs, because the idea of some arrows or bolts that can explode, and how much quieter they can be than a gun, may be a useful advantage in some situations. There's no reason to not combine the two if you can. If that makes sense.

[oldsoldiersneverdie]

There are times when it's best to keep pushing, even when you're tired and worn out - all I can promise is that I push myself as hard as I push anyone else [Harder, actually, not that he admits that to himself], and always for good reason.

Right now, though - we wouldn't get anywhere. Go out and get drunk - though unfortunately the alcohol selection here is kind of lousy.

[demonbloodblade]

You may have missed it - in the mission to Mary-Land, I brought back a bunch of things, including clothing for myself and an associate, and bottles of alcohol. Bacardi, Smirnoff and Jack Daniels, it says on the labels. Most I sold, but some I kept for emergencies.

It seemed a reasonable thing to do at the time.

Tonight is drunkenness, tomorrow is penance and recovery, the day after is work.

[oldsoldiersneverdie]

Ah - not a bad start, then. I'd go for the Jack myself, but I like it in coffee. If you drink enough water as you go, you won't feel too bad in the morning.

[demonbloodblade]

It seemed a reasonable idea at the time.

I will remember that. I like to think I can accept advice, and sometimes I'm even right about it.

[oldsoldiersneverdie]

Very reasonable. It's where I got all my coffee, after all.