Part 603: Gaius A

Gaius, would you mind taking a look at my armor?

...Whoa. Did you take on a whole company in this stuff or what? A fix like this is out of my league, sorry to say. Better take it to a professional and see what he says.

Oh. Well, thank you anyway.

You impress me, Cherche. I mean it. Very few people have the courage to throw themselves into battle like you.

I'd not call it courage so much as simple self-preservation. Truth be told, I hate all this fighting.

Yet you're always in the thick of it.

This war has scattered my family and friends. Driven them from homes. Unless we see this through, none of us will ever go home again.

Is that what you're fighting for? To be reunited with your friends and family?

If we lose, I might never see them again, and I can't bear that prospect. So as long as I still have strength to bear a weapon, I shall stand and fight.

People all have their reasons, don't they?

And what of you, Gaius? You seem a pragmatic man above all else. Am I safe in assuming you fight for survival in place of a greater cause?

More or less.

It's more than reason enough, Gaius. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to find that armorer.

(Cherche leaves)

...You know, I USED to think it was reason enough. Cherche has family waiting for her. She has a home to go back to. And if she dies, a whole lot of folks are going to feel it...

Well, cripes. I guess I know what I gotta do...