𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒓 - 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨

Story of a Soldier

Is this their residence?

I believe so--. . ." He pauses, before continuing

You know. They said that it was going to get easier doing this. But, just. I don't know, sir. Almost at times I feel as though I wish I could be back on the front line. Instead of ruining people's universes, you follow-- sir?

The man next to him, also in dress uniform, shrugs before scratching his stubble

All I can say is that it is better that you are not. . . He looks down at his clipboard.

Mark Byers. And that you are where you are at now.

Yeah, yeah. I suppose you are right." A sigh goes by, and is followed up by a frown and somewhat awkward pause between the duo

The superior finally starts up again. "I understand what you mean, though. I do. I suppose once you become old jaded like me. It just grows. Don't let that happen to you.

The younger man nods a few times and offers a subtle smile back up to his superior. "I'll try my best, sir. Thank you.

With those few words said, they set off down the dirt path toward the Byers residence. It's a quaint area. It's the farmland a few dozen miles out from the big city of the N.C.R, or what some people still refer to as Shady Sands

A few knocks go by before the door opens, revealing a middle-aged nondescript man and woman. In the background, one of the numerous episodes of the Vault Dweller Chronicles: Birth of a Republic, is playing, with some younger children watching in the living room. A classic television and radio series for both adults and kids alike

Good afternoon. Are you Mr. and Mrs. Byers?

Yes, we are. What is this about?

The two officers take off their peaked caps and and the superior officer begins

We regret to inform you that your son, CPL Mark Byers of the 412th Battalion, was killed in the line of duty while stationed at Camp Forlorn Hope by a marauding Legion raiding party.

The couple's initial reaction is that of disbelief, but is followed up by that of grief and tears

Wh-- what?

I'm sorry. If it is any comfort, his body will be returning home within these next few days. I'm terribly sorry. It pains us as well, to lose a brother in arms.

He was our son!

I know.

The mother collapses near the doorframe, and the father crouches down to wrap his arm around his distraught wife. Not as though he himself is much better, but he has to be strong in a moment like this

Thank you, for letting us know.

It is our duty." The younger officer takes out a card of the nearest Army Office, and hands it to the husband

If you have any questions, or in need of help during your time of grieving, give us a call and the NCR will do it's best to help in anyway it can.

We will, thank you

Sir." With the two officers' duty done, they salute the grieving parents, and walk back to their vehicle

It never gets easier doing this, does it sir?

The superior, finally acquiescing to his subordinate, gives a brief sniffle before starting the engine.

It never does...


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