The next day, Andres met with Marcus. The shopping center was quieter than usual, a somber mood settling over the area. Along the streets, missing posters were taped to walls, and small memorial shrines with candles and flowers marked the losses. While the destruction had been limited to the coastal festival grounds, the impact was still felt throughout the city.
“I’m surprised you’re not with Lucia today,” Andres commented as they sat down at a cafe.
“She’s resting. She said she had some late-night work to do. That’s why she couldn’t come to the festival. Seeing how things turned out, I’m glad she was busy.” As Marcus spoke, the news reported that a Loyalist Air Force squadron scored a major victory last night in the Kingdom of Turan’s civil war.
“How is she? It must be hard to leave her home, just for another war to break out.”
“She’s strong and determined to see peace on the continent. In fact, I believe it’s destiny that she and I met; we both share a vision of a unified Byzantia. She doesn’t tell me a whole lot about her work, but she says she is working towards that end.”
Just then, the news broadcaster announced breaking news. “It has been determined that the Elerian Empire is responsible for the attack on Troya last night. Emperor Tiberius has made a statement regarding the incident.”
Tiberius appeared on the screen, undeniably Elerian royalty with his silver hair and eyes. He was in his mid-twenties and wore a cocky, sharp toothed smirk. He appeared to focus intently on Andres via the screen.
“You mongrels to the South love to drag your feet with debates and voting. So I’ll save you the trouble! I, Emperor Tiberius of the royal Elerian bloodline, declare war on the Republic of Ryzan and the Kingdom of Turan!”
After the Emperor made his declaration, Andres looked to Marcus. “It seems you and Lucia have your work cut out for you.”
Marcus sighed. “That’s why we need you, help us end this, Andres,”
“If we’re at war again, doesn’t that mean our fathers’ sacrifices were in vain? Even if I do fight, will it change anything?”
Marcus thought for a moment. “We have to try. Maybe it wasn’t their destiny to end the cycle of wars. Maybe it’s ours.”
Andres looked around at the surrounding people, saw their faces, and felt their energy. “I’m going to take some time to think. I’m meeting up with Santos and Kobe today,”
“Whatever you decide, let me know.”
“Of course.”
They finished their drinks and parted ways. Andres headed to the gym to meet Santos, who sported a mohawk and stood just a bit shorter than him. Lean and sharp, his physique left no doubt that he was a professional fighter. The two exchanged a few words as they prepared their boxing gear.
They closed the gap between them, their hands up to cover their faces. Andres began with exploratory jabs. Santos slipped past them and threatened Andres by getting past his punches. Andres retreated, regrouped, then attacked, throwing a volley of hits in tandem with his hips like he was taught.
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Santos was too fast and too experienced. He drew Andres in and gave him a right hook to the face. Andres went down, but with a roll and a burst of speed, he was back on his feet, throwing another volley of punches. Santos knocked Andres down two more times.
“Just keep punching!” Santos encouraged.
Finally, Andres landed a left cross to Santos’ face.
“That’s what I like about you, amigo, you don’t stop.”
“I just don’t like losing,” Andres replied.
“That’s why you should come back to the MAV Program and the Hawks squadron. I envy you, ya know?”
“Why’s that?”
“You’ve already gotten a taste of battle.”
“It’s not all gold and glory like the history books, Santos.”
“I don’t care about that. A man never truly knows his potential until he is tested by war. Not every man gets that opportunity. We didn’t choose this war, so let’s play the cards we’ve been dealt. I know a warrior’s spirit when I see one. I want you in our corner, Andres.” Santos extended his hand to Andres. “Let’s see what kind of men we truly are.”
Andres clasped Santos’ hand. “I’ll make my decision tonight.”
“Then I’ll do my best to beat the right answer into your head. You have no business being anything other than a warrior. So get your hands up!”
They went a few more rounds, each rougher than the last.
***
In the evening, Andres went over to Kobe’s house. At twenty-eight, Kobe was a large, strong, dark-skinned man with a shaved head. He greeted Andres with a bear hug, effortlessly lifting him off the ground. “Good to see you, brother! Come in! Nicole made us some food.”
“Thanks, man, looking forward to it.” Andres entered the house and greeted Kobe’s wife and their daughter Erika.
Kobe read from a book about a kind man who healed others, then said a prayer over the food. Afterward, they played games with Erika until her bedtime.
“I want to know something, Kobe,” Andres said as they sat down on the couch. “What happens if I kill someone in combat? Does your God accept people who do that?”
“That’s a good question. God looks at a man’s heart and his motivations, not just his actions alone. I’m a pilot in the MAV program because I want to protect my family and our country. My goal isn’t to end others’ lives. Is that why you left the MAV program in the first place?”
Andres thought for a moment. “Partly, among other things. I was able to stop the attack without killing the pilots, but if I keep piloting, I think inevitably, I would end up killing an enemy.”
“We live in a broken world, and that’s why God has made a way for us to be forgiven when we do something wrong. I’m always happy to explain and show you what my faith believes.”
“I know, and appreciate that, Kobe.”
“To help comfort you on this topic, I’ll share something our Lord said. ‘No greater gift has man than to lay down his life for his friends.’ If the thought of ending life in combat is weighing on you, keep your focus on protecting others and know that you can still be forgiven.”
“Thank you, Kobe. I think I am going to call it a night. I will let you all know very soon.”
“Of course, thank you for coming over.”
“Thanks for having me.”
***
At home, Andres lay on his back in bed, rereading his mother’s letter and reflecting on her words. His mind drifted to everything his friends had told him and Bella’s generosity in offering him a spot in the MAV Program.
Andres looked over at his family photo.
He closed his eyes and replayed the evening of the attack in his mind. He thought What was I born to do? Andres thought about how peculiar Kara was, and how effortless piloting was with her. He opened his eyes when he remembered her voice as she said, ‘We’ll fight as one!’
Andres took out his phone and started typing a message to everyone in the MAV program.
