Savoring the Moments

January 17, 2008

Xenet 71.43.1 System Msg

TTY31201.01.17

Network Connection Enabled
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Each day I awaken to the sound of gunfire around me, each day I hear the screams of AFS Soldiers, both recruits and veterans, each day I live as if it is my last.

Recruits come to the base eager and excited, and many leave in a body bag. Although I feel much pain for them, I know there is nothing I can do. I worry about myself first. Fortunately for us here at Foreas Base, we live a relatively easy life, at least compared to other outposts and camps. Every morning I head to the mess hall to consume rotten paste my superiors call food. I wash myself with a quarter pail of brackish water, saving the rest for my canteens. I don my worn armor, clean my pistol and load my grenade launcher, and take one last stare at the locket bearing the picture of my fiancee before leaving the safety of the base walls.

Every time I look into another soldier's eyes, I can't help but realize that they too had lives, happiness, and friends. I realize there is virtually no chance I will see Earth again, so I make the best out of every possible moment, as it may just be my last. My squad mates give me hope, get me through the days, and give me a reason to fight. I can't help but smile when I see the proud faces of the AFS standing in front of a captured Bane base, or Foreans collecting scraps from a fallen Stalker. Moments like these may often be bittersweet, but they remind me that there is still hope in the war.

-Cody Lindstorm
Sergeant, AFS Marine Division