Chapter 7-3
This author finds it fascinating that a majority of both ancient and modern holidays commemorate military action, either directly or indirectly. From Independence Day to Founding Day, Memorial Day to Q-Day, we honor those that fought for our freedoms and the great victories they brought us.
Should anyone hold the mistaken belief that the pre-System world was a haven of peace and prosperity, simply ask yourself why was it so essential to celebrate the military of pre-System times?
- Rufus Veres, Level 29 Prolix Historian, Oddities of the System
The rest of the day was fucking terrible. I didn’t see Tara again, either at lunch or when we gathered for dinner. My conflicting feelings did not help, and neither did seeing Raylan and Jayce holding hands as the rest of the team headed towards dinner. I pulled Arlo aside as the others walked on ahead of us.
“Have you seen Tara?” I demanded.
“You mean since she came to my room crying this morning?” he asked dryly, and my heart clenched.
“Uh… shit.”
“She didn’t tell me what happened, but it’s obvious she’s mad at you. I’d stay away from her until she calms down. What did happen, anyway?” he asked.
I didn’t reply, stomping off to the dining hall in frustration. As we ate, Raylan sensed my dour mood – ok, everyone did – but Raylan was the one that came up with an idea to distract me.
<Sally sells seashells by the seashore. Sally sells seashells by the seashore. Sally shells sheash– >
phtbtpth!
<Ha! Not even three times!> G’hala exulted as her brother coughed up food. <I am the champion!>
Grumbling, we each transferred her five feathers for winning the bet. The competition had been to see who could repeat the tongue-twiser the most times over the Comms while eating. I had failed badly, Jayce had made it through the phrase three times and Raylan twice. Zaire and Arlo had refused to play, and G’hala defeated us roundly with five full repetitions with a mouth full of food.
The jovial mood was cut short a moment later.