A Soldier

Date/Timing: 3 Feb 2019
Setting: Rianne & Val's home; Koffiefontein, FS, South Africa
.
Pappa turns from the fridge, offers a bottle of beer—
Pietr nods, settles in a chair at the kitchen table.
—opens it, passes it over.
Accepts, takes a pull, waits.
Pappa claims a seat, takes a deep breath. ::I'm worried about you and those machines.::
Queries.
.::You'll be against monsters which want to kill you.::
.::In a machine built to protect me.::
.::It's still monsters.:: Pappa drinks from his own bottle.
Mimics.
.::Why do it, son?::
.::Because they need me and I can do the job.:: Deep breath. ::And it's twice the pay.::
.::If it's money—::
Sets his teeth. ::It's not just money. I want to support my family.::
Pappa raises an eyebrow. ::It's pride, then?::
Pietr's hands jerk in frustration. ::I can't get work here; you know that. This is my chance to save—save real money—and I only have two years to set enough aside for the rest of our lives.:: A huff. ::I'm sick of charity.::
.::Sick enough to chance your life?::
.::No Ranger's been killed yet.::
.::It's war. Someone will.::
Runs a hand through his hair. ::I'm worried about it, too, Pappa. I didn't—don't want to be a soldier.::
.::Saying—:: Pappa grimaces. “Spoken like a Vos. We're not much for fighting.”
Pietr agrees with a faint smile.
.::So, why, Piet?::
Sighs. ::I don't want to be a pet for the rest of my life.::
.::You've /never been a pet.:: Smiles. “No matter what Isaac says.”
Snorts into his bottle.
They drink for a bit.
Pietr sets his aside. .::If—:: Deep breath. ::If something happens, the Corps will take care of the little ones and Bee their whole lives.::
.::That won't replace you.::
.::I won't die, then.:: Squares up. ::After all, I've got the best partner in the Corps.::
.::Your new brother? The best?::
.::Highest scores ever in training.::
.::Is it?::
Nods, sips. ::A little more practice and his full size and he'll be one of the best fighters I've worked with.::
Pappa relaxes a little. ::That's something, but a father worries.::
.::I know, Pappa, I know.::
Category:Ficlet
Category:Skeleton Key
Category:Koffiefontein (setting)
Category:Pietr
Category:Pietr's POV
Category:Pietr (ficlet)
Category:Val
Category:Val (ficlet)
Category:Pietr's children (mention)
Category:Griet (mention)
Category:Chuck H (mention)
Category:Isaac (mention)