Post by The Brothers Holland on Dec 29, 2010 15:44:12 GMT -6
This is it...
Third Strike,..
Fourth down, goal line in sight...
End of the Ninth...
It's weird being the one holding the lead for a change.
I like it.
What I don't like is the fact I've had two words to say ever since I won this belt.
Two words that I've said time and again...
To Jason...
To Zelda...
To Venom...
And of Course, to Charlie...
So I won't say them...
Not this time.
*The scene opens in a library. It's not necessarily an old or dusty library but it is big. As with most libraries there are some students around, scanning the shelves as they search for that book, the one book that holds the key piece of knowledge that will unlock their assignment. The one that is overdue by a long way. The camera goes past shelf after shelf after shelf as the words for our opening title come up.*
*We come to a halt at a book. The writing is small and illegible from this distance. The book is being held up by a hand. From the name attached to this particular piece of film I think we can all take a pretty educated guess as to whose hand it is. The twin of this hand comes up and turns the page as the owner reads the book with great interest. Is he searching for some great secret? Some ancient and lost technique? Or maybe just how to make a particular kind of cocktail, who knows.*
In times of old when a man was beaten, he did one of three things. He either accepted his position and made his way through the world knowing that there was a man out there that was better than he... or he was killed in the initial conflict... or he gives in to pride and envy, turns to wrath and strikes down the man who bested him. Seeks to strike him down with weight of numbers or in his sleep. And not just strike him down... but kill him. End him. Remove him. I'd ask whether anyone could tell me which path Charlie has decided to take but I think the answer is very obvious for us all.
The wrathful man shall fall upon no sword but his own.
*The camera moves up to reveal the face of Dave Holland, looking down at the book in his hands.*
I'm done with you Charlie. After this match, after I have shot down your world title hopes and dreams for not the first, not a second, but a third time... I think we have to consider letting others have a chance. I think we have to start considering that maybe... just maybe... you're not the world champion you and everyone seems to think you are. That includes me, don't get me wrong. I want you to get what you want. I want you to realise your destiny some day. I want you to become the great and mighty Charlie Velez, Champion of the World.
However...
I'm not about to be the one to let my own destiny roll over and let you stomp your muddy tracks all over it. You earned your shot, sure. You gave me a good fight and at the end of the day... you lost. Did I pin you? No. Did I make you tap? Maybe not officially but I know what I heard you doing. I know I heard you begging the ref to ring the bell and end your pain... and then... then you weren't doing anything at all. You know what the history books say Charlie? Well let me tell you. It says loud and clear...
Dave Holland defeats Charlie Velez by K.O. to retain the nCw World Championship.
There's no shame in how it went. Ok, maybe you gave up just a few moments before your body did, but we know. You submitted. You acknowledged that I was the better man. That I had you in a hold you couldn't escape from and couldn't take any longer. I've never done it myself. KO.. sure, I've been there... but not once have I given in. Because I will never admit defeat. Not until after the fact anyway. To defeat Dave Holland you have to break his body... because you cannot break his will. You cannot break my will. My will, cast in iron and stone.
*Dave snaps the book closed.*
Do you even know who you're talking about any more Charlie? So quick to judge, so quick to condemn. Because I saw a gap in my own defences and filled them with men that can and repeatedly have shown their qualities. Do their own agendas match mine perfectly? No. But we share a common enemy and as long as they follow my lead, we'll achieve the aim that is noblest. My aim. My goal. Does that mean I'm scared, Charlie?
Look at me.
Look me in the eyes. Take in my appearance and listen to my voice. Am I avoiding your perceived gaze through this camera? Is my brow damp with a nervous sweat? Is my voice shaking? No. I am not afraid. I am cautious, I am careful, and that is an entirely different animal. That's why I asked for this match. To be in the midst of my enemies and my allies at the same time. It was always going to e inevitable that Zelda, Jason and Venom were going to make an appearance. This way I know where they are. Expected, and in plain sight. And this way my allies and my brother are right there ready to intervene as and when necessary.
This conflict between us needs to be over. This time of unrest needs to be drawn to a close. No more chances. No more excuses. And I'm determined for it to end the right way.
*Dave walks off camera. The camera tries to follow him but instead changes scene as a shelf goes past..*
*We're now sat in Angel's office. About the room are Falcon, Alex Jones, Milo Holland and sat at his own desk, Angel. Dave is stood to one side, speaking to them as a whole.*
Dave: This is it guys. We all knew this battle wouldn't be far away. We all knew that Charlie would get his second shot sooner rather than later. That's why I made it as soon as possible. Made the terms myself, and called every single shot precisely the way I wanted it to go down. If I could do this on my own, you all know I would. You all know I'd rather be fighting Charlie safe in the knowledge that no funny business would interfere.
Alex: See where that got you last time.
Dave: Exactly. That's why I accepted your offer of alliance. And I thank and appreciate you all for that. This last month we've ran riot all over nCw. No... no that's not exactly true. We've stopped them from doing so. We've shown the world that The Young Guns aren't as infallible as they believe. They're tough... but they're human. They're mortal. They're not the best there is was and ever could be. And now there's only one group of people who don't see it. The Young Guns themselves. Are any of you surprised by this?
*There is a general murmur of a negative response*
Dave: No, of course not. That's why I chose lumberjacks over a cell to keep them where I could see them. Cells can be broken. Lumberjacks, are a much tougher nut to crack. But I have one request to make of you. One simple, single request.
Leave Velez to me.
Milo: You think they're going to show you the same courtesy?
Dave: No. No of course they're not. But that's why it is so important. In this day and age it is vital that we show that we're not them. That we are, as they have dubbed us, the antithesis of everything that they are. By all means have at them. I would expect nothing less of you. But Velez is mine. If I don't do this by myself... if I don't end Velez in a way that even he can't dispute, then we'll be right back at square one. Forced to deal with a manic and depressive Charlie Velez making demands of this company as though he was Steve Awesome. We already have one of those and that's more than enough.
Falcon: What about Zelda?
*There's a slightly awkward silence.*
Dave: … I won't lie. Zelda's going to be a tricky subject to tackle. As a unit they have painted us as the bad guys. They've made us sound like little more than petty thugs roaming the corridors like a gang out to victimise anyone unfortunate to cross our paths. You have to hand it to them, if there's one thing the young guns do well, it's propoganda. Me... I'm spotless. Somehow they've been unable to find anything about me they can criticise beyond partnering up with you guys. Angel, they've twisted his promotion into something altogether more sinister. Alex they've made sound as though he's out for just himself... something I know isn't true. And you Kyle.... I wouldn't have gone about it your way, but you're right. She wants to be treated the same as the rest of us... so do exactly that.
Milo: Mel's going to kill you is she finds out you said that.
Dave: I know I can explain it to her. And if that doesn't work, I'll just show her the match against Lance Ryan.
*Sounds of general approval. Every man in this room remembers that match. She can take care of herself.*
Dave: We're nearly there now. After this match, unless Venom or Blair wins the rumble, it'll be a while before we have to worry about the Young Guns again. I believe in you guys...
*Dave gestures towards Falcon and Alex*
Dave: To get the job done in your match. I believe in you all to let me get the job done in mine.
*Another sideways scene change as they all acknowledge what Dave had just said.*
*As we pan sideways we are passed by column after column of dark stone. The columns slowly fade as the video continues. Revealing that the columns are old and worn. We're in Ireland, at Dave's training spot in the ruined abbey.*
Fairness... Equality... You're right. On face value it really does seem like I've done a number on you doesn't it Charlie? Really seems like I've selected the single harshest set of circumstances for you to face. I've turned an already difficult situation into almost insurmountable odds. Only... have I really? Is a lumberjack match really all that dangerous to you or I? You spoke about me being destroyed by your allies while you destroyed mine... arrogant and naïve words from the only man who I am no longer surprised to hear such from. I respect your in ring ability and determination, Charlie... but when it comes to analysing the situation... damn do you overplay the arrogant card.
But what about Angel huh? What about picking a Special Guest Referee who I am personally allied with? That's hardly fair is it? That's hardly noble or honourable. How could a man like me request such a thing? How could I possibly betray my own morals and allow such a biased situation occur? Well... the truth is... I didn't. The Lumberjacks were my idea, Angel as referee... that was all him. The thing about having an actual wrestler as an official is that they're not so easy to bypass. They know the tricks, they don't get fooled unless they want to. They know how to work a ring and how to avoid being worked.
*We find Dave sat on the grass a little way past the abbey. He looks out over the cliff out to sea. The sea is turbulent today.*
The times we're living in, the ones where you could get away with anything you ever wanted... they're over. Your time is not here. Not yet. The times have changed. They're still changing. And there's nothing you can do about it. Unless you can overcome the very man who you have failed to twice defeat, your times are over. For now. I don't doubt they'll make another pass eventually but for now we're done with you. nCw doesn't want you as Champion. The fans, the wrestlers... no one. You want to talk about being the most marketable, just go ahead and check the figures against the amount of Holland Merchandise that has shifted since I became champion. Check the true numbers because all in all... switching you for me isn't such a big change.
I'm a good champion. I've been dominant. As a group, as a unit, we have all been dominant. What victories have you had this month Charlie? What have the Young Guns really achieved? You failed to defeat us together... you failed to defeat us alone. You have failed and failed again. And the only thing that isn't changing... is your modus operandi. You will fail just one more time.
And I will personally make sure of it.
*We cut away sideways again from Dave's face.*
*Into another shot of Dave's face. We're back in Angel's office but this time it's just Dave and Angel.*
Dave: I don't like this. I don't like having you there calling the shots.
Angel: That's the first time I've heard of anyone complaining about an advantage.
*Dave starts pacing the room, a little frustrated at how people think his intentions are these days.*
Dave: Then you've not been listening to me as well as I'd have liked. I don't want to spend the rest of my days with Charlie Velez breathing down my neck, shouting to the world that I'm a phoney like some joke from Family Guy. When your hand comes down for the third time, when that bell rings and Charlie is left reeling from his third straight defeat by my hands, I don't want there to be any shred of doubt there. I want to only person who could believe his delusions to be himself.
Angel: Dave, I get it. Trust me, I'm going to call it fair.
Dave: I know you want to. I know you mean to. To do anything else would be detrimental to nCw and I know you wouldn't do that. But if I get the win and I suspect for an instant that it wasn't a fair count, I'll demand a restart.
*This gets Angel's attention.*
Angel: What?
Dave: And then, we're through. You and the rest of them can carry on fighting the young guns all you want but me... I'll do it my own way. The right way. No matter who I have to fight.
Angel: Are you threatening us Dave?
Dave: No. No I'm not. I'm just making sure you understand how important to me it is that nothing ever sullies this belt that I wear..That nothing can even attempt to bring down my good name. That the Young Guns continue to find nothing they can criticise me for. That my character, my title and my reign remain untarnished in any way.
*Angel holds his hands up to Dave in a sympathetic gesture.*
Angel: Ok, I get it.
Dave: Good. Now I can get back to the business I've gotten so good at recently.
Angel: And what's that?
*Dave turns to leave.*
Dave: Kicking Charlie's Ass.
*Another side swipe scene change away.*
*We are now in a field. Massive. Seemingly endless. Which is really astonishing and a little sad as we're in France, standing in one of the many graveyards for the fallen of the world wars. The white crosses just seem to go on and on and on. Dave is stood at one of the crosses*
War...
When the phrase 'Interesting Times' is used people don't really understand what was the original intention. They think about times when great change and societal improvement occur. They think about things being better, being more favourable... more interesting. However the truth is more sinister. The truly interesting times were the times of unrest. The times of change, certainly, but rarely for the better. The times of conflict. The times of turbulence.
The times of war.
nCw is facing just one more war. In it's history there have been many. Ever year some group or other comes together and vies for dominance over another. Some call themselves a revolution. Others call themselves an empire. The truth is, they're all just men. All just men out to fulfill one dream or another. A dream that more often than not revolves around that which I have become custodian of.
This war... the one I stand amidst today... was terrible. The lives of so many torn down by each other. Wars are no longer fought on such a scale. Wars could no longer possibly be fought on such a scale. For the sake of humanity, everyone could see the price was too high.
*The cross Dave stands in front of is revealed. It reads Reginald Arthur Evans. The tiny piece of information likely missing to understand who this is is that Dave's mother's maiden name was Evans. This is the grave of his grandfather.*
But the war I now fight... is by comparison tiny. So infinitely small. Even in the grand scale of nCw it is seemingly nothing. Right now though, it is the biggest thing in it's world. The direction of nCw could change drastically depending on its outcome. I will fight. I will continue to fight. I will bleed. I will one day fall. And then, after my days as a soldier on the front have come to an end, I will know peace. I will know that I fought long and hard to make a better world for those who come after.
I will have come through the turbulence and distress and though I shall be weary I shall be the stronger for having weathered it. So you go on ahead Charlie. You endeavour to reach that unreachable star. You set your sights on the impossible dream. It'll get you nowhere in the end. Not until you realise that your dream is no longer impossible. Until you find that you can reach that star. Until you overcome all that you are to become all that you are not...
You'll never weather the storm of the interesting times.
May you be, as I am now...
Always living in Interesting Times.
Third Strike,..
Fourth down, goal line in sight...
End of the Ninth...
It's weird being the one holding the lead for a change.
I like it.
What I don't like is the fact I've had two words to say ever since I won this belt.
Two words that I've said time and again...
To Jason...
To Zelda...
To Venom...
And of Course, to Charlie...
So I won't say them...
Not this time.
*The scene opens in a library. It's not necessarily an old or dusty library but it is big. As with most libraries there are some students around, scanning the shelves as they search for that book, the one book that holds the key piece of knowledge that will unlock their assignment. The one that is overdue by a long way. The camera goes past shelf after shelf after shelf as the words for our opening title come up.*
A Champion's Curse: Part 1
~ Interesting Times ~
"May You Live in Interesting Times"
-First of the ancient Chinese Curses.
~ Interesting Times ~
"May You Live in Interesting Times"
-First of the ancient Chinese Curses.
*We come to a halt at a book. The writing is small and illegible from this distance. The book is being held up by a hand. From the name attached to this particular piece of film I think we can all take a pretty educated guess as to whose hand it is. The twin of this hand comes up and turns the page as the owner reads the book with great interest. Is he searching for some great secret? Some ancient and lost technique? Or maybe just how to make a particular kind of cocktail, who knows.*
In times of old when a man was beaten, he did one of three things. He either accepted his position and made his way through the world knowing that there was a man out there that was better than he... or he was killed in the initial conflict... or he gives in to pride and envy, turns to wrath and strikes down the man who bested him. Seeks to strike him down with weight of numbers or in his sleep. And not just strike him down... but kill him. End him. Remove him. I'd ask whether anyone could tell me which path Charlie has decided to take but I think the answer is very obvious for us all.
The wrathful man shall fall upon no sword but his own.
*The camera moves up to reveal the face of Dave Holland, looking down at the book in his hands.*
I'm done with you Charlie. After this match, after I have shot down your world title hopes and dreams for not the first, not a second, but a third time... I think we have to consider letting others have a chance. I think we have to start considering that maybe... just maybe... you're not the world champion you and everyone seems to think you are. That includes me, don't get me wrong. I want you to get what you want. I want you to realise your destiny some day. I want you to become the great and mighty Charlie Velez, Champion of the World.
However...
I'm not about to be the one to let my own destiny roll over and let you stomp your muddy tracks all over it. You earned your shot, sure. You gave me a good fight and at the end of the day... you lost. Did I pin you? No. Did I make you tap? Maybe not officially but I know what I heard you doing. I know I heard you begging the ref to ring the bell and end your pain... and then... then you weren't doing anything at all. You know what the history books say Charlie? Well let me tell you. It says loud and clear...
Dave Holland defeats Charlie Velez by K.O. to retain the nCw World Championship.
There's no shame in how it went. Ok, maybe you gave up just a few moments before your body did, but we know. You submitted. You acknowledged that I was the better man. That I had you in a hold you couldn't escape from and couldn't take any longer. I've never done it myself. KO.. sure, I've been there... but not once have I given in. Because I will never admit defeat. Not until after the fact anyway. To defeat Dave Holland you have to break his body... because you cannot break his will. You cannot break my will. My will, cast in iron and stone.
*Dave snaps the book closed.*
Do you even know who you're talking about any more Charlie? So quick to judge, so quick to condemn. Because I saw a gap in my own defences and filled them with men that can and repeatedly have shown their qualities. Do their own agendas match mine perfectly? No. But we share a common enemy and as long as they follow my lead, we'll achieve the aim that is noblest. My aim. My goal. Does that mean I'm scared, Charlie?
Look at me.
Look me in the eyes. Take in my appearance and listen to my voice. Am I avoiding your perceived gaze through this camera? Is my brow damp with a nervous sweat? Is my voice shaking? No. I am not afraid. I am cautious, I am careful, and that is an entirely different animal. That's why I asked for this match. To be in the midst of my enemies and my allies at the same time. It was always going to e inevitable that Zelda, Jason and Venom were going to make an appearance. This way I know where they are. Expected, and in plain sight. And this way my allies and my brother are right there ready to intervene as and when necessary.
This conflict between us needs to be over. This time of unrest needs to be drawn to a close. No more chances. No more excuses. And I'm determined for it to end the right way.
*Dave walks off camera. The camera tries to follow him but instead changes scene as a shelf goes past..*
*We're now sat in Angel's office. About the room are Falcon, Alex Jones, Milo Holland and sat at his own desk, Angel. Dave is stood to one side, speaking to them as a whole.*
Dave: This is it guys. We all knew this battle wouldn't be far away. We all knew that Charlie would get his second shot sooner rather than later. That's why I made it as soon as possible. Made the terms myself, and called every single shot precisely the way I wanted it to go down. If I could do this on my own, you all know I would. You all know I'd rather be fighting Charlie safe in the knowledge that no funny business would interfere.
Alex: See where that got you last time.
Dave: Exactly. That's why I accepted your offer of alliance. And I thank and appreciate you all for that. This last month we've ran riot all over nCw. No... no that's not exactly true. We've stopped them from doing so. We've shown the world that The Young Guns aren't as infallible as they believe. They're tough... but they're human. They're mortal. They're not the best there is was and ever could be. And now there's only one group of people who don't see it. The Young Guns themselves. Are any of you surprised by this?
*There is a general murmur of a negative response*
Dave: No, of course not. That's why I chose lumberjacks over a cell to keep them where I could see them. Cells can be broken. Lumberjacks, are a much tougher nut to crack. But I have one request to make of you. One simple, single request.
Leave Velez to me.
Milo: You think they're going to show you the same courtesy?
Dave: No. No of course they're not. But that's why it is so important. In this day and age it is vital that we show that we're not them. That we are, as they have dubbed us, the antithesis of everything that they are. By all means have at them. I would expect nothing less of you. But Velez is mine. If I don't do this by myself... if I don't end Velez in a way that even he can't dispute, then we'll be right back at square one. Forced to deal with a manic and depressive Charlie Velez making demands of this company as though he was Steve Awesome. We already have one of those and that's more than enough.
Falcon: What about Zelda?
*There's a slightly awkward silence.*
Dave: … I won't lie. Zelda's going to be a tricky subject to tackle. As a unit they have painted us as the bad guys. They've made us sound like little more than petty thugs roaming the corridors like a gang out to victimise anyone unfortunate to cross our paths. You have to hand it to them, if there's one thing the young guns do well, it's propoganda. Me... I'm spotless. Somehow they've been unable to find anything about me they can criticise beyond partnering up with you guys. Angel, they've twisted his promotion into something altogether more sinister. Alex they've made sound as though he's out for just himself... something I know isn't true. And you Kyle.... I wouldn't have gone about it your way, but you're right. She wants to be treated the same as the rest of us... so do exactly that.
Milo: Mel's going to kill you is she finds out you said that.
Dave: I know I can explain it to her. And if that doesn't work, I'll just show her the match against Lance Ryan.
*Sounds of general approval. Every man in this room remembers that match. She can take care of herself.*
Dave: We're nearly there now. After this match, unless Venom or Blair wins the rumble, it'll be a while before we have to worry about the Young Guns again. I believe in you guys...
*Dave gestures towards Falcon and Alex*
Dave: To get the job done in your match. I believe in you all to let me get the job done in mine.
*Another sideways scene change as they all acknowledge what Dave had just said.*
*As we pan sideways we are passed by column after column of dark stone. The columns slowly fade as the video continues. Revealing that the columns are old and worn. We're in Ireland, at Dave's training spot in the ruined abbey.*
Fairness... Equality... You're right. On face value it really does seem like I've done a number on you doesn't it Charlie? Really seems like I've selected the single harshest set of circumstances for you to face. I've turned an already difficult situation into almost insurmountable odds. Only... have I really? Is a lumberjack match really all that dangerous to you or I? You spoke about me being destroyed by your allies while you destroyed mine... arrogant and naïve words from the only man who I am no longer surprised to hear such from. I respect your in ring ability and determination, Charlie... but when it comes to analysing the situation... damn do you overplay the arrogant card.
But what about Angel huh? What about picking a Special Guest Referee who I am personally allied with? That's hardly fair is it? That's hardly noble or honourable. How could a man like me request such a thing? How could I possibly betray my own morals and allow such a biased situation occur? Well... the truth is... I didn't. The Lumberjacks were my idea, Angel as referee... that was all him. The thing about having an actual wrestler as an official is that they're not so easy to bypass. They know the tricks, they don't get fooled unless they want to. They know how to work a ring and how to avoid being worked.
*We find Dave sat on the grass a little way past the abbey. He looks out over the cliff out to sea. The sea is turbulent today.*
The times we're living in, the ones where you could get away with anything you ever wanted... they're over. Your time is not here. Not yet. The times have changed. They're still changing. And there's nothing you can do about it. Unless you can overcome the very man who you have failed to twice defeat, your times are over. For now. I don't doubt they'll make another pass eventually but for now we're done with you. nCw doesn't want you as Champion. The fans, the wrestlers... no one. You want to talk about being the most marketable, just go ahead and check the figures against the amount of Holland Merchandise that has shifted since I became champion. Check the true numbers because all in all... switching you for me isn't such a big change.
I'm a good champion. I've been dominant. As a group, as a unit, we have all been dominant. What victories have you had this month Charlie? What have the Young Guns really achieved? You failed to defeat us together... you failed to defeat us alone. You have failed and failed again. And the only thing that isn't changing... is your modus operandi. You will fail just one more time.
And I will personally make sure of it.
*We cut away sideways again from Dave's face.*
*Into another shot of Dave's face. We're back in Angel's office but this time it's just Dave and Angel.*
Dave: I don't like this. I don't like having you there calling the shots.
Angel: That's the first time I've heard of anyone complaining about an advantage.
*Dave starts pacing the room, a little frustrated at how people think his intentions are these days.*
Dave: Then you've not been listening to me as well as I'd have liked. I don't want to spend the rest of my days with Charlie Velez breathing down my neck, shouting to the world that I'm a phoney like some joke from Family Guy. When your hand comes down for the third time, when that bell rings and Charlie is left reeling from his third straight defeat by my hands, I don't want there to be any shred of doubt there. I want to only person who could believe his delusions to be himself.
Angel: Dave, I get it. Trust me, I'm going to call it fair.
Dave: I know you want to. I know you mean to. To do anything else would be detrimental to nCw and I know you wouldn't do that. But if I get the win and I suspect for an instant that it wasn't a fair count, I'll demand a restart.
*This gets Angel's attention.*
Angel: What?
Dave: And then, we're through. You and the rest of them can carry on fighting the young guns all you want but me... I'll do it my own way. The right way. No matter who I have to fight.
Angel: Are you threatening us Dave?
Dave: No. No I'm not. I'm just making sure you understand how important to me it is that nothing ever sullies this belt that I wear..That nothing can even attempt to bring down my good name. That the Young Guns continue to find nothing they can criticise me for. That my character, my title and my reign remain untarnished in any way.
*Angel holds his hands up to Dave in a sympathetic gesture.*
Angel: Ok, I get it.
Dave: Good. Now I can get back to the business I've gotten so good at recently.
Angel: And what's that?
*Dave turns to leave.*
Dave: Kicking Charlie's Ass.
*Another side swipe scene change away.*
*We are now in a field. Massive. Seemingly endless. Which is really astonishing and a little sad as we're in France, standing in one of the many graveyards for the fallen of the world wars. The white crosses just seem to go on and on and on. Dave is stood at one of the crosses*
War...
When the phrase 'Interesting Times' is used people don't really understand what was the original intention. They think about times when great change and societal improvement occur. They think about things being better, being more favourable... more interesting. However the truth is more sinister. The truly interesting times were the times of unrest. The times of change, certainly, but rarely for the better. The times of conflict. The times of turbulence.
The times of war.
nCw is facing just one more war. In it's history there have been many. Ever year some group or other comes together and vies for dominance over another. Some call themselves a revolution. Others call themselves an empire. The truth is, they're all just men. All just men out to fulfill one dream or another. A dream that more often than not revolves around that which I have become custodian of.
This war... the one I stand amidst today... was terrible. The lives of so many torn down by each other. Wars are no longer fought on such a scale. Wars could no longer possibly be fought on such a scale. For the sake of humanity, everyone could see the price was too high.
*The cross Dave stands in front of is revealed. It reads Reginald Arthur Evans. The tiny piece of information likely missing to understand who this is is that Dave's mother's maiden name was Evans. This is the grave of his grandfather.*
But the war I now fight... is by comparison tiny. So infinitely small. Even in the grand scale of nCw it is seemingly nothing. Right now though, it is the biggest thing in it's world. The direction of nCw could change drastically depending on its outcome. I will fight. I will continue to fight. I will bleed. I will one day fall. And then, after my days as a soldier on the front have come to an end, I will know peace. I will know that I fought long and hard to make a better world for those who come after.
I will have come through the turbulence and distress and though I shall be weary I shall be the stronger for having weathered it. So you go on ahead Charlie. You endeavour to reach that unreachable star. You set your sights on the impossible dream. It'll get you nowhere in the end. Not until you realise that your dream is no longer impossible. Until you find that you can reach that star. Until you overcome all that you are to become all that you are not...
You'll never weather the storm of the interesting times.
May you be, as I am now...
Always living in Interesting Times.