Contemplations of the Commander

Based on "Hard Contact"

I had no clue of these men before I met them

I did not know that they were the means to win our war

That the men that we could create

They only live for one purpose

They only live to fight, to fight for our peace

Though they fight our war, they have no importance

No importance to those who create them

Nor to those who use them

Or to those whose lives they save

But they don't know these men as I do

They did not spend days, depending on these men to survive

They did not witness the true people these men are

They did not see their sorrow

Their happiness

Their pride

Their devotion to us all

They are willing to die for peace

But they are seen as expendable weapons

That's it

That's all they are

And am I to be seen as weak because I care for them

Am I the one who is wrong

Have I broken the law of my kind

Have I truly turned my back on who I am to be

All because I refuse to turn my back on those in my charge

And now the only person who treasures whom they are

Can no longer lead them on

Now they are far from my sight

Far from my care

Perhaps we'll meet again

Perhaps not

But even if I never see these men again

I will fight for them as they fight for us

I will not let them be seen as faceless soldiers

I will not let them become soulless fighters

I will not let them have no importance among those they fight for

That is my mission as it is their mission to fight

And that is how I will thank them

And Darman

For saving me and helping in my role as commander

I only hope I can see them again

How I hope to see you again Darman . . .

- the thoughts of Etain Tur-Murken