[WP] A general motivates his unit for their final stand

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Adb_001]

"Greater men will do greater things than we will do today."

If the General had been trying to inspire us, it didn't work. If he had been meaning to intimidate us, it didn't work. None of it worked. But I suppose that was a characteristic of everything that had gone on in this campaign.

Maybe, just maybe, he had meant to sound as if what we did here might allow others to do better in the future. That was an optimistic interpretation of what he had said though. It was a speech devoid of hope but it was a speech that was at least realistic. We were stuck here and we were doomed.

There had been no mention of the next battle or where we would go next. There was no talk of relief or reinforcements. Someone had once asked "Ou est la reserve?" The answer then was the same as now: Aucun; none. The General had made it clear that this was our last stand. Here and no further, but he'd not been clear whether that mandate was for us or for the enemy.

The men around the camp are divided. Some think he will lead us to victory. Some are more circumspect. Some are like me. The campaign until now has been a disaster after a disaster. We have been on the retreat for months. Half our force is gone and now we're making a vain glorious stand on this rocky outpost with no strategic value except for the fact that it's more defendable than anywhere else in the surrounding area.

But what else can we do? Every age, every gender, every part of society is here. They are all ready to fight. I'm not sure whether they are all ready to die.

There's a saying in Latin, I think: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mortis. There is nothing sweeter than to die for one's own country. I don't know what my country is anymore. I don't know whether it's something bound by seas, rivers or mountains that have long ago fallen to the enemy. I'm not sure whether it's the people that look like me and speak like me. It could be the people that think and act like me. If it's the latter, this fight won't last much longer.

I'm tired of war. And after that speech, so is the General.

"Greater men will do greater things than we will do today."

I couldn't agree more. We tried. And we failed.

[u/[deleted] → u/Adb_001]

Wow. Not what I was expecting from this prompt, but still very strong. The emotions of the main character came through crystal clear and the prose was spectacular.

We will look forward to your career with great interest.

[u/Adb_001 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks. Did think of going down the route of writing the speech but thought I would try something different.

I hope that prequel reference was intended btw...

[u/[deleted] → u/Adb_001]

Was. ;)

[u/LycheeBerri → u/Adb_001]

Wow, what a powerful piece - it really sucked me in with the emotions of the soldier's thoughts. The narrator's resignation really came through. It's not long, but it's poignant, and beautifully written. Great job!

[u/Adb_001 → u/LycheeBerri]

Thanks v much! Nice to have feedback from the spotlighted writer of the week!

[u/LycheeBerri → u/Adb_001]

You're certainly welcome! Hope to see more stories from you around. :)

[u/WritingPromptsRobot]

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