Day 2 - VIDEO

[exceptfebruary]

[There's a pause before he starts. Julian's exact location is isn’t immediately clear, but the graves might be an indication. He seems to be watching something off camera, and if you listen closely, you might hear an odd shuffling sound. Julian’s not carrying the camera, but from the odd movements it’s obviously held by someone.

He’s wearing exactly eleven medals. They’re all real except for one - which is fashioned out of an old silver coin and a bit of ribbon. When he starts speaking he looks directly at the camera.]

It’s Veterans Day.

11/11/11, a curious number. [ He reaches forward and gently tilts the camera a bit upwards, showing more of the sky. ] A cold, clear day. I'd hate to be stuck inside on a day like this. To be confined indoors - today of all days - would be infuriating. Luckily we're all free to enjoy it. [ He puts the camera back to normal. ]

Today is a day of rest, for those who have fought. For those who are fighting. For those who have died, and those who survived. How many of you would call yourselves veterans?

[ The camera droops a little and Julian looks at whatever is holding it - ] Stand at attention. [ The camera rights itself. ]

My new troops need a bit more training, I think. Untrained soldiers would only result in capture. No battles today, only drills.

At ease. [ The camera droops even more this time, and there’s a glimpse of a ragged boot and the remnants of a uniform before the feed cuts.]

Comments

voice

[bests]

[ reading dat catman conversation... ]

Creating an undead private army isn't exactly celebrating veterans.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

I'd hardly call it an army. But we all celebrate holidays in our own way, don't we? [ He's not even going to apologize. ]

voice

[bests]

Army, squad. Doesn't matter. I'd call that being disrespectful to all those who lost their lives in service to their country.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

You take issue with it. Have you served?

voice

[bests]

I have.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

Your country appreciates your service.

voice

[bests]

[ in the flattest voice possible: ] It was an honor to serve.

How did you get your squad.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

They came when I called. Not out of graves, if you're wondering. That would be tacky.

voice

[bests]

Then where did they come from?

voice

[exceptfebruary]

From the date.

voice

[bests]

That doesn't make any kind of sense.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

It's Veterans Day. They wouldn't have come on any other day. Only for today.

voice

[bests]

So they just appeared out of thin air?

voice

[exceptfebruary]

Yes, precisely. They crawled out of nowhere because they were needed.

voice

[bests]

Can you put them back?

voice

[exceptfebruary]

Perhaps when the day is over.

voice

[bests]

But you won't until then.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

I like the company.

voice

[bests]

That was a terrible pun.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

It was. Do you have a name, soldier?

voice

[bests]

Colonel Danvers.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

They call me the Calendar Man, Colonel. Can you guess why?

voice

[bests]

I'm guessing bizarre obsession with dates and holidays.

voice

[exceptfebruary]

Bizarre is an opinion. But otherwise correct.

voice

[bests]

Names sort of get predictable after a while.