Sixth Song: Un-droned

[bard_of_orlais]

[Leliana wakes up like any other morning, but something doesn't feel right. For one, it's suddenly a lot colder, and there's a lot of snow everywhere. More than that, however, she can't shake the slight sense of disorientation that colors her morning routine

Comments

[zombee_slayer]

Well I just got here if that's important enough.

[bard_of_orlais]

Did you?

And who are you?

[zombee_slayer]

Name's Tank Dempsey!

[bard_of_orlais]

It is good to meet you, Tank Dempsey. I am Leliana.

[zombee_slayer]

Nice to meet ya too miss.

[bard_of_orlais]

And what is it that you do?

[zombee_slayer]

Back home I'm a fucking US Marine Raider. Here I'm the freaking gym teacher to a bunch of kids.

[bard_of_orlais]

What language! Surely, those sorts of adjectives aren't necessary....

Unfortunately, I have no idea what a US Marine Raider is. Perhaps you can explain that a bit more?

[zombee_slayer]

H-how can you not know what a Marine is!? A US Marine is one of the most hardcore, badass, all-American warriors on Earth!

We fought in all sorts of battles and been through freaking hell and back!

[bard_of_orlais]

It was not my intention to call into question your worth as a soldier! It's just that where I am from, they are not known as "marines." I have no doubts that your group is fierce and well-deserving on the honor you say they deserve.

[A long pause.]

You are American, then?

[zombee_slayer]

Yeah, an actual American too. Not like the freaks in this town.

[bard_of_orlais]

I see.

And you like living there? I've heard some mixed things from around the town. [Meaning that she's heard a lot of negative stuff from the Communist countries that she's friends with.]

[zombee_slayer]

Of course I fucking do! It's an amazing country that lets ya live as a free man!

[bard_of_orlais]

A free man, you say? In what way--how would you explain this to a foreigner who does not know?

[zombee_slayer]

Ya know, freedom to do and say almost anything that you want and own just about whatever you want. As long as the Feds say that it ain't illegal like owning a fucking person.

[bard_of_orlais]

So you are free to do anything you like as long as you are not breaking the law? I suppose that does define a 'free man,' yes.

Although, in and of themselves, rules and restrictions are not bad things. Just because you can do something does not mean you should.