078 - Flashback Theatre with Henry West

[major_west]

The first time I had to shoot a civilian-- hostile, actually. They lose civilian status the moment the Infection hits their system-- it was the first I'd actually been faced with the Infected. In my position, I only had to supervise. Direct. For the first days, I was perfectly isolated from what was really happening. But as our numbers

Comments

Private

[gimmethemap]

So it just got easier and easier to not look at them like they were once people.

Private

[major_west]

No, actually, I still saw them as people. It's what made it easier.

Private

[gimmethemap]

I'm trying to understand. Can you explain how that made it easier?

Private

[major_west]

Because people kill people. It's how it's always gone before the Infection, and it's how the world will always be. It's far more normal to think that you have just shot another person, rather than some sort of monster.

I try to think of them as monsters now, however. After it's passed.

Private

[gimmethemap]

The way you talk about it makes me think of one of the books I read in the library.

Private

[major_west]

Which book?

Private

[gimmethemap]

It's been a long time since I read it, but it was recommended. I had a little trouble following it at first, but then no one from my time writes like that.

I think that the author was American. Herringway?

I could probably find it in the library again if I tried.

Private

[major_west]

Ah. Hemingway.

Private

[gimmethemap]

Right, him.

The book jumped around a lot, and really quickly sometimes. But one of the old Wardens found it for me. War where I come is really different, after all.

Private

[major_west]

Yes, we've really mastered the art of killing by my time.