Time passed as I healed. Today was a month on the dot, and the family was yet again visiting. Darien and I had gotten to know each other, and it was with a heavy heart I could confirm he was a sarcastic little shit.

  In other news, my bandages were off, and I looked... normal enough. When the plasma hit, my nose, ears, and and eyes were, reasonably, damaged. As in, it was fixable. I have a new eardrum, along with a new ear. My nose is now regrown, and my eye is... different. Now a dead grey. But I can see, thankfully.

  My skin, though... parts have severe burn scars, along with a conspicuous patch of unblemished, dead white skin. It contrasted heavily with the border of burned flesh and my natural skin.

  I honestly didn't want it fixed beyond that. Everything functions as best as it can, and now it's an aesthetic's kind of thing. I lived, and the Mark is a painfully obvious thing. Also, Darien called it 'Cool'. Heh, I'll take it, ten year old boy. I'll take it.

  But, as the day winds down, and Darien naps in a chair off to the side, a conversation starts. They had been under the impression that I was 'retiring'. When they heard I wasn't... they took it poorly.

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  "Mom, dad, I know your upset-"

  "Upset?! I'm livid! You just got done healing after getting S H O T I N T H E H E A D! And now you want to join the damn navy?!?" Mom hiss-yells.

  "Seriously dear, just what has gotten into you? Haven't you done enough? We've looked at your record. You have a chest full of medals, a long, long list of accomplishments... Just... Why? You could be safe!" He pleads.

  I sigh, a mix of emotions stirs in me, uncomfortable. "Yes, I just got done healing, and if I could, I would be returning to the front yesterday. But... with my lungs... it's just not possible. I was discharged, basically " I say.

  "But, instead of moving to the logistics side of things... It's BECAUSE of my impeccable record I am even allowed this chance. The brass stuck their necks out for me. They don't do that, typically. Not to this extent. They got me into the naval academy here on reach." I say.

  "And... To put it bluntly, there is no more safety. The fucking aliens are steadily pushing to the core, and nothing we can do is stopping them. Humanity needs every man and woman on the line to buy Humanity time. I have given my everything to Humanity, mom, dad. The only reason I haven't given my life yet is providence." I state.

  "Is it so bad that we want to see you safe?" Mom begs. "Please... Don't just go. Dont- Don't just die..." She sobs.

  I harden my heart. I knew my duty. But... kindness cost nothing. Even if it was a lie. "Don't worry mom. The alien scum haven't gotten me yet. They won't in the future either."