The Kaiju Runt in the Room....

[genericbiggerbrother]

One fine day, someone posts a general video message on the Unity Group network.

"Hello! This is Ranger Yancy Beckett, on loan with his brother from the Pan Pacific Defense Corps."

He smiles. "I've been impressed by everyone I've met here, and I'm looking forward to defending the Earth with you all!"

His smile fades. "That being said, there's something that I've been meaning to ask folks, something that's been bugging me for a bit." He fidgets, then blurts out:

"Why are there so many kids here?"

Comments

[abugslife]

A keen observation. I noticed it myself; Earth must be in a pretty desperate state if it has to resort to using child soldiers so often.

[genericbiggerbrother]

"I never believed we would have ever gotten that desperate." Yancy growls suddenly.

"I thought we were fighting the good fight, keeping the monsters at our doors at bay so kids would never get caught up in this...this terror and pain and death!"

The Jaeger pilot suddenly looks weary. "Does this make us evil, Ms. Heterephares? Or just failures?"

there's no "a" in that name

[abugslife]

I believe your situation is too complex for such labels. As it often comes with situations in a crisis.

There is also one thing to consider: these kids are not used as cheap, badly-equipped and barely trained recruits. They pilot experimental, powerful mecha, much better machines than ordinary soldiers use. In spite of their lack of real experience, they are elites.

[genericbiggerbrother]

"And they aren't exactly beaten down kids." Yancy adds. "That what makes it so confusing; they're all fine, upstanding people, full of life and joy!"

[genericbiggerbrother]

"Well," He amends, "all of them except for Souseke Sagara and Leos Stein. I'm really worried about those two."

1/2

[abugslife]

This is why this is a complex situation. No matter what caused it, however, the fact is that we cannot do much to change it. Instead, focus on thinking what you can do for them; provide guidance, to make sure they can survive their assignments, live as normally as possible in their circumstances, and carve out the kind of future they want for themselves!

2/2

[abugslife]

And yes. There is something worrying about these two. The former is a consummate professional on a level that is not normal for his age. The latter is... not stable.

Re: 2/2

[genericbiggerbrother]

"Damn straight he's not." Yancy says, referring to Leos. "And as much as he talks up this Lana employer of his, no one with a heart would hire someone in his mental condition as a freaking gladiator-mercenary!"

[abugslife]

Is there a psychologist on the base? Any of the bases? I do believe that boy would greatly benefit from a visit to one.

[genericbiggerbrother]

"I'll go ask." Yancy says. "Worst case scenario, I know a few at the PPDC who could do some virtual consultations."