"And you?" General Torrey asked his guest as he took another sip of his tea.


"I use to." Ray answered, still casually poking his dinner with his fork. "I eventually figured that it didn't matter either way, and I finally lost all faith during my first battle in this war."


"Where was that?"


"Seattle."


"Ah," The General said with admiration, "The Great Siege of Seattle."


"I prayed to God for the first time in five years, pleading that he help us win the battle. Of course, we lost the Siege, and I lost many of my fellow soldiers."


"So that was it?"


"Yes sir."


"But you got away." Torrey pointed out, "That's got to count for something."



"I escaped because of my skill sir." Raymond answered harshly, as if insulted by the idea. "What about you? Why would you believe in God?"


Torrey hesitated his response, sipping his tea as if buying time to think up an answer. He eventually set his cup down, soundlessly, and answered casually, "Because that's all the hope I have left."


Raymond pulled his sleeve and looked down at his watch, "I have to go sir." He stood and saluted his superior.