Fraction

Fraction Chapter 29 - FEAR

"Why do people lose wars?" Leo asked Edward. Edward tilted his head and replied, "Because they fight." Leo closed his eyes and shook his head. "In war, everybody is a loser. Very cynical... but that's not what I meant. I mean, given an equal level of technology, firepower and manpower, what is the deciding factor in a war?"

"Luck?"

"So close... yet so far. Think again. Think about all the times you've been lucky... you've also been something else... what is it that luck accompanies?"

"I don't know. Could you quit stalling and tell me the answer if you know it?"

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Show off..."

"Ever sat in front of a question paper during an examination and thought 'Wow, I'm so lucky they gave this question! If it was the other question, I wouldn't have known the answer!' and thanked your lucky stars?"

"Yes. What's your point?"

"Ever wondered why you were lucky with that question?"

"I-"

"It's because you were prepared for that question."

"Aah... I see."

"Preparation is the secret. Preparation leads to the illusion of luck. Between two sides of a war, preparation makes all the difference. Planning. Strategy."

"That's just common sense."

"Well, yes... but do you really think most people use common sense? IF that really were the case, the losers wouldn't have lost."

"So, your Perfect Army is going to be better prepared than the enemy every single time? Isn't that logically impossible? It isn't always possible to anticipate everything."

"I'm telling you there IS a way to do it. With the right mind and technology, it is totally possible. Just imagine! A group of soldiers who have trained to their limits and beyond, reaching the pinnacle of human strength, speed and dexterity! Such a unit, led by the world's strongest man! Supported by the World Government! Supported by Sapphire! They would know exactly when, where and who to strike! Exactly how many bullets to fire! Exactly how many lives to sacrifice!"

"But that last part... wouldn't that be detrimental to morale? Would any sane soldier gladly march to his own death?"

"It's all in the rhetoric, my boy. People will do anything for you if you can rile them up with your words."

"Isn't that just a sugar-coated way of saying you're going to manipulate them into obeying you? Give them a false sense of righteousness? What happens when they realize that they're not fighting for the right cause? What happens when they, like all other soldiers, realize that war itself is just a grand game played by powerful people like yourself, at the cost of the lives of pawns?"

"I won't have such soldiers in my Perfect Army."

"What?!"

"I'll be completely honest with every single soldier who signs up. I will explain to them, the exact nature of the situations they will be in if they choose to join. And if, in the end, it turns out no one wants to join, so be it. I will be content with my Army of four."

Edward counted. Leo, Sapphire and himself. "There's only three of us. Don't tell me you're spouting that nonsense about no matter where you are, the Goddess is with you too..." The door opened and a woman's voice replied, "Yes, something like that." Leo immediately stood up. Edward turned towards the guest. "Hi." The woman said, "I'm Rosa. I suppose I'm not the Goddess you had in mind... but I will have to do." Edward jumped back. "I've seen you on TV! You're the Head of the Security Council! What are you- what is she doing here?!" Leo laughed and patted him on the back. "Rosa Thorne. World's most influential woman." He introduced her to Edward. Rosa bent down and examined his features. "So... I assume this is the test subject you were talking about, Leo? Daryl Winchester's final gift to the world?"