Tomorrow There'll Be More Of Us

Prologue

A deep sigh came from across the table. John looked up from his drink and saw Hercules mulling over his own. As John was watching, Hercules sighed again.

"Come on, mon ami. What is it?" asked their other friend, Lafayette. "You can tell us anything, you know." He winked and propped his feet up on the table. "We're listening." John leaned closer and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Are you in looooove?" he asked. Hercules looked up at him, disgusted.

"No!" he stated loudly, making some heads turn. "I just......." another sigh. "I just wish there was something to do around here, y'know?"

"Riiiight." replied John. "There's absolutely nothing to do. I mean, it's not like there's a revolution in the making! What's really wrong, man?"

"I mean..." Hercules sighed yet again. "I know there's plenty of stuff to be doing, I just... I don't want to sit around sewing pants all day. I want some action, y'know? Some... BANG! Or some POW!" He demonstrated by pounding the table with his fists. John feigned comprehension, looking with concern at his friend.

"Yeah..... y'know, Herc, maybe it's time to go. You should probably get some sleep before your long day of pant-sewing tomorrow."

"It's 5:00 in the evening, John," Hercules said, glaring at him. "We haven't even had dinner yet." This time, it was John's turn to sigh.

"All I'm saying, Herc, is that you seem to be going a little - let's see, how do I say this - bonkers? Crazy? Off your rocker?" Hercules's glare deepened. "Hey, I just don't understand what you're saying. Do you, Laf?" Lafayette shook his head and smirked.

"Mon ami, you need to be drinking less beer. It's not good for the liver, you know." Hercules turned an alarming shade of red.

"Fine," he grunted. "You said you were there to listen to me, but it seems like you'd rather just poke fun instead."

John dropped his goofy facade and looked at his friend with real concern. "Herc, are you sure everything's ok? You seem grumpier than usual. I mean - no offense," he added quickly as Hercules scowled at him again. "But really, if you want, you can tell us. We won't joke, I promise." Lafayette nodded in agreement.

Hercules sighed again. "I already told you, but maybe this time you'll actually listen. I want something to do. I want to go start a war and fight in it. I want to do something other than sit around poking holes in my finger with a needle. That's not the kind of bleeding I want to do. I want to bleed for a purpose. I want to bleed for our country." John nodded in understanding. "Hey, y'know what would be cool?" continued Hercules. "If I could spy on the British. Don't you think I'd be amazing at that?" John looked at Lafayette, and they both burst out laughing. Hercules joined in a moment later.

"Now that, mon ami, is definitely a sign that you are going - how did John phrase it - bonkers." joked Lafayette.

"You? A spy?" laughed John. "That's the best I've heard yet!"

They continued laughing as they left the bar and went out to look for a place to eat.

★★★

Stomach comfortably full of food and beer, John lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He was thinking about what Hercules had said. Life was pretty monotonous, wasn't it? Every day felt almost the same. Maybe it was time for a change in routine. A new job, maybe? But, no, John liked his job. Oh well, he thought. I hope something comes around eventually, before I'm old and boring. He closed his eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.