War has its necessities...and I have always understood that. Always known the cost. But, this day, by my own hand, I have realized something else. War is not a natural state. It is an imposition, and a damned unhealthy one. With its rules, we willingly yield our humanity. Speak not of just causes, worthy goals. We are takers of life.

There is no struggle too vast, no odds too overwhelming, for even should we fail - should we fall - we will know that we have lived.

For we are all bound in stories, and as the years pile up they turn to stone, layer upon layer, building our lives.

Children are dying." Lull nodded. "That's a succinct summary of humankind, I'd say. Who needs tomes and volumes of history? Children are dying. The injustices of the world hide in those three words.

The more civilized a nation, the more conformed its population, until that civilization's last age arrives, when multiplicity wages war with conformity. The former grows ever wilder, ever more dysfunctional in its extremities; whilst the latter seeks to increase its measure of control, until such efforts acquire diabolical tyranny.' - Traveller

First in , Last out. Motto of the bridgeburners

Soldiers are issued armour for their flesh and bones, but they must fashion their own for their souls. Piece by piece.