[Soldier: 76 paused mid-sip from his beverage as Reyes went into the illusion of hope, slowly lowering the bottle to his thigh so as not to drop or throw it. He listened, painfully, but he listened, letting Reyes get it out because that was entirely necessary and why he stayed.

The what ifs, huh? Described like that, it sounded worse than he had considered, which meant that actually living it had been a version of Hell that would drive them both into hiding. He had no doubt Gabe had fled and required considered time to process it.]

Surprised you came out of that with your marbles still rolling in a forward direction. We both know hope has a place, but not like that... not like a game.

[It actually disgusted him that this place would create such illusions, the kind of escapism that threw reality far more harshly back into focus once it was finished. All the more reason to get out of this place before everyone was thrown back under the emotional bus.]

If there is no voted leadership with strategy, it's their own fault and they will pay for that decision. The only way to stop the inevitable slaughter now is the kill the underground movement before it gains traction, and that's political suicide. [He was in agreement of the stupidity of it though.

He eyed Gabriel in return at the mention of O'Deorain.] You could have just said 'no' and that would have sufficed.