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[centre]The moment he saw Jean lose his smile, Zac kicked himself inwardly. Everyone here had just gone through hell and he's cracking a joke? [i][color=4C00FF]Open mouth, insert foot,[/color][/i] he thought to himself. He listened to his NCO as he talked about how recently he had been promoted and about how everyone had already been through so much, the latter Zac already had guessed from the haunted looks in most of the veteran's eyes. [color=4C00FF]"I'm sorry, Jean. I didn't mean to make light o' the situation. I just tend to make bad jokes when I'm nervous,"[/color] Zac said with a quiet chuckle. [color=4C00FF]"But, I promise, I have no illusions about this war. I know I'm probably gonna have to do things I'd rather not do. Hell, I probably wouldn't even be here if not for my brother."[/color]

He slipped his arm back through the strap of his rifle as his mind briefly wandered to thoughts of his brother and the stubborn, almost childish belief he had to be alive that led Zac to enlisting. In hindsight, it was the stupidest decision of his life. It would have been one thing if he had evidence that his brother wasn't dead, but to act so impulsively on a belief, knowing he more than likely wouldn't find Colin? Having always acted before thinking, even he knew this took the cake.

He shook his head, then met Jean's eyes. [color=4C00FF]"But, I'm here, now, so I'm gonna do my job."[/color] He adjusted his rifle on his shoulder and continued, [color=4C00FF]"And that means keeping an eye on you lot. I'll watch your backs so you can all do your jobs without worry. I know I won't be able to protect everyone, but I'll do my damnedest to try."[/color][/centre]