Deja Vu

As we gear up for war I am reminded of battles we fought not so long ago. We were young and idealistic then. Fresh out of the State War Academy fighting for the glory of the State. Fighting against the Gallente scum who claim to love freedom and democracy while trying to subjugate and oppress us at the same time.

Idealists. We were a bunch of idiots. Fighting a war for a State that never cared about us. We had no financial aid. No help what so ever. Half of our allies were more like to miss the Gallente and shoot us by accident. Those State Protectorate guys really were a bunch of idiots.

We succeeded in capturing all of Gallente low security space. What thanks did we get for our sacrifices? How many clones did we sacrifice without question? Sure sometimes we had to stretch the limits of the law. How else were we to pay for ships and ammo? We never had it as easy as these kids have it today. We never had profitable missions.

We captured all of Gallente low security space. Against all odds. What did we get for that? Nothing. Not even that stinking medal, all because we bent a few rules.

Now we're out here. In the middle of Lawless space. Trying to make a living. The money is good and easy. These Gurista pirates aren't too bright. Inspite of being scorned by the State we still fight their enemies, out here in the middle of nowhere. We just do it for different reasons now. We're here for the money. Killing the Guristas for the State is just an excuse. It's something to tell our families. Redemption for the loss of security status in low sec.

Here we are now. On the brink of another war. Fighting a war that isn't even of our making, but it's for our home. Most of our comrades from fights long ago don't stand with us anymore. We don't fly out with a smiles on our faces dreaming of glory like we did, once upon a time. Now we fight for home. We will destroy those who dare challenge us in our space. Now we fight with experience, we fight with cunning, we fight with a force battle hardened and eager to destroy.

Deja vu. Once the battles are won and our enemies crushed, I wonder if those we fight for will treat us the same way as the State once did? The thought clears from my mind as my pod locks into place and the systems come online in my Tempest class battleship.