Game Date 02.27.2001

Reading to Marina

Chris was in his armor because he was going out on patrol. But he had a stop to make first. He had to see Marina Forlon. He couldn't exactly call her a friend because they hadn't exactly been introduced. She was in a Nekros induced coma. It was a wonder she survived, really. Somehow, she hadn't been mummified. Lucky her, thought Chris. Then again, maybe not so lucky. Marut had counseled her death because she was a gate by which Nekros or whatever spawned Nekros could return. Chris shuddered at that thought. Be strong, he told himself. Your mentor is an example for this. What looks hopeless ain't necessarily that hopeless.

But you have long odds, and you need to be prepared, said dream Brasidas.

What exactly am I preparing for?

You see every day what the evil can do. You even read her Sports Illustrated.

Hey, Sports Illustrated is a great mag. If it had been around in your time, you might have lived through Amphipolis, thought Chris.

Watch it, runt, said dream Brasidas.

Besides, thought Chris, if Shadow Tiger can talk to her everyday, I can read her Sports Illustrated. Doesn't belief count for anything?

Yes it does. That's why I haven't slapped you around in your dreams yet, replied dream Brasidas. Besides, they are courageous stories. I suppose. But what's with all the clothes? In my day, we exercised and competed naked.

Chris thought of the Florida State-Miami game with everybody naked. He started to think of the offensive and defensive lines naked and quickly suppressed the thought.

That's right, said dream Brasidas. That didn't look attractive at all.

Cut it out, thought Chris.

She'd look better naked, too.

Chris stopped before he entered Marina's room. I wouldn't be old enough to date in your Sparta, thought Chris. I'm only 22, remember? I couldn't even date for another 8 years in Sparta.

But that's one reason to exercise naked. To see each other and whet your appetite.

But she's a possible teammate for Christ's sake! thought Chris. I can't do that!

Why not? You're too obsessed with this Christ. The Olympians would be more approving...

Enough for now, thought Chris. I'm going to talk to my potential teammate. You could lend me some of that diplomatic mojo you seemed to have.

I'll see what I can do, replied dream Brasidas.

Chris entered the room, leaned his spear and shield against the wall, and sat down by the air cushion recliner. What soldiers of old would've given for that, thought Chris.

"Hey, Marina. It's nice to see you're not quitting. You keep fighting. You keep listening to Eve, too. She really cares for you." Chris tried not think of what that could cost the Wardens. Positive thoughts only, he told himself. Eve's bravery deserved praise, too.

"I wonder what you were thinking when you ran across him. Did he surprise you? Did you surprise him? Did you seek him out? I guess you'll tell me when you wake up. I'm sure you faced him bravely, though. You seem like that kind of kid. I think you could be one of us. Wake up and be one of us. You can do it. Get up and do it. Just do it! OK, I slipped into a Nike commercial for a minute but it is possible. So help me out. Don't you want to meet the guy who read you all those Sports Illustrateds? Seriously, I really want you to wake up. I'm going on patrol now. I'll try to read to you when I come back. I think I'll read you some Winston Churchill. Now that guy was a fighter!"

Chris thought about laying his hand on her head but thought the better of it. He collected his spear and shield and went to keep San Francisco safe. As he left, he wondered what dream Brasidas would think of San Francisco.