The Soldier's Palace (An Original Story)

[X...Re-Arranged...X]

June 24, 2007

CT

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Dear Reader,

This is a new original story. As you have come to know, I have given up with the fan fic scene due to my personal stance on such stories. I know I have two other original stories out right now (one that's basically obsolete and another fresh one), but I felt that I needed to write this one.

This story The Soldier's Palace touches base on current issues faced today. War. Soldier casualties. Civilian casualties. And political differences. I am speaking from a personal perspective (no I have never been to Iraq or in the army). From the perspective of my brother would be more appropriate. I am basing this story from letters received and sent. I am basing this off the trials my family and many families abroad face. I am basing this off of some true events (though not all). The names and locations are entirely fictional. That's right, my brother does not have an insane friend by the name of Pete and is not from San Diego. My brother is also only in the National Guard. He volunteered to go to Iraq, a decision that has affected the family in quite dramatic ways. My mom prayed for him to choose a safe deployment where as my dad was forever a critic. My brother dreamed of doing this, so I allow myself to accept it as best as possible. And the letter? He promised he would read it to us as soon as he got back.

As for the other soldiers and families who deal with sons, daughters, husbands and wives serving in the in the military, this story is dedicated to you and those who never made it out alive. We love you all.

Sincerely, sebz <3

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September 5, 2005

 

 


Private Jason A. Hawthorne

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Dear Mom & Dad,

 


We arrived yesterday around five in the evening. The ride, for the most part, was boring. I sat at the back of the plane with Pete (Remember? The one who's always popping in on our few phone conversations?) and the other men from our unit. The only thing we were fed were small bags of peanuts. I definitely have to admit that it's better than the food I'm used to eating. I feel almost spoiled and am almost dreading eating tonight's meal. Funny how a little baggie of assorted nuts could do that to a man huh? The only things I've been thinking about since I arrived at training were mom's Christmas time cookies. You know, the ones with the green and red sprinkles? Now, the only things I'll be thinking of are Airline snack packets.

 


Alls I know is that the worse thing (so far) about being here is the heat. Believe it or not, it's worse than San Diego. Right when I got off the plane I knew I was screwed. It's just another thing that I have to learn to deal with because if I don't, my *** is grass. I didn't sign up for the Army for nothing.

 


I'm already a bit worried about this whole thing. We had to write a letter today. We write it to family/friends/lovers, whoever and we have to keep it on us all times so if we… if anything happens to us, the letter is taken and sent to the corresponding address. Basically, it's our final good-byes. I promise you, though, that I won't be sending one anytime soon. I'm too tough for that kind of stuff.J I would tell you whom I wrote it to and what it said, but I'll leave that for my welcome home party. Whenever that may be…

 


Anyways, things are pretty nice here. We're stationed in an old palace and I can't believe someone lived in this place. IT'S ENORMOUS! So much bigger than any of those beach side mansions back at home. I don't think I'd mind living in here… though I technically am. I wouldn't mind living in here outside of the war. Just casually strutting around in my PJ's. You know? You guys and Mike (how's Mike doing anyways?) could have your own sectors in the palace and Jen and I would have our own. And, oh yeah, Pete wants his own area too. Other than the soot and rubble, this place is suitable. I mean, we're only soldiers.

 


We haven't even been here for a full 24 hours and the shooting has already begun again. It started late last night. No bombs though. Thank ***. It's pretty quiet right now. Hopefully it stays that way or we're gonna be pulling a long shift tonight.

 


Anyways, I have to go. Soldier duties and all. Love you all so much!

 

 


Love, Jason

 


P.S. Pete says hi!

 




 

 

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Anna and Joseph Hawthorne

12 Birch Hill Drive

September 17, 2005

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Dear Jason,

Mom is pretty upset to hear that you'd take Airline Peanuts over her cookies. But she still loves you just as much. I'm glad to hear that the flight went smoothly. I still wish that you would've chosen to be deployed somewhere else. I mean, isn't Iraq a bit drastic? I know that no matter where you would have gotten deployed to you would've been shipped to Iraq, but at least if you had chosen Italy or somewhere else like that like we said you would've had a fighting chance to stay out of that dustbowl. I don't even know why you chose to go into the army. You're only 18 son. You're too young for this stuff. Your mom and I told you that we would pay for college. I just wish you would've thought longer about this. It is war and all. If it weren't for that ******* George Bush starting this good for nothing war you wouldn't have even decided on such a career path. Oh well. You'll learn I guess.

Your mother remembers Pete just fine, but for the life of me I can't even put the name to a face. Did we meet him at your graduation from the academy? Is he the one that wouldn't stop talking? Anyways, Mike is doing fine. As you know, he just started senior year and is already talking about entering the military. You've seemed to have done a very good job with brainwashing him I must say. With you and all that Army propaganda you'd send home. He wears one of the ******* An Army of One shirts every ******* day. He's even started shoving this bologna down his friend's throats. I'm scared for your generation. Really, I am. Next thing you know, it'll be the cool new fad to join up and become jarheads and whatever you call military kids.

Shooting already? I'm telling you, if you go and get your *** shot and killed I won't even bother with a tear. I know you're not stupid enough to go and get shot so you better not do it. I don't want to get that letter and folded flag, you hear me? This is your choice to do this, so don't expect us to feel sorry all the time. Your mom was already in hysteria when you told us you were going straight to Iraq. I don't need to listen to anymore of that. You better just hope that Jen doesn’t give up hope on you. You don't want her going on the "wall of shame" do you? Haha. That movie Jarhead gave me such a kick. But like I said, pray she doesn't find bigger fish in that ocean.

Well, I'll leave you to your brand new soldier duties. Hope to hear from you soon son!

Love, Your Mom and Dad

P.S. Tell this Pete character we say hello back!