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felt like it was still a long ways off,” Ethan added.
    I know the feeling. Wil looked around the table, catching a few bewildered stares. They’re looking to me for reassurance. I need to give them something, even though I’m barely holding it together myself. “Look, this is tough for me, too. I’ve had the war looming in front of me for my whole life, and now that it’s right around the corner, I feel… lost. I wish I had some magical words of encouragement to make this easier for you, but I don’t. All I can say is that we’re in this together. We’ve trained and practiced—countless hours, running through as many scenarios and crazy strategic plans as I could think of. We work together seamlessly, and that’s our strength.
    “The Bakzen may be daunting to face alone, but together we’re far stronger than they can ever be. We know what it is to care about others, to stand strong as an individual and still be part of a team. We each have a role to play, and we know our parts inside and out. I’ve pushed you, harder than I should have at times, but now you’re so in tune with yourselves and each other that you can beat even the toughest simulations while half-asleep with your eyes closed. Yes, those may just be simulations, but why doubt what you can do in real life? We’re the elite of the elite. When someone tries to stand in our way, we rise to the occasion. We always do. And while the next few months will test us more than ever, I’m confident we’ll come out ahead.” Wil swallowed. “More than all that, we’re brothers. We have to take care of each other, like any family would. I promise you, I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you all get home safely.”
    After a few moments, the hardened faces of the men around the table softened.
    “Your impromptu speeches are never required but are always appreciated,” Curtis joked.
    “We know we’re prepared,” Ian said. “It’s just a lot to take in.”
    Michael looked around the table, and everyone nodded. “Tell us what you need and we’re there.”
    Wil flashed a heartfelt smile, his nerves beginning to settle. “Thank you. I’m grateful to have all of you by my side.”
    Beneath the dedication, though, he could tell they were still on edge. They needed some time to decompress, and he did, too. There was no knowing when they might get another break. “Let’s cancel practice for the next two days. You deserve some R&R.” Besides, there’s nothing we can go over now that will make any difference.
    Curtis and several others looked shocked. “No practice for two whole days? What are we supposed to do?”
    “I don’t care,” Wil replied. “Sleep, get drunk, get laid. Whatever you want. We leave here with no regrets.”
    “What about you?” asked Michael.
    “I’m going to focus on being an attentive husband, for once. I trust you’ll be able to fend for yourselves.”
    Ian, for one, was having no difficulty getting behind the prospect of free-time. “Maybe,” he said with a devious glint in his eyes.
    As much as I want to think we’ll get through the war just fine, there’s no knowing what sacrifices we might need to make. “All joking aside, make this time count. These are the last two days of freedom we may get.”
    “—For a few months, or even years,” Michael clarified. “Then we can have all the free-time we want. No more war hanging over our heads.”
    He’s right, I can’t show any doubts that we’ll win . “We just have to commit and get through this. All of us. Together.”
    There were determined smiles and nods around the room.
    “Now, go relax and have some fun. Just try not to go too crazy.”
    “Us? Never,” Ethan said with a playful smile.
    There were more than a few other mischievous grins, but Wil had no real concerns. Their sense of duty is as strong as mine. They’ll be rested and ready when I need them . “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a beautiful woman waiting for me with a bottle of