I am actively being recruited.
Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection classes all give you the warning signs to look for. We’re taught to be aware of potential pitfalls, or weaknesses, which our enemies can use to recruit or blackmail us. We’re taught to be aware of those dangerous situations that threaten us immediately, and of the subtle designs of the enemy, the gentle persuasive methods they use to hook and reel you in. Right now, they are waiting to see if I take the bait.
A certain faction is currently working me, relentlessly trying to recruit me to the cause. It’s really my fault this has gotten so far, I’ve allowed them into my inner circle, and I allowed the development of their plan when I could have nipped it in the bud. I could have stopped this months ago, but I allowed them to keep meeting and discussing their plans, right under my nose.
They’ve promised me gold, riches, and extensive equipment if I join their cause. They’ve promised me beautiful women, unending adventure, and the opportunity to belong to an elite group. Thus far I have resisted, I have spurned their advances and I have held steady. My biggest fear is that everyone will find out. My wife, my children, my boss. They will find out the truth. That I have become a target of opportunity for one of the most sinister organizations today.
The World of Warcraft.
They are relentless. I am one of the sole holdouts in my department, and I’m not doing myself any favors with my consistent smart ass remarks.
Soldier #1: Hey, we haven’t heard back from Brigade on this tasking. I really don’t understand what they want.
Me: Maybe you should take an elixir of understanding, so you can really grasp their intent…hehe.
Soldier #1: That’s not funny Sir, they don’t have elixers of understanding anymore in WoW (“WoW” is the cool way to say World of Warcraft.)
or…
Soldier #2: I’m sick of getting these taskers from BDE, they have no clue how stretched thin we are!
Me: Maybe you should take your Conan sword and smite their ears off. Haha, I’m so funny.
Soldier #2: Conan’s not in WoW, SIR! (The dialogue cloud is hovering over his head, I know he wanted to add DUMBASS to the end of his sentence.)
The peer pressure wasn’t always bad. It’s peer pressure from my Soldiers that led me to get hooked on The Shield, Sons of Anarchy, Deadwood, and Rome. Those were the golden years of peer pressure. Now, I’m reduced to making fun of my Soldiers for starting every conversation with “Guess what level my mage is now!” And yes, it is a “mage” not a “magic guy,” don’t make that mistake.
I’ll continue to wage this war of attrition; my ability to withstand the peer pressure vs. their relentless geeky pressure. But I will prevail, and maybe somewhere along the line, I’ll even convert one or two back to reality.
