War doesn't exist; its simply a purge in disguise

Everyone stood in line like toy soldiers waiting to be wound up. Anxiety and uncertainty were the ones winding them up. His gun felt like it was slowly melting in his hands. 

 He turned around to watch everyone getting ready to move. Beside him, Conelous stood beside him. 

 It felt disgusting to have him take Dolly's former role, but she was gone. Just gone. 

 He saw Mantis and Sei battle ready with their men standing tall, foolishly believing they knew everything. He looked at Mantis soldiers-

 No prisoners. 

 They were dressed in soldier clothing, but they weren't them

 Them who fought all those useless battles. Them who died in those battles. Them who were replaced by- 

 No. 

 Not replaced, but absolutely forgotten. They should be fighting this right now. It's what they signed up for, what they knew.