Mariah shook her head. I know I cant dissuade you, she said dejectedly. But you know how badly I wish I could. I can never approve of your decision, Esther. Never.
Esther sat across from her in the parlor. She crossed her legs and pulled down the hem of her dress, nervously. She avoided Mariahs gaze. Mama
please. I want your approval. I need it. You know why I want to do this.
Mariah shook her head. I dont care why, Esther. Ive lost your father to the war. I nearly lost your brother. I dont want another child in harms way out there, no matter whether youre carrying a gun or not. She shrugged grandiosely. But you are eighteen. I cant tell you what to do. Do whatever you want.
Mama, please dont say that! Esther said, her voice quavering. You know its not that simple. Yes, I can join the nursing corps without your approval, but
but I want everything to be okay. Youre my Mama. And I love you. And I want you to be proud of me!
Mariah raised her voice. How can you think I can approve of you going out there! Esther, look at me! Esther did as she was told. Her eyes were red. Your father was killed. Your brother was almost killed, and even then, he lost his fingers! With you in harms way, too, that makes four of my loved ones at that Godforsaken front! I dont think I could handle that!
I want to be a nurse. Im not going to be at the front, Mama. Joseph was saved by someone in the nursing corps. She took care of him, and now hes training to be a lieutenant! She gave him back to us, Mama. God gave him back to us! And I only want to do the same for someone else, help God give someone else their brother or son or husband back.
Esther, I dont want to get another letter saying you were killed and a letter from you saying you were killed for a good cause. I already have one of those! Want to read it?
I read Papas letter, Mama. But maybe I can help another woman not get such a letter herself.
Mariah could tell she was losing the fight. She dropped her forehead into her hands, her tears beginning to wet her palms. She heard Esther stand up and walk over to her, and felt her soft hand on her back, her cool breath beside her. I can do a lot of good at the front, Mama, she said softly. I prayed about it all night, and I think this is what God wants me to do. And Ill be safe. Im not asking to be a field medic. Just a nurse. Ill be in hospitals behind the lines.
Mariah shook her head. The Proletarists are pushing the lines back, Esther. And some of the negroes in Florida are joining them. No place there is safe. Everywhere is the front lines. She looked her daughter in the eyes. And not all those men are to be trusted. What if one of them decides to harm you, take advantage of you?
A little twitch of a smile touched Esthers lips. Or what if I meet the man Im meant to love?
Mariah shook her head, but could say no more. She said softly, I will always be proud of you, Esther. Do what you feel you must.
Esther reached out and hugged Mariah. I love you, Mama.
I hope Ill hear you say that again, Mariah said.
Brazil
Notes of Interest: The Confederation (sp corrected) now has the largest navy in Europe and the Netherlands is a close third. Persia has built a large navy by Middle Eastern standards (209 points to runner-up Oman's 158 (seems they expanded their fleet too)), becoming the dominant naval power in close proximity to the Indian Ocean (the Dutch East Indies fleet, by far the largest naval fleet based outside of a capital region, is worth 96 points.), Venezuela has also jumped up several ranks (150 points). 
