We Shall Never Surrender

Scene I: ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California - moments before the PPV - Tuesday, March 25, 2003

Robert Lancaster II, Duke of Wessex, sat quietly in his locker room, his wife equally quiet and deep in thought, sitting next to him.  There were mere minutes before the most significant matches of his life, and his career, were to be upon him.

There was no longer time for words, for grandiose claims, for extravagant, impassioned speeches.  There were sixteen to begin with, now there were eight.  In a matter of hours only one would remain.  Robert Lancaster II swore to himself that it would be he whose arm would ultimately be lifted at the end of that night.  

He swore to himself that he would be the Chosen One.  Was he, however, more worthy than any of the other seven gentlemen to be enthroned with that title?

A lofty aim, he considered.  He must keep himself balanced and not fall prey to being overzealous.  Humility, paired with tempered determination, would be his strategy of choice against all and any foe that evening.  Robert Lancaster counted on his opponents that evening to be brimming with energy, on edge, ready to strike out against anything and anyone, with razor sharp accuracy and instinct.  Countering this was his primary goal.

Lancaster imagined his fellow combatants sitting only metres away, likely bursting at the seams to get out in front of the roaring fans, into, to borrow one of Leprechaun's analogies, the forum of gladiators, to showboat their talents, show through their actions the feverish desire to perform and outwit.  

Robert wondered what they were doing during these last few moments.  What was running through their minds?  Were some meditating?  Were they working out some last minute strategy in their mind, or doing a last few stretches or exercises?  Were some on the phone to loved ones?  How exactly were the warriors of the Coalition of Affiliated Leagues preparing to forge their moments in history.

Robert Lancaster was engaged in the latter.  Communing with a loved one.  

The only difference: his loved one was dead.

The Duke continued to find solace in his father's war diary, which he hardly put down after receiving it a few days prior.  He drew on it for continued inspiration and hope.  Once more, he was not disappointed.  He could think of no better way to spend his time.

Scene II: somewhere outside London - Tuesday, June 4, 1940

"We ready are to try our fortunes
To the last man." - Henry IV, Part Two

    I cannot say with any hesitation that there has been another day which I have lived where I have had more pride to call myself a subject of His Majesty the King.  His recently sworn in First Minister, the very stout yet very respected Winston Churchill, has uttered words which are sure to ring down throughout the remaining years of this cursed war and to our future kin.  
    I must say myself and the lads were very moved by his words which he spoke in the House of Commons only a few hours ago, knowing that our beloved England may soon face invasion from the blasted forces of National Socialism.  I myself have heard countless rumours that Hitler's forces are going to soon strike from France, but thank God, we were able to rescue hundreds of men from Dunkirk not long ago.  If the Krauts do invade, and many do think so, seeing Marshal of the RAF Sir Cyril Newall was whisked back to London in a hurry, I know that I and the lads will have Churchill's words on our lips...

"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender..."

    Yes...we shall never surrender.  I am destined through the blood that runs through my veins, something of which I have no control, to fight for my nation, as my family did for the Crown during Cromwell's insurrection, during the Napoleonic Wars, the Seven Years War against the French, and countless other occassions.  These moments of history will surely be remembered as the most important in the destiny of the European continent and the world.  For me, they are the most significant moments as well.
    I have not heard from Father for quite a few days, seeing he is stationed in London in the British High Command.  I do hope he writes soon, or perhaps visits with Marshal Newall.  I do fear for his safety.

Robert Lancaster wiped a tear from his eye, ilicited by sorrow for his father's ignorance, for in a few short weeks from that journal entry his father - Lancaster's grandfather - would be dead by the hand of a Nazi bomb in London.

    These upcoming weeks and months will be quite daunting.  Broadcasts from Germany declare the invincibility of the Fuhrer's Luftwaffe, army, and navy.  But they will be damned.  My nation may face unbelievable, unsurmountable odds. But no matter.  
    I am but one man, I must rely on myself ultimately, and I will fight with the sword of God, the faith of His Majesty firmly in my heart, and my family name to spur me forward.  Damn anyone who believes that we will not be victorious. We shall never surrender.  
    God save the King. - EJL VII

The Duke of Wessex looked up from the pages of his father's journal, a few tears still running down his face.

"I shall never surrender."