Tangero ("Tangero is pronounced as 'Tan-G-ro'. The first syllable is 'Tan' like the color tan or tangerine. The second syllable is 'G' like the letter G and 'ro' like the word grow without the 'w' sound. So when you say it all together, it's 'Tan-G-ro'.") woke up to the sound of his alarm clock blaring, groggily rubbing his eyes as he struggled to shake off the remnants of sleep. With a sigh, he reached over to switch off the alarm, then sat up and stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles begin to dissipate.
As he reached for the TV remote, a headline caught his eye:
INT. TV STUDIO - DAY
The set of "News Debate Live" is filled with cameras, microphones, and a large audience. DU-RUN DE-RUN, the host, is standing center stage.
DU-RUN DE-RUN
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to News Debate Live, where we bring you the most compelling discussions on the hottest topics. Today we're talking about the recent conflict between Sylveria and Norvactica, and whether Sylveria should use more aggressive methods to protect its interests. With us today are two experts in their fields: Professor Shasha, who specializes in political science, and Dr. Isaac, an expert in warfare and diplomacy. Welcome to the show.
The audience applauds as Professor Shasha and Dr. Isaac enter the stage from opposite sides. They take their seats on either side of Du-run De-run.
DU-RUN DE-RUN
Professor Shasha, you argue that Slyveria should use more aggressive methods. Can you explain your position?
PROFESSOR SHASHA
Absolutely. Norvactica has been encroaching on Sylveria's territory for years, and it's time for Sylveria to take a stand. We can't just sit back and let them continue to threaten our sovereignty.
DR. ISAAC
With all due respect, Professor, I have to disagree. Aggression is never the answer. It only leads to more conflict and suffering.
PROFESSOR SHASHA
Oh come on, Dr. Isaac. You're telling me that if someone punched you in the face, you wouldn't punch back?
DR. ISAAC
Well, no. But I'm not a country. Sylveria has to be more strategic than that.
PROFESSOR SHASHA
Strategy is just a fancy word for hesitation. We need to take action, and we need to take it now.
DR. ISAAC
And what happens when Norvactica retaliates? Do we just keep escalating the violence until there's no one left standing?
PROFESSOR SHASHA
Look, I'm not saying we should nuke them or anything. But we have to show them that we're not afraid to use force if necessary.
DR. ISAAC
And I'm saying that force should always be the last resort. Diplomacy can be frustrating, but it's the only way to ensure a lasting peace.
PROFESSOR SHASHA
Lasting peace? Sounds like a pipe dream to me. Diplomacy has been tried and failed. It's time for Sylveria to show its teeth.
DR. ISAAC
We can't just go around biting everyone who disagrees with us.
The audience chuckles.
DU-RUN DE-RUN
Gentlemen, let's keep it civil. We're not here to settle the conflict between Sylveria and Norvactica, but to discuss different approaches to resolving it. What would you suggest, Dr. Isaac?
DR. ISAAC
Well, first of all, we need to open up lines of communication with Norvactica. We have to find out what they want and see if we can reach a compromise.
PROFESSOR SHASHA
Oh please. We already know what they want. Our land and resources. There's nothing to compromise on.
DR. ISAAC
We won't know until we try. And if diplomacy fails, we can always resort to economic sanctions.
PROFESSOR SHASHA
Economic sanctions? That's just a fancy word for begging.
DR. ISAAC
Begging? It's called using our economic leverage. We can hurt Norvactica's economy without resort
The debate continues with both experts presenting their arguments in a heated but sometimes respectful manner. Du-run De-run occasionally intervenes to keep the discussion on track and prevent it from devolving into a shouting match.
As the debate goes on, we see Tangero watching the show on his TV. He's clearly interested in the discussion, but also conflicted.
watching the ongoing debate "conflict between Sylveria and Novarctica."
For Tangero, the debate was a sobering reminder of the fragility of the world around him. Though he had never been directly impacted by the conflict, he knew that the consequences of a prolonged war or terrorist campaign could be catastrophic for the entire region. As he continued to watch the news, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Sylveria, Novarctica, and the rest of the world. Tangero sighed as he turned off the TV, still processing the news he had just seen. He stood up and stretched, feeling the tension in his shoulders slowly fade away. Just then, his mom's voice rang out from downstairs.
"Tangero! Breakfast is ready, come down and eat with your family!" Tana called out.
Tangero made his way down the stairs and into the kitchen, where his dad, Gero,
("Gero is pronounced like this: G-carrot (or G-carat) with the 'ro' sound at the end. It's saying 'G ^ro', with the '^' representing a slight emphasis on the 'G' sound. So, it's not pronounced like 'Jero' or 'Zero', but more like 'G-carrot-ro'. I hope that helps!")
was already seated at the table. Gero was reading the morning paper, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Morning, son," Gero said, looking up from his paper.
"Morning, Dad," Tangero replied, taking a seat at the table.
As they ate breakfast, Tangero's parents discussed the news of the conflict between Sylveria and Novarctica, expressing their concerns about the potential for escalation and the impact on the region's economy and stability.
"I just can't believe this is happening," Tana said, shaking her head. "It's so senseless, all this violence and destruction."
As the family finished their breakfast,
Come on, Tana, lighten up," Gero replied with a chuckle. "Laughter is the best medicine, you know."
Tangero grinned, eagerly waiting for his father to deliver the punchline. Gero took a dramatic pause, letting the anticipation build, before finally delivering the joke.
"Why did the man fall into the well?" he asked.
Tana sighed, rolling her eyes again. "I have no idea, Gero. Why did the man fall into the well?"
"Because he couldn't see that well," Gero replied with a grin.
Tangero burst out laughing, slapping his knee in amusement. Tana shook her head, unable to suppress a smile at her husband's silly joke.
"You're impossible, Gero," she said, still smiling. "But I guess it's good to have a bit of humor to balance out all the seriousness in the world."
Gero grinned in response, pleased that he had been able to lift the mood of the conversation. "That's what I'm here for," he said with a wink. "To keep you all on your toes."
Tana rolled her eyes playfully at her husband's antics. "Oh, Gero, you and your jokes. Can't you take anything seriously?"
Gero grinned. "Hey, we have to laugh, even in the face of crisis. Laughter is the best medicine, you know!"
Tana shook her head, but couldn't help but smile. "You're impossible, Gero."
Tangero chuckled at his parents' playful banter, feeling grateful for the warmth and love that surrounded him. Despite the challenges facing the world, he knew that he could count on his family to provide a sense of stability and comfort. As they cleared the table and prepared to start their day, Tangero felt a renewed sense of hope, knowing that even in the darkest of times, there was always the possibility of light and joy.
As Tana cleared the dishes from the table, she turned to Tangero and asked, "So, how's work at the military base library going?" (A military base library is a library that is located on a military installation or base. Military base libraries serve the educational, recreational, and personal development needs of military personnel and their families. They often have collections of books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials that reflect the interests and needs of the military community, such as books on military history, personal finance, and mental health.
Military base libraries may also provide access to specialized resources, such as language learning materials, online databases, and test preparation materials for military personnel seeking to advance their careers. Additionally, they may offer programming and events, such as author talks, book clubs, and children's storytimes, that are tailored to the interests and needs of the military community.
Overall, military base libraries play an important role in supporting the personal and professional development of military personnel and their families, and in helping them stay connected to the wider community.)
Tangero shrugged, feeling a pang of disappointment. "It's fine, Mom. It's just not really what I had hoped for. I wanted to be out on the front lines (When someone says they are "on the front lines" in the military, it generally means that they are in a location where they are directly involved in a military operation or conflict. However, being on the front lines does not necessarily mean that the person is involved in combat.
For example, someone who is providing medical support, logistics, or communication services to troops on the front lines is still considered to be "on the front lines," even if they are not directly engaged in combat.
On the other hand, someone who is engaged in combat but is not physically on the front lines, such as a fighter pilot, may not use the term "on the front lines" to describe their role.
So, while being on the front lines generally implies a high degree of risk and involvement in military operations, it does not necessarily mean that the person is involved in combat.), doing something that feels more meaningful."
Tana looked at her son sympathetically. "I know, Tangero. But you have an important job, too. You're providing support to the troops, helping to keep their spirits up and their minds engaged. And who knows, maybe this job will lead to other opportunities in the future."
Tangero nodded, but couldn't shake the feeling of restlessness and dissatisfaction. He knew that the library job was important, but he craved the adrenaline rush and sense of purpose that came with being on the front lines.
As he prepared to leave for work, Tangero resolved to keep searching for ways to make a difference in the conflict between Sylveria and Novarctica. Whether it was through his work in the library or by finding other avenues to contribute, he was determined to do his part to bring about a more peaceful and just world.
Tangero checked the time on his phone and realized he was running late for work. He quickly finished getting dressed in his military attire and grabbed his bag, rushing towards the door.
"Goodbye, Mom. Goodbye, Dad," he called out, his voice tinged with urgency.
Tana and Gero looked up from their morning paper, concern etched on their faces. "Be safe, Tangero," Tana said, her voice soft but firm.
"Son, I know it's not what you wanted, but you're doing important work for our country. We're so proud of you for serving, and we love you very much. Stay safe and take care of yourself out there