Convince them to desert

You look at them for a long second and then speak low and flat.

“Listen close. You’ve got one chance to stop being part of this tonight.”

The tall one’s mouth opens, but nothing comes out.

“You want to live with what they’re doing?” You want to wake up tomorrow still wearing that patch?” You tap your own sleeve, the same emblem. “Then stay. Keep guarding an empty street while the rest of them turn into animals.”

The short one’s eyes waver for a moment but he doesn’t look away.

“Take everything off,” you say. “Uniforms, boots, rifles and dog tags if you have them. Leave it all here. Walk out of here naked if you have to. Civilians disappear. Soldiers get hunted. You understand?”

The tall kid swallows hard. “They’ll say we’re deserters. They’ll shoot us if they catch us.”

“They’ll shoot you for falling asleep on post too, pick your poison.”

A long beat, another scream drifts over the rooftops closer this time.

The short one is already unbuttoning his jacket with shaking fingers. The tall one hesitates, then drops his rifle like it burns him. They strip fast, jackets, belts, boots and trousers. Until they stand in nothing but undershirts and fear.

You pull out a golden watch you found on your way here and throw it to the tall one. “Trade that for clothes and food outside the city. Head west and don’t stop until the smell of smoke is gone.”

The tall one clutches the watch, eyes wet. “Thank you,” he whispers. The short one just nods, too choked up to speak.

Then they turn and run, pale bare feet slapping the pavement. Disappearing into the dark between two burning buildings.

You watch until they’re gone.

"Well that was easy" you muttered. You kneel to the pile of gear the teens left. behind.