[ There's something terrifying, and terrified, in her gaze. So John holds his hands up, his gaze sympathetic and soft, as is his tone. ]

I'm not one anymore. But I used to fight in Afghanistan. I was a Marine. But then I saw how they were treating me and people like me, and left.

[ Because he realized he was just a meat shield for them, and a potential casualty of war that the government wouldn't be mourning after. Him, and countless others. ]

And instead I went to fight against those who were treating me and mine wrong.

[ He bites the inside of his lip for a second. ]

You've got bad experiences with soldiers?