[Over breakfast, John Smith talks to Thomas about a certain bully in school and why Thomas is studying at the table]
Why do you want to succeed, son? Why do you want to do well in school?
Thomas SmithTo make my family proud. To bring honor to my school. To serve my country.
Your goals are directed outward. A boy like Randolph wants only to gratify himself. This is the path to moral decay. The decadence ruined this country before the war. You will grow to be a useful member of society. You will make our nation stronger. Randolph will not, whatever his test score.
[Thomas Smith guides Juliana Crain/Julia Mills with reviewing for the Auxiliary Citizenship Test]
Thomas Smith
The ACT is made of three parts: Reading, writing, and civics.
Okay. I got two out of three.
SSmith
Straight to civics, then. First question: From where does justice derive?
SSmith
Yes, but more specifically.
SSmith
Very good. Justice is a divine right guaranteed for all and determined by the Führer, from whom all justice derives. [tries to drink milk but is visibly shaken]
SSmith
Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Next question is about American exterminations before the Reich.
SSmith
Didn't they ever teach you about the Indians?
[Helen Smith heads to the front door to see Thomas meeting a crew from the Greater Nazi Reich Public Health Department]
[upon being given a consent form to Thomas' euthanisation] What is this?
Thomas Smith
[to detail head] May I have a moment, please? [comes back to Helen]
Thomas
Look, I won't tell them about what you and father said. [embraces her one more time] Be proud of me. Tell Father to be proud. [leaves]
[as Thomas rejoins the health crews and she's held back by the security guards] No. Thom... Thomas. Thomas, stay with me! Stay with me, Thomas! Thomas! [shouting, sobbing] Thomas! Thomas, don't go!
[in the real-life 1964, Reichsmarschall John Smith and the Thomas Smith of that timeline eat at a diner in Bailey's Crossroads and have just witnessed a black man and woman being hauled out because the manager wouldn't serve them]
Thomas Smith
What?
I don't know. I'm just surprised, I guess.
Thomas
I would have thought you'd have done something.
Thomas
Said something. Done something.
We're not the law. Come on, it's not up to us.
Thomas
Just seems so wrong. They passed a law that gives the right to these people to eat at the counter.
And this still happens? So, this is the system you want to lay down your life to defend, huh? [referring to Thomas' decision to join the Marines]
Thomas
This is the system that you fought for.
And I came back a hero. Is that what you think?
Thomas
[scornfully] That's what I thought you were.
Is that what you want to be? You want to be a hero? You want to have your face painted on a mural? Maybe have a school named after you? You'd still be dead, Thomas.
Thomas
How can you be sure?
Because I've seen it before. I know how it ends. And even if you don't die, you're gonna come back, you're not gonna be the same. It's all bullshit, Thomas. It's a fucking lie. Medals, flags, anthems. Pledges of allegiance. Freedom. I look around me, I don't see freedom. I don't see order. I just see chaos. I don't see anything worth giving my son's life for.
Thomas
[shakes head at what John just said] Who are you? [storms out]
[in the real-life 1964, John Smith smokes outside the Smith home when a Marine recruiters' van stops in front and out comes two Marines in dress blues]
Gentlemen. I'm sorry to say there's been a misunderstanding here. Um, my son Thomas, he's, uh, reconsidered his decision.
MGMarine gunnery sergeant
Don't worry, Mr. Smith. We'll take good care of your boy.
MGMarine gunnery sergeant
Excuse me?
You think I don't know how this ends?
MGMarine gunnery sergeant
I understand, Mr. Smith. It's only natural to be concerned about your son.
MGMarine gunnery sergeant
I'm sorry, sir. He's 18. He signed the papers.
[as Thomas and Helen step out the door behind him] I won't let you take him.
Thomas Smith
Dad, it's done. I'm going.
[embraces Thomas] My boy. I love you.
Thomas
Bye.
Thomas. Is there anything that I could've said yesterday that would have made you change your mind?
Thomas
It doesn't matter now. [puts hand on John's shoulder] Be proud of me.
But I've always been proud of you, Thomas.
Thomas
Goodbye. [walks off with the Marines]
The Man in the High Castle · 124 quotes
