Duane Christian

Toy Soldiers Duane Christian

In today's urban society, the American dream seems to be about money, drugs, women and cars. One aspect ties into another. Longevity is out the door. The 'Get Rich or Die Trying' anthem is prevailing. This seems to happen at any cost. Many want the street fame but don't truly understand what it takes to get there and to keep it. With today's youth, recklessness is common. It appears as if either they don't fear or truly understand the consequences of their actions until or if their families are involved. That's where this story takes place. Enter Tre', the next upcoming thing on the streets. Tre is quickly on his way to becoming the next general within his organization with the help of his best friend and right hand man Derrick. Together, they seem to have it all figured out; until the dreadful night when Derrick is killed. Like anyone else, it's natural to want to bring the killer to justice. But Tre's justice is street justice. The dilemma comes in when street justice has to be placed on Tre's younger brother, Kory, who just might happen to be the killer. Kory, who lived with his mother across town idolized Tre' and thought that his forming his own gang would give him the street cred his brother had. The trouble is, Kory's street affiliation automatically places him as his brother's rival. Can Tre' take revenge out on his brother or let his best friend's death go without retaliation? Without taking action, his own members and leader will take action against him. How can he get out of a situation and go on to live the positive life like he and Derrick dreamed of secretly? Can he truly carry out this command or is he really just a 'Toy Soldier?'