Incursion of Troy: Introducing NFG’s Most Aggressive Approach to Revenge
How should we respond when someone brings us harm or takes what’s ours? In the apocalypse - where there is no such thing as a “justice system” or “trials” - we’re much more likely to go beyond the line of morality and deal with matters in the way we best see fit, regardless of the consequences.
As we see in Never Far Gone (NFG), there are a plethora of events shrouded in moral ambiguity; there is one particular event, however, where mercy and kindness are thrown out the window. This moment, which will come to be called the Incursion of Troy, has a profound effect on the events to come throughout the remainder of the story and beyond.
Warning: This article may contain Spoilers! The following article is recommended for those who have completed Never Far Gone (NFG) OR who have a firm understanding of the events that take place throughout the story.
What is the Butterfly Effect?
After utilizing his Network of Traders to amass a small army of people associated with the Thrivers, Miles Gether issues the green light for the group - consisting of over 80 people - to attack the Primary Outpost of the Ravelers (ie. Colonists) in Troy, NY. While accompanying the armed platoon upstate, Miles makes his objective clear to those around him prior to invading the outpost: Eliminate everyone.
Utilizing Militaristic Strategies he learned from his time in the Armed Forces (such as, but not limited to, Maneuver Warfare), the Thrivers infiltrate the Troy Outpost from various entry points under the cover of night. With his own squad of six, Miles Gether leads the group through the Main Gate of the Outpost (which was destroyed via explosives obtained from the traders) and toward the Administrative building near the center of town.
Once they breach the building, the Thrivers sweep each floor in search of their target, executing every Raveler they encounter along the way. With three squads approaching the Upper Suite of the building, Luca Silvio - one of the most distinguished marksmen within the Consulate - confirms the presence of the target Miles had been looking for: Damien Gifford (ie. The Leader of the Ravelers).
After barging into the room and eliminating most of its occupants, Damien throws himself out of the window in a desperate attempt to evade his attackers. Although Damien is shot in the cheek by Miles Gether, he falls from three stories and survives. Before Miles can finish him off, Damien escapes the assault after being pulled into a vehicle by some of the surviving Ravelers.
Although Miles’s initial target was able to evade the Thrivers, the Incursion of Troy was considered by many within the Consulate, including Miles himself, to be a huge success. In one fell swoop, the Thrivers seemingly eradicate the Ravelers, effectively pacifying one of the most notorious factions in Never Far Gone (NFG).
Note: Some key facts surrounding the Incursion of Troy are important to highlight. They are as follows:
The assault cost the Thrivers 32% of their Commodities (which mostly went toward borrowing Personnel, Weapons, and Vehicles for the raid)
Aside from those who escaped during the raid, there were no survivors within the Troy Outpost. Most were shot and killed by the Thrivers, while the remainder were slaughtered by Spectrals that eventually made their way into the burning settlement
Derrick Simmons, who was still recovering from the injuries he sustained following Damien’s interrogation, did NOT take part in the attack
This event marks the first time Miles Gether supersedes the Delegation and their decision-making process following its creation in Chapter 7: Untapped Potential
“I am one of the few who does what everyone else is unwilling to do...”
What drove the Thrivers to the Invasion?
Following the events of Chapter 12: No Way Out - including the unexpected demise of two well-respected Thrivers and the interrogation of Miles and his men - the Ravelers had proven to be a viable threat.
Given his stance on Control (the Central Theme of Never Far Gone), as well as his devotion to ensuring the prosperity of the Thrivers will continue after he steps down from power (as mentioned in Chapter 13: Concessions), Miles was convinced that the eradication of the Ravelers was justified.
Initially, Miles had planned to have the location of the Troy Outpost confirmed with the help of Sergio Caruso (Vito’s Father), but the proposal fell apart after Graham had killed Sergio in cold blood. Although this was thought to have happened due to Graham’s hatred toward the Ravelers, there was something more sinister lurking in the dark.
Although unbeknownst to Miles at the time, the decision to eradicate the Ravelers (In light of the Butterfly Effect) was just one of the many choices that ultimately led to the downfall of one of the most daunting organizations in Never Far Gone (NFG): The Thrivers. This event is known as the Whitlock Coup.
How could the Incursion of Troy have been prevented?
There are a variety of choices made prior to the conclusion of Chapter 12: No Way Out which could’ve prevented the chaos that unfolded in upstate New York had they been altered. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
The Thrivers over-extending their reach beyond New York City
Choosing to spare Graham Whitlock after countless moments of forgiveness
The Death of Sergio Caruso
Although events can dictate the paths we take in life, we shouldn’t overlook just how detrimental our response to those events can be if we don’t take hold of our emotions. When compared to Never Far Gone (NFG), readers should closely examine how certain characters react to certain moments throughout the story. This leads us to discuss the theme of NFG, and how it correlates with the Incursion of Troy.
The relationship between the Incursion of Troy and the Theme of NFG
Although the events leading up to the Incursion of Troy can’t be singled out to one particular moment (as shown above in the previous section), it’s clear that the final nail in the coffin wasn’t the death of Sergio Caruso, but rather Miles’s reaction to his death. While fired up with anger and regret, he lost the very thing he had worked so hard to obtain throughout Never Far Gone (NFG): Control.
While the story's central theme focuses heavily on Control, which Miles Gether possesses in abundance due to his influence over the Thrivers and his possession of the Power Control Center (PCC), readers may argue that such power can disappear as quickly as it appeared if neglected. In the case of the Thrivers, this possibility becomes a reality.
“A single act of violence threatens to set the world on fire...”
Although the Incursion of Troy is referred to as a “brutally efficient altercation” by Miles in Chapter 13: Concessions (since it did drastically reduce the number of Ravelers within the state, while simultaneously destroying their primary settlement), his emotional response to the events that unfolded during Chapter 12: No Way Out paved the way for turmoil and betrayal that inevitably led to his downfall. In one brazen show of force, Miles lost the very thing he sought to maintain (ie. Control).
Conclusion
Whether moral or otherwise, we can choose how we react to things that happen around us. As we closely examine the significance of the Incursion of Troy, we uncover just how important it is to maintain our emotions and act rationally when faced with adversity. Failure to adhere to this rule can mean the difference between thriving in a world of chaos or being brought down by it.
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