The admiral gestured to the opposite side of the room, Riaz’s eyes following the outstretched hand as the fleet commander continued, five Fahimians including Begum stiffening as the senior officer indicated to their group, ‘Our newest allies have joined the struggle, willingly committing their commandoes and space fighters to the conflict ahead. With upgrades to our infantry rifles and additional weaponry, they have proven to be already a considerable asset to our friendship…both generous and eager volunteers.’
The admiral continued talking as Riaz’s thoughts drifted, his head now facing the front, eyes staring out into space towards the distant stars and planets, an excitement at the sight consuming his frame as his nerves and muscles tingled and tensed. The combat uniform responded to his rising body temperature and heart rate, chilling his follicles and releasing mild chemicals to sooth his rising pulse and use of oxygen, his eyes widening as he realised this new military clothing was even more sensitive to his body than the previous issue.
The admiral continued, listing differing planets that the conflict had consumed and the races that fought with the Trevakians, then discussing the heroic exploits of some divisions against the enemy, the 107th Trevakian Marines on Karfult, the Blue Leopard Division on Tergar and the 56th Trevakian Engineers on a mining mission to rescue Alixian settlers. Summarising with a brief history from the Alixian first contact with the Morgons over one hundred years ago to the trials of an economy solely based on military production and devastating war…the losses and deprivations the Trevakians and other races now faced in the pursuit of victory or freedom.
With most heads bowed, the admiral cleared his throat, Riaz refocussing his attention from the startling view and hearing shuffling behind, his jaw tensing as he felt Shino’s grip tighten on his elbow, an arm sweeping round her once more as she wiped a tear from her eye, his voice a low whisper, ‘Come on mate…we will go to the fitness deck later and you can try and outshoot me!’
Shino coughed slightly in surprise, glancing up into his eyes fondly and forcing a smile, ‘You’re silly…you know I can beat you any day of the week…’
Riaz grimaced, shaking his head, ‘Perhaps not any more my little Samurai…I have been practising. The last time you beat me was over a week ago now…and never on the laser rifle, just those old obsolete assault rifles…’ He grinned playfully as the smaller Philippine female glared up at him, ‘You got to use your little snub sub-machine gun thingey!’
Debra Hardie slapped the hand draped over Shino’s shoulder, her voice low and indignant as she glared, ‘Sshhh! This is a remembrance service!’
Riaz lowered his eyes is regret, Shino squeezing his elbow as she blushed, shaking her head, ‘Sorry…’
Captain Dugachard lowered a hand onto either of their shoulder plates, concealing a faint reassuring smile as she leant forward and whispered, ‘Heads up…eyes front! Show respect!’
All three stiffened, David Bland shaking his head beside Debra as the heads rose, Riaz’s expression solemn as he realised the crowd were moving aside to his left, two figures shuffling forward from the curtains and moving into sight. Both male figures wore dark blue fleet uniforms, the larger one supporting his colleague as the smaller limped forward.
The admiral smiled welcomingly to the new arrivals, indicating for them to come to the front, clearing his throat, ‘One of the senior pilots of our revered Viper squadron wished to pay a tribute to one of the fallen. First Officer Anjara is a highly decorated pilot and is believed to have a Morgon bounty on his head.’
The two figures stopped by Rees’s silver coffin as the larger man supported the shorter, the pilot obviously in extreme pain as he bowed his head, the admiral continuing, ‘First Officer Anjara expressed a wish to pay his respects to the fallen, but one human in particular…a Private Rees. He has provided a briefing on what he wishes me to say.’
David Bland’s eyes widened in surprise as Jozefina lowered her head, wiping her eyes, the admiral leaning on the lectern once more, ‘Private Rees was responsible for saving the pilot’s life during the battles east of Morasat…exhibiting extreme bravery and determination and the two formed a unique friendship, fighting together whilst both badly wounded. As a result of the full report flight officer Anjara provided, we have awarded Private Rees with the Trevakian Silver Star…and a bounty for his surviving family for his courage in battle.’
The lights above slowly dimmed as the admiral continued, Flight Officer Anjara struggling with assistance to lower to one knee with bowed head before Rees’s coffin as his colleague assumed the same position, ‘It is with great regret that we return these brave and sacrificing initial human allies to your planet in ceremonial caskets for their final resting places…all will receive a full military funeral and be listed in the Trevakian hall of fame.’
Upper Parade Deck, Galactic Freedom
Captain Dugachard’s boots squealed on the shining floor, her expression determined as she glanced across the lines of uniformed
