“I wasn’t sure about this guy when he first joined our aviation wing,” Whatley began. “But I’ve found Justin Spencer to be the kind of officer we need. A brave man who will fight like hell for victory and, most importantly, a warrior his brothers and sisters in arms can depend on in battle. As such, I was pleased to recommend promotion for Lieutenant Spencer, and I welcome his continued service on the Zvika Greengold.” He stepped back from the lectern and nodded toward the chaplain. “Father, would you please lead us in an invocation.”
With his white hair seemingly befitting his position as a Roman Catholic priest and chaplain, the older man spoke into the microphone. “Eternal Father, strong to save, bless our proceedings today. Bless the men and women who serve on this ship. Bless their purpose and our struggle against the evil of the League of Sol. Help our soldiers and the rest of us be more committed to the cause of freedom in the Terran Coalition and throughout the galaxy. Thank you, Father, for all you have done for us in harm’s way. Keep each of these soldiers safe and allow us to keep rejoicing in the freedom that is your gift to us. In your precious name, we pray, Amen.”
During the prayer, Justin had bowed his head respectfully along with everyone else in the cargo bay. Even if I don’t believe, most do, and I owe them some respect. He opened his eyes to see Whatley standing back at the lectern.
“Attention to orders. The president of the Terran Coalition, acting upon the recommendation of the secretary of the Coalition Defense Force, has placed special trust and confidence in the integrity, patriotism, and abilities of First Lieutenant Justin Spencer. Given his special qualities and demonstrated potential to serve his country, First Lieutenant Justin Spencer is hereby promoted to the grade of captain in the Coalition Defense Force, effective the sixth day of December, 2433, by order of the secretary of the Coalition Defense Force.” Whatley cleared his throat.
Justin turned smartly and faced the major.
“Raise your right hand, Captain.” Whatley waited for Justin’s hand to go up. “Please repeat after me.”
Justin grinned and recited the oath. “I, Justin Spencer, having been appointed a captain in the Coalition Defense Force, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Terran Coalition against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
Whatley turned back to the lectern and spoke into the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Captain Justin Spencer.” He clapped vigorously, as did everyone else. As the applause died down, he took a step back and retrieved a small velvet-covered case from behind the lectern. He snapped it open, revealing a medal consisting of a silver star and matching ribbon. “One last thing, Captain Spencer.” Whatley handed the case to Tehrani.
She smiled and stepped forward. “We were going to do a separate ceremony, but headquarters pushed through the paperwork in record time for this award.”
Justin stared. He recognized it as the Silver Star, one of the highest medals for combat heroism. He gulped. I only did my duty. Trying to wipe the expression of shock off his face, he returned her grin. “I had no idea, ma’am.” All the while, a feeling he was somehow benefiting from those who’d died plagued him. They should be honored, not me.
Tehrani turned toward the crowd of assembled soldiers on the hangar deck. “I will now read the citation for Captain Spencer’s Silver Star.” She cleared her throat. “For conspicuous gallantry and heroism while serving as the temporary commander of the Red Tails space-superiority squadron, in action against enemy League of Sol forces at the Battle of Canaan on Twenty-Two September, 2433. When numerous enemy fighters, bombers, and warships attacked the carrier CSV Zvika Greengold, First Lieutenant Justin Spencer courageously turned his craft toward the enemy and single-handedly engaged six hostiles at once. He destroyed three enemy fighters as well as two bombers and shot down close to a dozen anti-ship missiles intended to destroy the Zvika Greengold. By his quick and heroic actions, Spencer saved countless lives aboard his ship and ensured her continued presence on the battlefield. His initiative and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Coalition Defense Force and reflect great credit upon him, his squadron, and the entire aviation wing of the CSV Zvika Greengold.” She stepped back and raised her hand in salute. “Congratulations, Captain.”
For a moment, Justin stood there, transfixed. Then he returned the salute. “Thank you, ma’am.” Struggling with his emotions, he turned away from her and stared at the sea of faces. “Remember the fallen and the pilots who didn’t make it back.” At the end of the statement, Justin’s voice broke.
Sustained applause again broke out, sweeping through the hangar like a rumble of mighty thunder.
Whatley appeared at Justin’s side and squeezed his shoulder. “Good job, son,” he whispered.
Justin nodded and stood to the side while Tehrani dismissed the crew. As everyone filed out, Mateus, Feldstein, and Adeoye joined Justin.
“We’re taking over the pilot’s mess to wet down your new stripe,” Mateus announced. “I convinced one of the senior chiefs to send the good stuff over too.”
“How’d you manage that?” Justin asked.
“Feminine charm.”
“What feminine charm?” Feldstein replied deadpan. “More like you threatened to shoot down their next supply shuttle.”
Mateus shrugged. “Who cares, as long as it works?”
The four of them laughed and slowly walked out of the cargo bay.
Justin felt conflicted. He was enormously grateful for and proud of his promotion, not to mention the award for heroism. At the same time, grief was mixed in. Two more comrades had been lost to the Leaguers
