- commander tempu
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- Noble Member
"Life to you stepson and everlasting glory. " Thifes World.
Victor Stood in UNSC Tropical Full Dress uniform looking into the bathroom mirror. A man who has done wrong turns from that mirror. He looked himself square in the eyes.
Taking his service cap he placed it on. Checking him self once more he turned out the light.
He exited his officer stateroom heading down to the officers mess hall. Checking his watch he had some time.
Looking out a window he could see the stars. His uncle was in the UNSC for many years as a Navigator. Teaching Victor about the stars.
They would look at them together on Far Home. A planet that was glassed early in the war. Not many of his family made it out. Just his two sisters and his mother.
Every one has similar tales. Yet his mother had faith for him saying he could not have done anything but that he protects all of them.
His sisters write him telling about there lives. His mother says that both sisters are recovering from the scars. She worries about him.
Even in prison she came to see him. He told her of Brianna. He had never seen his mother so happy. His mother was a quiet woman unless angered.
He remembered a day when some parents tried to say he was cheating at chess. His mother defended him saying" If you're child spent more time learning the moves he would do better." After that they said nothing but gave angry glances when she came near.
His father was a hard working welder who went where the work was. Space air or sea his father did it all. Teaching his son that education work ethic and professionalism will make you into what you want to be.
They moved countless times finally settling on Far Home. First thing he did was build a tree swing with a old tire and some rope.
His dad spent time teaching him about many things and how to fix things. Take care of the tools you use so they take care of you. Valuable lessons.
Like all teens he was learning to cope with being older and responsible. He was the first to go to collage in his family. Traveling to Reach to attend New Alexandria University.
After getting his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. He continued but ran out of money so joining the Navy was the best solution. He continued to take classes Getting his masters in Electrical Systems Engineering.
His father was so proud when he graduated. Even prouder when he joined the Navy as a Spaceman. Working out in the cold of space while taking classes when he could. Doing what his father did before him. But instead he salvaged ships or was assigned to rescue operations.
His mother last wrote to him before he left prison." Your Father would be so proud. He loves all his children but you Have his spirit. He worried about you in his own way. You remind me of him. In that i am thankful my son."
All of those good people died because of the Covenant belief that we are heretics to there faith. He would not forgive them for taking those that they did.
Checking his watch he would be early. Victor felt nervous. Walking past two armed marines he put on a friendly smile opening the hatch.
Rear Admiral Walter Brown stood talking with Captain Andrews. Admiral Brown was a African-American male in his late sixties. A big man towering over many at six foot three.
" So Tom did you ever marry that girl on the Texas ?." Brown joked with Andrews." Hell no. I married a sweet girl who was a doctor on Harvest. Julie was a pistol but she was married to the navy." Brown cackled." So she did have a name."
A orderly walked over asking Victor if he wanted a drink" Yes tea please." Victor Noticed Brianna was at the Admirals side hidden by him until he walked forward." Commander McCormick. Admiral, And Captain." Shaking Kesslers hand Captain Andrews had a grin on his face." Yes Walt she did have a name."
" This is Lieutenant Commander Victor Kessler. May i introduce Rear Admiral Walter Brown the third. And i am sure you know the Commander." Victor Shook hands with every one.
"You can trust him Walt. Last time i served with him he saved thirty men trapped on a disabled Troopship. Just before they retired this bucket. Pardon Lady." Andrews patted his shoulder.
"From what i hear from the Commander he is a good man to have. Because a briefing on what ONI has uncovered has us concerned to say the least. He will be instrumental in out plan."
" Ah yes she is old but i have good memories of serving on her. Too bad i was not able to have her as my own flagship. I keep hearing, for one battle ship ten frigates or three heavy cruisers can be built. This late in the war Covys out number us a great deal. What say you Lt. Commander ?"
Victor listening in loosed his neck tugging on the collar." Well Admiral they do out number us but understanding them will give us an advantage and insight on what they really want. All we have been doing is slowing them down. I figure they have a weakness and we just have not found out how to use it or exploit it."
Admiral Brown looked over at Captain Andrews." So you teaching him to go for the throat?" Every one chuckled. It was good for Victor to hear Brianna giggle again. A Waiter handed out drinks." Well Walt lets get our faces on. Crews been looking forward to this dinner." Admiral Brown adjusted his cap." Ah let them wait a bit more. Besides we are having coffee after the dinner. I am sure the Lt. Commander would love to join the three of us.?" Looking over at Victor who was giving Brianna glances. " Oh yes Admiral it would be my pleasure."
Brianna was radiant in her white dress uniform. Her soft baby blue eyes and red curly hair made her stand out. Brianna glanced back a pert little smile never leaving her lips. They finished there drinks.
Heading out into the Main Galley. It had been opened up to make room for the tables. Each was arranged corresponding to rank. Every one stood up for the four officers entering the room. All eyes were on them. three officers were waiting at the table both Captains of the frigates. Captain Lennox is the Chief Medical Officer on board theJupiter[i/].
As the four officers sat down drinks were poured. This was real wine not the cheap imitation stuff. Every one conversed. Men and women cheered as salads were passed out. freed prisoners who ate just a small tray of food now were eating pot roast, casseroles and even meat loaf. Baked potatoes and corn were the sides.
Brianna sat next to Victor whispering in his ear as they ate." The Admiral pulled out the stops he wanted every man to have a good meal. He even had real food brought aboard for the final meal before you go in."Victor enjoyed the meal seeing happy faces.
A Master Chief Petty Officer stood up raising his glass."Admiral the crew of the [i]Jupiter would like to toast you for giving us a second chance. May you find victory Admiral in all you re endeavors." Every one raised there glasses." Cheers"
As the meal ended classical music came on. Ride of the Valkyries then Beethoven's 5Th played. NCOs and Spacemen danced. All the officers were invited for Coffee. retiring from the dinner they went back into the officers rec room. Every one sat down stuffed.
Coffee was brought with a small brownie to each officer. Admiral Brown sipped his coffee." It was a good dinner. I am glad the men and women will get a chance to feel appreciated because to be frank we are looking at ninety percent losses at least."
" ONI thinks this is a waste of resources. But if the Lt. Commander can pull off what we have him slated for it will make the mission a success. We must slow down the Covys or all will be lost. Command agrees with me. Brianna will brief you before we all leave. God Help Us because we are going to need it." Admiral leaned back in his chair looking worried.
Victor siped his coffee it was real. yet he could not take his eyes off the lovely Brianna. He was worried but some how, Brianna being there soothed his worries.
[Edited on 04.29.2012 5:19 AM PDT]