“In recognition of their service and achievement in the defense of Scincia and the Human Alliance Treaty, I, Admiral Laura Collin, award Corporal Joe Steel and Ensign Ginke of Nest Kielra-Gynse the Bronze Star.”
Collin stepped back from the podium and turned to face Joe and Ginke with the base’s thirty squads and squadrons standing on the landing pad where the award ceremony took place a couple days later. Collin accepted a medal from Commander Hino and walked over to Joe to pin it on his uniform. She then accepted and pinned another medal on Ginke’s uniform. She stepped back and began to applaud the two soldiers before everyone joined in.
After the applause died down, Joe and Ginke exchanged handshakes with Collin, Hino, Alverda, and several other commanding officers in attendance. After everyone else in attendance congratulated Joe and Ginke, they all made their way back into the base for a feast.
With the Birnsteins in disarray following Admiral Worc’s death, the Humans and Scincians started to retake the planet. Some of the Birnstein forces had retreated from the planet, but reports had come in that the Birnstein Empire would be sending a new admiral to try and capture Scincia. In the meantime, the Humans and Scincians would celebrate the victory.
The feast in the cafeteria was much better than the usual meals served there. That put everyone in a good mood. The celebration continued into the evening when attendees started to depart. Ginke came up to Joe when only a few groups of soldiers remained.
“Joe, I must go in the morning,” said Ginke.
“You do?” said Joe surprised. “What happened?”
“I need to make contact with the queen and learn what we’ll do next.”
“I’m sorry to see you go,” said Joe. “Remember, you helped us get here. Thank you for everything you and the others did.”
Ginke smiled and nodded, and then turned to leave the cafeteria. As Ginke exited the room, Joe started after him.
“Ginke, wait up,” said Joe.
Ginke paused and looked up at Joe curiously.
“I want to thank you personally,” started Joe after a deep breath. “Ever since I learned about the Birnstein’s role in destroying Pturllel, I’ve been consumed by anger. I wanted nothing more than revenge, and my first mission gave me that opportunity. I thought it had to be destiny. I thought I would finally satisfy my revenge, but I didn’t. The sisters always warned us about revenge. The anger is still there, but it no longer consumes me. I promised Doctor Cajo that I’ll find a way to rebuild Pturllel. It will live on. That’s what I’ll do now, and I would like you to help me if you can someday.”
“Yes,” said Ginke with a smile. “That sounds good to me. I will help you see it through, Joe, but first I need to free Scincia. This isn’t over until the Birnsteins are gone.”
“Good,” said Joe. “Let me know if you ever need any help, and best of luck to you.”
Joe held out his hand, and Ginke took it.
“Best of luck to you, too, Joe,” said Ginke. “And I will always be happy to help.”
Next Arc Coming Soon!