(MP, SWAT Team “Radium” Commander) CPT Osiris
Location: Andromeda’s Palace, National Capital Haven, System Capital Andromeda-II “Andromeda”; Andromedan Military Defensive
Local Date & Time: January 21st, 181 After Colonization; 1120
National Date & Time: January 21st, 181 After Colonization; 1120
Race: Nexil
Voidic Mage: N/A
Mage Variant: N/A
Age: 47
Sex: N/A
Gender: Male
Main Unit: Capital Police Corps Alpha, Haven Police Division, Florencia Police Brigade “Florence's Devils”, West Florencia Battalion, 3rd Company, 2nd Platoon
Stepping out of his vehicle, Captain Osiris fixed his uniform and grabbed his reddish-gray dress hat, before closing the door, and locking it. Setting the hat onto his head, proudly emblazoned with the rank insignia of a Captain, he began to walk towards the steps. Around him the city was loud, almost too loud. People spoke to each other, all of whom were here to honor their fallen Andromeda. Hundreds of thousands of people were present for the ceremony, and would follow Andromeda-5’s hearse to his resting place. This would be a mess, but hopefully none would endanger others. This was the first of its kind, as no Andromeda has ever died while still seated on the throne. Andromeda-4 had left the throne to Andromeda-5 before her peaceful death.
As he neared a crowd of people, blocking the gate to the large and impressive Palace, the people began splitting, allowing him to pass through unimpeded. The massive skyscrapers blocked the sights of the distance, but did not stand from east and west, allowing the sun to always be seen. It sat at 30 degrees in the east, bearing down on the area. Reaching the gate, he found members of the Honor Guard, standing firm and dedicated. The Honor Guards stood still in their golden uniforms, proudly displaying their medals, commendations, and the Andromeda’s Pin that affords them their position. Both wore a silver shoulder cape, but on opposite sides, confirming their non-dominant hands were opposing. On their heads were their golden helmets, adorned with silver markings, their rank, a black tinted polycarbonate panel to hide the face, and a red plume on the top back. On their hips were shortswords, and in their hands were the best rifles any Andromedan force could have.
The one on the left of the gate, holds up a hand, and speaks, “Halt. State your name, rank, and reason for being here.” Osiris spoke immediately, calm and collected, ready for what today will bring, “Captain Osiris, Commander of SWAT Team ‘Radium’. Standing in for deceased Radium member, Sergeant Major Tyler Elliot.” The Honor Guard nods in response, before lowering his hand and stating, “Enter, Captain.” Osiris began walking again, entering the gate, and beginning to climb the stairs past it. As he walked, he saw media personalities, news crews, and other Military Personnel. All of them were going up the stairs as well. He continued his path, headed for the top of the stairs, where most were already standing.
Reaching the top, he stopped, and looked around the area. An intricately designed metal coffin sat on a raised surface, with a large cloth underneath it. Honor Guards stood vigilant beside it, protecting him from desecration. Around the coffin, plenty stood in silence. Military Personnel stood at attention, while the civilians stood somberly by the side. Captain Osiris could tell that he was the lowest ranking here, and he was the only Military Police personnel, aside from the Military Police Secretary, who stood with the rest of High Command off to the side. The Captain simply took a position separate from the other branches, standing at attention as well. Silence began to fall over the area, as a voice pierced the loud onlookers back near the gate, “Presenting the Chosen Heir, Clove Dakota!” The large doors of the Palace opened slowly, allowing the young woman to be seen. Her black dress was rather well made, her face was not very somber, as if she was having to suppress her emotions to not burst into tears, and her brown hair was cut short. In her hands was a bouquet of flowers, all extremely beautiful and colorful.
She walked slowly and silently, the Andromeda’s Right Hand walking beside her, as is his duty as an Honor Guard. Behind them, the rest of the Honor Guard walked, each marching in unison and silence. All 27 were present, including the six who had posts to tend, four guarding Andromeda-5, and two at the gate. Those that had once been Knights were carrying their blades, rather than rifles, while those who had not been Knights carried their rifles, with their shortswords sitting on their hips. As the Chosen Heir reached her father’s coffin, an Honor Guard at the coffin opened it for her to see. She reached forward, and set the bouquet down onto her father’s chest, and everyone could hear her beginning to sniffle and break. As she does, the marching Honor Guards stop, and stand at attention.
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The silence carried her voice, as she soon fell to her knees, crying properly. The Andromeda’s Right Hand crouched down, and placed a hand on her back, rubbing it softly and comfortingly. After a minute of this, she manages to get up with his help, and he leads her away from the coffin, allowing the next set of individuals to approach. These being the members of High Command.
First was the Land Force Commandant, who approached silently. She stopped before the coffin, and set a hand on it, as she spoke, “With your passing, we mourn. Once we finish, we shall approach the field of battle again, laden with our gear, carried by our treads and wheels. When peace reigns over all nations, and no war is waged, we shall rest with you. ‘Terram et astra semper defendit.’” She begins walking back to her position.
The next to approach was the Admiral of Andromeda’s Fleets, who approached with a seeming purpose. He stood still at the coffin and spoke, “The Fleets shall protect the stars, as is always our duty. We shall ensure our enemies taste our fury, by gun or transport. When peace reigns over all nations, and no war is waged, we shall leave the vacuum to rest with you. ‘Ad astra defensionem.’” He turned and began walking back to his post.
Next was the General of Air Command, who approached calmly, his wolf-like ears twitching. Standing before the coffin, he spoke, “Though you have left us, we shall continue to fight. We will not surrender, until the skies are cleared of the enemies of peace. For when peace reigns over all nations, and no war is waged, we shall let our wings rest from our long flight. ‘De caelo et vacuo defende.’” Turning he returned as well.
Fourth, the Commandant of Planetary Defense approached with grim determination, his lion-like ears standing on end, and his tail remained firm and stiff. He stopped at the coffin, and looked directly at the Andromeda, before stating, “Standing within our forts, and our defenses, we hold the banner for others to rally at. You did so without passing our training, but that does not diminish your accomplishments, as not all worthy of our branch can pass it. When peace reigns over all nations, and no war is waged, we shall finally lay down our arms, and pick up the tools to rebuild. ‘Parati semper ad defensionem.’” He turns and begins returning.
Fifth, the Military Police Secretary began to approach, his walk filled with reverence and a somber calm. Stepping up to the coffin, he spoke calmly, his Lestisan ears twitching very slightly, “Protecting and serving the people as we have, we see many horrors beyond normal comprehension. When peace reigns over all nations, and no war is waged, we shall continue our protection, defending all lives no matter what. ‘Servitio civilis et tutela.’” He turns and walks away, back to his position.
Sixth, the Commander of Drop Troop Forces approaches, stepping in a very slow march. As he reaches the coffin, he speaks in his cold and calm voice, no emotions exiting him, “With the passing of a great leader, the next generation must take up his place. The Orbital Shock Troopers shall continue to faithfully serve our nation, protecting our people from the harm of our enemies, and dropping directly into our own cities to ensure the safety of our people no matter the cost. When peace reigns over all nations, and no war is waged, we will lay our arms down and continue our protection from within. ‘Unus pes est in sepulcro, sclopeto librati.’” He turns, walking away.
Finally, the last of High Command, the Knight Commander General. She approaches, her steps firm and calm, with her stance ready for anything, and her wings folded. Stepping up to coffin, the Freeborne spoke, “Never did I expect to become the Knight Commander General, but you were the one to believe in me. Freeborne do not get these positions, as we are too focused on balance, but you saw the reasoning in balance. I shall lead from the front until my death or peace reigns, whether that be in one day, or 300 years. When peace reigns over all nations, and no war is waged, the Knights shall remain. Eternal in our vigilance. ‘Semper prompti, aeternum defendentium.’” She turns, revealing her determined expression, as she marches back to her position, and stands ready for what is next.
One of the Honor Guard calls out, “Salute!” He paused, allowing them to prepare to salute, and then the call came out, “Honor!” All of the Personnel, including the Honor Guards, brought their hands to their heads, keeping their fingers outstretched, saluting honor. After a few seconds, he called out again, “Flag Bearers! Present!” A group of personnel step out of line, holding a folded flag together. Each were a different branch, with one Knight, one Trooper, one Planetary Force Guard, and one Land Force Soldier. “Flag Bearers! Forward!” The four approached the coffin, as the Honor Guard closed the coffin, and let the Flag Bearers drape the coffin in the Andromedan Flag. After this, the Flag Bearers returned to saluting. The Honor Guard did not call out another command, or release them from their salute, as something else happened instead.
The roaring of jets began to encompass the area, and soon the fighters flew overhead, trailing red, green, and black smoke. They continue past, heading off into the distance, and likely back to their hangars. As the smoke lingers for a small time frame, several ships begin to fly over the city, their hulls proudly adorned with the Andromeda’s Pin. The ships continued forwards, intent on finishing their task before returning to patrols of the Andromeda System. The roar of their engines was enough to likely awaken anyone resting nearby, but those who were upset by this would know the reason as to why. To honor a hero of the Defensive. As the ships pass the Palace, the Honor Guard calls out again, “At ease!” All salutes fell, and the vigil was soon to begin. From noon to morning. They would protect the coffin.