Cadet Captain Crown Prince Thuel Uriel Raven was sitting with his friend Cadet Captain Johan MacArthur at a table very close to his parents elevated table in the grand hall built especially for this occasion on the biggest recreation deck of Wrath. Tables for guests varied in sizes from 4 to even 20 people big. They still waited for Anna and Luna as a steady stream of Humans and Fa'enni filled the hall.
Thuel smiled as he watched nervous Johan checking if he didn't forget the engagement ring for 6th time. He was planning to propose to Anna during the party. Thuel was wearing official smoking his grandfather have ordered specially for him. Most tailors would fail but the team of Fa'enni and Humans hand-picked by his grandmother were already one of the most well-known fashion companys in Fa'enni systems.
Since all Fa'enni have wings and Thuel being half Fa'enni half Human was not an exception making clothes was not an easy job. Thuel was also bigger and much more massive than any pure-blood Fa'enni being a bit over 2m tall and 80kg he looked more like his father. Muscular and well build he looked like a hero or demigod from Human mythology. Perfectly shaped face have both Fa'enni and Nordic facial features. His eyes looked more like human eyes with Fa'enni glitter in just iris and were deep blue similar in color to his Mother's sapphire blue eyes. His wings were usually folded on his back hard to see.
All girls and women in the hall were already talking about him and Johan. You simply can't overlook all these gazes. It once again will be survival and evasion maneuvers training for him. He sighed a little bit resigned.
He looked at his parents table and their ceremonial thrones. He was thankful that Father allowed him to sit with his friends and not with them.
Mother was simply stunning. She looked like a majestic jewel made from the light of the stars itself. His father was sitting beside her clothed in black and gold robes of Fa'enni design which meant that today he was not General of the Terran Army but King of Fa'enni. His personal power sword, an heirloom of Raven House was on his belt. It was the same sword that killed Xherstla Hegemon. Symbol of his father's power as supreme commander of all sector forces.
Closest to them sat Admiral MacArthur in his ceremonial Navy uniform and he for change smiled. As usually near him was his adjutant. What was surprising it's how they were obviously flirting. That would be the first time.
Naella D'astra was a cute and competent Fa'enni adjutant sent by his Mother 20 years ago to help the Human admiral with contacts with the local population. Naella obviously was in love with the admiral for a good few years now and did everything in her power to make him noticed her as a woman but with little effect or success. She was shorter than usually Fa'ennis are and was only 165cm tall. But today she was stunning- her flame-red hair were flowing at her back and looked like dancing flames with every move. Her green-like emerald gems eyes were sparkling with happiness as yellow swirls of golden glitter danced in them as she was talking with Admiral. Her face was very beautiful like only Fa'enni can be with a few delicate freckles on her cheeks and nose. Her vibrantly colored golden-crimson wings moved from time to time out of excitement. She wore a long sequin-like sparkling green dress that enhanced her already perfect figure. Naella must be very happy thought Thuel when he saw how many lights danced on her skin and stirred air around her.
He looked at Johan and pointed at his father with an obvious question on his face. Johan just smiled and raised his both thumbs. Thuel shrugged his arms "If you say so bro" he thought. But Admiral and Naella looked really great together. And it was good to see the admiral finally happy since Thuel was worried about the man who was like an uncle to him.
At the next table sat a delegation from Commonwealth Senat and Admiralition. He was surprised to see Grand Admiral himself leading the entire delegation. He was a massive 2m tall wall of pure authority. Admiral looked more like a rugby player than an average member of the Navy. His deep dark skin enhanced his white and gold Navy Ceremonial uniform. He looked like a young man in his 20 or 30 but in reality, he was 323 years old and was serving as Fleet Admiral for about 50 years now. He never was married. Or as his friends used to say he married the Navy over 300 years ago and he was absolutely dedicated to his work. He was also Duke and his house was almost as well known and old as Ravens.
Lord Denis Makosso was smiling since it will be him to officially grant the Medal of Honor to captain Raphael Rosi and that medal is not given so casually. When Richard told him about the planned award he made all preparations to be here. No shady senator, not even a minister will give this medal, not on his watch anyway. Especially since He never was able to give this medal to anyone so God forbid any idiot trying to take the leading of the ceremony from him now. The last obstacle in his plan would be Fa'enni Royal Family but He talked before the party with young Raven and he already assured the old admiral that everyone will be honored and happy if he will lead the ceremony. He smiled.
Near Grand Admiral was sitting Minister of the Interior Affairs with his wife. It's a very good sign for the Fa'enni Kingdom if the Commonwealth delegation is so highly ranked. Minister and his wife both joked and had a very good time. His wife was stunning and delicate but no wonder since She was the daughter of Noble family from planet Avalon.
Behind them sat their entourage with visibly angered short and little too fat admiral and his partner. Woman who did everything to look good but compared to the wife of the minister she looked rather pale. And if you try to compare her to any Fa'enni woman at the party she looked rather pitiful.
He shook his head and cut off mana from his eyes. Now she looked quite cute and beautiful and somehow familiar. Thuel was sure he saw her somewhere but had no idea where. When he allowed mana vision to return she looked once again bad. That means she is a very spiteful and toxic person. He made a note to himself to avoid contact at any cost.
Hall was filling with invited Humans, Fa'enni and AI. A table near Thuel was occupied by Overseer, Guardian, Wrath, and Dauntless- Terran Fleet Flagship AI. A little intimidated Guardian was sitting among legends of his kin but he seemed to be happy.
Well as much as a set of fantasy armor may look happy anyway.
Thuel heard how Johan gasped and followed his gaze. It was Anna with her family. Her Father was a head engineer and brilliant scientist. Queen asked him recently if maybe he could help with establishing a new technical university at Ra-Nael. Anna's Mother was a field engineer in the marine corps. Her skills of jury-rigging were legendary and there was nothing she couldn't temporarily fix.
Anna was as delicate as Fa'enni with pristine white skin and with her pitch-black lightly curled hair she looked like a princess from old stories. She wore a straight silvery-blue dress that made Johan's jaw drop.
"Dude! Do something or you start drooling!" He whispered to his friend laughing, but he stopped as Lady Khrisa with Captain Rapheal entered the room.
Lady Khrisa was not only the best friend of his Mother but also held the title of Duke of Fa'enni. So her entire family was a very rare example of Fa'enni nobility. Behind them was standing Luna.
He almost dropped to his knees. Now Johan had to remind Thuel to collect his dignity from the ground. Girls took their places at their table while their parents joined the table where admiral MacArthur and Naella were sitting. After a few minutes, His Mother waved her hand and the lights dimmed and they focused on her and her father. Ceremony started.
Shanti smiled when she saw Robert and Naella finally get along. Naella will help him leave the past behind and now when he finally allowed her to get closer her mana will protect him. She knew almost everything that have happened to the admiral since she was already his adjutant back then. Shanti made sure she learned about Guardian's investigation outcome.
When they talked yesterday Shanti saw the fire of anger in her eyes when she heard how the person she loved as a man and admired as a commander was gradually destroyed.
When the Rosi family entered the hall it was time to start the party. She nodded to Konrad. He will start the ceremony and she will take it over. Konrad smiled.
"Welcome everyone. Honorable guests. Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the Alinti system over rebuilding Ra-Nael. Capital system and planet of Fa'enni Kingdom. We are gathered here to award War of Salvation heroes."
Gathered applauded. Everyone who knows Konrad Raven knew he doesn't like official speeches. He continued.
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"Before the start of the main ceremony, we Royal Family of Fa'enni wish to grant long due award to a man who should be awarded so long time ago."
Lights went off and a gigant 3d recording was displayed above the crowd. Everyone saw Xhrestla ships laying waste to the planet below. It was Ra-Nael and it was burning. The recording was taken by one of a few surviving satellites during the siege. Grand Admiral watched with disgust how over 1000 ships were razing a single defenseless planet. Suddenly flashes of hyperdrives were seen when Humanity Fleet dropped from hyperspace. A ping of system-wide open transmission was heard and Robert's hologram filled the air. He spoke the same words Shanti reminded not so long ago. Robert with his calm voice in which you could hear steel will and ager speaking:
"We have arrived and it is time we perform our duty. By Terran law and according to our vow we came as defenders of Noble Fa'enni. To all ships besieging Fa'enni planets withdraw or face the wrath of Humanity. Forgot about your ground forces. Herby, I sign the death warrant and consign all your warriors to oblivion. Admiral MacArthur. Out."
Fleets were facing each other but Terran's gigantic ships were swiftly heading toward orbital blockade positions. It was clear they wanted to cut the planet from enemy forces. A few seconds later first Xhrestla dreadnoughts opened fire. But at the same time slower than the rest of his Fleet Wrath arrived towed through hyperspace by ten dreadnoughts. Once again open transmission ping was heard and only the voice of MacArthur was heard this time.
"This is Admiral Robert MacArthur from Terran Commonwealth Navy combat planetoid Wrath speaking. To all lizards: you have chosen death, and by the authority given by Terran Senat I gladly accept your declaration of War."
His ships were still silent. Grand admiral nodded his head with admiration. This Boy was talented and able to maintain discipline. He was starting to change his opinion. The recording focused suddenly on a crystal clear frame, the recording for sure was taken on Wraths bridge. Robert was sitting relaxed but you could see flames of anger in his eyes. Suddenly one voice pierced and silenced everyone on the bridge. It was Wrath's voice full of primordial anger.
"Admiral MacArthur. Dropships were deployed as ordered and ground forces are already engaging Xhrestla forces." MacArthur simply nodded his head and said with a voice cold as void.
"All Warships open fire."
Grand Admiral had never seen these logs. He should have. Gregoray will have to explain himself. He started becoming angry. Lights slowly illuminated the room. All gathered started applauding when lights highlighted Admiral and Naella alongside him. Robert had no idea what was going on. Why Shanti and Konrad did this...
'What weapon Shanti planned to give me?' crossed Robert's mind but he heard Shanti's voice in his implant. "Robert trust me now! Take Naell's hand when we ask you to come to us! You are stronger together" he turned his head toward Queen and saw nothing except an official expression on her face. A second quick transmission pinged in his head. "Go for it, Dad! Catch that chance! Check your left pocket!" what the? In his left pocket, he found the ring with a flaming red ruby. Johan... So even you was involved in this plot? He smiled. Queen softly stepped down and gestured toward Admiral.
Gregoray was watching with furry as his enemy was glorified. It should be him! But they will give him some medal and that changes nothing. Ever since the academy that trash robbed Gregoray of all glory and honors, even became admiral before him and received command over the Fleet that first helped Fa'enni during the invasion. Later he was elevated to brand new 230th fleet Commander. He was furious. But no medal will save him! He has signed a warrant of his shameful discharge from the Navy. Gregoray smiled with satisfaction. He will just need any excuse...
Shanti smiled when Robert and Naella came together. She addressed the entire hall.
"Honorable guests!" she nodded toward Grand Admiral and Minister who nodded her back with respect.
"Our great Friends from Terra! We gathered today at this cheerful ceremony to award the heroes of Fa'enni! But before any other heroes will be decorated we, Royal Family want to award Hero whose valorous actions never stopped! Who dedicated himself to orders given a long time ago and so far away! The hero whose daily struggle is keeping safe entire sector! Admiral Robert MacArthur and his close friend and aid Nealla D'astra!"
She started clapping her hands and every Fa'enni started vigorously cheering, humans more reserved but with the same sympathy. After a while, Queen continued with Konrad standing behind her.
"With all my court and ministers we have debated a long time. How we can award a man who have everything? How we can repay you for your neverending work?"
She turned to her husband and took his sword he hold ready. "I First Queen of Fa'enni, acting with the will of the Royal Family and according to expectations of my people I elevate you our Hero as Noble."
She put a powered down sword on kneeling Robert's shoulder and warmly smiled. Robert smiled back and felt the warm touch of Naell on his left arm. She was always near him but he never allowed himself to embrace her affection. But she was patient. Her warmth was filling his heart giving him strength.
Shanti was right, with her he was stronger.
Konrad put his hand on Shati's and closed her hand holding the sword in his own hand. Konrad and Shanti in unison said:
"We herby grant you the rank of Duke. May your Noble line protect the Fa'enni Kingdom from today till the end of time Lord Admiral Robert MacArthur!"
Still kneeling Robert addressed his Royal Friends. "Im honored by this distinction. I will promise to perform my duty without fail. Thank your Highnesses for your trust."
Queen and King smiled at him and He exhaled and decided to play for everything. One glance at Konrad and his friend nodded with best wishes in his eyes. Robert was still kneeling when Royal Family was returning to their thrones.
All hall waited for his speech but he turned to Naell D'astra and grabbed her hand. He saw tension and great anticipation in her eyes. She was trembling from the happiness that Queen allowed her to assist the man she loved during this ceremony. Robert looked into her eyes and started his speech still kneeling. Her heart almost stopped when she heard him speak.
"When my Fleet reached Ra-Nael we saw fire and a sea of blood. When the war ended I once again was allowed to return to Fa'enni space. 20 years ago I meet the woman who always helped me withstand the hardships of duty so far away from home. Without her help, I would never achieve anything I did. Naell D'astra of Fa'enni will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Robert took out the ring from his pocket and offered it to Naell. He really hoped she doesn't dump him now because he will melt through all Wraths decks and outer hull. All women gathered breathed a sigh. Such a classic scene. But Naell with tears of pure happiness in her eyes took the ring and responded with a single:
"Yes!"
Gregoray Flynn was furious. Not furious, what he felt now was much deeper and much more toxic. Not only this trash in this circumstance will stay as 230th Fleet Commander but he received the highest possible Noble title! Not only this but also got such a gorgeous woman?! This should be me! Not him! No! No! No! He will kill him. No matter how he will be punished... No! He will challenge him in a duel. He had installed some top-of-line enhancements MacArthur doesn't have for sure. He will disgrace that trash. He smiled to Sara and whispered, "nothing is lost don't worry". But when he saw her here among all the Fa'enni women around She was like a dandelion in a garden full of the most beautiful roses. She wasn't so pretty anymore.
Konrad sent a quick note to Grand Admiral Denis Makosso. They nodded to themselves and the admiral came to the decoration podium. Admiral looked with pride at the grizzled Veteran whose exploits were already used as examples for students in all army academies in Commonwealth. Dauntless voice pierced the hall.
"Captain Raphael Fiori! Atteeeention!" Raphael straightened up came to his position saluted and stand at attention.
"At command sir!"
Admiral looked upon all gathered and started the ancient ritual with carefully crafted speech according to tradition. At the same time, he will be one promoting that boy, he feels generous today.
"Thank you, Queen and King of Fa'enni, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends and family. Welcome and thank you for being here today to welcome Colonel Raphael Fiori to his rightful place in the Hall of Heroes. Today is special because today we reflect on the true meaning of courage, service and selflessness, and honor a person who embodied them. There are many valorous stories of combat but the Medal of Honor is special. It is awarded only to the bravest among us. Colonel Raphael Fiori is one of them. We may use the term "hero" all the time, but there are heroes among heroes. And they are very rare."
Eyes of all Fa'enni were huge from excitement. So this is how Humanity honor their heroes? Admiral continued.
"These are people who, when presented with the option, chose others over themselves. This award is about offering these special souls our reverence as all nations of the Commonwealth and as a Military and ensuring that the best among us - their bravery, their sacrifice and their selflessness - are never forgotten. 'Where does that courage and selflessness come from?'
We often ask ourselves. It comes from a commitment to others, and to the mission. Raphael's willingness to sacrifice his life to protect those around him is fundamentally why we are all here: to protect each other and to protect our Commonwealth.
We may spend a lot of time talking about weapon systems, technologies and doctrine, but our most important asset is the individual Soldiers, Sailor and Marine because when the blood hit the ground it all comes down to the individual men and women: their bravery, courage, professionalism, sense of duty and selflessness, all of which was so remarkably exhibited by this great Man. His actions resonate across time and place, inspiring us and fortifying our trust in ourselves, in our humanity, in our military and in our nations.
Our nations are forever indebted to him, and this medal reflects the people's understanding of a certain paradox: We only become truly great when we make ourselves the servants of others. With great pleasure, I present you with one of the greatest medals the Commonwealth can offer to its greatest. Wear this Medal of Honor with the same pride you made us when we heard your story!"
All gathered clapped their hands and cheered. This speech was so fantastic that all AI already received many requests from almost every Fa'enni gathered for a copy. Few more soldiers and officers were awarded with lesser medals. Queen and King knighted also Crestfield Family with the title of Earl.
When the official part finally ended Admiral and Naella joined Thuel and his friends.