784 Chapter 784 Moment of Peace
Aldred's voice, clear and resonant, filled the stadium as he began to speak directly to the families of the fallen. "To the families of our honored heroes, I stand before you not just as a leader, but as someone who owes a debt of gratitude to your loved ones. Each of them showed courage and sacrifice that will forever be etched in the annals of our history."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, then continued, "Let me share with you the stories of their bravery." One by one, Aldred recounted the tales of the fallen soldiers, their acts of valor, the lives they saved, and the ultimate sacrifice they made. The audience listened in rapt attention, many wiping away tears, as Aldred brought to life the heroes behind the names.
As the final story was told, Aldred announced, "In recognition of their sacrifice, and in gratitude for the families left behind, the Celestial Platoon will be awarding each family a sum of 1 million Diras. This money will be kept in our private bank, accruing an interest of 6% annually. But that is not all."
He gestured, and screens displayed the comprehensive package being offered to the families: free education for their children, free transportation, and free access to food supplies. "We will ensure you are taken care of. Your loved ones gave everything for us, and it is our duty to support you in every way we can."
Murmurs of disbelief and gratitude swept through the crowd as Aldred's promise sank in.
The soldiers in attendance felt a surge of pride and motivation, seeing the honor and support extended to their fallen comrades.
Aldred, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, added, "This is more than a gesture of thanks. It is a statement of our values. In the Celestial Platoon, we fight together, we protect each other, and we honor our fallen. The morale of our soldiers, the unity of our cause, and the support of our families are the greatest weapons in this war against darkness."
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, the golden lights above casting a solemn glow on the white coffins.
As the families were invited to pay their personal respects, many approached Aldred, offering words of thanks and receiving his condolences in return.
The unity and strength of the Celestial Platoon, in the face of loss and victory alike, were palpable.
As the crowd began to disperse, the message was clear: the Celestial Platoon was more than a military force; it was a community bound by honor, sacrifice, and a commitment to safeguarding the galaxy.
And at its helm stood Aldred, a leader who understood the true cost of war and the value of each life under his command.
In the aftermath of the ceremony, the Celestial Platoon's headquarters on the planet transformed.
What was once a hub of military strategy and preparation became, for a brief moment in time, a sanctuary of peace and relaxation.
The stark, metallic edges of the base softened under the glow of ambient lighting, and the air buzzed with a sense of camaraderie and relief. Soldiers and staff, their uniforms momentarily forgotten, mingled in common areas now repurposed for entertainment and leisure.
Aldred, observing the change, felt a wave of satisfaction. "We've earned this respite," he mused, his gaze sweeping over the lively scene before him. "A moment to breathe, to celebrate life amidst the shadows of war."
Shinari, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. "It's these moments that remind us what we're fighting for," she said, her usually stern demeanor softened by the atmosphere.
Suddenly, a floating pod arrived by the balcony and Salamander walked out. "You've done great work with the place."
"I only tell people what to do. Give the credit to them." Aldred chuckled.
Cleome, the Lightning Weaver, had only recently returned from her own battles in distant territories. Her arrival at the headquarters was met with cheers and relief, a testament to the bond shared among the members of the Platoon. As she navigated through the crowd, her electric blue eyes sparkled with unspoken tales of her exploits.
The three of them looked at the crowd parting as Cleome walked to them.
"Hey, you're alive!" Aldred jokingly said.
"I should be the one who said that to you." Cleome poked a tiny lightning at Aldred's shoulder making him yelped in pain.
"Going deep in enemy territory. You really are crazy."
"It went well. The enemy lose a lot in that battle giving us this moment of respite."
"It could went completely wrong. If you die, everything will fall."
"I won't go if I am not certain." Aldred smiled.
Cleome chuckled. "When was the last time tou feel uncertain."
Aldred smiled.
"I wanted to take this moment to thank each of you personally," Aldred began, his tone earnest. "Your leadership, your bravery, it's what keeps this Platoon together. You've each led your teams through darkness, and yet, here we stand, stronger than ever."
Shinari nodded, her eyes reflecting the depth of her commitment. "It's our duty, Aldred. And our honor."
Salamander grinned, his usual humor shining through. "Plus, we couldn't let you have all the fun now, could we?"
Cleome, quieter but no less passionate, added, "We fight for the same cause, Aldred. For peace, for a future. Your leadership inspires us all."
The group shared a moment of silence, the weight of their responsibilities hanging in the air amidst the surrounding festivities.
"Let's not forget to enjoy tonight," Aldred finally said, breaking the silence. "For tomorrow, we continue our fight."
As the evening progressed, the members of the Celestial Platoon found solace in each other's company. Stories of past battles mixed with laughter and music, creating a tapestry of memories that would bolster their spirits in the days to come.
Shinari, taking a moment to herself, gazed up at the stars visible through the transparent ceiling of the recreation area. "We're a part of something much larger than ourselves," she thought, a sense of purpose filling her heart.
Salamander, amidst a group of younger soldiers, shared tales of his adventures, each story punctuated by his roaring laughter. "These are the moments that make it all worth it," he reflected, his gaze meeting Shinari's across the room.
Cleome, surrounded by a circle of eager listeners, recounted her own experiences on the battlefield. The respect and admiration in the eyes of her audience fueled her resolve. "We're not just soldiers," she realized. "We're beacons of hope."
Aldred could only smile.
He had always been putting a mask of a hero with a great sense of justice.
But although he did not think he was evil, he wasn't heroic either.
He won't sacrifice his life for other people that was for sure.
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