Epilogue: Lieutenant's Diary
Diary, Lt. Robert Oliver
7803998.M41
It's been two months since that final battle in the courtyard. And
in those two months, a lot of things have changed.
Some of us have gotten back in touch with our families, who are just
as uncertain how to react as we are. Some have shut us out, believing
us dead to the point they are angered by the very thought we are
actually alive. But for some, it has been a good experience.
It's been said that war brings others together. It was certainly true
for Mel and Jessy, who got married six weeks ago. A few days later, I
finally made Janet my wife, with whom I am very happy, and will be
even happier when she gives birth in eight months to our first child.
Others haven't taken to commitment so freely, but once they're
convinced we are on this planet for good, I'm sure they'll follow.
It's hard getting used to the hero treatment from the locals, but I
think I'm getting the hang of it. I suppose I, of everyone, should be
hailed as a hero, for killing the Eldar Farseer. Funny thing is, I
don't feel any more heroic than anyone else.
I'm eager to see what the future has in store for myself and the rest
of the twenty-one members of One Platoon that survived. We are helping
each other every day in moving on toward the future, and even Bill has
finally stopped bottling up his emotions and has started to let people
in. I'm certain he'll be fine when we hold our ceremony to honor the
fifty-seven men and women who died as a part of our platoon, and the
granddaughter of our lieutenant, the man who led us into hell and
never turned back.
The saga of One Platoon may well be ended, or it may only have ended
its first chapter of many. Either way fate takes us, I will be
content.
Bob Oliver
THE END
|
