Chapter 15

Back On Elonis

Three months later "The Space Hammer " finally docked back on Elonis.

Admiral Thompson ordered the physician on bored and two other lower level officers to go wake up Kolten and prepare him for the landing ceremony.

Everybody who was somebody were already waiting by the ship for the crew to unload. Mostly wives, and families there to welcome their loved ones home. Of course you also had the Elite officials and a few celebrities there to gain more popularity.

Kolten took one step down the stairs to the terminal. Tears still flooded his eyes and he felt like death. A warm firm hand grabbed his shoulder.

He heard Admiral Thompson's voice behind him.

" Kid I know you're in pain. I'm sorry for how it all went down. She would've made a lovely wife. Right now the best you can do is hold your head up high. That girl. erm.. Tara. She sacrificed herself to save the galaxy. Thanks to efforts of her and her Squadron. Our mission was successful. Take pride in that. Her life wasn't taken in vain. Also according to the ground troops. All signs of enemy fighters have fled."

"Fuck you Admiral!" Kolten whispered to where he knew only the Admiral could hear him.

"Normally I'd have someone thrown in jail for that. I'm sure however I deserved that one. Go spend time with your parents. I'll have someone reach out to you in a few days. We'll give Tara a proper full honors military memorial service." the Admiral prompted.

Kolten responded. "Admiral. her whole Squadron deserves a proper memorial."

The Admiral was quick to reply. "Consider it done."

"Kolten! Kolten!" He heard his mother shout.

He surveyed the crowd. She was so short compared to the crowd. His dad being a strong, big six foot five inches tall was easier to spot. As soon as he saw his father he ran to that direction.

When he approached them he hugged his mother and the tears just flowed uncontrollably. She tried to comfort him the best she could like mothers do. His father pulled him over and said.

"Let me take a look at you son! Damn you grew like a whole foot taller since we last saw you a little over two years ago. You're a great hero now! Let me guess. You're off to marry Tara now, buy a beautiful house, and give us grand babies right?"

"Dad no. Tara is dead! I just want to go home now!" he cried out in anger and sadness.

"OK son. I'm sorry to hear that. For a low level gal. She was a good woman. Let's go home!" The battle hardened Admiral said as he was trying his hardest to comfort his son.