Chapter 26
Homecoming
11th of Fourthmoon, Saintclair 12
Berenice Airbase, Constans Province, Kingdom of Byrandia
It was about an hour before sunset when the Junker Jorg appeared on its final approach to the Berenice Airbase. Who would believe that only two weeks had passed since they left? It seemed like it had been so much longer.
The Junker Jorg landed on one of the airstrips. The quarterdeck loading ramp was still inoperable from the damage it suffered during the firefight with the Junker Woland, so they had to disembark via the cargo bay loading ramp. Just as they came aboard, they were to leave two by two, all those who could walk. Some of the wounded would have to be carried out. And then there was the dead.
Root headed the formation. He was first in line, but he would stay behind to make sure there no were issues getting everyone disembarked. Major Pulver was acting as Officer of the Deck. Captain Romsky and Captain Saxon were with him.
Root saluted and said, "Lieutenant Rutger Maartens, requesting permission to go ashore."
Major Pulver and the two captains returned his salute.
"Permission granted," Pulver said.
Root handed Pulver his orders so he would have all the information he needed for the log. While he was scribbling down the information, Captain Saxon stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Lieutenant."
Root shook his hand, replying simply, "Sir."
"You did got out there, son," Captain Saxon said. "We need more soldiers like you, especially in the days to come."
"I only did what I was trained to do, sir," Root replied.
"You don't need to be so modest, Lieutenant, but I guess that's part of the reason why I like you. Don't worry about the Blackamoors. All that will be taken care of."
"I don't suppose that'd include more permanent accommodations for them."
Captain Saxon smiled and said, "All in good time, Lieutenant. The people of this kingdom will see justice done."
"Good luck with that, sir."
"And good luck to you, Lieutenant, wherever life may take you."
Wherever life may take him. Root would've liked nothing more than to round out his twenty in obscurity, but he had a feeling that wasn't in the cards for him. They were on the brink of a new war with the Palatinians, the kingdom groaned under the jackboot of the Blackamoors, and then there was the Empire to think about. They'd be coming to assert their claim on the planet and God help anyone foolish enough to try to fight them.
Setting those thoughts aside, Root called out to the others, "Let's move 'em out!"
And so they came forward two by two. Twenty soldiers including himself, eleven airmen, and forty-two civilians. Fifteen bodybags lined the back of one of the cargo trucks. Eighteen others were still out there in the snow. A hundred and four men and women placed in his care and only seventy-two were coming home alive. He didn't think he'd have to deal with anything like this since he left the Legion, but already he was thinking about making the painful trip to see old Mrs. Russo. Cale and Tony were all she had. What was he going to say to her?
He waited until after the vehicles were unloaded before making his way down the loading ramp. The survivors of the expedition were formed up and waiting for him. Commandant LaTriste was also there. So was Trish.
Root walked over to the Commandant and saluted.
"Lieutenant Maartens reporting, ma'am."
Commandant LaTriste returned his salute and said, "Report, Lieutenant."
"Benefide Expedition, mission aborted. Thirty-three fatalities, twelve wounded. Seventy-three present and accounted for."
"Take them to headquarters for debriefing, then arrange for transportation for the civilians back into town. I expect your full written report by noon tomorrow."
"Yes, ma'am."
"And, Lieutenant..."
"Yes, ma'am?"
"I'm glad you made it back."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Dismissed."
Root saluted the Commandant again and once she returned the salute, she turned and left. Trish stayed behind. They had a lot to talk about.
"LeGrange," Root called out.
"Yes, sir?" LeGrange asked.
"Take 'em down ta HQ. Lieutenant Cenowicz is gonna wanna have a word with 'em." He then told the assembly at large, "Folks, ya gotta put up with a little admin bullshit. We're gonna try ta get ya back home in a couple hours. Take over, LeGrange."
LeGrange saluted.
"Sir."
Root returned the salute. As LeGrange marched them off, Root and Trish just stood there in awkward silence for a few moments. She made the first move, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you, Root," she said. "I was so worried."
Root feebly returned her embrace.
"I'm alright. Still in one piece."
"But you lost so many people. What happened out there?"
"It's a long story," Root said, "an' chances are, Cenowicz isn't gonna want me tellin' any a' it."
"You're alive," Trish said. "That's all that matters to me."
Much like how she sent him off, she took hold of him by the lapels and gave him a kiss. He should've been happy, relieved, but all he could think about was the interrupted kiss he tried give Azuki in the tent and then the kiss he gave her as she lay dying. He couldn't feel Trish's warmth, only Azuki's coldness. It was worst feeling in the world, but he wasn't about to spoil the moment for Trish. Let her think it was a big romantic reunion. It was better that way.