spectators watch you as you walk. Your combat gear muddied and bloodied. Rifle slung over your back. 11 other surviving marines trudging behind you. The last 12 of the terran fedderation. The only survivors. Of a whole war. The spectators holding a federation salute. Ring finger and thumb together, pinky to the sky, index and middle likewise upright

there is silence. No more marines follow. Silent vigil. A few mutterings of: ‘may the federation rule long’ or ‘may the fallen lie loved’