Tales From The Space Force Pt. 02

She looked at him, "So I guess keeping busy helped."

He nodded as he looked at what was for lunch. "Yeah, that and I had a long talk with Ellie."

She cocked her head and looked at him, "Oh really? You talked with her, but not me?"

He looked at her and smiled, "You're too nice, she smacked me around to beat it into me."

Evelyn grinned, "That's okay then." The she poked him in the chest emphasize her words, "And you will tell me word for word on what you talked about."

He grinned, "Yes dear, anything you say dear."

Evelyn smiled, he almost sounded like his old self. "Hmm, maybe not being nice does works better."

Lucas grinned, "Gee, is that how its gonna be now that we're gonna get married?"

She grinned and leaned over to kiss him, "Maybe, we'll just have to see."

They went and got lunch and talked while they ate. Lucas asked her, "How did your debrief go hon."

She swallowed and drank a little water, "Alright I guess, were not completely done yet, I need to go back."

Then she sighed, "I did find out something I didn't want to know, how many ships Saibai and I downed."

After talking to her last night, he wasn't about to ask how many.

They finished lunch and headed back to their quarters to relax for a bit till they both needed to go back. Haruki said he'd see them later and he headed off in the other direction.

They sat on the couch with her sitting in his lap as he told her what he Ellie talked about. She leaned down to kiss him, "I'm glad it helped love, you know I was only kidding right?"

He smiled and nodded, "Of course I did. We were talking about something else and it came up is all. I guess sometimes it helps to talk to someone you're not involved with, you don't have to worry so much about hurt feeling or something like that." He shrugged.

Evelyn nodded, "I guess you're right, that does make sense." She laid against him and sighed.

He kissed the top of her head. "Everything okay hon?"

She sighed again, "I guess, it's just like I said, I really didn't want to know how many. It was easier to ignore it, or put it out of my mind, when I didn't know."

Lucas nodded, "I do understand, if you want to talk, let me know. But if it helps, what Ellie said to me, sort stuck in my head. She said when I told her I felt responsible since it was my idea, "Was it your fault they didn't turn tail and run like the other fleet did? No, it wasn't, it was their decision to fight. And nothing you can say, think, or feel about it will change that. You can't be responsible for whatever someone else does. In the end, it was their decision and not yours. If you want to fixate on something, fixate on this. About two hundred people lost their lives from whatever reason. But how many thousands or tens of thousands didn't get hurt or killed."

He smiled as he brushed the lock of hair back that always fell over her eye. "I thought about what she said, and she was right. You may have shot down those ships, but you were doing it to save lives, not just to kill someone. That's not what the plan was about, it was to make it so they never thought about doing it again."

She turned slightly and kissed him, "Thank you Lucas, that does make me feel slightly better."

They kissed, then she sighed once more, "I really wish I didn't have to go back, I'd rather stay here with you, like this."

He smiled at her, "I know love, so do I, this feels so nice."

They sat for another ten minutes or so, then Evelyn sighed saying, "I guess I better go or they're just going to message me. Hopefully, I can just get in and get out."

They stood and held each other for a moment, then he grinned at her, "Why don't you tell them they need to take you first, that I need you to assist in checking something out."

She bit her lower lip and grinned back, "Maybe I will, that sounds plausible."

She kissed him and he smiled saying, "If it works, I'll be here. I've got a bunch of records to update, and I'd planned on doing them here so no one would bother me."

She smiled, "Hopefully, it'll work." She kissed him once more, then headed out.

Lucas had been working for about a half-hour when the intercom buzzed, "Yes? Can I help you?"

Lucas smiled as he heard his teachers laugh, "Yes, you can let me in."

Grinning he told the door to open and watched as Haruki walked in. "Nakamura san, welcome. This a social call, or is there a problem?"

Haruki smiled, "Purely social. I was bored and your assistant said you'd were working in your quarters. So, here I am."

Lucas smiled, "Sit down, would like something?

Haruki sat down, then said, "Just water right now, it may be a little early in the day for the Saki I have in my quarters."

Laughing, Lucas got him some water and joined him. "So, since all this is pretty much over, when are you heading back?"

Haruki took a drink, and made a face, "Maybe it's not to early, I hate recycled water."

Lucas grinned, "It does take some getting used to. But it's a little too early for Saki for me, I'm trying to catch up on some reports and records."

Haruki nodded as he set the glass down, "Well, to answer your question, more than likely in a few days. I understand your colonel and some others will be going back to earth to go over everything that went on."

Lucas nodded, "Yeah, I expected that. That's what normally happens when something of this magnitude occurs."

Haruki looked at him, "Tell me Lucas, how are you really? Evelyn said, you were quite upset."

Lucas nodded, "I was, but as I mentioned at lunch, I had a long talk with my assistant and she more or less helped."

He grinned, "Evelyn was kind and sympathetic trying to help. Ellie, on the other hand was more brutal and direct."

Haruki smiled, "Yes, you think your wife, or mate would help, but most times, they're to close to the problem."

Lucas nodded, "Yes, I think it's true. That's what I told Evelyn, you don't have to worry so much about hurt feeling or things like that."

Haruki looked at him, "I was talking to Evelyn also, and I think part of it is when I was training you, we had many conversations and not just about what you were learning. I always joked with you and said I was going to make you Japanese; I think I have in a way."

He smiled, "You understood and take to the old ways better than the new. But, sometimes, I think you forget. Do you remember when I was teaching you Kendo? The quotes of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido and the teachings of the Japanese swordsman and philosopher, Miyamoto Musashi?

Lucas nodded slightly embarrassed, "I remember the talks, but not all of the quotes."

Haruki nodded, "Then that, is your problem, let me refresh your memory, first from the honorable and wise Miyamoto Musashi;

"The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them." and "Fixation is the way to death. Fluidity is the way to life."

Haruki looked at Lucas, "You must stop fixating on the fact that it was your idea. Plans of this size and scope are never the work of just one man. And of course, what Morihei Ueshiba said;

"The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood. It is not a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst thing a human being can do. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter -- it is the Art of Peace, the power of love."

Haruki laid his hand on Lucas's shoulder, "My student, your plan was to stop the killing of many innocent people. This you did. The fact that the others did not use common sense and turn away from what surely was to be a disaster, was NOT... your fault or doing, and that is the truth."

Haruki squeezed his shoulder, "Miyamoto Musashi also said, "Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is, and you must bend to its power or live a lie."

Haruki looked at him, "They should have retreated, why they didn't, we'll never know. Maybe it was panic, the wrong decision, or just that they were ignorant of what was to befall them. Who can say?"

He grinned, "But, I also heard another quote when I was young, about your age. It's not as elegant as the others, but I think it applies. An American friend of mine said, "You can't fix stupid, no matter how hard you try."

"As I said, not elegant, but very true. Those people, were very, very stupid."

Lucas laughed at that shaking his head, then he stood and bowed deeply to Haruki, "That is not always true honored teacher, I was being stupid and you fixed that. Maybe you are really the wisest one."

Haruki smiled, and nodded, "Perhaps you are right. I always said you were my best student, so who am I to argue?"

They talked a little longer, then Haruki left saying he'd see them at dinner.

Lucas went back to work in a whole lot better mood. He no longer blamed himself, both Ellie and Haruki had been right. Now he hoped Evie could get back so they could spend some time together before dinner.

Since the things he was doing right now, were sort of brainless, his thoughts went to marrying Evelyn. Could they get married here? Or would they have to wait till their tour was up and went back to earth?

Another half-hour went by and he smiled as the door slid open and Evelyn walked in. He stood up and came over to give her a hug and kiss. "I missed you love. All done?"

Evelyn was a bit shocked by his demeaner, "I love you to hon. I guess your feeling better now? What happened?"

Lucas smiled, "I had a visit from the one person who stood a chance of making me feel better about everything."

Evelyn smiled, "Let me guess, Haruki stopped by."

Lucas grinned and nodded. "Yep, but it was little to early for the bottle of Saki we'd normally share."

Evelyn hugged him, "I'm happy your feeling better love. I was getting a little worried about you. But I guess it makes sense, he probably knows you better than I do. We may love each other, but we still have much to learn about each other."

Lucas smiled once more, "That's sort of true, but I know I love you and that's all that matters right now. The rest can be on the job training."

Then he got serious, "How about you hon? How are you doing now?"

She frowned slightly, "I'm better, it's just going to take a while. But, I have you and that helps."

Lucas nodded, "Look Evie, maybe this will help, I know it did me. Haruki said; "My student, your plan was to stop the killing of many innocent people. This you did. The fact that the others did not use common sense and turn away from what surely was to be a disaster, was NOT... your fault or doing, and that is the truth."

"Then he added, "Miyamoto Musashi said, "Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is, and you must bend to its power or live a lie."

Evelyn thought about this, then sighed, "I guess you're right, it's not like we fired first, they did and we just responded."

Lucas nodded, "I didn't know that, it kind of helps me also." Then he grinned, "But after he told me that, he added something else, he said, "They should have retreated, why they didn't, we'll never know. Maybe it was panic, the wrong decision, or just that they were ignorant of what was to befall them. I can't say."

"But I also once heard a quote when I was young. It's not as elegant as the others, but I think it applies. An American friend of mine said, "You can't fix stupid, no matter how hard you try."

"As I said, not elegant, but very true. Those people, were very, very stupid."

Evelyn looked at him, then grinned and started to laugh. Lucas looked at her smiling, until she finally stopped, "Oh, I needed that my love." She chuckled, "I think that actually helps more than the others."

Lucas nodded, "I agree, I told him the same thing myself. Now, why don't you come and sit with me and we can make-out like a couple teenagers until dinner. I'm tired of looking at reports."

Evelyn grinned and licked her lips, then straddled him putting her arms around his neck and kissed him. It got a bit more intense after that.

Later on, they got cleaned up and dressed so they could go to dinner and as they walked along the passageway, they greeted people they met and the crew smiled as they saw them holding hands.

They greeted everyone as they walked into the officers dining hall and sat down next to Haruki as usual.

He smiled, seeing them both in a good mood, and Evelyn leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for fixing the problem."

Haruki smiled, "It was my pleasure dear. It's nice to see you both back to normal."

Once everyone was seated, the Colonel and the major came in and joined them. He looked over his officers and smiled to himself as he saw Lucas and Evelyn being their normal selves.

After they all finished eating, everyone was talking with one another like normal. Then the colonel said, "Captain Torson, it's nice to see you back to normal self. Can I assume everything is alright now?"

Lucas nodded, "Yes sir, it is. I had a long talk with my teacher here and he convinced me everything was good."

The colonel nodded, "Good, I'm happy for you. If you don't mind me asking, what did he tell you?"

Lucas smiled, "Well, he told me many things, but the one thing my wise and honorable teacher said clinched it."

The colonel smiled, "And what was this sage advice?"

Lucas grinned slightly, "You can't fix stupid, no matter how hard you try. Those people were very, very stupid."

The room went quiet, then the colonel started to laugh. He ended up laughing like Evelyn had in their quarters, as did most of the others in the room.

Once he finally stopped, he wiped away some laugh tears, and grinned, "Damn, but I needed that myself. That is completely true, my father used to tell me that."

"Well, before everyone leaves, I've got a few things to put out. The Major and myself will be going to earth on Monday and there are also a few others that will be joining us. They are, Captain Hampton, Captain Snider, Flight Leader Jackson, Pilot Saito, and Captain Torson. Mr. Nakamura will be also coming to go back home as his work is done here."

He smiled once more, "Also, we will be joined there by Vagan Commander Kylian, Security Officer Kalyke, and Pilot Saibai. I don't have to tell you how rare this is, but if one thing good came out of this, it's the closer relations with our Vagan allies, at least here."

He took a drink of his coffee, "So, if those that I mentioned will stay for a few minutes, the rest are dismissed."

Lucas and Evelyn looked at one another, then he said to her quietly, "I have a feeling I'm not going to like this." Evelyn nodded agreeing with him.

Once they were alone, the colonel said, "Captain Hampton, Captain Snider, Flight Leader Jackson, Pilot Saito, and Captain Torson you are coming with us so you can be at the award ceremony. The Head of Space Force has singled all of you out for special awards. The rest of the people involved will also being getting awards, but we'll do that once we get back."

Then he smiled once more, "He's also presenting some awards to the Vagan's that aided us and participated."

He finished his coffee and continued, "We'll be leaving at 0700, so please don't be late and make sure you have your dress uniforms with you."

He looked at Lucas, "Between now and then, stop by supply and get one." He grinned, "As I doubt you've bothered with that."

Lucas shook his head, "No sir I haven't."

The colonel nodded, "Alright then your all dismissed. Torson, Saito, please stay for a moment if you would."

Lucas and Evelyn sat back down to see what else he wanted.

The colonel and the major came over and sat down by them, then he smiled, "I just wanted to let you know, they've also contacted both your parents so they could be there along with some of the others."

Then he grinned at Evelyn, "But the real reason I wanted to talk to both of you alone, is that I understand that the captain here, has asked you to marry you."

Evelyn's eyes went wide, "Uh, yes sir he did."

The colonel smiled, "I'm happy for you two, I think you two belong together. The question is, when did you plan on doing it?"

Lucas looked at Evelyn, then back and said, "We don't know sir, we've been talking about it, but haven't settled on anything yet."

The colonel nodded, "Well, here's the thing, Space Force allows marriage, but they don't allow the couple to be stationed here together if they are. It's kind of archaic, but I guess it makes sense to someone."

They looked at him, the Lucas said, "Yes sir, I understand, it was something we were wondering about ourselves."

The colonel nodded, "Okay, you have a few options. One, you stay here like you are and once your tours are over, you can get married. Two, you get married, and one of you transfers back to earth. Or three, you get married and you both request transfer."

They looked at each other, then Lucas said, "I guess we'll have to think on it sir. We'll let you know as soon as we do."

The colonel nodded, "Good, you two can carry on then."

They walked back to their quarters and Lucas made Evelyn a cup of tea and himself a coffee. They both drank a little, then Evelyn asked, "Well, what do you think?"

Lucas shrugged, "I don't know about you, but the second option is right out, I will not leave you."

Evelyn nodded, "I agree, I feel the same way. I think it all comes down to the first option, staying like we are for, I do want to marry you, but I could keep it the way we are right now."

Lucas nodded his agreement, "Your right, so unless we both want to transfer, or if they'd even let us, I guess we stay the way we are. We've only got like a year and some."

He took her hand, "You know," He said thoughtfully, "I really don't see what that's all about. The only difference is a piece of paper. We'd be doing things and acting the same either way."

She looked at him, and nodded, "Would you rather both of us transfer hon?"

He looked at her, "Well, I think it comes down to you more than me. No matter if I'm here or there, I'd be doing the same thing. Would you?"

Evelyn shrugged, "I guess, it's not like there aren't fighter squads on earth. I know they have regular patrols, or at least that's what my friend Steve said. He said they escort him from and to the exosphere when he comes here."

Lucas took a drink then looked up at the overhead, then he sighed, "I just don't know the best thing to do. It might be nice to be stationed on earth, I guess a lot depends on the outcome of all that just happened."

Evelyn nodded, "Look, what say we do this before we decide, why don't we wait until we come back, maybe... talk to our parents about it when we're there and see what's around that we could transfer to if we decided on that."

Lucas smiled, "Yeah, okay, I like that idea. Not only are you beautiful, your also smart."

She scooted over a bit, to lean against him. "I love you."

Lucas smiled and once again brushed the stray lock of her hair back. "I love you too." Then he leaned over to kiss her.

The next day was Friday, and after breakfast, Evelyn went to the flight center and Lucas went to the lab first to take care of a few things. Once done, he headed over to the supply office to see about a dress uniform. He got lucky; they did have one that fit him, not perfect, but close enough. It's not like he'd be wearing it but once in a blue moon.

The Space Force dress uniforms were a cross between the Air Force and Army dress uniforms in a two-tone grey. The pants were a dark grey, and the jacket was a lighter grey. He grinned; it was like they took the colors from the moon. He had to admit it was nice looking and was fairly comfortable, he remembered how his dad had complained about his dress Navy uniform. He was a Chief Petty Officer and their dress uniform was called "Choker Whites." They had a tall stiff collar that fit snuggly around the neck. It really looked uncomfortable.