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Chapter 562   Pomp and Circumstance

“Generations before the Terran Empire was conceived, a visionary was born in the then United States of America. Born to humble parents, he was a decorated veteran and pilot, who yearned for the stars. ‘What if?’ he thought to himself, but the technology to fulfill his dreams wouldn’t exist for decades after he began his dreams.

“So instead, he devoted himself to sharing those dreams of his in the hopes that they would inspire others to dream with him, and by doing so, he influenced generation after generation of people to seek the stars, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

“You, the brave men and women of Our exploration fleet, are the culmination of the hopes and dreams of every man, woman, and child who has ever looked up at the night sky and thought to themselves, ‘What if?’ And as you take this first historic step in the history of mankind, know that you go with those hopes and dreams.” Aron’s gaze grew fervent as he stared into the virtual “camera” in front of him, the viewing angle of everyone watching making it seem as though he was meeting the eyes of everyone watching his speech.

“You stand on the shoulders of giants who have come before you, lifted by the blood, sweat, and tears of our species’ effort over generations. You, the pioneers of space, are the culmination of the entire history of our world and the fruit of the tree of effort that generations upon generations planted before.

“From the first neanderthal who looked up and dreamed up fantastic dreams of the night sky, to the storytellers who told tale after tale of the gods. The astronomers who first saw pictures in the sky, the authors who wrote flights of fantasy set in the sprawling, infinite universe. The brave men of the Sputnik and Apollo missions.... We could list name after name stretching in a long unbroken line of heroes, dreamers, philosophers, and wonderers.

“But We are here to celebrate you, the first and greatest of Our people since the first to strap themselves to rockets and fling themselves into space to look down on this pale blue dot against the backdrop of the cosmos. So again, We salute you.” Aron, instead of giving another military salute, fell silent and bowed his head.

He maintained that stance in silence for a full minute before raising his head again and continuing, “Your journey has no set time limit, but We expect that some of you could be gone from the solar system for up to five years. You have earned not only Our gratitude and respect by volunteering yourselves to take up this onerous task, but also that of your brothers and sisters of the Terran Empire, be they man, woman, or child, public servant or private citizen, rich or poor, healthy or... well, healthy.” He paused and cast a cheeky grin into the virtual camera, lightening the mood somewhat.

Aron cleared his throat and his expression once again grew solemn, in keeping with the theme of his speech, and he carried on with his speech. “No one shall ever forget the sacrifices that you have volunteered yourselves for. All of you have earned a place in the history books of humanity with your intrepid determination to advance our species and leave the cradle of human civilization to take this first great step. You venture forth in Our name, and behind you stands all of humanity.

“During your voyage, some of you will face danger. Some of you may even lose your lives much like more terrestrial adventurers, explorers, and pioneers from the Age of Sail. You, the brave men and women of the exploration fleet, face the unpredictability of the unknown, much like the great explorers of the past.” The expression on Aron’s face went from solemn and grave to grim and imposing.

(Ed note: The Age of Sail was the period between the 16th and 19th century when most world transportation was done via wind-driven sailing ships. But when speaking of the pioneers who first voyaged out and mapped the world, that started around the 1500s and, in my books, ended in the mid-18th century with the discovery and colonization of North America.)

“But no matter the situation you find yourselves in, remember that the Terran Empire has trained you to the highest standard. Trust in yourselves, trust in your brothers and sisters beside you, trust in the leadership above you, and above all, trust in the undying thirst for exploration inherent in the human race.

“So go forth, sons and daughters of humanity, and explore! Carry out your duties with conviction and pride as you venture into the greatest unknown that the human species has ever faced. Be bold, brave, and undaunted as you carry the torch of Our civilization and the flag of Our empire to the stars!

“And know this: We have your back. Just as you trust in your chain of command, We, the Terran Empire, trust in and support you, no matter how distant your journey may take you.

“So go forth with confidence! Godspeed, ladies and gentlemen, and long live the Terran Empire!” Aron snapped to attention and saluted the virtual camera once more as his image faded from the stage and other members of the upper leadership of the Terran Space Fleet and Terran Exploration Fleet took the stage to deliver their remarks.

Pomp and circumstance had a long tradition in the armed forces, one that would likely remain unbroken until the heat death of the universe. Even as entropy closed in, the last living human would likely deliver a rousing speech to whomever found whatever media he or she recorded it on.