The Measure of a Warrior
Location: Spartan War Memorial. United Earth Government Capital. Sydney, Australia.
Time: March 3, 2645 Noon
Standing there I silently reflected on the events which changed me forever, and of the person who won the war, and saved us all.
The memorial that was built out of stone. Engraved into it the many names of the fallen that sacrificed all for what they knew was in the best hopes of the rest of us. I placed my hand on the name above the others, and looked up at the figure which was the center piece. The statue looked down on me, and spoke no words; only the memories could do that.
The wind was blowing against my back making my cloak wrap around me. I looked away from the memorial, and saw others had gathered. Women were sopping, the men look grimed faced as the children looked in aw, and wonder at the statue.
I turned to face the masses. The speech I had prepared a week ago still fresh in my mind. Clearing my throat I began to speak not what was on the paper, but what was on my two hearts.
"I would like to begin by thanking the men and women of the UNSC for inviting me back to Earth, and to thank you all for coming. The measure of a warrior. How do we measure someone who gave his life protecting the human race from extinction? How do we began to describe someone who knew the risk, but ran into the fight anyway. In truth we can't, and never will; all we can do is remember him for the lives he saved, and the life he changed. He was a true warrior, and a truer friend. You all knew him as The Master Chief, but to understand him you had to look past the armor, and into his actions. He fought with more dedication than any who had come before. He faced countless waves of enemies just to evac a group of pin downed Marines. He faced the hardest loss of his life, and managed to continue on. He showed people that no matter the cost he was willing to pay the price. He would never hesitate to step up to the plate and take the swing. He showed me the error of following what could have been the extinction of my species at the hands of the Covenant. We should all remember him by his actions, and not just by his name. As I close out I would like to again thank you for allowing me to return here, and to you all for being here. May we all remember the names of those who gave all, so we could live to see tomorrow. Thank you."
This is my first attempt at a one shot, and a first person narrative, so please don't judge it to harshly. Please review, and give me some constructive feed back. Thank you.