Regeneration
Chapter 12: Ceremonial
Piers Nivans
"It's snowing."
"Again?" Chris asked. "If this keeps up, we'll be blasting snowmen out of the sky."
I laughed. "Yeah, we're really gonna be buried in it by January." I said, leaning back on the bench. It was nice, just sitting here with Chris. For once, I had managed to forget about my anxiety over tomorrow. Chris, of course, was as cheerful as ever. I lifted my right arm over onto my lap. "Chris, be honest. Do you think this'll get back to normal by February?" I asked.
"Well..." he said, hesitating. "The cure is definitely working. It's smaller."
"That's not what I asked."
"Well, I think it's going to take time. Maybe not five more months, but probably not two more either."
"Okay. Thanks." I said casually. I received a tap on my shoulder and looked over at Chris. He was looking across the street. When he noticed my gaze, he said "What?"
"That wasn't you?" I asked, confused.
"Back here." A slightly familiar voice said. I looked up over my shoulder. There was a woman standing there, in a green suit and red Christmas hat. She was tall, with very long blonde hair. "Piers Nivans, of course." she said. "And Chris Redfield. It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm—"
"Ashley Graham?" I said, recognizing her voice. "Yes, I'm glad you remembered." she said, smiling. Chris turned around to face her. "Aren't you the former president's daughter?" he asked.
"That's right. And I have something for the two of you, if you'd both come with me..." she said, gesturing for us to get up. I stood up respectfully, and dusted myself off, Chris doing the same. "Yes ma'am."
She quickly turned and started to walk down the street. I followed her, allowing Chris to move in front of me, as he was the man in charge. We walked for a long time, following Ashley to who knows where. After about five minutes, she came to a stop at a parking lot in front of a closed store that was mostly empty except for two cars, a small Corola and an SUV. She turned around to face us.
"Mr. Redfield, Mr. Nivans-President Cole, Vice President Johnson, Personal Presidential Guard Leon Scott Kennedy, Secret Service Agent Helena Harper, and myself are here to formally award you for your acts on behalf on the United States of America in the War on Bioterrorism." she said, breaking into a smile. Behind her, I saw several people leaving the SUV, everyone she'd mentioned except for herself. They walked towards us, all smiles. "Also here for your support are B.S.A.A. executive Jill Valentine," she said, nodding at Chris, "and African Military personel Sheva Alomar, who I believe holds a personal amount of support for your welbeing." she said, surprisingly. Out of the Corola walked Jill, and a black woman I didn't know. Chris showed surprise at their arrival. They walked up to us, grinning.
"Chris, it's been too long." said the black woman, a smile on her face. This must've been Sheva. "How are you doing?"
"Doing pretty good." he said, a smile breaking across his face. Then she turned her attention to me.
Sheva looked like a gracious woman, but not like someone to mess with. I didn't miss the knife hilt sticking out of her boot. I wasn't 100% sure, but I think this was Chris's last partner before me, back in Africa when they killed Wesker. I was immediately filled with respect for this woman. "Hello Piers, my name is Sheva Alomar." she said, shaking my hand.
"Very nice to meet you." I said.
"And the same to you. You should know you are very highly admired the world over." she said, surprising me even more. "I hope to hear of you fighting in the war again soon." she said.
"Yeah, so do I." I said, my smile sinking a little at the thought.
Jill and I nodded to each other, and Ashley drew our attention again. The president, vice president, Leon, and Helena walked over to us, and Jill, and Sheva backed up, moving behind us. "It is with great pleasure," President Cole said, "that I reward Chris Redfield and Piers Nivans, Silver Stars for services of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance and United States Military." he said, holding out two small metal stars attached to ribbons. I took mine proudly. This was my first ever military award. Chris was smiling broadly. Using my left hand and weaving my right claws through the small metal frame, I managed to attach mine to the front of my shirt collar. I'd pin them on a military vest later. "We also hereby award both Chris Redfield and Piers Nivans:" he said, trailing off. The Vice President picked up, holding out a wooden placard with several medals and ribbons on it.
"A Distinguished Service Medal each for honorable services committed under military duty."
"A Legion of Merit Medal each for actions determined of considerable worth."
"A Meritorious Service Medal each for outstanding and unwavering trust in the face of bioterrorism and its advocates."
He held out the appropriate medals for us. Chris was beaming, and so was I, the only difference being I was holding back tears in my eyes. There were two medals left. I was hastily, but carefully pinning the medals onto my shirt. Everyone was smiling at us. I never thought I'd be considered of the same worth as Chris Redfield, much less on the battlefield or in the eyes of the United States President.
"Finally, we hereby award Piers Nivans a Soldier's Medal, for his will and incredible resourcefulness," Vice President Johnson said. "and a Distinguished Marksman Medal, for his unparallelled accuracy in the field." he finished, presenting me the final two medals. Tears were streaming down my face now. I accepted them quietly. "Thank you." I said, my voice cracking. I had trouble, since my hand and claws were shaking so much, so Chris did it for me. "Thanks." I whispered even more quietly. He nodded. Ashley cleared her throat.
"If I may?" she said, and Leon handed her a second wooden placard rack. "It is with great honor, dignity, and respect that I award the sadly passed members of the B.S.A.A. Alpha Team Purple Hearts, for great service, conduct, and loyalty during their time in the war." I looked at the medals. There was one for Marco, Keaton, Jeff, and Reid.
"Would you prefer to hang them at the Bioterrorism Security Headquarters, or have them sent to their families?" V.P. Johnson asked.
"Have them sent to their families." Chris said. "We've been putting up their memorials at headquarters, we'll add Purple Hearts to their honors."
Leon took back the placard. "We'll make sure they get to the right places." he said solemnly.
"And Piers, we do wish you the quickest recovery." Helena said. "Thank you all so much." I said, lowering my head. "You're very welcome. Those were well deserved." Leon commented. "Mr. Redfield, thank you for your time. Best of luck with the war."
"Same to you." Chris said to them.
Goodbyes were said. Hugs and handshakes traded. Ashley made a point of hugging/Merry-Christmas-ing every single one of us, even the President. And then we were in the Corola, heading back to Headquarters. I was in the backseat with Chris and Sheva. I wasn't sure I could remember the last time I had a reason for being so happy...or so sad. Chris nudged me. "Great job, bud. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas." I murmured.