A wrong gone right...

Chapter 21 -

Finn tried to stifle his yawn as the award ceremony threatened to become a lifelong affair. So far five, count them, five Sky Council officials had taken to the podium, to drone on and on and on and on about this amazing accomplishment, that astounding victory, how much Atmosia was in their debt, why the very heavens honored these fine young warriors, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…

Enough already. Hand out the medals, give us some of the gold you say we're owed and let us out of here. His feet were beginning to fall asleep. And he swore he had heard a snore from Radarr, even though it's eyes were open. They were kind of fixed though.

Eventually, praise the storms and the stars and the little green terras, the pontification came to an end. There was a blast of horns that no doubt served less to announce the appearance of the medal bearers as it was to wake up the gathered crowd. He could hear bodies shifting, along with muttered praises that finally that was over. Their names were called one by one and they approached the podium, where the Head Council, after the usual blather about this particular one's unique talents that had been the deciding factor in the glorious victory, bestowed upon them the coveted Medal of Honor.

Finn wondered what would be said about him. He hadn't been there, hadn't taking part in any of the battles. He watched as first Junko, then Stork, followed by Starling and Radarr were called forward. Each one returned bearing the glittering medal pinned to the right side of their chests.

He applauded just as heartily as Piper received two medals, the second being a meritorious medal awarded for the scientific breakthrough resulting from her unique and amazing talents with the complicated art of Crystal Resonance. As a special honor, a wing of the local university would be named for her, along with a grant to further her studies, if so desired. Piper had walked back to her position a little wobbly, stunned.

Finn had frowned when Aerrow's name was called next. But then again, he hadn't really been a part of the events leading to the defeat of Cyclonia. It really was enough to be standing with them, sharing in their tribute. He cheered as the glowing Golden Crystal was hung about the red-head's neck, placing both fingers into his mouth and blowing the loudest whistle. He couldn't care one whip for the rather stern look one of the more stodgier council members threw his way. Besides, when Aerrow turned around, his face beaming, the entire place had gone nuts, people cheering and clapping and stamping their feet.

It had taken several blasts of the ceremonial horns before order was finally established. Aerrow had walked back to his position and had turned around. Finn took a deep breath, this was it, the home stretch. Another half hour of dribble and then party time. He tried to catch Starling's eyes but she was studiously looking ahead.

He turned his head as the horns blew out another blast, and another medal bearer made her appearance. Even though he heard his name called he wasn't sure if it was really for him. It wasn't until both Aerrow and Starling had given him a push that he moved, stumbling a little towards the podium.

He stood there, his emotions swirling about him as he heard the Head Council begin to speak about the special mission Finn had taken part in, going alone into a vast unknown territory, facing incredible hardships on his quest to rescue the war refugees from the disgraceful sufferings at the hand of the Northwesternland people. Turning to look in back at him, his face incredulous, he beheld his teammates grinning at him. Starling gave him a slow wink and just the barest hint of a kiss.

He tried to listen to the speech the man was giving, to record for posterity every wonderful thing the man said about him, from his daring to his courage to his compassion to his obvious ability to handle adversity in an amazingly mature manner. Finn hoped the snort he had given was taken for agreement and not disbelief. Finally the man had wound down and the medal bearer stepped forward, placing the bright purple ribbon around his neck. He tried to catch a glimpse of the medal that dangled from it and was now lying heavy on his chest, but other than it was gold and large, he hadn't been able to make out the inscription.

Then it had been his turn to face the cheering crowd. He could feel himself blush as all those eyes regarded him. He surveyed the crowd, finding many in it he knew and many more he didn't. He didn't expect to find anyone from Vapos there, he doubted that they would have stayed substantial long enough.

He didn't see the young girl way in the back jumping up and down, waving her hands and calling his name. She had snuck in, told the guards at the gate that she was with the refugee contingent, which was true in its own way. She cheered loudly for the blond young man. She had known he was different, special. No wonder he had tried to help her. She had almost not taken one of the rescue ships, opting to stay, hiding actually. But she was tired of being knocked around and was ready to give something else a chance. She knew if she had never met him, she would have remained hidden. Now she was being fostered by a nice family and was even taking her schoolwork seriously. She poked her tongue at the tooth implant and grinned widely. Yes, he was definitely a hero to her.

Finn decided he couldn't wait and looked down at his medal. He didn't need to turn it around to read what it said. The medal was shiny and big and had his name in large letters. He stared over at Starling, but she had suddenly become very interested in one of the flags on the wall. Finn smiled to himself, he'd find a way to reward her. No doubt she'd squeal with glee.

Once more the horns blared, Finn slowly walked to his position, returning his teammates wide grins and waited impatiently for the ceremony to come to its hopefully quick close.