I do not own Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs or SeiJushi Bismarck. This is strictly a work of Fan-fiction, for entertainment only.
Saber stirs at the sound of knocking; taking a moment to get his bearings, he realizes he was still on the couch and that it is still dark. He gets up slowly, feeling a bit stiff from the location that he ended up sleeping and heads to the door. Opening it, he sees Commander Eagle, General Whitehawk, April, Shinji, and other higher ranking soldiers behind them. Confusion shows on his features until his eyes meet first the General's, and then the Commander's. He nods slightly and steps aside, so they may enter. His closer friends and the commander and general enter, asking the others to remain at the door. Saber takes a seat on a chair, plopping heavily into it, and the others take seats as he waits expectantly. "You found him?" he finally manages to ask, breaking the long silence.
Commander Eagle nods, "We thought you'd want to know as soon as we came back with him. We have an honor guard ready to accompany you back to your home, so that you can prepare. Once the doctor has completed his tasks."
"Colt and Robin wish to come as well," April adds quietly.
"Is he able to travel?" Saber asks.
April nods, "Dr. Izumi said that given the circumstances, he can; so long as we don't head out to battle on the way."
"I pray that we're done fighting," he states quietly before looking to the commander and the general, "May I see him?" he asks quietly.
Commander Eagle doesn't bother to hide his shock. "Saber, it's not-"
"I am aware of the conditions of his demise, Sir," Saber interjects, curtly as he struggles to keep a neutral tone. "But family traditions dictate that I must see him and recite the death prayer," Saber states halting the commander's objections. "I must also make sure someone is with his body at all times until the funeral."
"Dr. Izumi currently has an aide preparing him to be returned to your home. We confirmed his identity before coming to see you."
"So he is already in the morgue?" Saber asks, receiving a nod in return. He stands up and turns towards the door, "Then that is where I will be," he states and heads to the door, meeting the guards who snap to attention when it opens. He nods an acknowledgement to them as he passes them, turning down the corridor and down the stairwell, the others scrambling out the door to follow after him.
After several minutes, he makes his way down several flights of stairs, grateful for the solace as he enters the basement and turns down a hallway stopping at an unmarked door. He knocks once and not hearing a reply he carefully opens the door and steps inside, only to be met by a curtain. Pushing it aside, he spots Dr. Izumi and his aide hovering over a table with a badly burned and mangled body, several other bodies in similar states disarray on other tables nearby with sheets draped over them; the smell of charred flesh and blood permeates the air. He involuntarily sucks in a sharp breath at the sight.
The doctor turns and looks to him with a sympathetic expression, "I am truly sorry, Captain," he says quietly, while removing the gloves from his hands.
"Thank you," Saber replies quietly as he walks closer to his father's remains and stiffens slightly at the amount of damage, unable to fully mask his shock.
Dr. Izumi steps aside and allows him to approach, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Would you like us to give you a minute?" he asks kindly.
Saber nods slightly, taking a slow breath and releasing it to help him keep control of his emotions, not trusting himself to speak. The doctor nods to his assistant and the two quietly slip away, leaving Saber to face his father's severely damaged remains. Reaching around to the back of his father's neck, he carefully removes the necklace that signified him as head of house and clasping it into his own hand, pieces of charred skin falling from the necklace and his hand in the process. He pulls out two coins from his pants pocket and places them over his father's eyes before removing a ring from his father's right hand; and after cleaning it with his shirt he places it on his own finger. He then places the man's hands so that they are resting on his chest; quietly bowing his head and making the sign of the cross before beginning to recite a prayer, "Gwith ny yn saw, a 1 Arludh, yn tewolgow an nos ma,rag an wlascor heb diwedh, may fedh golowys ow tewynnya bys vykken ha bys vynary…"
The others reach the morgue a couple of minutes later. They see Saber stiffen before forcing himself forward. The doctor places a hand on his shoulder after removing the gloves and says something, receiving a slight nod in reply before the doctor and his aide slip off to a far corner; the doctor's eyes briefly glancing to the group that has entered the morgue. They venture slightly farther into the room when April releases a slight gasp as she hears Saber speaking and quickly halts her approach and bows her head in prayer; her father, and the general doing the same.
"What?" Shinji whispers, casting her a sideways glance as he stops beside her.
"He's reciting a prayer for the dead," she replies, her voice barely a whisper.
"You understand what he's saying?" he asks just as quietly.
"2 Y'n tor'-ma, a Arludh, yth esos ow tanvon dha servont dhe-ves yn cosoleth war-lergh dha lavar."
"Not entirely. It's something like, 'Let your servant rest in eternal peace, his service fulfilled on this earth', or something close to that," she replies, her head still bowed as Saber continues reciting the prayer.
" 3 Ow dewlagas ow honan re welas dha selwans a wrussys pareusy dherag fas oll an poblow; May halla bos golow dhe wolowy an Jentilys ha glory dhe'th pobel Israel. Gwith ni yn saw, a Arludh, yn tewolgow an nos ma, rag an wlascor heb diwedh, may fedh golowys ow tewynnya bys vykken ha bys vynary." he finishes and then adds,"Beannachd Dia dhuit."
"Something about salvation and light being revealed to the nations...and something… Israel," she whispers so that only Shinji can hear.
"Peace be with you," April and the commander quietly say at the same time as Saber finishes.
The others wait for his acknowledgment of their presence, watching him silently. After several minutes of no response, the commander goes over and places a hand on his shoulder, "We'll leave whenever you wish. However, I think perhaps you should get a bit more sleep before we do. I'm not sure you'll get much rest once you return home."
Saber nods and turns to face the commander. "Thank you, sir," he replies quietly. "I need to call Thomas and notify him that I'll be returning with my father's remains later today."
The commander nods and casts a glance to the others, "Be prepared to leave in a few hours. I'll talk with Mr. Wilcox and then arrange to have Dr. Izumi notify me when his preparations are complete." His attention turns back to Saber, "Go and make the call you need to, then try and get a couple of hours sleep. It will most likely be this afternoon before we leave. I know that your team, myself, and an honor guard will be accompanying you."
"So that would be…at least six rooms to be prepared then," Saber mutters absently as he mentally counts people.
"We can make do with whatever is available. The honor guard will sleep in shifts of two, so one room for them. Then three others for the rest of us, should be adequate," the commander states. "We can make due with less, if need be."
He takes a breath to compose his thoughts, "I'll ask for five, and hope they have four ready," he states quietly, turning to leave, he casts one last glance to his father on the table before returning to his quarters; leaving him once again with the doctor and his assistant.
The commander comes over to the doctor, "It is custom in Captain Rider's culture, for a body to not be left unattended until burial following death. So please adhere to this, call me if you need to. But allow the Captain to rest."
Dr. Izumi nods, "Of course, Commander. I will be sure he is not left unattended."
"Thank you," he replies before heading out the door to find the General waiting. "Sir?"
"I will be coming with you, and King Jared has expressed interest in attending Senator Rider's funeral as well. I told him I would inform him of arrangements once they are finalized," the General says quietly as the two men walk down the corridor.
The commander nods, "I'm sure several members of the council will want to make appearances. I will be sure to share the information once we have it."
"He looked rough, Charles," the general states quietly.
"He's been up since the start of the battle three, nearly four days ago, save a brief nap, and then dealing with the news I gave him upon his return. Of course he looked unwell. He had already lost his mother. She died after he returned when the treaty was broken. He never had the chance to fully come to terms with her loss, so this one I think is hitting harder because of that.
"She was sick, wasn't she?"
The commander nods, "Yes, she had cancer. I'm not sure what type. The senator didn't feel that should be common knowledge."
"I went to her funeral, as our representative. I know that Edward took losing Mary hard, and Saber being unable to attend made that more difficult. He told me afterwards that Mary understood that he was fighting for the greater good. She had made her peace with him when she last saw him. I'm sure that the loss of both parents in such a short period is difficult for him."
"I think it is difficult. It is why I will insist on some of us helping with the ghost watch. It usually falls to direct relatives, but it is only him, no siblings, and I'm not sure any cousins he has would help. We are like family, and I look at him as a surrogate son, so to honor both him and his father, I will gladly step up."
"I think that is a noble gesture. If you need me to do so as well, let me know."
"I will Sir. Now, I think we both should rest. The doctor said he will be sure someone remains with his body while he is here. Good night, sir," the commander says and the two men part ways.
They arrive at his estate just before the sun begins to set. Thomas looks after arranging where his father will be placed in the sitting room, and Elaine shows the guests to their quarters. "Unfortunately, Saber, we have not had time to establish you in the master's quarters just yet," she says to him after showing the others to their rooms.
"It is fine, Elaine. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet," Saber replies with a hint of relief. "My current room shall be sufficient for now," he states as they enter it.
Elaine nods slightly, "You have the Master's ring?" she asks searching his hands.
Saber holds up his right hand and nods slightly. "Aye, I managed to retrieve it and the coat of arms. I've cleaned them both," he replies as he then pulls the necklace from beneath his shirt to show her.
"I am glad that you were able to retrieve both of them. I was hoping you at least found one or the other to not be in horrific shape."
"I will probably keep the ring locked up until I am home more. It would be a bit cumbersome with my uniform and the gloves that I normally wear. I still have one more year in my contract within the command."
"I can understand that," she says quietly as she places a hand on his shoulder. "Your parents would be proud of you, Saber."
He allows her a small smile and mutters, "Thank you, Elaine. I am glad that you feel that way."
"I need to go see about dinner. It should be ready in about an hour," she says as she turns and heads out the door, leaving him alone.
After dinner, funeral plans are finalized, and Saber crashes into bed well after one o'clock in the morning, grateful for a couple of hours of peace.
A knock at his door stirs him awake and he mumbles for the person to enter, sitting up as he is greeted by Elaine.
"Good morning, Saber," she says quietly. "Do you plan on having breakfast before people begin arriving?" she asks.
He takes a breath, releasing it slowly and nods, running his hands across his face. "I suppose I should. I may not have another chance to eat for awhile," he replies looking at his clock and noting that it is barely six in the morning. "Is anyone else awake yet?"
"The others are beginning to stir, but I've not seen anyone, aside from the general, who took the late watch last night. He relieved Thomas 'bout three in the morning. He was rather insistent that we and you get some rest. He said that he would rest once someone else came down. I saw Commander Eagle heading down, I'm sure to relieve the general. I'm glad they are sharing this burden. It speaks well of both you and your father," Elaine replies.
Saber looks a bit shocked when she mentions the general then he slowly nods, "I'll be down in a few minutes. Let the others wake as they feel like. They are not on any schedule," he heads for the dressing room.
"Of course," Elaine replies and after opening the blinds, she leaves the room to head back to the kitchen.
Saber gets up and readies for a long day, dressing in his family's clan dress, including his sword. Pulling his coat of arms out of his shirt and the ring still on his finger he heads downstairs to the sitting room, where the commander and general are talking quietly. They look up when he enters and he forces a small smile on his face, "Good morning," he states quietly, taking a seat across from the two men.
"You look like you might have gotten a little sleep," the commander states.
"Aye, I know that I managed to get a couple of hours," he replies. "Although it doesn't feel like I got any," he adds as an afterthought.
"So, how will today go? I'd like to know what we can do to assist you," the commander states.
Saber sits quietly in thought for a few minutes before replying, "Well, for the next three days, I will receive visitors that wish to pay their respects to my father. On the third day, we shall have the memorial service and then he shall be cremated and his ashes spread out amongst the land, as per his wishes. The evening after the funeral, I shall officially be declared as the head of this estate and then I have a lot of paperwork to sign. After that, I am free to go back to my duties as a soldier for another year as per our agreement."
"Well, let me know if there is anything that any of us can do," the commander states. "If we can assist you with anything else let me know. We have the death watch covered, so that you can have breaks to rest."
"It's not necessary, Sir. I can handle doing it," Saber replies.
"I know that you can, but I don't think you should have to do it alone. You have told me yourself that you have come to think of us as family. Let us act like it now," the commander replies. "It has been decided that we will all take turns with the death watch. I don't mind handling it during the night for awhile, and that way you are fresh in the mornings, when most people are likely to come."
Saber nods slightly in resignation, "I thank you, Sir."
The others soon join them in time for breakfast and not long after they finish, the general excuses himself to rest and the others return to the sitting room, where the casket is laid out and several chairs have been placed for visitors. The first visitors arrive, and Thomas answers the door and shows the people into the sitting room.
Saber stands in greeting, coming face to face with Sincia's parents, "Thank you for coming, Lord and Lady March," he states quietly.
"We are sorry for your loss, Richard," Lord March states somberly.
"Thank you, father rests with my mother now," Saber replies quietly.
"Well, we will have much to discuss; after things have settled, since the war is over," Lady March says.
Saber nods slightly, taken aback with the direction of the discussion. "We will talk after I have been debriefed and permitted to return for a vacation," he replies, struggling to maintain a neutral tone.
"Sincia wasn't feeling well today, but she plans to come to the funeral, provided she is feeling better," Lady March states.
"I shall see you then, I pray she feels better soon," he replies as Thomas begins to usher in a more steady line of visitors. "This is going to be a long three days," he thinks to himself as he continues to greet others that have come to offer their condolences.
Later that afternoon, as the crowd begins to wane Saber looks up to see the Baron Wilhelm coming towards him.
"Captain Rider, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Your father was a true nobleman and representative to the people. He will be sorely missed by many," the baron says by way of greeting, placing a firm hand on Saber's shoulder.
Saber manages to overcome his shock, "Thank you Baron Wilhelm. Your presence is duly appreciated," he says quietly, inclining his head in a show of respect.
The baron smiles at Saber's obvious unease at his presence. "I know that I have made a point of building my reputation as a recluse; but after what you and your team did for me and my lands, you've earned my respect. Something I do not give easily. I've been watching you closely. You choose to live as a soldier rather than a nobleman. You treat others you meet with respect, unless they do something to no longer deserve it. I admire your resolve to live on your terms, not just blindly follow what your family plans for you. I know that your father had misgivings about your choice in careers, but I know that he was proud of you. I never had children, it is my one regret. If you ever have need of me, I am at your service, Lord Rider. I shall remember you when it is time to pass on my legacy," the baron states with a bow and turns and leaves, leaving Saber looking after him in shock.
"What was that about, Sir?" Thomas comes up and asks quietly.
"I'm not entirely sure, Thomas," Saber replies still dumbfounded. "I honestly have no idea."
"It seems to me, he was stating that he intends to name you his heir," Thomas replies.
"I wouldn't know why," Saber replies.
"Perhaps you remind him of himself as a young man?" he offers.
"Doubtful," Saber replies quietly before sighing in dread. "And so the King of Jarre and his son arrive," Saber mutters quietly before putting up his neutral mask, attempting to hide his dread and exhaustion.
"Ah, King Jared, Prince Roland, thank you both for coming," Saber says, a small smile on his face as he inclines his head slightly in greeting at their approach.
"I am sorry for your loss, Captain. I know your father was instrumental in helping to procure funding for the Bismarck project. His influence will be missed on the council," King Jared states by way of greeting. His son stands a step behind, keeping his head slightly inclined.
"I know that he was willing to fight for his beliefs. He firmly believed the project was the key to winning the war and maintaining peace afterwards. I pray that his sacrifice and others that were lost were not in vain," Saber replies. "I thank you for taking time to come here. It is an honour that you have come."
"Your father was a man of integrity. I know we sometimes didn't see eye to eye, but I have nothing but respect for him. He has raised you right. I know that like your father, you will not compromise your beliefs. It has served you well, and I'm sure it will continue to do so. Peace be with you, Captain," King Jared says, giving a small bow of respect.
"Peace to you and yours as well, your highness," Saber replies in kind, giving a similar bow of respect.
They exchange a few other words and the King and his son go to speak to other dignitaries before taking their leave.
The wake and funeral progress and the visitors are slowly leaving after the meal, Saber has allowed himself to finally sit in a chair with his eyes closed for a moment when he senses a presence approach him. Looking up, he sees Sincia come over and sit down in a chair across from him.
"I apologize for not coming sooner, Richard," she begins slowly. "I- I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to embarrass you by showing up ill."
"I trust you are feeling better now?" he asks with a hint of concern, receiving a slight nod in reply. "I'm glad of that. I wish we had more time to visit, but I must return to Cavalry Command day after tomorrow for a time."
"You're leaving so soon?" she asks, not bothering to hide the hurt in her voice.
He nods, "Aye. There are things there that we need to tend to, now that my father has been laid to rest."
She starts to protest and instead releases a sigh of frustration. "How long will you be gone this time?" she finally asks, forcing her tone to remain civil.
"A couple of weeks most likely," he replies simply.
"And then we can get married?" she asks.
He nods, "If that is what you still desire, then yes," he replies. "Although I thought we were waiting a year, as I still have a year left under my contract with Cavalry Command, and you have just completed your schooling."
She gasps and looks as if he has struck her. "Are you saying you don't wish for this marriage?" she asks her voice breaking as she does.
"I didn't say that. I just don't feel that this is the proper time or place to speak about it," he replies allowing his frustration into his voice before regaining his composure. "I'd like to at least wait until I return after the debriefing to plan everything, as I am not currently in my best state of mind, Sincia," he adds less forcefully.
She nods slightly, "As you wish," she says dejectedly. "Call on me when you return and we will make our preparations," she says in a more normal tone as she stands up and he stands beside her. "I hope you have a safe trip and look forward to your return," she says stiffly leaving before he can reply.
Shortly after the last of the guests leave, everyone retires to bed; the strain of the last several days having worn them down. The following day, Saber files appropriate paperwork for the handling of the estate and they have a small dinner before all retiring early to prepare for the early departure the following day to return to Cavalry Command for numerous debriefing meetings and memorials for those lost in the final battles.
A week later, the four team members have gathered in the commander's office for a final debriefing of the last battles of the Outrider war.
"Well, I think all of you deserve a vacation," the commander begins, as he looks around the meeting table at the people before him. "On that note, I say everyone take-" A soldier appears on the large vid-com screen and salutes him. "Yes Lieutenant?" he asks the soldier after returning the salute.
"We've received a distress call from Tranquility, sir. They say they are under attack by what appears to be two renegade units. Many civilians are currently heading into shelters, but they are pinned down and fear that once they are found, whoever is attacking will probably kill them," the soldier replies as he splits the screen and starts sharing images from Tranquility.
The commander turns his attention back to the group before him and they all stand up. "Do you think you can handle this?" he asks, eying each of them carefully.
"Yes sir!" the four reply in unison.
"Then go. Launch in the Bismarck and save as many as you can. I'll send reinforcements not far behind you."
They nod and salute the commander before rushing to the loading dock and boarding the ship and launching towards the colony…
[ROUGH English Translation of the prayer (Thanks Cuz!): Keep us safe, Lord, in the darkness of this night, for the eternal kingdom, where there is flaming radiance forever. 1 Lord, now you let your servant rest in peace, your word has been fulfilled. 2 My own eyes have seen the salvation: which you have prepared in the sight of every people; 3 A light to reveal you to the nations: and the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to you, O Creating, Saving and Inspiring God, now and forever, Amen. Keep us safe, Lord, in the darkness of this night, for the eternal kingdom, where there is flaming radiance forever. (pause) May the blessings of God be with you.]
