Author: GEM
Feedback: Please send it good or bad written: 6/1/05
Rated: T
Word count:
Story Timeline: Pre- Mini
Category: Drama/Angst
Focus: The Adamas and Kara with some minor OFC's
Warnings: Character Death
Summary: We all react differently to the death of loved ones.
Spoiler: Slight Mini and Act of Contrition
Chapter 13 Military Honors
Lee sat next to his mother during the church service. He did his best to keep calm and to lend her support. When they arrived Lee noticed that his father was seated across the aisle, with Lauren's family and some others.
The military honor guard carried the flag draped casket down the aisle and placed it in the center. Lee's mom couldn't control herself as the guard retreated to their seats off to the side. Lee looked over to his father and he noticed for the first time, an equally distraught young blonde officer leaning on him for support. Kara, he had somehow during all of this forgotten about Kara. As the church service continued Lee felt a pang of guilty. How could he block Kara out during this all the turmoil?
The service at the church was very nice; it was short, though it didn't seem it. The honor guard stepped forward and surrounded the casket. Lee noticed for the first time that the officer leading the honor guard was none other then Lauren Myers, 'no wonder she was wearing the gloves. Dad must have asked her.' Lee thought as he continued to hold his crying mother the precession and honor guard passed them and then Lee stepped out into the aisle behind the casket and escorted his mother out of the church and to the car for the ride to the cemetery.
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The day was beautiful. Zac would have loved it but Zac wasn't there. Lee helped his distraught mother up the hill following the honor guard carrying her son, his brother to his final resting place.
When they reached the graveside Lee saw his father and Kara standing on the other side of the casket. Lee placed a supportive arm around his mother.
Lauren led the honor guard in the protocol as they folded the Colonial Flag that was draped over Zac's casket. Lauren saluted the member of the honor guard as she received the flag from them. She held the flag protectively as she turned to Zac's commanding officer with perfect military precision. Colonel Ayden Jackson saluted as he received the flag from Lauren and dismissed her. She retreated in perfect military precision and stood by the casket half way in between his Dad and Mom's sides to the side of the Chaplin.
Colonel Jackson walked down to where Lee and his mother were sitting. He stopped in front of Caroline Adama and knelt down in front of her holding the flag. "Mrs. Adama, this flag is presented to you in the memory of your Son, Zac, for his faithful military service. I'm sorry for your loss ma'am he was a fine officer." He presented the flag to her and placed his hand over hers.
"Thank you, was her whispered reply before she began to cry again Lee held her tightly and even allowed himself to shed a tear.
Colonel Jackson stood and saluted the grieving family. Lee saluted back as Colonel Jackson stepped away.
Caroline's sobs of anguish were heard again as the graveside service began Lee placed an arm around her and held her tight to his chest as she held the flag close to her heart.
"For Lieutenant Zac Adama, son of Caroline and William brother of Lee, Life was too short but we take comfort in knowing that one day we will be reunited again." As the Chaplin continued, Lee stepped forward taking the pair of gold flight wings that Lauren had given to him and placed them on the top of Zac's casket. He covered them with his hand and stood next to his brother one last time before returning to his mother's side.
"Before we conclude our prayers for Zac his brother would like to say a few words. The Chaplin stepped to the side" Lee squeezed his mother's hand and then stepped to address the family.
"I honestly don't know where to start, Zac. You will always be my brother and I will always love you. Lee tried desperately to hold back his tears but to no avail his voice was also giving out. "I will miss you…your laugh, I did my best to be a roll model for you. He stopped for a moment to wipe the tears from his eyes. Truth be told you were the one that kept me grounded brought me back to my roots. I'll miss and I love you. Lee was shaking now. Lauren stepped forward to offer some support as he began to walk away. It was a little squeeze on the shoulder but for Lee it was just enough to get him refocused on what he needed to do. He went back over next to his mother and put an arm around her as she cried. The Chaplin finished the service then the present arms order was given Everyone in uniform including Lee Stood at attention and saluted Lieutenant Zac Adama one last time as the shots rang out.