Chapter Ninety-Three: The Awards Ceremony and Dinner
By 7 PM promptly, the Entire Audience was Seated in the Grand Auditorium.
Not only was the Auditorium filled, but there were also a few Guests left standing in the Back till extra Chairs were brought in to Seat them.
Elizabeth had insisted on bringing the Children, so they could see Nathan receive his Honors, and they were very excited to be included, especially Allie.
But, as it was going to be a rather long Night, Godfrey was going to take Laura and the Children back to the Hotel before the Dinner started, so they could get into Bed closer to their regular time, and be well-rested for their long Train Trip back Home, Tomorrow.
Elizabeth was amazed at the Auditorium's Grand Scale, and it had been decorated Flawlessly, one could even say Professionally, with Patriotic Bunting falling from the Ceiling in Upturned Arches of Fabric.
The Main Dias was also heavily festooned in the same Bunting, both from the Ceiling and across the Front of the massive Platform and Table.
There were also large Arrangements of Flowers spread across the Front of the Dias floating in a Sea of Greenery.
It was all really quite strikingly beautiful and showed great Attention to Detail.
The Thatchers and the Grants were sitting with Elizbeth, as well as the Women from Hope Valley.
Everyone was super excited to see what was coming next, as no one really knew what to expect.
The Base had even gone to the trouble of printing up Formal Programs, and Elizabeth immediately noticed Constable Nathan Grant's Name spread throughout, but at the end, it only said 'Induction: Nathan A. Grant' and then 'Confirmation: Nathan A. Grant.'
'But Induction of what, and Confirmation of what?' thought Elizabeth.
She also noticed that they used Nathan's middle initial after the Induction and Confirmation listings, but not before. She was sure Nathan would not have wanted that, as he never used the A except with NA Grant for his Books, but there it was.
'Perhaps it had to do with those Two Things being so very Official,' she thought.
But Elizabeth was more than a bit concerned.
Madelyne reached and patted her hand, as though she knew what Elizabeth was feeling.
"It's going to be alright," she whispered.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded.
Suddenly the lights dimmed for a few seconds and then they were quickly brought back up as Commissioner Blake entered, followed by Nathan, Bill, Nathaniel, the Mounties, and the Hope Valley Townsmen.
The Audience erupted in Applause, and stood, giving them their first Standing Ovation, because even without Words, they knew these Men were the Heroes of the Night.
Drums sounded from the back of the Auditorium and a Flag Honor Guard entered and Marched to the very Front, standing directly in front of the Dias, as the Men on the Platform stood at Attention.
It was then that the National Anthem started to play and everyone rose to sing along, Audience and Honorees together, then they all followed with the Pledge to the Country's Flag.
The Country's Flag, as well as those of the Provinces, were placed in Position behind the Dias, and the Honor Guard Marched to the Back of the Auditorium, with the Drums playing them out.
Upon Completion, the Commissioner took the Podium, giving the Command: "Officers and Distinguished Guests, at Ease, Please Be Seated!"
Each of the Men took their designated place behind the very long length of Tables that spread across the front of the Dias.
For a split second, Nathan's and Elizabeth's eyes immediately focused on each others' but of course, Nathan could show no expression on his face, but whether he intended it or not, his eyes were full of love for Elizabeth, and hers for him.
Then the Commissioner started the Program, "We are so Honored to have you, our many Guests, here with us Tonight."
"We are gathered here together on a most Momentous Occasion – to Celebrate the successful Capture of the most notorious and nefarious group of Criminals that we as Mounties have ever faced. Many of our Best Men and Officers have died in the Pursuit of these Seven Hardened Criminals who knew no Boundaries, no Respect, no Value of or for Human Life."
"They Constitute the most Disreputable, most Hardened and Violent of Criminals. And they have been proven time and again to be more Animalistic in Nature than Human."
"Their Collective Crimes are Horrendous and Ranged from their lesser Serious Crimes of Arson, Burglary, Robbery, and Larceny, as well as their most Heinous Crimes of numerous Kidnappings, Rapes, Torture, and Murders of Men, Women and even innocent Children."
"Their Crimes created Havoc wherever they went, and are so Exponentially Numerous, it has literally taken a Team of Judges Months to begin to Sort Through."
"This Gang of Six Members under their Leader became the most Formidable of Criminal Gangs to be Reckoned with, and quite frankly, for years, we failed miserably at Tracking them, much less Stopping them. They proved to be both an Enigma and Embarrassment to our Law Enforcement Teams over the Years, with us failing to apprehend a single Gang Member, much less their Leader, although they were always on our Radar.
"They formed a Constant threat to our Society as a Whole. In fact, they terrorized two Countries, and those two Countries are Exponentially Safer now, because of the Men who sit on this Dias."
"It is our Great Honor and Privilege Tonight to Thank them and Honor them for their Great Bravery and Fortitude. Where many have failed before them, they did not fail. They Persevered and they Succeeded where others could not Succeed. They were not assigned this task, as many through the Years have been. Instead, they found themselves in a Set of Circumstances that caused them to Rise to the Occasion and take over where so many others had clearly Failed."
"When I think about the Sheer Grit of that, I am Humbled, and my Hope would be that we all take something from that and learn that Heroes do live among us. Heroes that make their own Mission, and follow through till they Succeed. This Stage tonight is full of those Heroes, and it is my Distinct Honor to be standing here with them."
"The Town is Hope Valley, and the Town's Constable, Constable Nathan Grant, and Visiting Constable, Constable Aaron Latham, were meeting up to perform the most difficult Task a Mountie can be asked to do – to go tell a Family, that their Son, a Mountie has Fallen. But on the Way, to perform that Dreaded Task, Constable Nathan Grant felt something was not right. He dismounted with Gun Drawn, and Bravely followed a Shadow into the Dark. That Shadow broke out a Saloon Window with the Intent to Commit Murder, but Constable Grant was there, and Apprehended the Assailant in the Act, Saving an Innocent Man. It wasn't until he brought the Criminal out of the Shadows and saw his Face, that Constable Grant recognized it was Packer Johnston, Leader of the Most Notorious Gang ever known. Constable Grant and Constable Aaron Latham then made the arrest, and Judge Bill Avery was called in to ensure everything was done by the Books, so there could be no possible Loophole."
"Constable Grant then had the foresight to place his entire Community under Lockdown, as he and his Team correctly believed the Gang would come to save their Leader."
"Judge Avery called in Mountie Reinforcements as Constable Grant deployed his Townsmen as Deputies to set up various Ammunition Stations throughout Hope Valley, and then he Paired them, forming Teams of One Mountie and Two Townsmen to Man each Station."
"Our Leaders knew the Gang would come at Night and Constable Grant and his Team of Mounties and Townsmen were ready, they had done their Homework, memorizing every Nook and Cranny of Hope Valley, prepared for any Possible Contingency, together."
"The Plan was to apprehend the Gang Members on Horseback as they entered the Town."
"And Ladies and Gentlemen, that's exactly what happened. The Gang rode into what appeared to be a Ghost Town, as Constable Grant commanded that everyone stay hidden in the Shadows."
"When the Six Gang Members entered, Constable Grant announced to them over a Megaphone, from the Shadows, in a Voice I'm told of Solid Steel:
'You have Fourteen Sharpshooter Mounties with Rifles aimed directly at your heads. There are Two Choices: Drop your Weapons now, or we Shoot to kill.'"
"The Gang Members knew by only his Voice, that our Constable meant business, so Drop they Did!"
"Then our Constable spoke again, still in that Voice of Steel:
'Wise decision. Now Drop any hidden Guns or Knives. Do it Now. Straight to the Ground. You have Ten Seconds.'"
"And just like that, the Second Round of Weapons were Dropped."
"Then Constable Grant instructed: 'Place your Hands Straight Up in the Air, Hold them There, and Stay on your Horses,' and our Teams of Two Mounties per Gang Member swept in to make the Arrests."
"The Captures and Arrests happened quickly, and in a flash, the Job that had eluded our Best Officers, was Done. Without a single Gunshot, and without a single Person Harmed."
"And just like that, very astutely, the Impossible had indeed been Accomplished."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I call to the Podium, Constable Gabriel Kinslow, Hope Valley's neighboring Constable, Constable Aaron Latham, Judge Bill Avery, and our Operational Commander, Constable Nathan Grant."
There was an immediate and resounding Standing Ovation!
"Constable Grant, will you assist me in the Giving of the Medals?"
Nathan picked up the First Tray of Medals sitting closest to the Commissioner and began by handing him the First Medal to be Awarded.
"First, Judge William Spencer Avery, former Inspector, now Sheriff and Sitting Judge, for Bravery Above and Beyond, I award you with the Honor of Highest Commendation…"
Bill stood at attention as the Constable pinned the Medal to his old Dress Uniform Jacket. Then Commissioner Blake Saluted him and Judge Avery proudly returned the Salute. Then the Commissioner personally shook his hand.
The Commissioner then did the same for Constable Latham, then Constable Kinslow.
The Commissioner then allowed the three to be seated and called the remaining twelve Mounties to the Podium, and one by one, he and Nathan followed the same procedure for each of them.
Then the Commissioner turned to Nathan and pinned the Same Medal for Honor of Highest Commendation to his Dress Uniform, then the two formally saluted, then shook hands.
When Completed, the Commissioner called all the Recipients to stand together, and as their Commanding Officer, Nathan Grant, went down the Line, first Saluting, then shaking hands with each one, as the Mounties collectively received a very loud Standing Ovation.
The Commissioner then requested that Constable Grant remain by his side to assist in the Distribution of the Second Tray of Medals.
"Will the Lead Deputy and his Deputies of Hope Valley please come to the Podium? It is indeed a great act of Bravery as well as Compassion to be a Civilian who answers the Call when Needed. These Brave Men did just that, ready to do whatever necessary to protect their own. For your Assistance to the Men we have Trained, we are Forever Grateful to each one of you."
"Lee Coulter, as Chief Deputy, for Bravery Above and Beyond, I award you the Civilian Honor of Highest Commendation. Please accept our Deep Gratitude."
Nathan handed the Medal to his Commissioner who in turn pinned it on Lee's Suit Lapel, and proudly shook Lee's hand.
He then did the same with each and every Townsman of Hope Valley, starting with Michael Hickam, Jesse Flynn, Ned Yost, and so on, working his way through the entire group down to Dr. Carson Shepherd and Gustav.
"I would also like to recognize another distinguished Hope Valley Citizen tonight who has taken on the role of Lead Prosecuting Attorney in the Case of Packer Johnston and his Six Gang Members. The Honorable Nathaniel Helmsley."
"Thank you, Nathaniel, for tackling an Inordinately Difficult, if not Impossible Task, and for Service Above and Beyond, I award you the Civilian Honor of Highest Commendation."
The Commissioner proudly shook Nathaniel's hand, then announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I proudly present to you the Brave, Distinguished, and Honorable Men of Hope Valley!"
This garnered yet another Standing Ovation, while Nathan again, as the Commanding Officer, slowly went through the line, offering an Honorary Salute to each Member and then most proudly shaking their hands.
After everyone was seated, the Commissioner rose again to the Podium.
"The next part of our Ceremony is an Induction into our Mountie Hall of Fame, rarely offered, rarely observed. So this is indeed the Highest of Honors. Only Twenty-Three Mounties have ever Received this Lifetime Achievement Award in the History of our Great Institution. But tonight, I have the Distinct Honor and Privilege to personally Commission this Award. I have never felt the need to do so in my lengthy and hopefully somewhat illustrious Career, as this is something set apart from all Medals and Awards. The Honor stands in a class by itself, and the Giving of It is never taken lightly by any Commissioner. But after much Soul-searching, tonight, there is no other option. The Situation demands it, according to our Code, and it demands it not once, but twice. The First for the Capture of Packer Johnston and the Second for the Capture of his Entire Gang."
There was an audible gasp from those in the know. This was truly never heard of!
"Constable Nathan Grant, will you please step forward to the Podium?"
"You have succeeded where many others before you have failed. And you have done so with Great Bravery, Forethought, and Insight in a Manner that brings the Greatest Honor to Mounties all over our Great Country. Constable Nathan A. Grant, for Exemplary Service Above and Beyond that which is Required and for your Ability to Achieve Exemplary Results, as your Commanding Officer and the Commanding Officer of Mounties Everywhere, it is my Great Honor to Bestow on You our Twenty-Fourth, and your First Lifetime Achievement Award, for the Successful Capture of Packer Johnston."
There was an immediate Standing Ovation and everyone Remained Standing…
"This has never happened before, and doubting that this will ever happen again in our Great History, Constable Nathan A. Grant, for Exemplary Service Above and Beyond that which is Required and for your Ability to Achieve Exemplary Results, as your Commanding Officer and the Commanding Officer of Mounties Everywhere, it is my Great Honor to Bestow on You our Twenty-Fifth, and your Second Lifetime Achievement Award, for the Successful Capture of Each and Every Member of Packer Johnston's Gang."
There was an Explosion of Clapping and even Shouts from Mounties throughout the Auditorium.
Little did Hope Valley know, that there was nothing but Admiration and Respect for this particular Constable, throughout the entire Mountie Force. Many knew him from the Roles he played in Training them, and those who didn't had heard of his Sterling Reputation, one of Honor and Humility, as well as Compassion for his fellow Comrades.
He never took Credit. Instead, he lifted them up and that, they would never ever forget.
Constable Grant received two separate Salutes from his Commander in Chief, Commissioner Blake, then a very firm Handshake, then to the shock of all, a huge Embrace!
But the Night was not done!
"A Confirmation occurs when an Officer is moved to a higher position. Tonight, it is my Great Honor not only to be able to move one of my Officers up but to be able to actually create a new position, perfectly suited to said Officer. Months of planning and hard work have gone into the Announcements I am about to make to you tonight. And those Announcements are going to have far-reaching effects for Mounties everywhere, in particular, our Inspector Trainees, our Group of Inspectors, and even our Superintendents, but more specifically for the Great Mountie who is standing with me and for the Town of Hope Valley, so brilliantly represented here tonight."
"There will be an Academy for Inspectors built and maintained in Hope Valley."
This drew a collective gasp from all Hope Valley Citizens who were present.
"Mounties who are focused on Inspection and Inspector Positions will undergo a portion of their Training there, and the Mountie in Charge will be responsible not only for their Training, but he will also act as Liaison for all Inspectors across the Country, reviewing and giving insight on their most High Profile and Difficult Cases. Currently, these Cases are passed up to their Corresponding Superintendents, whose main focus is not Inspection, and often, sadly, their questions go unanswered due to other pressing matters, and hence, we end up with less than stellar resolution to said Cases. Our Plan is for the Academy's Mountie in Charge to rectify that, and the Mountie in Charge will be Nathan A. Grant, in this his new Position."
The Commissioner then turned to Nathan.
"Constable Nathan A. Grant, I hereby Commission you and Confirm you as Chief Inspector Nathan A. Grant, Chairman of The Mountie Official Academy for Inspectors and Liaison with Ultimate Authority on all High-Level Inspector Cases within our System."
At that moment, Two Superintendents came forward, with Nathan's new required Uniform and new required Boots. As the Commissioner finished the Pinning of the Office and Laying of the Cords, the Superintendents, laid the newly Commissioned Chief Inspector's Uniform and Boots at his Feet. Then they Officially Saluted him and reached across to Officially Welcome him into their Ranks with Handshakes.
The Commissioner took the Microphone once again, "Chief Inspector, Welcome to your new Rank, which is Equal to that of our Esteemed Superintendents."
And, in honor, the Commissioner promptly Saluted his new Chief Inspector, who Formally Saluted his Commanding Officer back.
Then the Commissioner couldn't resist a tease, "In Negotiations with the Former Constable Grant, he was very concerned about giving up his Stetson Campaign Hat. So, although this is the Preferred Hat for the Position," and the Commissioner held up a very Fancy Regimental Hat that had been lain on top of his Chief Inspector's new Uniform, "I have agreed that our newly Commissioned Chief Inspector may hang the New Hat in his Office in an Honorary Position and that at his Discretion, he may continue to wear his beloved Campaign Hat!"
There were Cheers from Mounties throughout the Auditorium as they raised their Campaign Hats to the new Chief Inspector, who placed his favorite Stetson on his head and tipped it back at them, which brought an even more raucous reaction!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Congratulate our new Chief Inspector, our Honored Mounties, and Honored Citizens of Hope Valley! Then, don't forget to enjoy your Dinner, which is set up through the Doors on your Right! Thank you for sharing this most Auspicious Occasion of Great Honor with us!"
Elizabeth ran to Nathan, who enveloped her in his arms and whispered, "Did I choose right, Darling?"
"You chose perfectly, Darling! Congratulations Chief Inspector!"
Everyone was swarming the Stage, trying to get to Nathan and all the other Honorees!
It was Pandemonium, but a Wonderful, Exciting, Happy bit of Chaos!
"Son, I have never been so proud of anything in my entire life," said Archie.
Nathan hugged his Dad and could see in his eyes, that he really meant it.
Madelyne grabbed him next, "My heart is just overflowing with pride for you, Son! You deserve every single thing you've been given tonight. Just enjoy it, Nathan!"
Nathan kissed his Mother, so happy to have her here with him.
"Nathan, how very wonderful! You are a Prince, a real live Prince who slays our modern Dragons!" and Grace reached up to kiss her future and already favorite Son-in-Law.
"Son, so very proud of you! I knew I chose right all those years ago! Congratulations!" and instead of William shaking his hand, he just went straight for the Hug!
"Oh, no!" Nathan could see Allie and Little Jack waiting patiently in front of the Stage, and he ran to lift them up, and smothered them with hugs and kisses!
"We're so proud of you, Dad. This is really huge! You've always been my Hero, but now you're everyone's Hero!"
"Well, I wouldn't go that far, Sweetheart. Just as long as I stay your Hero, Allie Bean! That's all that matters! Look at you, Jack! You're sleepy, Big Guy! Can you give me a kiss?"
Little Jack sleepily put his arms around Nathan's neck and reached to give him one of his sloppy kisses.
Nathan held Jack and kept his arm around Allie, as more people came up to congratulate him!
And finally, there were so many, Godfrey came up to take Little Jack and walk his Miss Allie off the Stage to take them back to the Hotel for Bed. But not before Nathan gathered them to him one last time and gave them Goodnight kisses!
He and Elizabeth walked with them to the edge of the Platform and Waved till the Children had gotten out of sight.
"Thanks for bringing them, Lisbeth. It's right that we're all here together!"
She nodded and they both Waved as the Children turned one last time to Wave Goodbye.
But before Nathan could turn, he was deluged with more Well-Wishers!
When the Crowd of People had finally moved into the Dining Room, Nathan took a Moment alone with Elizabeth before they entered the Dining Room.
"I hope you're not too shocked by all this, Darling. I'll share every single detail I have. I promise that! But there really didn't seem to be much of a Choice. This seemed the only thing we could do."
"Everything's perfect. I just couldn't be prouder, Nathan! That Title might take me some getting used to, though! You know how I love my Constable!"
Nathan laughed, "Me too!"
"What if I slip and call you Constable?"
"You, my Darling, can call me anything you want…"
He kissed her quickly, took her hand, and led her into the Dining Room, which was decorated as beautifully as the Auditorium had been! More Bunting and Massive Flower Arrangements interspersed with Greenery, were Everywhere, with gorgeous Smaller Arrangements placed at the Center of each Table, along with Tapered Candles.
Nathan led Elizabeth to the Main Table of Honor in the very Front where they were seated with Commissioner and Mrs. Blake, Bill and Adeline, Aaron and Felicity, and Gabe and Lillian.
Elizabeth was so happy to see Lillian, as she had just arrived before the Ceremony!
"You made it! Welcome! Did you have a good trip?" asked Elizabeth excitedly.
"Perfect, everything happened so quickly. But just so glad I finally was able to come! Can't believe I actually got here in time! Congratulations, Nathan!"
"Thank you, Lillian!"
"Nathan, how does it all feel?" asked Commissioner Blake as Nathan held Elizabeth's chair for her.
"Sir, truthfully, I'm not quite sure yet!"
"Harry, give the man some time for it all to sink in!" suggested Bill.
And all of them laughed.
"I know I've thrown a lot at you, but you've got it all in you, Nathan! This Job was Tailor-made for you, and I could also say you were Tailor-made for this Job! It's all going to work out great. You just wait and see!" encouraged the Commissioner.
"Yes, Sir! Thank you, Sir, for your vote of confidence. That means a lot!" replied Nathan.
The Table of Honor was served quickly and impeccably with a Meal to be remembered.
The Entrée was Steak Diane, Scalloped Potatoes, Buttered Snap Peas, Tossed Salad with Homemade Dressings, Yeast Rolls, and a Scrumptious Assortment of Desserts, each one better than the last!
The Conversation around the Table flowed easily with a comfortable vibe for all.
Nathan was pleased as he noticed that the Two Superintendents who had given him his new Uniform and Boots, had split and were sitting at the Two Tables where the Townsmen and their Partners had been placed, also VIP Tables. Everyone appeared to be talking animatedly with each other, enjoying their time together.
He was pleased that Lee and the Men were being treated so well by the Top Brass of his Institution. They deserved it!
"Nathan, are you glad to have it all over with?" muttered Bill under his breath.
"Very much, Bill! Very much!"
"You pleased?"
"Yes! We'll make this work!"
"Yes, we will…"
"Nathan, you okay?" mouthed Aaron from across the Table.
"Yes, Aaron, it's all good!"
"You've got us, Brother!"
Nathan smiled across the Table at his Partner. He was going to miss their old routines, but they would still be there for each other, just in different ways.
"Oh, Nathan, I decided to forgo distributing the Certificates tonight, but each will be personalized and framed. If you don't mind, I thought I'd ship them out to you, and then have you distribute them to everyone. Just a little unexpected extra Keepsake for everyone!"
"That's wonderful, Sir! Happy to do it!"
Much later, when their Meals had been completed, and they were waiting to select their Desserts, Bill, Nathan, and Aaron made their 'Rounds' to the Hope Valley Tables to make sure everyone was truly enjoying their time together…
But before they split up the Trio came together.
"This all feels a bit off, doesn't it?" asked Nathan.
"Just a bit different, but you know we've got your back, don't you?" asked Aaron.
"Always," Bill piped in.
"You Two are the Best. Thank you for that! I'm going to need all the help I can get!"
"You've got it, Nathan!" vowed Aaron.
"We're a Team, Boys!" and the Three did their Special Handshake, grinned, then parted to fulfill their Hosting Responsibilities…