CHAPTER SEVEN
04, January 2454 Bachelor Officer's Quarters 09:00 hours.
Rick Castle sat at his desk, planning his last day of leave. He didn't plan to do much but he did want to find out how the Empress had learned of Kaylara Solon.
His door communicator beeped. "Major Castle" The video came on. A middle aged Centauran was outside.
"Sir Richard, May I enter? I am Dumonon Sayn, your Steward at Green Shores."
"Steward, what's this about?"
"It's about your estate, My Lord."
"Come in"
"My Lord, we know that you resume duty tomorrow. We ask that you come with me now
To review your estate and meet your people."
"Meet my people? This is all still a little strange. I'm not even Centauran."
"As far as we are concerned, you are. The Emperor named you a noble, we joyfully accept that."
"But you know nothing about me."
"We know that you are courageous.
We have heard of Kaylara Solon so we know that you are kind and generous.
What more do we need to know?
"I haven't made any plans for today, so I guess it is something I should do."
"We also want to move your belongings to the estate. There is no need to stay here, My Lord, we are only five minutes away and since your unit is still in training status, you are not on the reaction force roster."
"How do you know that, Dumonon?"
"I was a sergeant in the Imperial Guard, My Lord."
"I'm not really comfortable with this entire My Lord bit. Since you are senior staff, I'd prefer sir."
"If you wish, Sir."
Dumonon called to two men.
"Carry our lord's property to the van and be careful with it!"
They got into Rick 's car and drove to the estate.
"Can you answer a question for me, Dumonon?"
"I will try, Sir."
"How did the Empress find out about Kaylara?"
"That's an easy one, Sir. Your action was so unprecedented, that rumors were flying within half an hour. The palace heard about it, the next day and sent an agent to investigate. You are not what anyone could call inconspicuous."
"Here we are, Sir."
"Estate? That looks more like a village."
"Actually, it is, Sir. There is a winery with a vineyard and housing for the workers and a small farm that supplies most of our needs. Everyone who lives on the estate is an employee and we live a very good life. There is a long list of people who want to live and work here, not many are chosen as most of us choose to spend our lives here."
About a kilometer to the East, is the town of green Shores. The town is run by its' council and mayor but answers to you as the chief authority."
"We have missed having a lord here, it is part of our tradition. They pulled up in front of a large, three story comfortable looking house, built of brick with a slate roof. About 20 people waited in front.
Dumonon got out and raised his hands for quiet.
"My friends, we have our new lord, Count Tolorain.
Sir Richard Kevan Ay Castle is a serving officer of Fleet. And for the glory of our house,
A great hero, personally decorated and knighted by the Emperor. Make him welcome."
Everyone bowed and a smiling girl presented Rick with a bouquet. Rick took the bouquet and thanked the girl.
"People of Green Shores, my people now, I am very new at this. I have never been anything other than an officer of Marines. I shall endeavor to be a good lord to you. There will be little time to get to know you before I must leave again, for lord or not, I am a serving officer. Still, if I return in safety, I shall do my best for you."
Rick and Dumonon went into the house and into the study.
"Sir, do you want to go over the estate's accounts, now?"
"No, Dumonon, you have managed the place for quite some time now and it appears prosperous. When I return, I will have time to study the accounts. If I don't make it back, it won't matter. Another thing, Dumonon, since there is no Lady of Green Shores, my sister, Lady Julia Caldwell, speaks for me in my absence."
"Very well, Sir. You need to design your sigil. Your house colors are those of Kevan House
The people also want a celebration of your lordship. It is customary when a new lord
Arrives."
"I don't have time to plan a celebration."
"It is already planned, Sir and scheduled for one week from today. The invitations are ready, all you need to do is authorize the celebration and tell me who to send the invitations to."
"Who do I invite and how does it go?"
"You invite your family and your close friends to a private dinner and the Imperial couple, of course. At the same time, the people have a group dinner in the recreation center. After dinner, there are games and contests. You award the prizes."
"That sounds simple enough. Go ahead."
"One more thing, Sir, you must wear formal clothing for this." "There's no problem there." "There is a minor one, Sir. It must be in house colors. But it is a minor problem; Lord Delnor's tailor has your measurements
"Very good, I will leave you now to design your sigil. I'll send an artist in, when you are ready."
"That's not necessary, I can draw it."
Rick had just finished his design, when a plump, matronly woman knocked then entered.
"Lord Rick, I am Ewaine Sayn, Dumonon's wife and your housekeeper. What do you wish to have for lunch?"
"I am not particular whatever you have on hand will suffice."
Just make it simple."
"Yes, My Lord."
Rick called Dumonon in.
"The sigil design is ready." It was a black shield with a diagonal crimson bar going from left top to bottom right, a golden eagle displayed on it. A sword grasped in each talon, the motto: "Fortune favors The Bold"
"We will have everything ready in time for the celebration, Sir. There will be a crest plate for the main hall, another for the gate, your signet ring and crested stationary. Shoulder patches for the estate security personnel."
04, January 15:00 hours.
"Green Shores Estate, Dumonon speaking, how may I be of service?"
"This is Julia Caldwell may I speak with my brother, please?"
"Sir Richard is not present, My Lady, I am his Major Domo, is there anything I can do?"
"I need to know who has been invited to the celebration."
"You know about it already?"
"Yes, Dumonon, Her Majesty told me."
"Very well, My Lady, Sir Richard told me that you have full authority in this house, next to his."
"Lord Richard has authorized me to invite you and your family, the Imperial Family and Duke Kevan's family, General Frasier, his wife and children."
"I want you to add Commander Becket, Her brothers, Commodore Becket's wife and Commander Parrish."
"It shall be as you wish, My Lady."
05, January 2454 Imperial Palace Chapel, 11:00 hours.
The Emperor, the Empress and a Centauran Grand Priest stood at the altar, wearing the full robes of state. The Emperor faced the audience, which consisted of representatives of all the noble houses as well as representatives of the common people. He said; "Let each person come forth and assemble at the altar as his or her name is called. Duke Valnor Kevan, Duchess Rayene Kevan, Count Delnor Kevan, Countess Celienne Kevan, Count Richard Kevan Ay Castle, Baroness Julia Caldwell, Jason Caldwell Esquire, Melissa Caldwell, Alexander Caldwell."
They all assembled at the altar, wearing formal civilian dress. Starting with the Emperor, the priest took a lancet and prick ed each person's finger and squeezed a tiny drop of blood into a golden vial. He then stirred the contents of the vial, sealed it and placed it on the altar and blessed it. He then bowed to the Emperor and stepped back. The Emperor said, "All the legal documents have been signed and sealed. As you all bear witness. The blood of House Kevan, the blood of House Castle and the blood of House Caldwell have comingled before this altar. From this day forth they are one blood. Though names may vary, we are one house One in love, one in loyalty, one in honor, one in duty, one in destiny. Let none gainsay that we are united in love, parent to child, brother to sister, and kin to kin. Any who would dare challenge this, does so at extreme peril."
The grand priest spoke.
"As a representative of the mighty, eternal powers I pronounce a blessing on this union of blood.
Let this decree stand forever."
05, January 2454, The Frasier house, 18:00 hours.
Marlene Frasier came into Alex's study. "Alex, look what we got on the computer."
"Just tell me."
"It's an invitation for next Saturday evening, at Rick 's new estate.
It's celebration of his new status, a formal dinner followed by games and entertainment.
The whole family is invited, Frasier's and Beckets and Lanie."
"If I know Rick, it's not his idea," Alex said.
"I'm sure of that, he hasn't had time to plan it. It's signed by the steward. I would really like to go."
"I'm up for it. I'll call the rest of the family. Jake and Felicia are in town, shopping but everyone else is here. It took a few minutes for everyone to reach the study. Alex told them about it. "The whole family is invited, even you, Vic. I doubt that you're dumb enough to start trouble in a man's own home."
"Hey. Lay off. I was just looking out for Kate."
"I don't need you to look out for me, Vic. I'm insulted that you were even thinking that I can't take care of myself. Or that any man could get me into his bed unless I really wanted to be there!"
05, January 2454 Imperial training base, 08:00 hours.
The entire battalion task force was assembled, in battle dress and field equipment.
"Battalion attention." The adjutant saluted. "Sir, the battalion is formed, all present and correct." Rick returned the salute. He gave the men at ease.
"These next two weeks will be the hone to your edge. The training schedule will emphasize the main functions of a Force Recon battalion. Raids, precision strikes and reconnaissance in force."
"Don't expect to get much uninterrupted sleep. That is the nature of our business,
operating when the enemy least expects us to. We will keep to our normal schedule of 5 1/2 days as I believe in training hard but playing hard too. We will be the aggressors, at all times. Hit hard, hit fast and get out fast. Prepare to move out in 15 minutes. Company commanders, take charge of your troops."
Rick was true to his word. The Centauran regular army provided two regiments to act as defenders. The Marines made their lives miserable. Attacking at any hour of the day or night and vanishing before the reaction force could arrive. One example typified the entire thing. It was 21:00 hours. The regimental commander and his staff were just sitting down to a very late supper, in the field mess.
"By the gods, those Marines are demons straight out of Hell. They've been attacking all day long. It's about time that they let us have our supper." That was no sooner said, then a thunderous explosion went off, shaking the whole mess. A referee stepped through the door. "This mess is destroyed and you're all dead!"
10, January 2454 Battalion Headquarters 12:00 hours.
Rick stood and stretched. "I'm beat. I could us a nap right about now."
Del said;
"Then you'd better get it in, quick. Tonight, is going to be a big one"
"Thank God somebody else took care of everything."
"You're lucky Rick. Dumonon and Ewaine are two of the best."
"I'd better get going, can you be there a little early? I can use some coaching on the finer points of etiquette as a Centauran noble."
"Don't worry. It's no different than what you're used to. Mother and father will be there a little early too."
Dumonon met Rick at the door of the house. "Ewaine wants to know what you want for lunch, Sir."
"I don't want any, Dumonon. I just want to take a nap."
"Very well, but before you do, we need to check the fit of your suit. It should be fine but I want to make sure."
Rick tried on the Jacket and trousers. They fit perfectly. The Jacket and vest were deep crimson with bright golden buttons. The shirt and trousers were black and the jabot was crimson. Black boots and gloves completed the outfit.
"I'm going to have that nap, now, Dumonon. Awaken me at 17:00."
10, January 2454 Green Shores Estate, 17:30 hours.
Valnor and Rayene Kevan, Del, Lairlene and Celienne all arrived at the same time.
Promptly at 18:00 the guests began arriving. Julia and her family were the first to arrive,
followed by the Emperor, Empress and Crown Prince.
Rick bowed to the Emperor and Empress. "Welcome to my home, Your Majesties."
"Thank you, Count Richard." The Emperor said. Now that you are family, within these walls or in private, there shall be no formalities between us. The same applies to Lady Julia, if she wishes."
"I am honored. If that's what you want, I agree."
"Good, let's seal that with some of that incredible whiskey Del told me about."
The Emperor, the Duke, Del and Rick moved into the salon, where Rick poured four shots of Laiphrog single malt whiskey. The Emperor said;
"Here's to family, new and old. May the gods grant us many years together."
They drank the toast and went back out, just in time to greet The Frasier's and Beckets.
Kate was first through the door, followed by Marlene, Felicia and Lanie.
Kate wore the same blue dress that she'd worn on Christmas Eve. The other women also wore the same dresses they'd worn on Christmas Eve.
Rick smiled. "Good evening, Ladies, Welcome to my home. You all look especially lovely, tonight."
"Thank you, Rick," they replied.
"General, Gentlemen, Welcome."
Dumonon came in. "Your Majesty, My Lords, Gentlemen, would you care to gather in the salon for drinks?"
"Your Majesty, Ladies would you prefer drinks or a tour of the house?"
The Empress said, "Lady Julia, Ladies, what is your preference?"
"I would like to see the house," Julia said. "So, would I, said Kate and Marlene, at the same time.
"Very well, my wife, Ewaine will show you the house."
While Ewaine took the ladies on the tour, the men went into the salon.
"Quite a step from the shuttle bays of the Belleau Woods isn't it, Rick."
General Frasier said.
"Yes, Sir it is but I really feel that I'm out of my depth."
"Obviously, a number of high officials don't think so."
The Emperor said
"I'm one of them. Rick, you're a trained leader. Much more experienced than I was. I was serving in the army as a lieutenant when my father died and I ascended to the throne. I was younger than you are, now."
"But you were born to it."
"No one is born to such a position. Granted I was trained for it but my older brother was Crown Prince. He didn't want to be Emperor and refused the crown. You will do as well with this as you have with everything else. You can always call on me or Duke Valnor for advice.
The bottom line, is that you are wanted here, needed here. Can the Commonwealth as a whole, say as much? Can Earth say as much?"
General Frasier said;
"There is another reality that you will have to face. I will be retiring as soon as this mission is over. Admiral Sevar and your father are also due to retire, soon.
Your rise through the ranks has been much more rapid than normal. There will be officers who resent that, senior officers who want to give their relatives preference. You may well go from being the youngest major in the corps to the oldest."
"Tonight, however, is not a night to worry about any of that. Tonight, is a night to party hearty. Let's get a couple of good drinks under our belts before the ladies get back!"
"I second the motion." Jake said.
"The motion carries by unanimous vote!" Del said.
With the acclimation and approval of the two men closest to him, Rick began to relax and accept the situation, realizing that none of it was for show.
By the time the women got back, the men were sitting around, laughing and enjoying a lively, somewhat ribald conversation, even Vic seemed to have forgotten his hostility.
The Empress put her hands on her hips and said;
"I think that you Gentlemen have gotten slightly out of hand. We Ladies are hungry. Please attend us."
The men quickly rose to their feet and followed the women to the formal dining room.
Dumonon said; "Will My Lords please seat the Ladies."
Julia and Marlene had put their heads together and had Ewaine switch the place cards so that Kate was placed near the head of the table. Vic's was placed across from her and Sean Frasier was placed next to Celienne.
The Emperor, the duke, the general, Jason and Jake seated their wives, Rick seated Kate. Peter seated Lanie, Sean smiled at Celienne as he seated her, pleased to be next to such a lovely woman.
"My Lords, please be seated. Dumonon then filled their wine glasses. "Your Majesty, would you please do us the honor of offering the traditional toast for this evening?"
"I would be happy to. Ladies and Gentlemen, please raise your glasses to The New Lord of Green Shores, Count Rick Kevan. May his life be long, joyous and prosperous."
"Hear, hear!" They all drank.
"All I can say is thank you, to all of you. I shall try to be worthy of your trust."
"Of that, we have no doubt." The Emperor said.
Rick said;
"You may serve the first course, Dumonon."
There were two seats, side by side at the head of the table. Rick sat in one of them. After the soup was brought in, Felicia asked;
"Dumonon, why is that seat covered?"
"No one may occupy that seat but the Lady of Green Shores."
"Why is that?"
"In our culture, the Lady is not only the Lord's wife and mate but his closest advisor and confidante. That is why we always pray that our lord chooses wisely."
The meal was simple but elegant, soup, salad, entrée and dessert. The conversation flowed easily. Julia was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed and happy Rick seemed to be, events like this usually had him on guard.
After the dinner, they all went outside to the carnival-like atmosphere of the main celebration. Rick circulated, accepting the bows of the men and curtsies of the women.
Laughing and joking with them and awarding prizes to the winners of the games and contests. Julia said to Jason;
"I've never seen him like this, since mom died. It's wonderful. Once he gets back from this damned mission, maybe I can quit worrying about him." She hadn't heard Duchess Rayene come up behind her.
"You'll never stop worrying about him, Julia. He's that kind of man. But at least, now you can share those worries with me. In the time that he's been here, Val and I have come to love him too. He's the kind of man we wished that Carn had lived to be.
At the end of the evening, they gathered in the salon again. "Thank you all, for coming."
Rick said. "You've made it a memorable evening far more than for the celebratory aspect. It will always be a treasured memory."
They said their goodnights. Julia lingered for a moment. "I was so glad to see you relax, tonight. You seemed happy."
"I'm quite surprised, Julie. I am. I never, in my wildest imagination ever thought anything like this could happen."
The next day, the final, very intense week of training began. Rick didn't return to his estate or his headquarters, spending the time in the field.
15, January 2454 Imperial training base. 16:00 hours.
Major Rick Castle was addressing his troops. "You have done very well, far exceeding all training standards.
Monday, we lift ship. First formation is 07:00 you all know the rules. You are on liberty until then. Battalion, Dismissed!"
"Tomorrow night, our parents want to hold a small farewell party. Just the family and close friends." Del said;
" That includes Julia, Jason and the children of course."
"As long as it's small and informal, sure, I'll be there."
"Bring your guitar. Julia keeps telling us that you can sing. We'd like to hear you."
"As long as there are no strangers present, all right."
16, January 2454, Kevan House, Karolain city 20:00 hours.
The party was casual. Rick wore a crimson tunic and black trousers. Del and his family wore crimson and black. Julia, honoring her new status, wore a crimson dress with black accents. A buffet was set out and everyone ate as they chose. Rick was just settling on a couch, when The Emperor, the Empress and their son came in. Rick started to rise, when the emperor said, "Everyone relax, we'.re Hal and Lucania, tonight, always will be, in this company."
The Emperor filled a plate and sat down by Rick, the Empress got plates for herself and her son, then joined the other ladies at a table.
"I really needed another excuse for a party", Hal said. "Just a small one like this one, family and close friends. No politics, no power plays just a time to be Hal Kevan."
"I can't really imagine the power levels at which you have to operate every day." Rick said.
"I'll tell something; I couldn't handle it without Lucania. Sometimes she comes across as naive and she is, in some areas but she understands people far better than I do and comforts me when I'm down."
"She's downright beautiful on top of it." Rick said.
Hal laughed. "There is that!"
"There is a very old line from Earth. Life is too short to dance with ugly women."
Hal laughed again. "Very profound. Speaking of dancing Lucania said that she wants
us to learn to dance like you and Commander Becket do."
"Why not? It's a lot of fun and if I can learn to dance well, so can you. You've got a major advantage. You love the lady and want to please her, don't you?"
"Yes, on both counts."
The two men continued to talk as they ate, then joined Del and the Duke in the study.
"Cinnamon Assassins all around?" Del asked.
"That sounds good to me." Hal said.
Del passed the drinks around and they sat down. "Well, Rick, were you going to drink up all the liquor before I got here?" General Frasier asked.
"No Sir," Rick responded.
"What are you drinking?"
"Cinnamon Assassins, care to try one?"
"Why not? And it's Alex, tonight." "Damn that's good! A little strong but good! Jason and one of Del's friends joined the group.
A few minutes later, Rayene Kevan entered the room. "Val, I know what's in those things. One each, please. This is a party, not a drinking bout. The ladies want their men back. Now, please."
They returned to the salon. Kate and Marlene had joined the other ladies.
Lucania said;
"Rick, Julia told us that you sing well. We'd like to hear you."
"The songs I like to sing come from the 20th century, I doubt that you'd like them."
"Let us be the judges of that." Rick got out his guitar and tuned it.
"This one is a soldier's song by an artist named Glen Campbell it's called Galveston.
It's from a long-ago war on Earth."
"Galveston, oh Galveston, I can hear your sea winds blowing,
I can see her dark eyes glowing she was 21, when I left Galveston.
Galveston oh Galveston, I can hear your sea waves crashing, as I watch the cannon flashing, I clean my gun and dream of Galveston. I can see her standing by the water,
Looking out to sea and is she waiting there for me, on the beach where we used to run?
Galveston oh Galveston, I am so afraid of dying before I dry the tears she's crying, before I see your sea birds flying in the sun, at Galveston, at Galveston."
"You have a fine voice, Rick, please do sing another, one for the ladies."
"One for the ladies Lucania? I don't quite follow you."
"A love song, Rick, surely you know a few. He sat and re tuned his guitar.
When I fall in love, it will be forever
Or I'll never fall in love
In a restless world like this is
Love is ended before it's begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
When I give my heart, it will be completely
Or I'll never give my heart
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too, is when I fall in love with you.
I'll sing one more, than its Julie's turn.
If ever I would leave you, it wouldn't be in summer
Seeing you in summer I never would go
Your hair streaked with sun-light, your lips red as flame
Your face with a luster that puts gold to shame
But if I'd ever leave you, it couldn't be in autumn
How I'd leave in autumn I never will know
I've seen how you sparkle when fall nips the air
I know you in autumn and I must be there
And could I leave you running merrily through the snow
Or on a wintry evening when you catch the fire's glow?
If ever I would leave you, how could it be in spring time?
Knowing how in spring, I'm bewitched by you so?
Oh, no! Not in spring time! Summer, winter or fall
No, never could I leave you at all
If ever I would leave you, how could it be in spring time?
Knowing how in spring, I'm bewitched by you so?
Oh, no! Not in spring time! Summer, winter or fall
No, never could I leave you at all.
"You're on, Julie."
May it be an evening star, shines down upon you. May it be as darkness falls,
Your heart will be true. You walk a lonely road; Oh, how far you are from home...
Mornie utúlie (darkness has come), Believe and you will find your way.
Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen), A promise lives within you now...
May it be the shadows call, will fly away. May it be your journey on,
To light the day. When the night is overcome You may rise to find the sun.
Mornie utúlie (darkness has come), Believe and you will find your way.
Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen), A promise lives within you now. A promise lives within you now."
"One more, to be fair, Julie."
"Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger, you may see a stranger across a crowded room and somehow you know, you know even then, that somehow you'll see him again and again.
Some enchanted evening, someone may be laughing, you may hear him laughing across a crowded room and night after night, as strange as it seems,
The sound of his laughter will sing in your dreams.
Who can explain it, who can tell you why? Fools give you reasons, wise men never try.
Some enchanted evening, when you find your true love, when you hear him call you across a crowded room, then fly to his side and make him your own,
Or all through your life, you may dream all alone. Once you have found him, never let him go, once you have found him never let him go."
As Julia sang Some enchanted evening, Kate suddenly remembered the first night she'd seen Rick, fitting the song, across a room dancing with a nurse."
Kate went to the bar, asked for an Irish Mist and stood, thoughtfully, by herself.
Marlene went to stand by Julia. "I think we may succeed. You should have seen her face when you sang "Some Enchanted evening."
"Oh, I hope so. She's the perfect woman for him." Lucania and Rayene right behind them.
"I hate to sound disloyal to Celienne, Ladies," Lucania said, "But I think you're right. What a Lady of Green Shores she'd make."
"My poor Celienne, she loved him so much, yet she knows that she's not right for him.
She couldn't stand the strain of being married to such a warrior. It's even worse for her now that she's his sister." Rayene said.
"Is your niece strong enough, Marlene?"
"She is, she's already seen him in the worst way she could, torn, broken, bloody and nearly dead on her surgical table."
Rick walked over to Kate. "Such a beautiful lady shouldn't look so pensive, aren't you enjoying the party?"
"Oh, Hi, Rick." "Yes, I am enjoying it, I was just thinking about something."
"Oh, right. You're going out too. I'm sorry that your brothers and your friend weren't invited. I didn't know about the party till the last minute."
She smiled. "It wasn't that but thank you for thinking of them." She quickly changed the subject. "Oh, look at the prince. Isn't he a little darling?" Prince Val, named for his great uncle, had made his way to Melissa and Alex. "He is a handsome little fellow."
"Have you eaten yet?"
"No, I haven't"
"Well, then let me get you a plate."
"What about you?"
"Kate, I'm a Marine. The first thing I do is find the food. You should try those rolls. One is stuffed with Rock Crawler and the other with a local cheese. Be careful of those sliced greens, they're a smoked local pepper, about as hot as a Habanero pepper from earth." Rick picked up a small plate and put half a dozen pepper slices and some spiced cheese cubes on it." They sat down and Rick started on his pepper slices. "May I try one, please?"
"Go ahead but be careful. Just a nibble." She took a small bite.
"My God, how can you eat those things?"
"Acquired taste, I grew up in an area that had a large Latin and Asian population, lots of spicy food."
They talked quietly as Kate ate, she laughing at a couple of Ricks 's quips.
"Look how natural they are, together." Marlene said.
"Yes, they are but I'm still worried." Julia said.
"Why?"
"I know my brother. Right now, he's relaxed and easy. Tomorrow he'll be back in his battalion commander, professional soldier mode.
He can be very aloof, then."
"Would you care for another drink, Kate?"
"Yes, please but this has to be the last."
"Mine too. I better make it a rusty nail; those cinnamon assassins are a one a night drink."
Rick got their drinks and returned to where Kate was sitting, as he got there, Del called out, "Rick, Kate come join us." Everyone else stood around the table holding full glasses. Hal Kevan said;
"A toast to a successful mission and a speedy return and that all whom we hold dear return safely." They all raised their glasses then sipped.
Val Kevan said;
" May they return safely and with honor."
Then they all exchanged good nights.