A Brutal Reality

by BIG Z1776

NOW BEING REWRITTEN. The Colonials have just started taking their first steps into a much larger galaxy where danger, friends, and the unknown lie around every corner. And Earth has now taken the next huge step into the galaxy and its rise to superpower is all but inevitable. So what's to stop them? Old enemies from the past thought to be gone and new ones not yet seen.

11. Christmas Update

This will not be a normal chapter everyone. Instead, read this. You'll figure it out.

A Soldier's Silent Night

Written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone

In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone

I had come down the chimney with presents to give

And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree

No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand

On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds

A sober thought came through my mind

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary

I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone

Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder

Not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night

Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play

And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year

Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone

On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home

The very thought brought a tear to my eye

I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice

"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more

My life is my God, my country, My Corps".

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still

And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night

This guardian of honor so willing to fight

The soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure

Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure".

One look at my watch and I knew he was right

Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.