Chapter Nineteen: Goodbye, and Good Luck.
AN: The reference to the legendary Signing Off by Edward Murrow and the Clooney film is intentional.
Nate stood in full dress uniform in the cool stadium tunnel with his fellow firsties, waiting for the band to strike up and the march onto the field to begin. After four years, this day was finally here. There was a tension in the air as well as excitement. Finally, his dream or rather, the first part of his dream was coming true. All around him, the other firsties were waiting to enter that field and become real officers in the United States Air Force.
Although he tried to stand still, Nate knew he needed to release some of the excitement coursing through him, so he tapped out the oath in Morse code on his leg.
Then the moment came and he and the others all marched as one. Emerging from the tunnel, the sunlight temporarily blinded them, but they all soldiered on, staying in perfect formation across the field until they reached their spots.
The dean stepped to the podium and gave a speech. Nate tried hard to listen, but his mind ran off in so many directions he barely could pay attention. In a week, he would begin his final flight training, something he'd been looking forward to since he'd flown his first plane at age sixteen. Then, it would be off to MIT for a summer internship with one of his mother's friends, Professor McGee.
Once September rolled around, he'd begin his masters degree in computer science, and once the ink dried on his postgraduate degree, he hoped to be stationed at the SGC. His mother didn't know about this part of the plan, but Nate hoped she would forgive him for not wanting to get his PhD or DSc.
Despite being more academic in nature than his neesan, Nate really didn't want to spend the next five years in school, but two more he could handle. Especially now that he'd been accepted by his first choice in schools; also, he had no idea where he'd want to go for his PhD, as this also needed him to teach.
"Thank you." The last speaker completed his speech and stepped down from the podium. As the names were read, each Cadet moved to the podium and accepted their diplomas as well as shook hands with the dean. It was the longest part of the ceremony, but Nate watched riveted, knowing it would be his turn soon.
As soon as it was done, the firsties were called to attention and they prepared to take the oath.
His mother's voice rang out and all the cadets raised their right hands. "Do each of you, having been appointed a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that you take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter, so help you God?"
"I do!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Air Force song!"
Nate had to blink away the tears as he listened to the music swell up around him. It was done, he was an officer in the Air Force. The music reached an end and there was no noise except for the cheering from the crowd. Until his mother spoke once more. "Class of 2007… DISMISSED!"
The Thunderbirds flew over perfectly timed with the dismissal and the hat toss and Nate was an officer.
Cassie was the first to find Nate in the crowd and she wrapped her arms around him. "Congratulations Lieutenant, sir." Then, she immediately backed away and let Charlie hug Nate.
Charlie held him close whispering, "I love you and I'm so proud of you." Then as she pulled away she brushed a kiss on his cheek very discreetly.
With a huge grin on his face, Jon stepped up offering his hand. "Way to go. It'll be the three of us next year." He then pulled Nate into a one armed hug and slapped his friend on the back.
"How does it feel, First Lieutenant? Doe those bars feel heavy yet?"
"No, but I'm sure they will soon enough. I can't believe it. I mean there were only three of us who were awarded that honor."
"You deserve it, Nate."
Behind them, Haruka cleared her throat. "Mind if I interrupt?"
The three cadets stepped back. "No, we don't mind at all. If you'll excuse us now, we're going to find Sam and Jasmine."
When the three other had disappeared into the crowd, Haruka hugged her son. "I have a surprise for you." She opened a small box to show the insignia of First Lieutenant. "This is for you. It was Jack who put you in for the promotion. He saw how you handled yourself with the incident with Lawson and the mad scientist. Not to mention all those other messes you've gotten yourself into and Jack felt you were ready for this. Each time you kept a cool head and managed to get the job done."
"Thank you Haha-ue. I am glad to honor our family name." He bowed to her and then allowed himself to be hugged once more. "Shall we go and celebrate?"
"Your father, sister and grandfather all wanted to be here but there were circumstances didn't allow it. They should all be here tonight as well as Jack, we'll pin those other bars on then. They had to attend a meeting in Washington so I saved the best for last." She grinned. "These were mine, so take good care of them."
"I understand and I will. It will be good to see them too. Now let's celebrate." He slung him arm around his mother's shoulders and then headed toward her home.
Jon and Cassie watched Haruka and Nate walk away when Charlie whisped over to join the General and the new Lieutenant. Plans had been made to meet up with the others tomorrow for a celebration and they hoped Jack would also be able to join them. He'd been busy the last few weeks, mopping up the mess left by the end of the Ori War.
The IOA wanted to cut the funding to the SCG and the other programs, so it was up to Jack to make sure that didn't happen today, or ever.
Once the trio had disappeared, Jon held his arm out to Cassie. "Shall we go milady? I have a surprise for you now, that we are officially second years. We'll have dinner and a movie and after that we'll see…"
"One year left for us and then we'll be done. You'll be off to finish your schooling and I'm off to Georgetown hopefully, after all it was mom's school. Have you decided where you want to go yet?"
"Nope, I haven't really thought about it. There is Yale but it holds some nasty memories, but I have a few more months to decide. Also, Haruka mentioned she wanted to get me a spot under the tutelage of a friend… but that would be overseas, which would be a bit far away…" Once they reached his truck, Jon opened the door for Cassie.
She turned to him before climbing in. "I trust you and whatever you decide will be best. We both have a lot of choices to make in the next year, but no matter what happens we'll have each other."
Then she kissed him and Jon knew she was right.
This last chapter but I am working on finishing the last instalment. I am about half done maybe more. Watch for it I hope to have it ready to post by the end of the summer. I also have other stories posted on my site if you would like to check them out Google my penname and you will find me. I love to hear from you whether you liked it or loved it. :0P
Also I have published two original pieces of work on Kindle you can find a link to them on my website as well.