Someone Greater

“Sir, Minor Kai ‘Kalaree reporting as ordered, sir,” I announced, standing upright and still before my commander in the structure of our field headquarters. He was adorned in a resplendent, golden cuirass, while I was draped in but a simple, mass-produced, faded blue suit of armor.
“Ah, ‘Kalaree,” my commander said. He was Tuko ‘Asavee, my first superior officer. He was a man of upstanding character and high honor, but not well-renowned beyond our own fleet. Nevertheless, he found contentment in his place in our Covenant. “At ease, warrior.” As ordered, I relaxed my posture somewhat, and turned my head to face him. “’Kalaree, do you know why I have summoned you here?”
“I do not, sir,” I answered.
“Well, be not afraid,” Commander ‘Asavee said. “I have taken note of your achievements on this planet. Yesterday, I was informed that you were instrumental in the destruction of several batteries of Human artillery, which were arrayed against us. I was also informed that those emplacements were thoroughly defended by the enemy, and yet you were personally responsible for their neutralization, and that upon your immediate superior’s death, you took charge of the lance, and led it to victory.”
“I only do what is expected of me, sir, nothing more.”
“Oh, do not be so shy of glory, ‘Kalaree. You earned it! This is the third planetary campaign now where your name was mentioned in dispatches to me. I have read the reports, seen the camera footage. Whether you are willing to admit it or not, you are a most formidable warrior.”
His praises of me unnerved me, for they felt undeserved, unwarranted. I thought him mistaken, to shower me with such accolades.
“I have dwelled upon this decision for some time, but your actions on this planet have solidified my decision. I shall promote you… Major ‘Kalaree.”
I was thoroughly taken aback. My eyes widened, and my head tilted ever so slightly.
‘Asavee nodded. “Oh yes,” he said. “I shall make you a leader of men. You shall wear the blood armor of a Major. I even took the liberty of studying your physical characteristics, and have found armor that is quite suitable for your figure.”
Here a Huragok appeared, controlling an apparatus that held a Major’s red armor within a levitation field.
“Sir…” I started with bated, unbelieving breath. “I… am unworthy of such an honor.”
“Not so, ‘Kalaree, not so. In fact, you are more than deserving to wear this cuirass. Now, the Huragok and I will leave you to try on the armor in privacy.”
“Sir, I…”
“Say no more, ‘Kalaree. You leading a lance of your own will only contribute more to our eventual victory. I am assured of it. And now, I leave you. Come outside when you have become accustomed to the armor.”
‘Asavee left. I was alone with the armor and the Huragok, patiently waiting to assist me. The crimson shine glowed in the somewhat dim room, scattering its blood-red brilliance about, thanks to the handful of lights here and there. I stared at the cuirass for what seemed a fortnight, not daring to so much as touch the suit, and not even dreaming of wearing it myself.
I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath.
I am just a soldier. Just another warrior. This is not meant for me, it was meant for someone else. Someone greater.
Why are you not that someone?
What have I done to prove that? Nothing. Everyone I know has already been baptized in fire, all my comrades have killed a Human.
But you have felled many. You have delivered victory numerous times for your nation, your Covenant, your people.
That is exactly what has been expected of me. I have done only what I was supposed to do. I have done my duty.
And that does not afford celebration? Are you not to be rewarded for the perils you face, for the battles you have one, for the progress towards the Great Journey you have made?
Yet again, I had done only what was expected of me.
You are special. You are unique. You are admired and respected, not just for who you are, but for what you have done.
Then… why do I not feel that? I do not. Whenever I wake up I am… I simply am. Nothing more. Am I but a tool? A thing used to serve the ends of others?
Hush now! Do not stifle your achievements with such poisonous thoughts and feelings. This moment is yours, and I suggest you seize it. It is before you, just reach out and take it.
I opened my eyes, stepped forward, and took off my blue armor, then donned the red one. This took several minutes, even with the assistance of the Huragok, who was incredibly gentle with the handling of both sets of armor. I looked in a mirror the Huragok provided me. I admit, initially it felt uncharacteristic of me. The warrior I saw in the looking glass was unrecognizable. I was very much accustomed to seeing myself in blue, so this red hue was alien to my eyes. Nevertheless, I resolved to accept my new duties and responsibilities.
After all was done, I nodded to the Huragok. He returned a gentle nod, and quietly began to put away the blue armor I cast off. I walked to the door. As it opened, I stepped outside. A gentle rainfall peppered the landscape, gray clouds hanging low in the sky. The landscape was hilly, colored with the deep, dark greens of wild grass. Such was the environs at the Human planet of Clovis.
Mik, Basab, and Tes were standing a short distance away. I noticed Mik’s jaws open wide in amazement.
Commander ‘Avasee turned to face me, ceasing conversing with other officers.
“Ah, Major! How is the armor?” ‘Avasee asked.
I paused briefly, finding the right words.
“I will get used to it, sir.”
Category:The Weekly