Chapter 562 Pomp and Circumstance

Chapter 562 Pomp and Circumstance

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“You, the brave men and women of the exploration fleet, have volunteered to take on a task for the betterment of humanity. And for that, We salute you.” Aron snapped a salute.

He was standing on the stage against the backdrop of the empire’s virtual press room, delivering a speech to commemorate the exploration mission that was stopped at the inner edge of the termination shock layer of the heliopause. As it was Earth’s first manned mission to interstellar space—officially, at least—the exploration fleets and their escorts had turned out in their full dress uniforms to listen to the emperor’s remarks.

“Generations before the Terran Empire was conceived, a visionary was born in the then United States of America. Born to humble parents, he was a decorated veteran and pilot, who yearned for the stars. ‘What if?’ he thought to himself, but the technology to fulfill his dreams wouldn’t exist for decades after he began his dreams.

“So instead, he devoted himself to sharing those dreams of his in the hopes that they would inspire others to dream with him, and by doing so, he influenced generation after generation of people to seek the stars, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

“You, the brave men and women of Our exploration fleet, are the culmination of the hopes and dreams of every man, woman, and child who has ever looked up at the night sky and thought to themselves, ‘What if?’ And as you take this first historic step in the history of mankind, know that you go with those hopes and dreams.” Aron’s gaze grew fervent as he stared into the virtual “camera” in front of him, the viewing angle of everyone watching making it seem as though he was meeting the eyes of everyone watching his speech.

(Ed note: The Age of Sail was the period between the 16th and 19th century when most world transportation was done via wind-driven sailing ships. But when speaking of the pioneers who first voyaged out and mapped the world, that started around the 1500s and, in my books, ended in the mid-18th century with the discovery and colonization of North America.)

“But no matter the situation you find yourselves in, remember that the Terran Empire has trained you to the highest standard. Trust in yourselves, trust in your brothers and sisters beside you, trust in the leadership above you, and above all, trust in the undying thirst for exploration inherent in the human race.

“So go forth, sons and daughters of humanity, and explore! Carry out your duties with conviction and pride as you venture into the greatest unknown that the human species has ever faced. Be bold, brave, and undaunted as you carry the torch of Our civilization and the flag of Our empire to the stars!

“And know this: We have your back. Just as you trust in your chain of command, We, the Terran Empire, trust in and support you, no matter how distant your journey may take you.

“So go forth with confidence! Godspeed, ladies and gentlemen, and long live the Terran Empire!” Aron snapped to attention and saluted the virtual camera once more as his image faded from the stage and other members of the upper leadership of the Terran Space Fleet and Terran Exploration Fleet took the stage to deliver their remarks.

Pomp and circumstance had a long tradition in the armed forces, one that would likely remain unbroken until the heat death of the universe. Even as entropy closed in, the last living human would likely deliver a rousing speech to whomever found whatever media he or she recorded it on.