== /\ Random Starbase /\ ==== Jack sat at the desk in the temporary quarters that had been assigned to him, Commander Guzman had passed down orders that there was to be a memorial service, of course there was going to be a bloody memorial service, look at the casualties that they had suffered, this couldn't be overlooked. In this particular branch of Starfleet you're a ghost, you live you serve and you die, you don't get any recognition, your family doesn't get to know why you died, how you died, what you were fighting for, they just know you're not coming home next time you're up for leave. He had a lot of letters to write, and needless to say, they weren't exactly the kind of letter that you like writing once, let alone many times in one sitting. He found himself having to constantly edit down the letters, little titbits of the mission were creeping into what he was saying, and he knew that these letters were going to have to pass by Special Forces Command first for inspection, he didn't want to look like a fool by having them sent back to be redone. Sipping his coffee he let out a yawn and began to read through what he'd written, nothing seemed adequate, 'your son/daughter is dead, but they died for a good cause' that's rubbish and the person reading it would be well aware that it was just a line. Mrs Farrow, There are many things about my job that cause me difficulty when I look at myself in the mirror each morning, things that I've seen and things that I've done ultimately must remain a secret from the general public, but I haven't done them alone. Straight away you know what this letter is about, but I'm afraid that its lacking in any real detail in regards to your husbands death. What you should know though is that in the face of adversity Quentin was one of the few and the brave who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the cause. Small consolation to you, I'm sure, but without him the death toll would have been so much higher, more so than you will ever realise. In the face of adversity he was unwavering in his resolve about what needed to be done, and he performed with distinction and courage. I can honestly say that I owe him my life. As a small token of the recognition for his part he is awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and my gratitude. Please, if there's anything that I can ever do for you in the future, anything at all you need, just say the word. Major Jack Walsh = Looking back at the letter, he didn't know what to make of it. He didn't know if it was good enough to send, or good enough to do the man justice. Yawning to himself he realised that nothing he said was going to do it justice, he'd just have to say it and be done. "I need a drink" he said standing slowly. === Major Jack Walsh ODA Commander USS Chimera, SSF