Page 9 of Stay with Me
Drew closed his eyes and leaned into his uncle. It wasn’t often that anyone used his full name and it hit him dead on.Nice aim, Uncle Spook. Now if only he could live up to his uncle’s faith.
Chapter Four
Drew sat nice and straight with his fellow cadets on stage. By some chance of fate, he was smack in the middle— three to his left, four to his right. He looked out into the audience and saw his dad and uncles sitting in the front row. He was always proud of his family, but seeing them in their uniforms, for him? Yeah, it hit him in the heart. Tristan was sitting on the end and he caught Drew’s attention, giving him a huge smile and then mouthing, “So proud of you.” What was it Uncle Mooney always said? Someday they were going to kill him? Yeah, Drew could sympathize with his uncle as Tris said that to him. Drew didn’t think he’d earned Tris’ admiration. He was snapped from his spiraling thoughts when Lieutenant Colonel Robbins stepped up to the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, cadets, please stand for the presentation of the colors and the singing of our national anthem,” Lieutenant Colonel Robbins said before stepping back and looking toward the doors of the auditorium. Four underclassmen were marching down the aisle. Drew looked at the group and nodded. Thank fuck it wasn’t Dowd. He’d probably trip on air. Everyone stood and showed respect for the American and battalion flags. As they got to the stage, the cadets turned the flags toward the audience and one of the theater majors came from the side of the stage to perform the anthem a cappella. Drew, his classmates and his family members came to attention and saluted. When she finished, the colors were posted.
“Please remain standing for the invocation,” Lieutenant Colonel Robbins instructed as the battalion chaplain approached the podium.
“Father, we ask your blessings on these cadets who will soon be leading soldiers in defense of those weaker and the greatest nation under your protection. Grant them the insight to know what they don’t know and when to listen to others. May your protection be with them as they go forth from here. In your name, amen,” Chaplain Herrick finished.
Drew knew that it was time for the guest speaker. He just didn’t know which member of his family was speaking. Dad and his uncles wouldn’t tell him last night. No matter who spoke, he knew that the wisdom that they would share would be impactful, and he hoped his fellow cadets listened. Drew would probably space out since he’d heard it all before. Of course, he probably should pay attention because, if not, someone would quiz him later. Out of the corner of his eye, Drew watched Master Sergeant Coffey approach the microphone.
“Friends, family, honored guests and, most of all, soon-to-be lieutenants, welcome to the Pirate Battalion pinning ceremony. We would like to apologize to everyone, as I’m sure you were looking forward to hearing from Colonel Howard. He, unfortunately, is unable to be here with us today. However, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with our new guest speaker.
“One of our cadets graduating this year, Andrew Nolan, comes from a long line of military service to our country. His grandfather, father, and brother have served or are currently serving in the Army. Alongside his father, his six uncles have served with distinction. They will be assisting us, granting each of the cadets their first salutes. Between them, they have dedicated almost two-hundred years in service to this country. They set standards for each of their branches that are still being upheld today,” Coffey stopped for a breath.
Drew tried really hard not to fidget. Hearing that brief nod to his dad and uncles created a sensation in the back of his head. Itwas the same tingling that always told him that he wasn’t good enough. That he was about to let them all down. Christ, he could feel his eyes watering. He pinched his thigh and tuned back into Master Sergeant Coffey.
“While any of these exemplary soldiers would be outstanding to hear from, and I’ll admit I’d be riveted, it is tradition that the keynote is given by an officer. I know that the cadets would rather not hear another speech from Lieutenant Colonel Robbins,” Coffey paused for the laughter. Drew caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Tristan stood and straightened his uniform. “Please welcome to the stage, Major Tristan Nolan-Luna. Major Luna is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He has served as military intelligence officer with 302nd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the company commander for Alpha Detachment, 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, with an overseas deployment, and is currently the Operations Officer for 781st Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Meade, Maryland. He is married to Camden Luna. I’m not going to read his awards and decorations. They are listed in his full bio that was inserted into your programs.” By the time Coffey finished, Tris was standing next to him. They shook hands and Tris turned to the podium, bracing both hands on the top.
“Lieutenant Colonel Robbins, Master Sergeant Coffey, family, friends, and most importantly, cadets. It is an honor to be standing on this stage with you. Unlike some other speakers, I know exactly what you’ve been through step-by-step from my brother, Drew, sitting among you. I’ve listened to him complain about the marches, the extra drills; brag about the Ranger Challenge Team’s performance last fall; and brainstormed with him on his research papers.
“What wisdom could I possibly possess that wouldn’t have sounded better coming from our dad or our uncles? I’m not sure. But I’m going to give it the old West Point try.” Tristan knocked his ring against the podium. “We learned from a young age what it meant to dedicate your life in service to the country. Observing our family mentor soldiers and watching them put the needs of their soldiers in the forefront, shaped me and I’m sure I can speak for Drew and say it shaped him, too. As officers, we are tasked in leading men and women in both peace and wartime operations. I’m going to share a few key points and keep this short.” Tristan took a breath and turned to face the eight of them sitting on the stage. “Remember, the soldiers are your best resource. Listen to your senior NCOs.” Tris had to pause briefly when a chorus of “hooahs” echoed through the auditorium. “They will be your right and left hands as you navigate this new adventure in your career and life. I know that the guidance I have received and still receive from my NCOs has made me a better officer. Safety in all operations should be your next priority. Find your balance between career and family. When, or if, you decide to bring a partner into your military world, they will be serving right beside you. While they will not face the dangers that you might, they will face hardships of their own. Don’t discount them and don’t let your soldiers do that, either.
“Thank you for the privilege of speaking before you today. May the memories that you’ve made the past four years be fond and the lessons you’ve learned be at your core as you take on the role of leader. Drew? Know how proud of you we all are for finding your own path in service,” Tris finished speaking and stepped back from the podium. The audience broke out in applause as Drew felt a tear roll down his cheek. Not thinking of being on stage, Drew stood and walked over to Tristan. He threw his arms around his brother and heard his family start to cheer.
One thought was at the forefront in his mind.Please let me not fuck this up.
§ § § §
If Brody thought he’d been in awe of Drew’s family yesterday, it was nothing compared to watching them today. Listening to Drew’s brother speak had been bittersweet for Brody. He thought he’d made peace with not having a family, but maybe not completely. He looked out into the audience, and he saw Nova smiling at him. Brody nodded to her. At least today he had family, even if it wasn’t permanent.
“Cadets, please stand and raise your right hand to swear your officer oath,” Lieutenant Colonel Robbins commanded. Brody and his classmates all jumped to their feet. They’d been working toward this moment for years and it was time. Holy shit. Was he ready to be an officer? He was ready to be a nurse. He knew he could run a trauma. But how was he going to command soldiers? Maybe Drew’s brother’s advice about listening to his senior NCOs was what he needed to follow.Not thoughts for now, Brody.
“I — state your full name— having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States,” Robbins paused for them to repeat the oath, “as indicated above in the grade of second lieutenant, do solemnly affirm,” pause, “that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” pause, “that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely,” pause, “without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;” pause, “and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”
Robbins nodded at them all and looked over to Master Sergeant Coffey. “Please be seated until your name is called for your family to pin your lieutenant’s bars on.”
Master Sergeant Coffey was at the podium and adjusted the microphone before speaking. “Please join us on stage, Command Sergeant Majors Retired Casper, Luna, MacNamara, and Mullvaney. Sergeant Major Retired Holt and First Sergeants Retired Glenn and Nolan. Each of these men served in a branch that corresponds with one of the branches for our cadets with the exception of Cadet Brody Walker. Cadet Walker will be entering the Army Nurse Corps. It seems he’s even more of an overachiever than his classmates as he will be a registered nurse after he passes his national certification exam at the end of this month. Cadet Walker had his choice of all those present for his first salute.”
Drew’s father and uncles stood and took the stage. And it could only be described astookas they commanded the space just by walking onto it. He could just imagine how they had been in front of a company, battalion, or division. Brody couldn’t believe the number of stripes, badges, ribbons, and cords on their uniforms. Christ, it took him forever to get his uniform put together. He didn’t want to contemplate how long it took each of them.
“Cadet Dayton Babin, please step forward. Would Cadet Babin’s family please approach the stage,” Master Sergeant Coffey requested. Brody watched as Day’s family came up and took the bars from Sergeant Roman and pinned them on.
One of Drew’s uncles stepped in front of Day and snapped to attention and saluted before saying, “Congratulations, Lieutenant.” Day returned the salute, reached into his pocket then offered his hand to the sergeant major. Brody knew that Day had handed a silver dollar to the sergeant major. Brodyhad one in his pocket to hand to Command Sergeant Major Mullvaney. Yes, he had been told to call him Mike, but in his mind, in this instance, he could only be Command Sergeant Major Mullvaney.
Brody watched as each of his classmates received their bars and salutes. Then it was Drew’s turn. His mother and girlfrie— wait a minute. As the blonde stood beside Drew’s mother, Brody saw it. He saw the family resemblance. Was she his sister? They took the bars and pinned them on Drew, and each kissed a cheek. Brody heard both the women speak. “We’re proud of you, Andrew,” came from his mother, then the blonde said, “Well done, baby brother!”
He was so shocked that he almost missed the moment when Drew’s father and all of his uncles moved to stand in front of Drew. They saluted together, and the smiles on their faces could’ve lit up the campus. Drew paused, nodding his head, before he returned the salutes. One uncle said the traditional address of “Congratulations, Lieutenant,” but then Brody could swear he heard two of the uncles give their own addresses of, “Congratulations, Nibble” and “Congratulations, Squeaker.”
Brody waited his turn, the curse of a last name starting with a W.
“And last, but certainly not least, Cadet Brody Walker.” He stood and moved to center stage. He saw Trish helping Nova up the stairs. Looking at Nova, he thought she seemed tense but wasn’t sure since he’d just met her. He frowned at Nova as she reached for his shoulder.
“Are you okay?” he whispered, earning him a glare that said ‘hush your lips. Now.’ Nova and Trish stepped to the side and Command Sergeant Major Mullvaney took their place. He snapped a crisp salute and said, “Congratulations, Lieutenant.” As Brody raised his hand to return the salute, he heard Novagasp from beside him. He looked toward her and glanced down. Why was there water on the stage? Oh, fuck! Brody threw a quick salute to Mike and then turned and put his arm around Nova just as she double over and screamed, “Fuck!”
“Um, Sergeant Major Mullvaney, I think we need to get your daughter to the hospital. I’m pretty sure her water just broke,” Brody said over his shoulder. It only took seconds before his words registered and Mike and the rest of the men on stage jumped into motion.
