We got there a half hour before the plane did. When it touched down and made it to the hangar, Duke Bastion leaned out the door. "We need to fill the plane up. I wasn't expecting to fly it so soon. Luckily it had enough to get here." We saluted him with our heads bowed. He put us at ease and we walked to him. "While we wait for the plane to be refueled, I will debrief you right now about your mission. Come aboard. It's secure in here." he said as he walked further in. We went up the stairs and joined him on the seats. It was a luxury private jet and we were served champagne. We each took turns describing the mission and Suzie and I added the news coverage we had watched to give insight on how Olipo was taking it. Duke Bastion nodded at times, but was silent for the most part. "I see. While it is a tragic loss, Sir Brian's loss was not in vain. We will use this opportunity to expand our influence. Before then, I believe we have to stage a promotion ceremony. You will become barons and nobles of the cloth. I am a man of my word." he said at the end.
He was very intelligent and I knew more than to question it. It would be a landless title. I did not mind. In fact, I wanted to go and begin the colonization. I wondered how it would look like on the new continent. The plane was fueled and we left as soon as the runway was clear. We landed at an army base airport in Upport. From there, we took a car to Greenhill. I was able to see Martin again. I picked him up and rocked him around. "Get some sleep here. We are going to the capitol. His Highness with perform the promotion ceremony. You will also get your awards for all your meritorious service." He then retired for the night. We saw servants bring liquor up to his room and rolled our eyes. I also went to bed early. I wanted to play with Martin a bit more. I was actually getting attached to him. I did and fell asleep with him by my side on the bed. When I woke up, I got dressed in my formal uniform and got ready to travel with everyone. Now that I had Martin, we could fly to the capitol. King Gervis as regal as ever, was sitting at his throne with some of the court members lining the carpet that lead to him.
The queen dowager was not in attendance. He stood up and said "Loyal subjects of Wendalia welcome to my throne. I will hear your pledges of loyalty. I am interested in hearing what you have to say. Normally, I would not go so far as to do this, but I have heard you have done well. My brother urged me to hear you and make you nobles of the robe." We had all knelt in front of him with ceremonial blades held in front of us. I began and said "I do solemnly swear, here and now and in front of the noble court, that I will support and defend the Royal Family and the heirs of Wendalia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to all loyal subjects of your realm; that I will obey the laws, edicts, and just commands of the king; and that I will do all in my power to render all aid I can to the Royal Family and the rightful heirs of Wendalia. Forever and always." It was pretty good if I do say so myself. The king looked very moved and nodded his head. The others all did the some pledge with some small variance.
King Gervis sat on his throne and nodded. "I have heard your pledges of loyalties and I think you are right and just in your love of me and what is mine. I hearby declare before you all gathered here today that I will promote Sir Davie Davids, Dame Suzie Mechaheart, Sir Finn, and Dame Kate; all of the Order of the Silver Ball to barons and baronesses fifth rank of nobility." We lowered our heads for a moment before rising to our new station. I was now a baron and I thought it was cool. Duke Bastion spoke up and said "I have spoke with my brothers and they have agreed that you may wear these as a sign of our gratitude for your meritorious achievement in combat conditions." We were awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal. We also all received the Distinguished Service Award for meritorious service in combat as well as the Combat Action Ribbon. Finn and I received the Purple Heart for the injuries we sustained in the crash. Finn and Suzie received the Silver Star award for their ace piloting. 18 confirmed kills for Finn and 5 for Suzie were very impressive feats. Each award gave a Super Skill point. I was also Level 27 now as well from the fighting and the mission. I was going to allocate the points right away.
