Nicole
After we finished getting ourselves spiffed up and dressed in our professional all-black suits and dark shades we were always supposed to wear to special occasions and missions, we immediately made our way over to HQ.
Our timing couldn't have been better. There wasn't any traffic to slow us down and we got there just in time for seating.
As we walked down headquarters to head back to the memorial of our fallen members, we suddenly ran into Jackson.
"Nicole. Jaden. You made it!" he said with a welcoming smile. "I think I saw your names next to mine, come, I'll show you to your seats."
We followed him out to where there was a high leveled stage next to our huge memorial wall and then thousands of people from different parts of our association sitting in front of it, conversing with each other while they waited for the "meeting" to begin. Jackson showed us to our seats in the third row then he sat in a chair on the right of us.
"This 'meeting' looks much more important than any other meeting he's ever set up before," Jaden mumbled to me.
I nodded in agreement as I bounced Nicholas on my lap, "I told you, it's not a meeting. It's an announcement about his retirement. There wouldn't be any other reason for him to invite all these people."
"You're right. Plus, he did talk about retiring before, I just didn't think it'll be this soon."
I shrugged, not knowing the reason for that either. We never really talked about it and I have been meaning to ask him more about his decision before. He told me before that it was because he wanted to be here for family but my instincts told me that there was a deeper reason than that. I guess I'll wait to figure that out now.
Jackson leaned over and smiled at us, "Our little guy is getting big." he chuckled.
I nodded and kissed Nicholas' cheek, "And becoming a handful." I added. He should know a little about that too, he's visited us a few times to help babysit his godson every once in a while.
Jackson grinned then tapped Jaden on his shoulder so he could whisper something to him.
I narrowed my eyes as Jaden nodded and shook Jackson's hand like they had just arranged some type of bet.
"What was that about?" I asked when he smiled at me.
All he said was, "Nothing serious." then tickled Nicholas' cheek to get off subject.
I chuckled and shook my head, knowing I would find out soon enough. One thing I hate more than surprises are secrets...
"Ladies and gentlemen..." a woman suddenly spoke from the stage, behind a podium, causing everyone to quiet down and turn their attention to her.
"Thank you for joining us today for this special ceremony dedicated to all of you, the members of our United Secret Services..."
Ceremony?
"Each and every one of you sitting before me today knows that you do not put your lives on the line day after day just for the money or any rewards but today, today is the day we recognize you individually for the hard works and dedication you put into serving the country."
Ah... I see now...
I smirked at Jackson who smiled back and tapped his temple with his finger, letting me know that he remembered our last conversation at the memorial wall.
So he was a part of putting this whole thing together... Nice one.
The woman continued, "No member will leave here unrecognized. That goes for all of our heroes in front of me and our lost ones, who sadly can't be here to see this day... Please stand and remove your hats in respect for our fallen members."
She walked off to the side of the stage as everyone silently stood to their feet and did as she said. Jaden and I removed our shades and gazed at the presentation on the stage for the faces on our memorial wall.
Smooth violins and soft pianos played as the screen displayed each picture one-by-one along with a video of some of the things they did while at work or, simply, with their families and friends. Each face that showed became more familiar than the last, the ones I did recognize happened to be the ones I could never forget. I grew up with most of these people and some of them were even my trainers or mentors.
When Starla's face appeared, my heart nearly crumbled to pieces. I didn't know her very well but I know that she died in my responsibility which I never intended to happen to her or the next 20 people involved in the mission that appeared on the presentation.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and held back my tears to stay strong about it. There were way too many people here for me to lose it now. That was a tough thing to contain within me, especially when my guard and friend, Jerry appeared at the end...
This time, I let a tear fall.
He didn't even have to join in on the mission but he did anyway and he did it by staying loyal and true to his oath... To protect me. He risked his life, catching a shotgun bullet to the gut in order to save my life... While having his own ripped away from him.
Dammit, I could still remember that day like it happened hours ago!
Rest easy, Jerry...
Jaden put an arm around my shoulder and searched my eyes, "You okay, Nicki?"
I noticed that his eyes were a little red but he didn't shed any tears. I nodded in response to his question, "I am."
He nodded slightly and turned back to the screen. When Nicholas looked at me, he pouted and began to whimper as if he knew what was going on. Obviously, he had no clue and he probably did that because he noticed the tears in my eyes, sensing that I was upset.
As the presentation came to an end, the woman made her way back to the podium, "Thank you, you may take your seats..." she paused for a silent moment before saying, "Truly amazing, aren't they? Before you all officially joined the United Secret Services, you all made a commitment to serve, protect, and win no matter what the cost may be. To help those in need whether they know they're in trouble or not. You've agreed to put yourselves second so you could put the citizens first and that's what these people did... Let's give one more round of applause to our fallen heroes to thank them for their service, shall we?"
Agreed.
We all clapped and some cheered until she spoke again.
"Thank you. Now here are a few words from our main founder of these associations, Simon Ortez..."
I smirked as everyone applauded when Simon walked with the help of crutches, side by side with Janet to take the spot behind the podium. He gave me a silent nod and I responded with a two-fingered salute before he handed Janet his crutches and began to speak into the mic.
"Thank you, Olivia..." he said to the host. "And thank you all for coming out today. I also want to thank my secretary and assistant for putting that priceless presentation together for us."
Everyone around me clapped for him and Janet until Simon spoke again.
"I've met some amazing people while on my journey of expanding the USSCI, people I would never ever forget because of everything we've gone through as a team. People who stuck with me through thick and thin and supported me all the way so that this agency could be what it is today... This is why saying farewell is the hardest part of it all... As some of you know, I will, in fact, be retiring as of this week..."