Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Commandant's Day / Story
Colorful Feelings
...Right, that's everything summarized. We've gone through all of the key points regarding the squad-based fire and movement tactic. Anything you want to add, Commandant?
I'm flattered. It really was the clarity of your thought process that made it easy.
Is that so? You're quite wisecracking sometimes, Commandant.
Chrome takes a look at the time on the terminal and smiles, packing up the files used during the discussion.
It's been nearly an hour... My mission here is also almost done.
In that case, the discussion on the tactics used during our last battle is concluded... Sorry to take up so much of your time today of all days.
Chrome shakes his head, chuckling. He swipes on the holo-screen, and the battle records show a picture of you fighting with Strike Hawk—a memory that you cherish.
I didn't realize it, but you have gone through a lot with us as a commandant... So much so that we can laugh about them now.
Crossing your arms, you look at the images and descriptions that compose the thrilling past you share, and you feel like being with an old friend—flipping through photo albums and talking about old days, not noticing the time.
Right... we should set our sights on tomorrow. Strike Hawk must grow and perform even better than before... until we're our best selves.
Chrome reveals a subtle smile as he looks at the members of Strike Hawk in the photo.
Strike Hawk has been improving because of you. Whether it is Kamui, Wanshi, Camu, or me... you have lifted each one of us up. So, on behalf of Strike Hawk, I'd like to give you this small gift. I hope you'll take it.
You take the beautifully wrapped gift from Chrome, confused by the sudden gesture.
Right as you are about to ask about the gift, the door to the Strike Hawk lounge opens, and a thick-haired head pokes in.
Hey, Capt.! Has the Gray Raven Commandant left yet?
You're looking for the commandant as well? But please, remember not to yell inside the lounge when we have a guest...
Something is wrong! Very wrong! I saw Celica carrying a stacked folder asking for you on my way back, and she's almost here! Run, Commandant, RUN!
Extra work is bad, but you reckon it is not bad enough to run away...
She would have called you if there was something urgent... not to mention that her folder is filled to the brim! It must all be annoying documents like trivial reports and paperwork inside!
Hmph. Wanshi taught me the tricks to handle Celica.
If only your training reports were also as thoroughly analyzed...
Chrome rubs his furrowed brows before standing by Kamui, sighing.
Although I do not agree with this approach... I suppose today can be considered an exception.
We'll hold Celica off. Commandant, go ahead and return to the Gray Raven lounge...
Go! Lucia and the others are waiting for you!
Seeing how serious the two of them look, you reckon now is not the time to ask them what is wrong with everyone today...
One last thing—please apologize to Lucia for us. Kamui and I will probably be late...
You have not found the chance to ask them why, but Lucia and the rest must know something, so your best move is to head back to the Gray Raven lounge. As for Celica... you will have to apologize to her later.
Having left Strike Hawk, you are still confused about the gift in your hands. And leaving them does not feel like the most considerate thing to do—you would feel terrible if they got reprimanded because of you.
Except that Chrome and Kamui were very insistent on you returning to the lounge as soon as possible. Their urgency slightly worries you, and you cannot make up your mind.
It really is not the best idea to be distracted when walking past a corner. Abstracted, you bump into someone who appears at the corner at the same time.
****! Keep your eyes open when you walk! Hell... You're lucky that I still have an intact present to deliver, or I swear to god I'd kill... eh?!
Karen, what's wrong... Commandant?!
Only now do you realize that the person you have run into is none other than Karenina. She is also holding a beautifully decorated box, but right as your gaze lands on it, she immediately hides it behind her back.
What are you looking at...?!
You are not sure why Karenina seems to be in such a foul mood today as she mumbles quietly.
Tch... Dammit, why did we run into each other here... There goes the surprise...
I suppose it's pretty surprising to meet somewhere unexpected like this.
You're not wrong...
The efforts you spent to pick the present will be in vain if you don't give it today...
It wasn't me! You were the one who chose it. I just helped a little...
Karenina sighs before taking out the decorated box from behind and handing it to you.
This is for you... Consider it a gift! With Bianca and my tastes combined, this present must be better than the one Gray Raven... Lucia picked!
Taking the gift from Karenina, you find her finally smiling candidly.
It's hard to compare gifts when they all represent their sender's love...
Well, at least we're the first one to deliver ours! I'll count that as a win!
Smiling, Bianca pats Karenina on her head when she discovers the gift from Strike Hawk.
That's... Have you already received a gift from someone else, Commandant?
Strike Hawk... That's the scout team Kamui belongs to, isn't it?
Hmm, that's good... I haven't really seen him since last time, but I suppose no one wants to see the Purifying Force a second time.
If it weren't for you, I would have taken him down as another soldier infected by the Punishing Virus.
That decision might seem obvious to you, but it wasn't for someone who has always been in the Purifying Force like me... Please accept my utmost gratitude.
It wasn't just that. I've been following what you've done, Commandant. Your conviction always seems to create impossible miracles when there is none.
The work you've done has given so many of us hope. The gifts you're receiving are the best proof.
For crying out loud, enough with your courtesy. Just accept the gift and people's gratitude, especially today, alright?
Yeah, yeah. Lucia... the Gray Ravens are still waiting for you. We might as well head there together.
That's right. Although it's common for the protagonist to show up last, you shouldn't make the others wait too long.
As the impatient Karenina pushes you forward, you hear the piercing screeching sound of tires skidding across the floor.
Gray Raven Commandant! I've finally found you!
With her powerful shout, Celica appears at the end of the corridor—along with someone else...
Ta-da! Nanami is also here!
Nanami is carrying Celica on the back of her Pulse frame, the wheel on her feet spinning at incredible speed. The sight reminds you of medieval knights charging on horseback.
Stories dictate an antagonist for maximum drama! Nanami is now the villain's goon!
Who are you saying is a villain...?
We can't let Celica catch the commandant today... We're counting on you, Rosetta!
With that, the flame of a propeller approaches from a distance, stopping beside you.
Don't mind that for now... Commandant, hold on to me... We have to go!
Commandant... y-you can put some muscle behind it. This frame is sturdy enough to withstand it.
Oh...?! Sorry, Commandant, that was a bit too tight. I'm worried that the stiff exterior of my frame will hurt you.
You look back, your arms around Rosetta's slim waist, and you find Nanami and Celica fast approaching.
That's right, Nanami is coming! Full steam ahead!
Stop running!
Hold on, Commandant. We're taking off!
Before you are ready, the landscape before you turns into a speeding blur as the wind and the loud rumblings of the propellers are funneled into your head...
Your mind almost melts from the high velocity. You are only staying awake because of one simple fact—you cannot let go. If you do...
Your feet do not touch the ground until the harsh wind gradually ceases beside your ears, and your body is once again anchored downward by Babylonia's artificial gravity.
It has only been a few minutes, but you feel like you have returned to the high-g training chamber at F.O.S. for half a day.
It seems like it'll take them a while to catch up... Are you alright, Commandant?
Rosseta breathes a sigh of relief, her feet firmly planted on the ground. Meanwhile, you are barely standing straight, only staying up with her support.
Your vision is still hazy, but your surroundings are familiar. You know them even with your eyes closed.
Alright, it is the Gray Raven lounge right ahead. Everyone should be waiting for you inside. It's still not too late if you go now.
Rosetta hesitates for a second before letting you go, extending the propellers on her shoulders and hovering before you.
I'll... help draw Celica away. I hope I can buy you some time.
You do not know what they are planning in the lounge, but it seems like everyone is coming over—yet, Rosetta has excluded herself from "everyone," intentionally or not.
Rosetta smiles, wrily, looking at the door to the lounge.
I'm still under Babylonia's monitor. If I appear with all of you, people may make a thing out of it—I do not wish you anything but joy and peace of mind today.
Looking a little surprised, she gives you a gentle smile. She takes out a colorful, intricate box from her pocket.
I've been hesitant to give you this present as a token of my gratitude. After all, it is nothing compared to the things you have done for me... for the Forest Guard.
Rosetta closes her eyes, touching your forehead with hers—you have heard that this is the way Forest Guard expresses their thanks.
But perhaps we don't have to weigh appreciation aginst the value of a gift.
Once again, thank you, Commandant...
She opens her eyes again, lifting her head with confidence, her prism-colored wings extending with strength.
You're right. I am one of you. I'll return to everyone, but for now...
Please ask Lucia to wait for me for a little bit. I'll be quick.
With that, her propellers bring her to the other end of the corridor in an instant—you hope that Celica will not give her an earful afterward.
You cannot waste the time Rosetta is buying you. With a sense of curiosity and expectation, you enter the lounge you have been to countless times.
But as the automatic doors open, you find a room completely in darkness. None of the Gray Ravens seem to be in.
You walk inside to find the automatic lights not turning on as usual. Realizing something is out of the ordinary, you put down the gifts you have received, your hand going for the pistol by your arms.
But as your hand reaches your holster, you remember that today is a holiday, and you have not been issued your gun. As you pause for a brief second, the lights inside the lounge turn on with a loud "BANG!".
Happy Birthday, Commandant!
Happy birthday! We've been waiting for you, hoping to surprise you.
Lucia and Liv run out from the corners with party poppers still in their hands. Seeing them, you finally calm down.
Did we scare you, Commandant?
That's good... Although surprises are traditionally a little frightening...
Really? The "director" wanted to make it even scarier originally...
Ignoring that, you recall hearing them shout, "Happy Birthday!" You reckon that is why they are hosting a gathering here.
Lucia and Liv look at each other, slightly confused and dumbfounded.
It's... your birthday, Commandant.
That's right! Which is why everyone's planning to meet here today to celebrate your birthday.
Only now do you notice that the lounge is adorned with decorations. You cannot believe that they have put in so much work for this.
The adornments might be simple, but they give the monotonous lounge a sense of warmth.
You have forgotten how many times you have thanked someone today. Still, you want to express your appreciation to them yourself.
I bet you didn't notice that Lee was the one who put up all the decorations!
Neither Liv nor I were tall enough to hang the ribbons that high, so we had to ask Lee to do it.
Lee was the one who decorated the room... You certainly did not expect that.
That's why you should hang the ribbons at different heights to look make them more natural and artistic!
What even is "artistic"...
You hear arguments from inside the lounge. They sound like Lee and... Ayla?
As a member of the WGAA, I will not accept such a poor imitation of proper decor!
I don't know much about decorating a birthday party, but if you want my help, you have to be specific about what you want instead of asking me to wriggle these ribbons around...
Oh, Gray Raven Commandant! Welcome to the birthday party!
This is the Gray Raven lounge. You're the one being "welcomed" here.
The others wanted to throw you a birthday party, but they weren't sure what to do, so we asked Ayla to be the organizer...
Ahem, it's "Chief Designer", actually. Of course I have to make sure everything is perfect!
Everyone's birthday is special and worth commemorating—it was like that during the Golden Age, and it should be so now... during a time of uncertainty.
Perhaps Ayla is right. When you cannot easily predict what tomorrow brings, you should cherish today.
According to WGAA's records, people used to host parties this way in the past, celebrating their birthdays with their families.
Right... Birthdays used to be my favorite day of the year when I was younger.
The past seems to flash through Liv's mind, her smile filled with nostalgia and a hint of sorrow.
I would be with my family. The night was warm and dusky, and the pie my mom prepared was fragrant and sweet—I still remember how it tasted, even after I became a Construct.
Perhaps because my sense of taste has been modified, I can never make a pie that tastes like hers, no matter what... Otherwise, I can make one for you, Commandant.
Still, I have prepared a cake for you and everyone, Commandant. I hope you will like it.
Murray would have been ecstatic if he knew you made a cake, Liv.
Does Murray have a sweet tooth?
A birthday-cake-tooth, technically. He's curious about them.
Our family wasn't exactly rich, but we still kept each other's birthdays in our mind. We would always try to prepare small gifts on those days.
Lee talks about his past as he adheres the ribbons to the wall with great focus, making sure they are straight as an arrow.
I feel like we never hear much about your past, Lee...
...That's alright. We don't have to bore you with the details. After all, you're the star today, Commandant...
I still remember my parents would always throw exciting parties on my birthdays, no matter what...
Just like today, friends and family would gather, and I'd receive a lot of gifts like you do, Commandant.
Lucia smiles and nods, looking at the pile of gifts to the side. Those are the gifts you have received on your way back.
Every time I saw those gifts, I felt lucky to be born into such a large family, and I came into this world with all of their blessings...
So no matter how difficult things were, I decided that I couldn't give up that easily—not when I had their support.
Lucia's fists slowly tighten as she nods.
And now, it isn't just the memories of the past supporting me. Commandant... and everyone... you're all part of my family now.
As Lucia said—despite the hardships you have been through, you have not regretted becoming a commandant of Babylonia and Gray Raven. Becoming a part of a family.
However, there is still something that lingers in your thoughts...
To the best of your recollection, you have never shared any private information like your birthday, nor do you remember ever providing it in any profile. Even you yourself have only a faint remembrance of that date.
Reluctant expressions appear on the faces of Lucia and Liv as they hesitate to reveal the truth. Eventually, Lee decides to disclose the information.
Heh, it's actually thanks to Vera...
During your absence for the routine report, we found out that Cerberus has managed to obtain a "confidential file" through unknown means.
Vera... That personal profile belongs to Commandant. If you obtained it through unauthorized means, please return it to us immediately.
The three Gray Ravens manage to stop Vera in her tracks, and in response to Lucia's inquiry, she responds with a mocking tone while flanked by two fellow Cerberus members.
Well, that's quite an amusing accusation. I don't have Commandant's personal profile. Did either of you happen to see it?
I didn't.
Trying to shift the focus onto someone else after misplacing your own things, huh?
Lucia, you're just wasting your time. Reasoning with that woman is pointless.
Lee's hand instinctively moves toward his chest pocket. Noctis and No. 21, quick to react, immediately shift into a post-combat stance, ready for any potential threat.
What, looking for a fight? Well then, bring it on!
Kick his ass!
To their surprise, what Lee pulls out is not a pistol but his comms terminal.
I'm not keen on reaching out to him for such a trivial matter, but I have to admit that Murray is still your commandant.
I know exactly how he operates when it comes to avoiding trouble. Without a doubt, he would promptly demand that you hand in any unlawfully obtained file.
Vera's eyes widen in surprise, but it doesn't take long before she bursts into laughter.
Well, well, well, I never expected you to come up with that... But here's the funnier part: you seem to have absolutely no clue where I got this from.
The smirk on Vera's face gradually fades away, replaced by a contemplative expression as if she is deep in thought.
It's true that I don't really have much use for it, though...
Since that's the case, please return it to us...
If you hand it over now, we won't pry into the details of how you obtained it.
The teasing smirk reappears on Vera's face—something intriguing seems to cross her mind.
I got this through a legitimate resource exchange, and it took me quite some effort... I'm not running a charity here, you see.
Cut to the chase and make your proposal.
All I'm asking for is a small favor, something incredibly simple.
Having said that, Vera tosses the envelope she's holding to Lee, the seal of which is visibly broken.
Have you read the file already...
Why wouldn't I? "That person" made it sound like it was highly classified information—turned out to be utterly worthless to me.
Lee signals to inspect the contents of the envelope, wary of any potential scheme that Vera might be attempting.
This is... a date?
It's the date of birth of [player name]... It's Commandant's birthday! And it's today!!
Vera swiftly snaps her fingers twice, redirecting the Gray Raven members' focus toward her.
Here's what I want you to do: throw a birthday party and invite all the Constructs who are close to that commandant. The more people, the merrier.
Lee gazes at Vera with a look of astonishment, as if her words failed to register in his mind.
That's it...?
Yeah, that's it... What? You think I'd ask you to do something like murder someone? Relax, I can handle that on my own just fine.
Vera lets out a snort, making it clear that she has no intention of concealing her anger.
Can't believe "that person" lied to me... No one is allowed to make me look like a fool.
So, I want you to spread this information to all the Constructs and turn this so-called "highly classified" file into nothing but worthless garbage. Let that jerk feel some serious regret.
Yet, disbelief still fills Lee's eyes. Familiar with Vera's nature, he would never anticipate her giving away what she obtained so easily.
What is your true intention here? It can't possibly be something as boring as throwing a birthday party...
A birthday party isn't a boring thing!
To Lee's astonishment, No. 21, who has remained silent all this while, suddenly interjects, shooting him a furious glare.
A birthday is the date someone is born... It's important to celebrate this day for humans.
No. 21 displays a complex demeanor, appearing to be lost in thought or possibly withholding something.
That was what the Gray Raven Commandant taught me, so Commandant must also really enjoy... birthday parties.
Vera tenderly pats No. 21's head, sporting a smile filled with significance.
Impressive. Even Lee is left speechless by your words.
...
I'm smart and well-spoken. Ten times smarter than Noctis... more or less.
Why bother with all this nonsense when you can just settle it with a good old brawl?
Vera casts her gaze upon the members of Gray Raven and lets out a sigh, gesturing with a wave of her hand for them to take their leave.
Why are you still hanging around? There's not much time left today, you know...
You weren't expecting such a lengthy backstory behind this birthday party... Luckily, they didn't end up engaging in a fight with Cerberus.
Commandant, you should be more cautious about your own privacy...
But since it gives you a reason to leave behind those ruthless battles and endless work for a moment and spend some quality time with everyone... it feels pretty worth it?
In the distance, a deafening screech pierces the air, and shortly after, a figure—or rather, two overlapping figures—burst through the lounge door at an alarming speed.
Yah-hoo!!!! Nanami Express, we live to deliver!
As the unexpected disruption occurs, Celica, riding on Nanami's back, is forcefully propelled by the tremendous impact and collides with Ayla. Fortunately, Ayla acts as a cushion and protects Celica from the crash.
Celica... are you alright?
...Nanami!!! That almost got me killed!!
Following Nanami, Rosetta deactivates her thruster and touches down on the ground, appearing slightly perturbed.
Sorry... Commandant, I couldn't distract Nanami and Celica and draw them away.
But let me tell you, Rosie's got this badass thruster that's just too cool! When she revs it up and zooms down a straight path, not even Nanami can catch up with her!
Rosetta takes hold of the hand extended by Nanami and offers her a bashful smile.
It's truly enlightening for me to witness the remarkable adaptability of your wheels as you navigate intricate terrains, Nanami. I must admit, I didn't anticipate Constructs to possess such impressive mobility.
In some inexplicable way, a peculiar bond appears to be forming between the two of them after a thrilling race in Babylonia.
Oh, right! I almost forgot why we're here... Hey, Commandant! What's going on... Why do you keep running away every time you see me today? I've got something important to give you.
Deep down, you know it's unavoidable and you've mentally prepared yourself for it... but despite that, it still stings after witnessing the extent of efforts Lucia and the others have gone through for your sake.
Commandant...
Commandant, what are you talking about... Isn't today your day off? I don't recall you being assigned any work.
You mean this envelope? Hold on... so that's why you've been avoiding me!
Having grasped your intention, Celica sets the envelope on the table and opens it. A stack of cards spills out, adorned with beautiful pictures and heartfelt messages from various individuals.
Liv picks up each card, examining them attentively, one by one.
Commandant, these are all birthday cards for you! Look, even President Hassen and Commander Nikola sent you one!
News about Commandant's birthday has spread not only within the ranks but also reached the Parliament and HQ. Someone then suggested that everyone send a birthday card, simultaneously treating it as a small cultural event that promotes camaraderie and appreciation...
Haha, that "someone" is probably Chairman Allen.
Chairman Allen always demonstrates unparalleled efficiency when it comes to organizing events like these... No wonder even the president and the commander are involved.
While it was Chairman Allen's suggestion, we genuinely want to express our gratitude to you. Thank you for being an exceptional Commandant, accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks, and tirelessly protecting everyone and Babylonia.
With a radiant smile, Celica retrieves an adorably drawn birthday card from the stack and presents it to you. You immediately notice her name, "Celica", inscribed on the card.
Happy birthday, Gray Raven Commandant. It may not be much, but please accept this small token from me.
With a nod of appreciation, you accept the special card from her outstretched hand. It seems like tomorrow will be yet another busy day.
Meanwhile, Lee swiftly turns his attention to the mission assignment terminal nearby and starts operating it, as if a sudden realization has struck him.
The cards Celica sent remind me of the messages received today from the Forsaken and Akdilek.
Maybe they are also for Commandant...
You give Lee a nod of permission, allowing him to play the messages, even though how these two organizations heard about your birthday still remains a mystery.
Hey, are you really filming right now?
Of course, when have I ever dropped the ball?
Well, looks like someone might be suffering from a bit of memory loss here. And seriously, do we really have to make a big fuss about celebrating a Babylonia commandant's birthday?
C'mon, you're the one who always says that the Forsakens never leave their friends forsaken. We might not be able to visit in person, that's true, but we gotta do something, don't we? Let's show some love!
At a loss for words, Watanabe falls into a momentary silence, his gaze returning to the camera.
Fine... Ahem, first and foremost, on behalf of all the Forsakens, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you. You've been of great help to us and have earned our utmost respect through your unwavering dedication.
If this message manages to reach Babylonia in time, it should still be your birthday when you see this...
Birthday... it's an important day for us Forsakens too, you know. We remember the fallen, for we may perish alone and unnoticed in this land. Yet, that doesn't mean we don't appreciate the significance of new birth and the hope they bring.
At last, allow me to represent all the Forsakens and convey our best wish to you—happy birthday.
Perfect! Boss, you nailed it with your performance of the script.
Save it. Are we done with this now?
Chill out. This video message will soon be automatically sent to Gray Raven through a super-secret encrypted channel.
Though, I think we may have a teensy-weensy issue here...
What is it?
I think I might've accidentally recorded our whole conversation too... Argh! Boss, take it easy, put that dagger away!!!
Looks like the Forsaken base is buzzing with its usual liveliness... The next message should be from Akdilek?
Hello, Commandant.
Sophia, did you get started without me?! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?!!
You've got no one to blame but yourself for being late. I can't muster up any sympathy for that.
Hey, I just slightly misjudged the timing, okay? That is a whole different story from being outright late!
Time's gold, guys. Surely you have more to share than just complaints, don't you?
Yeah, so we've all heard the big news that today is Commandant's birthday. So, happy birthday...
I bet there's quite a party happening with lots of folks celebrating your birthday. Must be nice to have all that fun... It's a shame we can't swing by and visit Babylonia right now.
After all, both us and Commandant have our plates full with tons of work to tackle.
How about this? On your birthdays, I'll give you some well-deserved time off. And we can invite the one from Babylonia over for a little celebration.
Meanwhile, we can seize this opportunity to promote our products... and rake in a fortune.
Well... Commandant, it seems all eyes are on you.
Looks like that Akdilek girl from before has matured a lot...
Just now. C'mon, wake up and look around—it's not just us. Everybody's here.
Yo, Commandant, we meet again! See, Cap, we're not too late for this!
If you didn't drag your feet on the way, we could've had some extra time on our hands...
Hey, I've been searching high and low for Wanshi. The dude totally disappeared after getting back from the mission...
Right at this very moment, Liv gracefully emerges with a delicate cake in her hands, captivating the attention of everyone present.
Look, Cap! It's a cake!
Ugh, so loud... The cake sure smells nice. Did you bake it yourself, Liv?
Yeah, took me quite some time... Everyone, come and have some if you like.
Haha, no wonder Camu asked me to save his slice. He was like, "Tell Gray Raven Commandant that I said happy birthday," and then jetted off for his mission.
Don't worry, I've baked many, but only this one is special...
The cake is adorned with meticulously crafted letters spelling out "Happy Birthday," a testament to the thoughtful effort put in by its baker... You almost feel it is a shame to indulge in it.
Just as Liv gently sets the cake down, the table unexpectedly shifts, and from beneath it emerges a white-clad Construct, crawling his way out.
Wanshi...?! How come you're here?
I had a training mission this morning, and I was afraid I'd oversleep afterward. I don't want to miss Commandant's birthday, so... yawn...
Wanshi lets out a massive yawn, appearing still halfway in dreamland.
I caught a whiff of something delicious and heard some familiar voices in my dream, and then I woke up... Hey, Commandant, am I still in time to wish you a happy birthday?
Now that everyone's here, let's get the birthday party started.
As you look around, it dawns on you that this snug lounge is filled to the brim with Constructs from different squads, each exhibiting their unique personalities. Yet, despite their individuality, a shared bond shines through—their radiant smiles, exuding genuine warmth and unbridled joy.
In this very moment, you yearn to capture and preserve those smiles forever.
Oh, I almost forgot, Commandant. I've got a little something for you. I think you'll find some value in it.
Unlike your everyday image recording device, this is a vintage camera from the Golden Age. You have read about it before, and the one right in front of you happens to be the instant-print type.
This camera model can transform memories into tangible photos that you can actually touch and hold. In comparison to data that lacks a physical presence, I find this experience to be much more meaningful and memorable.
With utmost care, you raise the camera, aiming it toward everyone in the lounge, and gently press the shutter button. Deep within your heart, you silently hope that this precious moment could extend into every moment hereafter...
Commandant, happy birthday!
