Public Final Salute

[GAL Ltd.]

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall softly on your fields
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand
-Irish Blessing​

As the sun set on the vast expanse of space, casting a warm glow over the retired super carrier "Celestial City", the crew gathered on the main well/flight deck to pay their respects to the late Admiral Liram Angellus. The deck was adorned with decorations and flowers, a stark contrast to the cold metal surroundings of the ship. The atmosphere was somber, a sense of loss hanging heavy in the air. The crew stood in silence, their heads bowed in reverence for the man who had led them through countless battles and challenges. The command staff, led by Admiral Angellus' second-in-command, Line Captain Gym Halpern, hosted the event with grace and dignity.

As the ceremony began to take shape, holovids of Admiral Angellus in action played on the walls, showcasing his leadership and bravery in the face of danger. The crew watched in awe, remembering the man who had inspired them to be the best versions of themselves. Eight different groupings of starfighters made up of "Capital" A-wings, RZ-5 A-Wings, NC-1000 X-wings, "Wolf" X-wings, GASB-258 Thunderstorm II Y-Wings and "AMF" Y-wings of different types between the SJDF and the GADF forces all flying each in a “missing man” formation. A move to commemorate a fallen comrade.

In the middle of the deck sat a stage and a podium for people to come up and speak. To the left of the podium sat a platform with a long (what looked to be) coffin. The flag of the Galactic Alliance draped over one side, the Silver Jedi Defense Force over the other, but a crystal figurine of the planet Naboo sitting on top. There was a holovid of the Admiral in “dress blues” offering a salute. His medals on a large plaque in front of it, all that was missing was his electrum wings.

Along the sides stood honor guards of both the former Silver Jedi Defense Force and the Galactic Alliance Defence Force. Their flags held high and their weapons at attention. Everyone "working" and "serving" was out of respect and loyalty to the Admiral. He was one who never demanded it, never asked for it, but always received it, respect, loyalty. It was a somber event, but indeed upbeat considering the circumstances. However, amidst the memories and tributes of squadrons and shipmates amongst the 5th and the 3rd fleets to which he commanded each, there was a sense of unease among some of the crew. Admiral Angellus had been a respected leader, but to some, he had also been a controversial figure. Rumors of his questionable tactics and decisions had circulated throughout the fleet, causing some to question his morality. He was snarky, he was often in arguments, he was aggressive. There was more to the story, but not all were privy to it.

As the ceremony continued, Captain Halpern took to the stage to deliver a eulogy for his fallen comrade and friend. He spoke of Admiral Angellus' dedication to his crew, his unwavering loyalty to the fleet, and his unyielding determination to protect the innocent. But as he spoke, a shadow of doubt crossed hia face, a hint of temptation lurking in his words.

The crew listened intently, hanging on every word as Captain Halpern painted a picture of a man torn between duty and desire, between right and wrong. He spoke of the moral dilemmas Liram faced, the choices he had to make in order to protect those under his command. And as Halpern spoke, the crew began to see Admiral Angellus in a new light, a man struggling with his own demons while trying to do what was best for his people.

As the first ceremony came to a close, the crew dispersed, each lost in their own thoughts and reflections. The memory of Admiral Angellus lingered in the air, a reminder of the complexities of morality and the temptations that can lead even the noblest of souls astray, he never strayed.

And as the "Celestial City" sat silent and still in the vastness of space, the crew knew that they would never forget the man who had led them through the darkness, shining a light on the path to righteousness. For in the end, it was not just Admiral Liram Angellus who had been tested by temptation and morality, but all who served under his command, they all passed.

They were not done though, this was only the beginning as more and more shuttles and ships were on approach. This ceremony was private, for those who served with and under him, this next was for family, friends and colleagues. The first was the Amenadiel shuttle, his former launch.

The shuttle carried his widow Alyksandra, her face a mask of strength for her son, and her new position as CEO of Guardian Authority Ltd. (his former position, to which the board voted unanimously), his son Michael, still grief stricken but stronger with each passing day. The shuttle also held the Vanagors, Caltin, Chrysothemis, and Connel(the hidden anger not hiding very well in his face). Everyone in attendance was dressed in their finest, and doing their best.

The private ceremony was over, now was time for the official one.

 

[Gress D'ran]

Gress had never been a sentimental guy. Certainly not for navy boys.

Coruscant had been a shit show.

Tython more so.

But Gress had earned a respect for Liram. He had been there when they needed them.

The man sat in the cabin of his walker, set up just outside of the parade grounds. He had given the rest of his crew the day off.

Gress was just sitting there, looking at the navy boys fly past, smoking a cigar. One last smoke for the both of them.

 

[GAL Ltd.]

Michael asked around as others were conversing among themselves and walked up to the podium and stood until he could see the “blue light” meaning the speaker system was live. He stood there for a moment, not sure of what to say, but knowing that he needed to be thereThe crew, now aware of Angellus's internal struggles, began to empathize with him. They saw a leader who, despite his flaws, was genuinely committed to his people's welfare. This newfound perspective fostered a sense of unity and understanding among the crew. Many of them who were not paying attention until now stood and watched the boy, who looked so much like his father stand with pride and authority.

“Thank you all for being here. I’m Michael Angellus, Liram’s son. Thank you Captain Halpern, Captain Tantor, Captain Pouihl and everyone who put this together. I’m not really sure that I belong among you, but I feel that I need to do this because…” He smiled and looked at what was apparently the coffin of his late father. “My father was a snarky butthead.”

His tone brought out a laugh, and a few “yeah”s and head nods from some appreciatively.

“He often did his own thing and though he always spoke his mind, it rarely made him friends. That also meant that you always knew where you stood and when he complimented you, you knew what it meant to receive it. He was also someone who expected the same from you.”

He smirked.

“I need to do this because my father wouldn’t want it any other way. He never wanted command of a fleet. He was more than happy to be in a starfighter. Not because he didn’t think himself capable, but because he never thought himself any different from any of you, any of us.”

He looked to his mother who was teary eyed, proud of her son and the way he was holding up.

“When everything that happened… happened… I thought that mine and my mother’s world was over. I was selfish. Even remembering my last words to him… “I know you love me, but I don’t think you like me.’ Or words to that effect…” Looking back at his father, he shook his head.

“I’m ashamed of that, I was jealous of everyone else. He was a man, a good man, a great man who put everyone ahead of himself. He used to talk about all of you who served under him. He knew you by name, and something about each of you. He talked about you Jedi. I didn’t get it then, but I get it now. He put it on himself, fair or not, that the safety of each and every one of you fell on his shoulders.”

He smiled again.

“I get it now, Dad. You wanted to get home, every time you went out, but you wouldn’t until everyone else did. I hope I can live up to that. I’ll damn sure try to.”

Looking at everyone, he smiled, a broad, wide-eyed smile. “Thank you.”

 

[Wedge Draav]

Deference for Darkness
​

Across the sky, Black X-wings flew in tight formation, bringing up the rear. Revenant Squadron, the premiere fighter pilots of the Alliance, came to show their respect for the fallen hero of the Alliance.

Wedge however, was looking up at his pilots, the ceremony beginning as he watched the X-wings drift by the flight deck.

His dress uniform, as always, was impeccable, pressed and clean. He stood tall, flanked by other high-ranking Alliance officials. Wedge had personally served alongside the Admiral in some capacity across several engagements now- most notably during the defense of Coruscant. Without his actions in the skies above Coruscant and elsewhere, Wedge and the rest of Revenant wouldn't have had the success they did, let alone the Alliance.

Wedge stood tall and silent, handsome and somber in his green-tinted uniform, with medals stretching all the way back to the defense of Tython some years ago. Wedge watched with heavy set eyes, taking a deep breath. Flight Officer Vitalis was there with him as well, electing not to fly in the formation to spend the quiet moment with Wedge. He turned and gave her a small, appreciative smile for her support and presence. She was elegantly dressed in her uniform as well, her ribbons and medals polished just as much, if not more so, than his. The couple watched quietly, listening to the fallen Admiral's son deliver a eulogy. Reima reached out and laid a hand across Wedge's back, offering her silent, but steady support as he watched the proceedings.

Kid did a good job.

His dad would've been proud.

 

[Caalin Kaneth Tavross]

Dressed in full, immaculate dress uniform, Admiral Tavross stood at the back, accompanied by a handful of SJC and SJO dignitaries. With the turmoil on Kashyyyk, it was difficult to spare many—but respect was a duty, and a military officer was owed his due. That duty fell to him.

He hadn't known the man only by reputation, but he understood service—what it demanded, what it cost. And he knew that when your family or those who had fought beside you spoke at times like these, their words carried weight. Emotions ran high. Every word mattered.

Hands clasped before him, head bowed, he listened. He learned. Quiet, contemplative.

In the end, this was all any soldier could hope for—that when their time came, someone who cared would stand, bear witness, and honor their name.

 

[Ysennia Lee]

Things had been pretty rocky for the Alliance as a whole, but only meant opportunity for Ysennia. Now a lieutenant colonel, she had a lot more responsibilities to uphold with her rank. With that in mind, she had very little familiarity with much of the higher ranked and notable war heroes of the defense force. She attended the service not simply as a formality, but to acknowledge the burden that came with her new responsibility. At the end of the day, being in the military is a thankless career that exposes you to death and suffering of loved ones and innocents getting caught in the crossfire. But it's the camaraderie of her colleagues that ensure that they keep up the fight in spite of the imperials that continue to ravage the galaxy.

Ysennia may have had only one brief interaction with the late Rear Admiral Angellus but she was aware of the man's service record and given the eulogy provided by his son, he was someone worth knowing and missing. She sat intently, eyeing Michael Angellus as a show of acknowledgment for his father and the effort the younger Angellus was putting into this service.

​

 

[GAL Ltd.]

I need to say something…

It was unexpected, but Connel Vanagor made his way up to speak. There was no emotion other than anger on his face. He took a moment to collect his thoughts as he knew exactly what he wanted to say, but had to come to how to say it. There was something in him that could only be described as a cacophony of rage and duty. Remarkably though, he wasn’t rageful. He was relatively calm and controlled. I should have died some time ago.

Letting those words hang for a few moments, he looked at what was the remains of his distant cousin and spoke again.

It’s a real lonely feeling, to spend so long in a bacta tank. I was floating there, just a few chunks of flesh and organs. More than half my body was gone… Pointing at his cybernetic enhancements and implants, he smirked. Long story. The comment brought a chuckle from a few.

I remember seeing my best friend not wanting to leave my side. I remember seeing a woman who would be my sister watch after my friend. I watched my mother sit there, tears in her eyes, broken. I watched my father push down every damn instinct he had to tear the galaxy apart to find the Sith responsible at the behest of Master Valery Noble . Sorry Dad, that’s my job. That last quip brought another chuckle from the audience and a smirk from Caltin.

I watched Katarine Ryiah try her hardest to help any way she could. I can’t thank each of them enough, but the man who had the most effect on me is sitting in repose to my left. My cousin, yes, he’s my cousin. My mother and father are his great… how many times over? Doesn’t matter. They are Liram’s great aunt and uncle. He then started to glare around.

No “googly eyes” at my mom! More chuckles. Anyway, the point of all of this is, when he showed up to my hospital room in the Jakku Enclave. He put his hands on my glass and uttered the words… “I don’t know if you can hear me, but I wanted you to know… we’re going to get them for this.

When I came out of the Bacta, I was still getting used to my implants, but I was lost. I did not fit in my role, I was starting to falter, and fall apart. When Master Noble and I had a conversation and I started to train to become a Shadow, he called in several favors and pulled several strings to get me training with a Special Forces team he had worked with several times in the past. You all know them as “Omega Squad”. He used his connections to help me get new gear, new training, and a new lease on life. Training which also helped me find the Sith responsible for what happened to me, and while I have not come across him yet… I will. Just like…

Walking over and putting his hand on the coffin of his cousin, he spoke. I don’t know if you can hear me, but I want you to know. I got them for this. He said, referencing that three of the four were caught. Looking around. Thanks for your patience.

 

[GAL Ltd.]

Chrysa took a moment to speak about Liram, about how passionate he was about everything, but most of all (reassuring as she eyed them directly) his family. She brought up how active he was in arranging the outreach she oversaw and wanted to make sure that she had all of the resources she needed. She touched the flags and bowed as she walked away.

As there were some who approached, and said some words with hand on his remains, Angellus was largely unapproached. Caltin knew why as he slowly pointed out the viewports. It took some moments, but seven of the carrier’s cannons fired off into open space three times. A “twenty-one gun salute” as the squadrons again flew by separately, all in the “missing man” formation. He did not want to speak. What was there to say? That he knew Arestul? That he knew Kayla and Kameron? No, anything he had to say would be self-serving.

Everything was beginning to wind down anyway. A simple, dignified event.

 

[Kahne Porte]

The loss suffered today was indeed a great one. The Jedi Master stood near the back, as he truly didn't know Michael's father well. He knew from reputation alone. He watched as Michael spoke of his father Liram. It was then that Connel came forward to speak. There was many gathered here that were trusted friends and old war companions of Liram. It was obvisious that he meant a great deal to many people. The Jedi Master caught Michael Angellus gaze and gave him a small nod and a smile.

He would wait for a bit before he moved forward as he didn't want to get in the way of anything.

Kahne was indeed here for him, Michael was not going through this alone.

 

[Michael Angellus]

​

Journal Entry:

I never expected anyone that I knew outside of my family to be here, but there was Master Porte, the guy I met on my first morning at the Sanctuary here. He showed up! I didn’t know it. It’s not like I told him. I didn’t think he really cared to be here. I mean, did he KNOW Dad?I was completely taken aback. I had no idea how he found out about the memorial. Did he know Dad personally? The more I thought about it, the more questions I hadHe must have known Dad somehow. But how? The questions kept swirling in my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this unexpected encounter..

Uh, hi. Thanks for coming, Master Porte. This is my mother “Alyksandra”, my cousin “Connel”, my aunt “Chrysa”, and my uncle “Caltin”. Watch, he probably knows all of them. Ha!

 

[Michael Angellus]

Kahne Porte (sorry, forgot the tag, lol)

 

[Kahne Porte]

Uh, hi. Thanks for coming, Master Porte. This is my mother “Alyksandra”, my cousin “Connel”, my aunt “Chrysa”, and my uncle “Caltin”.

"Of course, Michael." He said as he placed a hand on the young man's shoulder giving a reassuring squeeze. "And yes, quite a few of your family members I have met a time or two." The Jedi master said with a small smile and nod towards the Padawan. He knew this was tough for him, but he was showing tremendous strength and fortitude during this time.

"Your father will always be with you, Michael. You are not alone, we are here to support you my young friend." The Jedi Master spoke in a calm and encouraging tone, as he glanced towards Connel and the rest with a smile.

Michael Angellus