I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 244 – Unforgettable Night

Music flowed.

The solemn yet lively music, appropriate for an official event, quietly filled the secret room below. In a room with only five people, without a host or anyone else, Henry Brayton cleared his throat and began to speak in a voice more serious than ever.

“Ladies and gentlemen, on this special day, let us offer a prayer.”

God, our protector and guide. We, gathered here, offer our prayers. Please bless this event through Your grace.

As the senator’s voice filled the room, everyone except Yoo Jin stood up. Logan, Henry, Laurentina, and Owens fixed their eyes intently on a single point, all traces of earlier playfulness vanishing.

Only Yoo Jin, bewildered, swallowed hard and carefully stood beside Henry.

“Sergeant Yoo Jin Lee was a brave soldier, an excellent member of Task Force Dagger, and a friend. She played a crucial role in reclaiming America’s freedom through numerous efforts, including Operations North Pierce, Torch, and Steel Rain, and she fought valiantly on the front lines until her disappearance.”

The speech had been refined several times, practiced in between countless debates and studies as part of Henry’s central presidential campaign, yet it had barely been rehearsed due to the tight schedule.

If only her dedication had been acknowledged in this world, how wonderful it would have been. The only solace was that he wasn’t yet the president, and this ceremony, which was not to be made public, was held in a secret place.

But, directly ahead.

The medal, waiting to be taken out from the simple wooden box inscribed with MOH, was the testament to the struggles of the Army Secretary, the Department of Defense’s Human Resources Department, and the Deputy and Secretary of Defense, all who risked their careers and lives.

It wasn’t just the four present who recognized her dedication. Even now, she remained in the memories of thousands of key positions forming the backbone of America.

The speech continued.

“…Such efforts will be recognized through the highest honor, the Medal of Honor. She risked her life to protect her comrades until the very end, and we hope this honor will continue to inspire future generations.”

He swallowed hard.

His face turned increasingly red.

His breathing became rougher, and though he tried to move his lips, no words came out. The moment the greatest gift, hidden from Yoo Jin, was revealed.

No matter how hard she tried to hide it, it was impossible to conceal her dramatically changing expression in front of them. With every word Henry spoke, the truth that had been hidden slowly unfolded, and the locks on her heart began to open.

The formal address prepared in advance was nearing its conclusion.

“…We give thanks for freedom and blessings, to all who protected our freedom, and to the grace of God. Amen.”

Everyone except Henry sat down.

Yoo Jin also sat, her eyes filled with indescribable emotions, unable to take her eyes off Henry, who presided over the ceremony, while her breathing remained heavy.

After the prepared speech ended, Henry, a presidential candidate soon to become the nation’s highest leader, wet his lips with sparkling water to prepare for his speech.

It was a moment as new to everyone there as it was to Yoo Jin.

“…I sincerely welcome all of you gathered here. And though not everyone may remember, I am truly honored to be here with the Dagger Team, who fought on the front lines to bring freedom and justice back to America.”

At the same time, he held Yoo Jin’s hand.

A hand hardened with time. Though it could never match the overwhelming strength of an Awakened, Henry’s hand carried not just age but the years themselves. The decades weighed heavily on Yoo Jin’s hand.

But all the gratitude was directed at her.

The senator’s gaze went beyond trust and belief between people, showing solemn and sincere respect from the leader of a great nation, the United States.

Tears began to flow.

At that moment, a hologram suddenly appeared on the white walls of the octagonal room, which had nothing but paintings.

As if it were predicted, Henry spoke.

“Vice President, Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense, Commander of USSOCOM, and all military personnel… Today, we are honoring a true hero. Without your dedication, this moment would not have been possible.”

“Secretary of Defense Janet…”.

Task Force Dagger.

The sharpest blade of ICARUS, the firefighters of the front line, the igniters of the torch of freedom… Despite the overwhelming odds caused by a chronic shortage of personnel, America’s administrative power retreated daily, hourly, and by the second.

Yet, the four key members who composed the early team succeeded in numerous operations without a single casualty.

They patched up a shattered New York, reclaimed Connecticut and Maine, and restored order in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.

The four members, who never changed from the beginning until now, gathered in the octagonal room – representing Yoo Jin as well, it was essentially awarding the Medal of Honor to the entire Dagger Team.

As the hologram’s mute ended, many leading figures of America attending the ceremony spoke to the Dagger Team.

Following the Vice President and Secretary of State, Janet G. Harper, the Secretary of Defense, spoke.

“…Yoo Jin. And Logan. I still remember when the temporary Department of Defense headquarters was attacked. Though my body bears no scars or surgery marks, I remember when the rebar pierced the small intestine and narrowly missed the spine. And I remember the two of you blocking the incoming rocket with your bodies.”

Swallowing.

As silence fell, Janet held up a piece of paper.

It was the consent form for awarding the Medal of Honor.

“To stand here today, all you needed was one fountain pen and my finger, but the ink used to sign it was the blood you shed while helping America walk again. I will not forget. May freedom, honor, and God’s grace be with us.”

As one by one, the holograms disappeared, an electronic signature floated in the air.

It was projected by the ICARUS Gear strapped to Yoo Jin’s wrist. The glowing object before Henry awaited only the recipient’s words – technically, he wasn’t the president yet, but ICARUS Gear recognized him differently.

The watch was set based on the assumption that Henry was already the 48th president of the United States.

Thus, he gained the presidential authority that wouldn’t exist otherwise and wielded the helm of the vast ship that was America, a year and one month ahead of schedule.

As his thumbprint was scanned, ICARUS Gear softly added.

-[Notice: Fingerprint recognition complete // Henry Michael Brayton.]

-[Notice: Would you like to approve the awarding of the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Yoo Jin ‘Viper’ Lee under presidential authority?]

“I approve.”

At the same time, the electronic signature melted into the air, officially giving Yoo Jin the right to wear the medal around her neck.

Henry and Owens exchanged glances. He carefully stood up and gently picked up the still peacefully resting Medal of Honor.

Yoo Jin, on the verge of crying, began to shed big tears she had been holding back.

“Therefore, it is now my honor to present the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Yoo Jin Lee.”

Henry carefully received the medal.

She bit her lip to suppress her sobs, but her face, now entirely red and covered in tears, and her tear-filled eyes clearly conveyed her emotions.

After handing over the medal, Owens’ empty hand gently patted Yoo Jin’s head.

“You’ve really worked hard all this time.”

“Sniff, thank… you…!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, she could barely move her body. Henry, standing behind her, brought the medal around her neck with slightly trembling hands.

The blue ribbon cautiously draped over her black casual suit sent in advance, with thirteen stars shining underneath. Below that, a piece of metal in the shape of an eagle holding a star glistened brightly.

The Medal of Honor.

A moment when America’s highest honor, awarded to very few living recipients, was placed around Yoo Jin’s neck.

───!

In the midst of a single loud noise, the four applauding, Henry wiped Yoo Jin’s tear-streaked face with a handkerchief and laughed.

“Haha, the medal suits you well. Stop crying. I don’t have a taste for making kids cry.”

Yoo Jin reached out first, pulling Henry into her embrace. As the 186cm giant enveloped her, she buried her face in his suit and began to sob. All her pent-up emotions melted away as tears.

Those who couldn’t bear to see it tried but failed to pull them apart. Laurentina and Logan also wiped away their tears, and Owens and Henry watched the scene with a bittersweet gaze.

As Yoo Jin continued to cry without showing signs of stopping, the night deepened.

“Looks like we won’t be going home today. Is it okay if we have the main dish a bit later?”

Of course, no one objected.

It was twenty minutes before Yoo Jin finally stopped crying.

—

“Thank you for waiting. The main dish is Miyazaki Wagyu.”

“Sorry. We had a lot to sort out. Anyway, I’m feeling hungry again. Could you bring it in the same size as for the Awakened?”

“Understood.”

At the senator’s not-so-joking joke, those who had been wiping away tears until just a few minutes ago let out small laughs. It was unavoidable. Unlike the large steaks received by Logan, Yoo Jin, and Laurentina, Henry and Owens received comparatively tiny pieces of meat.

As the server left with two plates, Henry, feeling awkward, cleared his throat and added.

“Talking for about an hour made me quite hungry. I’ve always wanted to try this kind of meal at a course restaurant, and now I have the chance.”

“You’ll be spending quite a bit today.”

“You might find it unpleasant

, but at my level, I don’t check the amount on the receipt.”

Especially since it looks like I’ll win the upcoming election easily, so many people are already lining up to fund me – seeing Henry laugh heartily, everyone had a peculiar expression.

It was inevitable.

Politics was an area they were completely unfamiliar with.

Of course, that was the end of the story. As Yoo Jin, with puffy eyes, quietly chewed on her warm steak, Henry subtly brought up the next topic.

“If I had the resources, I could arrange the most comfortable route to Washington, but unfortunately, this position doesn’t come with such magical conveniences. At least, I can arrange a ride to JFK airport.”

“…Thank you.”

“Anyway, though I personally hung that medal around your neck, you know you can’t wear it publicly, right? It’s a secret you must take to the grave.”

“Of course, I understand.”

She nodded.

It was a ceremony that shouldn’t exist. They all knew why.

A non-joking continuation.

“If I asked if you would consider re-enlisting in the military and formally receiving it through proper channels, I’d be a madman, wouldn’t I?”

“You’re asking our youngest to go to a place like Pakistan. Do you want to get reprimanded here?”

“Haha, terrifying. Just a joke, just a joke. It’s regrettable. I would’ve loved to announce it to the world.”

Of course, they all felt the same.

As Yoo Jin, who was quietly chewing her steak, added subtly.

“…Once things settle down, I might return to my original job if there’s no other issue.”

“Haha, joke too.”

Her words, said with some thought, were immediately dismissed by Laurentina, but what could she do? Even Yoo Jin didn’t object much. As always, these were people who wanted her to live more comfortably than anyone else in the future.

Meanwhile, the conversation returned to the original point.

“When you go to Washington D.C., Janet will be waiting. Have a good reunion. Since you threw such a massive gift at DARPA, they’ll treat you like a VVIP even though it’s not a hotel.”

“Are you referring to what’s in the ICARUS Gear?”

“What else? With her term as Secretary of Defense nearing its end, she’ll probably wrap things up, and if the next Secretary isn’t a rememberer, she’ll prepare to take the ongoing projects to her grave.”

As the main dish ended and one by one the desserts came out, he added subtly.

“Did you come to New York this time because of that Dark Zone game?”

“Yes. The official reason is to participate in the final championship, but I’m also trying to uncover the true nature of the game.”

“Let me know later. I’ll leave my personal contact. It’s worth keeping such a note, as in a year and two months, you’ll have a direct line to the President of the United States.”

“I’ll sell it on eBay.”

“Haha! Scary.”

Seeing them return to exchanging jokes, he swallowed the sweet coffee laden with cream.

After a brief silence, he spoke again.

“I don’t think there’s much more to say, so let’s wrap it up. I hope you all achieve your goals. It would be nice to see you again for good reasons.”

“Of course, Majority Leader.”

“Rest well. I’m old, so I’ll leave first. I’ve already spoken to the server, so you can leave comfortably when you’re ready.”

With a click, the door closed.

Yoo Jin gently touched the Medal of Honor around her neck, then smiled softly as she stood up – taking off the medal and placing it around each of their necks in turn.

How much time had passed? The elegant wooden box containing the Medal of Honor was softly closed, and Yoo Jin bowed her head slightly.

“…This will be an unforgettable night.”

“For us too.”

“Give my regards to Secretary Janet.”

Holding the precious box carefully to her chest, leaving behind empty plates and cups, the four disappeared from the scene.

The snow had long stopped.