Snippet #1935596

Zus Llewelyn was usually on the main deck sitting next to the Captain, that was the customary position for the XO aboard a military vessel. This was a special moment and made for exceptions, the fleet's last ditch effort had proved effective. The victory came at a great cost though, no man knew this more than Zus. He found himself in the Decistor's chapel, one of the last these days with a devotion to his faith. The compartment had originally been another storage section of the ship, Zus retrofitted it into its current use. A few crewmen had come and gone, saying prayers for the dead or those in death's grip, the XO found himself alone in the room.

He sat at the front pew on the far side by the wall, staring at the podium where he gave sermons. Usually a good number of people would show for them, religious convictions or none, perhaps they found him entertaining. Spreading faith into the heart of his crew was a secondary mission objective, one that helped to give strength in times of trepidation. Fighter Pilot Davin Cole had been one of the few who attended all the time, a true devotee. They had shared life stories, many conversations about their faith and life. Cole had been the crewman Zus had found himself with almost as often as being with the Captain. That made his death during the battle harder to bear. It wasn't the first time he had lost a friend, and it wouldn't be the last.

The large steel cross he had erected on the far wall behind the podium was shining from the overhead lighting, giving it a divine feel as he had intended. He bowed his head in prayer. The Captain came over on the PA system, a good speaker as always. Zus waited until he was finished to begin. "Lord, I thank You for defending us in our day of battle. I ask that You continue to be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of all that is evil. Cast into hell all those who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before You, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." He pulled the flask of liquor out of his pocket, a mixture of liquids known as an alcohol iced tea, and poured the drink into his mouth. The orange and lemon soared through his mouth, followed with a short bitter aftertaste of the strong liquor. Zus flipped the cap back on, moderation was key.

He sat in silence.