[i]"Look a little left, Sir, and tilt your head up just a fraction, if you would?"[/i]

Isiat obeyed without a thought. It was what he was good at. Orders had been his entire career to this point. Soldiers needed orders. But there were burning questions as well.

"And these won't be made public, correct?"

[i]"Yes, Major. Just for the MoD internal file. Regiment policy doesn't allow for sharing with the press. At least not until the files are declassified. Look ahead?"[/i]

More clicks. More photos. More questions. [i]Was it meant to take this long? Was the medal pinned on his chest supposed to feel so damn heavy? Was he supposed to just… be okay with everything because of it? Did it make it any better?[/i] He cursed the bronze cross they'd pinned on him.

None questioned he'd earned it with his actions, though it didn't make the burden of the lost friends any lighter.

[i]"And smile for the last set Sir." [/i]

Isiat obeyed without a thought. Soldiers followed orders after all.

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This was a long time coming, of Isiat finally in his full officers Dress Uniform, shortly after the tragic incident that left him absent 2 dear friends, and plus 1 bronze cross upon his medal rack. I have a million and one praises for the dedication and attention to detail that marshalarts , who reserved me an advanced slot in his openings just for this piece, and for his time and patience with getting it right. Damn if it wasn't everything I hoped for and more!