"Commander… eat… the funeral is in a few hours." Tanya's voice echoed softly in the room as a bowl of steaming porridge was placed in front of me.
I stared at it for a moment. Slowly taking the spoon and having a few bites. There was no taste, no flavor. I couldn't even tell if it was hot or cold but for the steam slowly wafting up from it.
Another figure slumped into the chair across from me, they spoke with Tanya, their voices fading in and out as I mechanically shocked food into my mouth. I looked at the empty bowl and glanced up. Siska seemed exhausted, deep bags under her eyes, her face sunken. I glanced at Tanya… when had she gotten here? Last night? This morning? I couldn't remember.
I glanced at the calendar, December 25th… the happiest day of the year… What a joke. "Merry Christmas…"
The two froze… looking at me, Siska blinked rapidly, a single tear falling from her eyes. "Sir…"
Tanya paused, collecting herself. "Good morning sir."
I took a few deep breaths, pushing the bowl away. "I need… I'll be there…"
They nodded, speaking to each other quickly, animated. Tanya stood, grabbing a bag and leaving while Siska guided me to the bedroom. There were some clothes in the closet that would probably fit me, nothing fancy…
I dressed myself, blue jeans and a maroon shirt. I walked out to see Siska adjusting her dress uniform in the hallway mirror. A knee length skirt, and long jacket with a single service ribbon pinned to her chest. She turned to me, fixing my collar with a small smile.
"Are you sure… Komandant?" Her voice was quiet… soft.
"I need to. If just to say goodbye…" I said, I could hear the shakiness in my voice. She nodded, giving my hand a soft squeeze before opening the door.
"sir!" A pair of German corporals stood at the door. They snapped to attention as I stepped into the hallway.
I paused, looking between the two. "Go get something to eat… it'll be a while."
Siska said something to them as I started down the hall, the elevator… was out of order… the stairs then. A uaz was already out front, as well as what looked to be a full platoon in full battle gear…
A sergeant opened the door for us, closing it as the truck drove off. I glanced at the street, there weren't many people about. Until we started coming across more and more, all walking the same way. To a small little cemetery.
I stepped out of the truck. Noticing the rather large number of German riflemen acting as a security detail. I wanted to protest… but the words… they would not come.
As I walked the path towards the lone casket in the middle of the field, hundreds of people slowly shuffled by, it looked like a small mountain of flowers had been laid on and around the coffin. Some husband I was… I'd forgotten to bring even one…
Siska stopped a few steps away from the coffin, the polished wood lacquer cover the closest we'd ever be again. I slowly put my hand on the coffin. I took a slow breath, a few tears falling from my eyes.
"Guess we'll never get to take that honeymoon eh?" I choked out, a sprinkling of rain falling from me.
"I love you Veria… always, and forever."
I slowly walked away from the casket, taking a seat next to Ivan in the front row. Siska sat on my other side, quietly passing me a small packet of kleenex. I nodded my thanks and wiped at my eyes and nose.
A team of pallbearers approached, ready to lower the coffin. A howitzer went off, they began to lower her, taps echoed faintly as a bugaler played and some rifles fired thrice.
The pall bearers took shovels, slowly filing her grave. I stared at the headstone. Veria Crystal Reichenbacher, loving wife and friend. December 25, 1998 - December 14, 2024.
Slowly the cemetery began to empty. Ivan gave me a nod and went to stand. I passed him a folded note. His eyes widened, he glanced at me repeatedly, but my eyes stayed on the headstone. After a few minutes he just nodded and left quickly.
"Kommandant… what was that?" Siska leaned towards me.
I flicked my fingers, pulling up the system window. The pale grey slate appeared, it blurred as I picked the quest tab. There, sitting at the bottom where every new quest went.
'Quest issued! Poetic Justice. Kill the man that ordered the death of your wife, Veria a Reichenbacher. reward; 10,000,000 xp 10,000,000 credits.'
"My new priority." I said quietly, a hard edge to my voice.