Weight of Honor

Once I would have said that a medal implied honor, that service unquestioning was its own reward. But looking out at this ocean of familiar faces, I know the truth and hope that they never know mine. Helo’s respectful smile would turn sour. Gaeta would reconsider his always fluid loyalties. Starbuck would feel shame for trying so hard to make me proud.

At least my son, who knows what I’ve done, loves me in spite of it.

Laura’s judgment hovers behind me. This medal around my neck weighs ten billion lives, but I will not let it pull me down.