193. A Sacrifice

Not wanting to let Riley face Justin Donovan alone, Alen spoke up again, “Right. And just so you know ... with the way you're talking, you're insulting Commander Sehel's sacrifice. Do you know that or not?”

Justin's eyes bulged in disbelief, “What do you mean I insulted his sacrifice?”

“Of course you're insulting it. That sacrifice shouldn't be questioned, but rather honored. But you ... you're speculating all the time,” Alen replied.

Hearing Alen's answer, Justin felt like he had just been slapped until the young man's previously stiff expression softened a little.

Wordlessly, Justin moved away.

Alen closed his eyes in relief, while James commented, “That big mouth is too much. Oh my!”

“Never mind, James. The ceremony will take place in a little while,” Riley said, who refocused on the funeral process.

Up ahead, William Mackenzie, Andrew Reece and a number of commanders and soldiers who had the honor of representing their friends began to stand around Greg Sehel's coffin.

There were