08-12-2016, 04:32 AM
This last part ends Chapter 1 and the Salon. Little Cyn or in formal address Missy Cynthia Parker graduates and is commissioned as Mademoiselle Kaydette Cynthia Parker Chapter 2 is her branch training.
Year 2: Well year 2 was spent mostly in academic and leadership classes. We were given various positions throughout the entire Troop. As year two trainees most of us were given mid or senior PER ranks. I started off as a Trainee Sarjenette but ended the term as a Trainee Sarjenette Superior, or with four solid stripes. My twin found her calling this year as an organizer and planner, and so Barb ended the term as full Trainee Sarjenette Upper or four stripes and two diamonds. Only Arlene as Trainee Sarjenette Majour was higher she had three diamonds and was the highest Trainee for our class. She was still determined to go ground forces, but everyone in the Sorority was whispering Naval Ground Assault. At the end of the third term we got a special treat, a guest visitor, and alumna of Sally Ride, actually two alumni visited us.
A Heroine’s visit: While we were finishing up training in the 5th cycle of the year, Madame Kaptain Blake assembled the entire school as we were being visited by two very important alumni, one a very recent graduate and the other one of the first graduates of Sally Ride.
The first one was a very young lady who was wearing the formal dress uniform of a Majourette in Ground Forces Kommand. She was rather tall and had dark hair, we were all trying guess which class she was in, but the way she talked to Miss Francine and Miss Helen we gathered they knew each other. In fact it turned out that this young lady was in the same class as Miss Helen, but where Miss Helen was now a newly frocked Lewtenette but still under Miss Francine, our guest was clearly someone destined for the fast track. That was made quite clear when we learned her identity, it’s not every day one meets the daughter of royalty.
Miss Catherine Volkberg, Majourette in Her Majesty’s 1st Communications Troop just completed Finishing School. Her Black blouse and red skirt with pink hose were not one expected for royals, but then again she was a Volkberg the patron house for GFK. She spoke of the importance Sally Ride has in the future of AIDOF, and no matter which branch we are given, we should strive to honor the Empress, our family and our friends by doing the best job possible. She then went and sat down with Ms. Blake and the other senior personnel.
As by special request, Miss Francine introduced the other distinguished alumna. We were all very curious who could upstage a Royal alumna, but everyone made a gasp when we found out whom she was. The lady in question was dressed all in black from her toes to blouse, even the hose were black, now black shoes were common to formal dress, and black blouses meant officettes, but seeing a black skirt was very special as only nobility or royals wore all black, but no one wore black hose, well almost nobody. On the collars of her blouse were the pie shape insignia of a Lady Equettassa or Knight, (same as a Lady Colonel / Mistress in IDOF), however instead of the standard rows of ribbons she wore only two decorations, one was the rainbow ribbon of a Ruby Star cluster, but even that was trumped by the simple red, yellow and blue stripped ribbon of a Crystal Heart, our highest decoration.
Even without knowing what she looked like, there was only one person in the entire Empire who dressed like that, and that was Lady Nicole Volkberg, the Heroine of Orion. Miss Francine introduced her as Lady Equetassa Nicole Volkberg, Commanding Regent 312th Special Operations Cohort. That explained the black hose, as Lady Nicole was in the elite branch of AIDOF, Special Operations Kommand. Prior to that she was in the Imperial Guard the elite of GFK and she was definitely on her way up, but would it be her or her half-sister, the aforementioned Miss Catherine who would wear diamonds first? (Diamonds in the shape of a 4 pointed star were the insignia of the Royal ranks)
Lady Nicole addressed the entire school and talked about the need for good leaders, she also warned that although we were winning back the conquered territories we had yet take the fight to the enemy. She then asked for Ms Blake and Miss Francine to come up to the stage.
“By the power invested in me by Her Imperial Majesty, and as the duly appointed representative of our regent Princess Jennifer Volkberg, I have the honor and pleasure of presenting the following orders to Madame Kaptain Wendi Nadine Blake, and Mademoiselle Lewtenette Francine Zepeda. First The Regent of Personnel for AIDOF Crown Princess Beatrice Vira has in her authority granted by Her Imperial Majesty promotes Kapatain Blake to the rank of Kommandette, effective this date, upon graduation of the present class her tenure at Sally Ride Salon for Girls will be completed and she will report to her new assignment as Mistress of Her Imperial Majesty’s Star Vessel Sundance.” There was a brief applause from some of the guests/
Lady Nicole continued, “As for Mademoiselle Zepeda, she is likewise promoted, to the rank of Majourette where upon completion of security officette training will report to Headquarters 4th Volkberg Armee, as matriarch 234th Security Guards Police Troop, effective date of promotion is this date, report date for Security Guards Police School is 11 Septre 2628. Congratulations ladies, now for all you young ladies at Sally Ride, this school has a proud tradition of creating fine Officettes and even some nobles for AIDOF, for the class of 2629 take what you learn this year and next year and work hard and you will earn the orange V. For class of 2628, only 8 more cycles and you will cross the stage and join the sisterhood of AIDOF, I look forward to serving with you against the Corporation.” With those words she left the stage and we were turned back over to our respective leaders to be dismissed and resume training.”
Graduation from Sally Ride: The last half of Salon went quickly by, we all took our tests and no one in Angel Sorority was recycled. The final class standings were as follows Wendy Travis was the honor grad for the Convent and in fact made Trainee Kommandette. Arlene and Justine Harris were Trainee Kaptains, I and Barb along with Angela and Heather made Trainee Majourette. The rest of 1st Circle all made Trainee Lewtenette or Kaydette. Speaking of which the cycle prior to graduation we were all fitted for our formal dress uniforms. Red Skirt, black blouse, gold belt, patent leather (yes real leather) pumps as well as the training ribbon and service ribbon, the only thing missing were our hose, as we still did not know which branch we would get. That big mystery was solved the night prior to the final ceremony.
Miss Helen stood by several baskets that contained a multitude of colored panty hose. “Ok my little Angels, we have a tradition in AIDOF for branch selection, which is as follows, the Sarjenettes will blind fold you and lead each of you in turn past the stacks of hose, I will hand you two pair, one for tomorrow and one for reporting to your first duty station, that is your formal branch training. One of you will get the honor of being my replacement, as Sorority Mistress for the class of 2630. Regardless of what branch you get, serve the Empress well, ok let’s proceed.”
We were lined up in alphabetical order by last name this time and slowly walked around the room in a huge circle, our eyes behind a thick blindfold, and our left arm extended and holding the shoulder of the girl ahead of us. After what seemed like forever, and with butterflies playing Zero G Volleyball in my stomach, I finally sensed the girl ahead of me being pulled away as I was now led by the hand. I was then told to stop and put both hands out and felt two small bundles being placed in my hand, I was then led out to the other classroom and told to sit down. After the last girl was given her bundle and was sitting down, Sarjenette Wallace gave us permission to remove the blindfolds.
“OK young ladies, by this time tomorrow you will all be Kaydettes, and at that time I will call you by circle and give you your first duty station, after you complete branch school. But now go ahead and open up one of the packages and see what your branch is. Arlene the de facto leader for my party thought it would be fun for each girl to open up their package one at a time, with the help of their twin. We talked about the rumors of black hose, but Sarjenette Wallace said, SOK (Special Forces) doesn’t take Kaydettes, so we opened up the small packages, which would determine our fate for the next, few years or more.
“Hey Angie hurry up girl, ahh…” stated Arlene as she helped Angela out and pulled out a pair of pink hose. “Cool Ground Forces, now my turn….ah yes pink as well, hmm maybe we all get lucky huh girls?”
“Huh, I hope not, ok Cyn help me out.”
“Sure Barb..”
Barbara pulled open her package and a pair of very dark purple hose came out. “YESSS!!!!!” She shouted, so loudly that the rest of the Sorority turned to look at Barbara grinning dangling the dark purple hose, the denoted Aerospace Kommand. She leaned over and kissed me fully on the lips and then danced around the room.
“I guess she’s happy.” Remarked Angela lamely.
“You think?” I said, “ever since we spent the week in the flight simulators all she could talk about would the thrill of flying an Amazon, well guess it’s my turn…” I closed my eyes and opened the package slowly dreading my fate, knowing that they were going to be pink or even worse, gray, the color of staff and support, as I reached in and grasped them, and pulled them out I heard Barbara gasp, Angela and Arlene were likewise very quiet I slowly opened my eyes and stared down at the nylon bundle in my hands, they were not pink, nor gray but the light blue of the Stellar Assault Navy, my dream had come true.
After letting the shock wear off, I looked around the Sorority and of the twenty four girls nearly half were in Pink or gray, most of the former were happy and quite a few of the others were smug knowing that their families played politics to get a nice safe cushy staff job.
Six girls had dark purple, as we all knew the need for fighter and bomber jocks was great. However as dangerous as that service was, Barbara was proud to be an Aerobabe and still looks upon affection to that title. (I made sure to request liberty so I could be there for her graduation ceremony from flight school; I think she was more proud of her wings than the Kaydette stripe.)
Five had a slightly darker blue than mine, we were all puzzled but then remembered that new Aquatic branch, it was only a few years old so needed a disproportionate amount of fresh faces.
Wendy and I were the only light blue, and a very confused Emily Schultz had a pair of lavender hose.
“Uh Ma’am, why did I get these, I did not request Aerospace?”
“Of course not my dear, those are Medical Support, um it seems you have the gift, so you will be heading for Sappho upon graduation, don’t worry we will insist that the Holy Sisters place you back among the ranks of your first family, AIDOF.”
The graduation ceremony was long but we were too pumped up to care. We made a smart parade and noticed that amongst the guests were the young Miss Volkberg and couple other recent graduates. Her lovely and much older sister was not present, but I am sure I will meet her again sometime. After the ceremony we found out our first posting after branch training and other qualification schools.
“Today, you are no longer girls and Trainees at Sally Ride, but rather Kaydettes of Her Imperial Majesty’s Amazonian Domination and Occupation Forces. You are entrusted with the care of the daughters of the subjects of the Empire. You will be tested and expected to send those same precious dears into harm’s way. Many of you will be asked to make the supreme sacrifice as you all know we have been at war with the Mathematical Concepts Limited Corporation and their corrupt leaders. Some of you will remain here and assist in training the next class. Most of you will head to branch training and your first assignment. Before we fall out for final parade, Sarjenette’s Wallace and Morgan will review the assignments by Circle, make sure your uniforms are nice and neat, for the pinning of your stripes. ” Explained Majourette Zepeda.
“Right 1st Circle on me, by Alphabetical order last name, as you are no longer Trainees. Brooks, Angela, GFK 4th Volkberg Light; Calderwood, Dianne, APK 1st Aquagroup; Chambord Kileen; C&CK 3rd Command Group; Foster, Barbara, ASK, 13th Fleet Operations Group, exact posting to be determined by flight school performance; George, Francis, GFK 79th Garrison Force; Grenville, Deborah, C&CK 1st Command Group Ephesus; Harris Justine; GFK 456th Engineering Century; Killbride, Heather, C&CK, 34th Training Troop.”
“What?”
“You are assigned as an instructor; it is a honor, so act gracious”
“Whatever, I was hoping for SAN….”
“Well, try not to throw up in the Zero G chamber next time huh? Next! Parker, Cynthia, SAN 13th Starfleet, again posting to be determined on results at Branch Qualifications; Luchens, Elizabeth, APK 1st Aqua Group; Saunders, Arlene; GFK 7818th NGAL, way to go Ma’am; and finally Wolstencraft, Kasy; APK 1st Aquagroup. Ok, you have your assignments, shuttles depart in four hours it was a pleasure training you ladies, I look forward to serving under any of you in the future, Class of 2628 is Dismissed!”
2nd Interlude: After graduation we all departed back to the barracks, changed out of the formal dress uniform into our shore dress uniforms, now with proper turtlenecks and the single orange V of a Kadette, packed our bags and headed for the shuttles. I was on the same shuttle as Wendy, Barbara and the other ASK girls, since Wendy and I would be going to Avonia to the Fleet Training Center and the Aerobabes would be going to Terri for flight training. We said our good byes to Arlene and Angela and the other girls who were going to other systems. However I had a feeling that I would see a few of them in the future. The long shuttle ride to Ariel and then the longer transport ride to Avonia was spent mostly in the compartment I shared with Barbara. Although not as fun as our first night together at the Salon, we definitely did not disappoint each other. Wendy was also posted to the 13th Starfleet, and after we found out that the 13th Fleet Operations Group was the aerospace force for the Starfleet with the same number, we promised to remain as close as possible, hoping even for joint billets. Alas the trip to Avonia was over and Barbara and the other five Aerospace girls boarded a transport to Terri, only two systems away but that breach seemed much further as we said a tearful farewell.
Year 2: Well year 2 was spent mostly in academic and leadership classes. We were given various positions throughout the entire Troop. As year two trainees most of us were given mid or senior PER ranks. I started off as a Trainee Sarjenette but ended the term as a Trainee Sarjenette Superior, or with four solid stripes. My twin found her calling this year as an organizer and planner, and so Barb ended the term as full Trainee Sarjenette Upper or four stripes and two diamonds. Only Arlene as Trainee Sarjenette Majour was higher she had three diamonds and was the highest Trainee for our class. She was still determined to go ground forces, but everyone in the Sorority was whispering Naval Ground Assault. At the end of the third term we got a special treat, a guest visitor, and alumna of Sally Ride, actually two alumni visited us.
A Heroine’s visit: While we were finishing up training in the 5th cycle of the year, Madame Kaptain Blake assembled the entire school as we were being visited by two very important alumni, one a very recent graduate and the other one of the first graduates of Sally Ride.
The first one was a very young lady who was wearing the formal dress uniform of a Majourette in Ground Forces Kommand. She was rather tall and had dark hair, we were all trying guess which class she was in, but the way she talked to Miss Francine and Miss Helen we gathered they knew each other. In fact it turned out that this young lady was in the same class as Miss Helen, but where Miss Helen was now a newly frocked Lewtenette but still under Miss Francine, our guest was clearly someone destined for the fast track. That was made quite clear when we learned her identity, it’s not every day one meets the daughter of royalty.
Miss Catherine Volkberg, Majourette in Her Majesty’s 1st Communications Troop just completed Finishing School. Her Black blouse and red skirt with pink hose were not one expected for royals, but then again she was a Volkberg the patron house for GFK. She spoke of the importance Sally Ride has in the future of AIDOF, and no matter which branch we are given, we should strive to honor the Empress, our family and our friends by doing the best job possible. She then went and sat down with Ms. Blake and the other senior personnel.
As by special request, Miss Francine introduced the other distinguished alumna. We were all very curious who could upstage a Royal alumna, but everyone made a gasp when we found out whom she was. The lady in question was dressed all in black from her toes to blouse, even the hose were black, now black shoes were common to formal dress, and black blouses meant officettes, but seeing a black skirt was very special as only nobility or royals wore all black, but no one wore black hose, well almost nobody. On the collars of her blouse were the pie shape insignia of a Lady Equettassa or Knight, (same as a Lady Colonel / Mistress in IDOF), however instead of the standard rows of ribbons she wore only two decorations, one was the rainbow ribbon of a Ruby Star cluster, but even that was trumped by the simple red, yellow and blue stripped ribbon of a Crystal Heart, our highest decoration.
Even without knowing what she looked like, there was only one person in the entire Empire who dressed like that, and that was Lady Nicole Volkberg, the Heroine of Orion. Miss Francine introduced her as Lady Equetassa Nicole Volkberg, Commanding Regent 312th Special Operations Cohort. That explained the black hose, as Lady Nicole was in the elite branch of AIDOF, Special Operations Kommand. Prior to that she was in the Imperial Guard the elite of GFK and she was definitely on her way up, but would it be her or her half-sister, the aforementioned Miss Catherine who would wear diamonds first? (Diamonds in the shape of a 4 pointed star were the insignia of the Royal ranks)
Lady Nicole addressed the entire school and talked about the need for good leaders, she also warned that although we were winning back the conquered territories we had yet take the fight to the enemy. She then asked for Ms Blake and Miss Francine to come up to the stage.
“By the power invested in me by Her Imperial Majesty, and as the duly appointed representative of our regent Princess Jennifer Volkberg, I have the honor and pleasure of presenting the following orders to Madame Kaptain Wendi Nadine Blake, and Mademoiselle Lewtenette Francine Zepeda. First The Regent of Personnel for AIDOF Crown Princess Beatrice Vira has in her authority granted by Her Imperial Majesty promotes Kapatain Blake to the rank of Kommandette, effective this date, upon graduation of the present class her tenure at Sally Ride Salon for Girls will be completed and she will report to her new assignment as Mistress of Her Imperial Majesty’s Star Vessel Sundance.” There was a brief applause from some of the guests/
Lady Nicole continued, “As for Mademoiselle Zepeda, she is likewise promoted, to the rank of Majourette where upon completion of security officette training will report to Headquarters 4th Volkberg Armee, as matriarch 234th Security Guards Police Troop, effective date of promotion is this date, report date for Security Guards Police School is 11 Septre 2628. Congratulations ladies, now for all you young ladies at Sally Ride, this school has a proud tradition of creating fine Officettes and even some nobles for AIDOF, for the class of 2629 take what you learn this year and next year and work hard and you will earn the orange V. For class of 2628, only 8 more cycles and you will cross the stage and join the sisterhood of AIDOF, I look forward to serving with you against the Corporation.” With those words she left the stage and we were turned back over to our respective leaders to be dismissed and resume training.”
Graduation from Sally Ride: The last half of Salon went quickly by, we all took our tests and no one in Angel Sorority was recycled. The final class standings were as follows Wendy Travis was the honor grad for the Convent and in fact made Trainee Kommandette. Arlene and Justine Harris were Trainee Kaptains, I and Barb along with Angela and Heather made Trainee Majourette. The rest of 1st Circle all made Trainee Lewtenette or Kaydette. Speaking of which the cycle prior to graduation we were all fitted for our formal dress uniforms. Red Skirt, black blouse, gold belt, patent leather (yes real leather) pumps as well as the training ribbon and service ribbon, the only thing missing were our hose, as we still did not know which branch we would get. That big mystery was solved the night prior to the final ceremony.
Miss Helen stood by several baskets that contained a multitude of colored panty hose. “Ok my little Angels, we have a tradition in AIDOF for branch selection, which is as follows, the Sarjenettes will blind fold you and lead each of you in turn past the stacks of hose, I will hand you two pair, one for tomorrow and one for reporting to your first duty station, that is your formal branch training. One of you will get the honor of being my replacement, as Sorority Mistress for the class of 2630. Regardless of what branch you get, serve the Empress well, ok let’s proceed.”
We were lined up in alphabetical order by last name this time and slowly walked around the room in a huge circle, our eyes behind a thick blindfold, and our left arm extended and holding the shoulder of the girl ahead of us. After what seemed like forever, and with butterflies playing Zero G Volleyball in my stomach, I finally sensed the girl ahead of me being pulled away as I was now led by the hand. I was then told to stop and put both hands out and felt two small bundles being placed in my hand, I was then led out to the other classroom and told to sit down. After the last girl was given her bundle and was sitting down, Sarjenette Wallace gave us permission to remove the blindfolds.
“OK young ladies, by this time tomorrow you will all be Kaydettes, and at that time I will call you by circle and give you your first duty station, after you complete branch school. But now go ahead and open up one of the packages and see what your branch is. Arlene the de facto leader for my party thought it would be fun for each girl to open up their package one at a time, with the help of their twin. We talked about the rumors of black hose, but Sarjenette Wallace said, SOK (Special Forces) doesn’t take Kaydettes, so we opened up the small packages, which would determine our fate for the next, few years or more.
“Hey Angie hurry up girl, ahh…” stated Arlene as she helped Angela out and pulled out a pair of pink hose. “Cool Ground Forces, now my turn….ah yes pink as well, hmm maybe we all get lucky huh girls?”
“Huh, I hope not, ok Cyn help me out.”
“Sure Barb..”
Barbara pulled open her package and a pair of very dark purple hose came out. “YESSS!!!!!” She shouted, so loudly that the rest of the Sorority turned to look at Barbara grinning dangling the dark purple hose, the denoted Aerospace Kommand. She leaned over and kissed me fully on the lips and then danced around the room.
“I guess she’s happy.” Remarked Angela lamely.
“You think?” I said, “ever since we spent the week in the flight simulators all she could talk about would the thrill of flying an Amazon, well guess it’s my turn…” I closed my eyes and opened the package slowly dreading my fate, knowing that they were going to be pink or even worse, gray, the color of staff and support, as I reached in and grasped them, and pulled them out I heard Barbara gasp, Angela and Arlene were likewise very quiet I slowly opened my eyes and stared down at the nylon bundle in my hands, they were not pink, nor gray but the light blue of the Stellar Assault Navy, my dream had come true.
After letting the shock wear off, I looked around the Sorority and of the twenty four girls nearly half were in Pink or gray, most of the former were happy and quite a few of the others were smug knowing that their families played politics to get a nice safe cushy staff job.
Six girls had dark purple, as we all knew the need for fighter and bomber jocks was great. However as dangerous as that service was, Barbara was proud to be an Aerobabe and still looks upon affection to that title. (I made sure to request liberty so I could be there for her graduation ceremony from flight school; I think she was more proud of her wings than the Kaydette stripe.)
Five had a slightly darker blue than mine, we were all puzzled but then remembered that new Aquatic branch, it was only a few years old so needed a disproportionate amount of fresh faces.
Wendy and I were the only light blue, and a very confused Emily Schultz had a pair of lavender hose.
“Uh Ma’am, why did I get these, I did not request Aerospace?”
“Of course not my dear, those are Medical Support, um it seems you have the gift, so you will be heading for Sappho upon graduation, don’t worry we will insist that the Holy Sisters place you back among the ranks of your first family, AIDOF.”
The graduation ceremony was long but we were too pumped up to care. We made a smart parade and noticed that amongst the guests were the young Miss Volkberg and couple other recent graduates. Her lovely and much older sister was not present, but I am sure I will meet her again sometime. After the ceremony we found out our first posting after branch training and other qualification schools.
“Today, you are no longer girls and Trainees at Sally Ride, but rather Kaydettes of Her Imperial Majesty’s Amazonian Domination and Occupation Forces. You are entrusted with the care of the daughters of the subjects of the Empire. You will be tested and expected to send those same precious dears into harm’s way. Many of you will be asked to make the supreme sacrifice as you all know we have been at war with the Mathematical Concepts Limited Corporation and their corrupt leaders. Some of you will remain here and assist in training the next class. Most of you will head to branch training and your first assignment. Before we fall out for final parade, Sarjenette’s Wallace and Morgan will review the assignments by Circle, make sure your uniforms are nice and neat, for the pinning of your stripes. ” Explained Majourette Zepeda.
“Right 1st Circle on me, by Alphabetical order last name, as you are no longer Trainees. Brooks, Angela, GFK 4th Volkberg Light; Calderwood, Dianne, APK 1st Aquagroup; Chambord Kileen; C&CK 3rd Command Group; Foster, Barbara, ASK, 13th Fleet Operations Group, exact posting to be determined by flight school performance; George, Francis, GFK 79th Garrison Force; Grenville, Deborah, C&CK 1st Command Group Ephesus; Harris Justine; GFK 456th Engineering Century; Killbride, Heather, C&CK, 34th Training Troop.”
“What?”
“You are assigned as an instructor; it is a honor, so act gracious”
“Whatever, I was hoping for SAN….”
“Well, try not to throw up in the Zero G chamber next time huh? Next! Parker, Cynthia, SAN 13th Starfleet, again posting to be determined on results at Branch Qualifications; Luchens, Elizabeth, APK 1st Aqua Group; Saunders, Arlene; GFK 7818th NGAL, way to go Ma’am; and finally Wolstencraft, Kasy; APK 1st Aquagroup. Ok, you have your assignments, shuttles depart in four hours it was a pleasure training you ladies, I look forward to serving under any of you in the future, Class of 2628 is Dismissed!”
2nd Interlude: After graduation we all departed back to the barracks, changed out of the formal dress uniform into our shore dress uniforms, now with proper turtlenecks and the single orange V of a Kadette, packed our bags and headed for the shuttles. I was on the same shuttle as Wendy, Barbara and the other ASK girls, since Wendy and I would be going to Avonia to the Fleet Training Center and the Aerobabes would be going to Terri for flight training. We said our good byes to Arlene and Angela and the other girls who were going to other systems. However I had a feeling that I would see a few of them in the future. The long shuttle ride to Ariel and then the longer transport ride to Avonia was spent mostly in the compartment I shared with Barbara. Although not as fun as our first night together at the Salon, we definitely did not disappoint each other. Wendy was also posted to the 13th Starfleet, and after we found out that the 13th Fleet Operations Group was the aerospace force for the Starfleet with the same number, we promised to remain as close as possible, hoping even for joint billets. Alas the trip to Avonia was over and Barbara and the other five Aerospace girls boarded a transport to Terri, only two systems away but that breach seemed much further as we said a tearful farewell.