[ WP ] `` A lot of people are calling you a hero . '' `` A lot are n't . ''

`` You're finally back... good to see you again. Me and the crew were n't sure if you would... if you could return.'' Whispered Lieutenant Sam 
 
 I peered with a grimace into the endless expanse of darkness through the window. 
 
 `` well, it certainly feels somewhat right to be back... besides I could never leave this ship.. it's all I have left Lieutenant.'' I stated 
 
 `` A lot of people are calling you a hero.'' 
 
 She lowered her head, and stared into the ground `` A lot are n't.'' She spoke softly 
 
 `` That is the curse and the burden I am doomed to uphold for all time. Only the history books will determine what light, what perspective I am truly looked at in the future.'' 
 
 I turned my eye to the singular blue and green orb floating in the vast emptiness outside the window... focusing on the out of place dark spot blemishing the otherwise perfect orb. 
 
 `` Perhaps... I was too rash. I took it upon myself to stop the invasion of my home... and in doing so took five million lives of my countrymen. Men, women, children, fellow soldiers... I used our ultimate weapon on our own homeland. I still do n't know how to feel.'' 
 
 `` But sir... You single-handedly destroyed 60 % of the invasion force, the projections for loss of life were far greater, your decision was tactically sound and resulted in the least life destroyed.'' 
 
 She took a step closer, and stared at me with a gaze that would pierce steel. 
 
 `` You ended the war. In my eyes you are a hero, you and this ship.'' 
 
 `` This ship... just like me now, is a ghost. A shadow of its former glory. It was never designed to take the lives of our own people... and it, like me will carry this burden until it reaches it's end. Sam, there is more to this than just statistics, sure I ended the war... but I destroyed five million families. I took an oath to protect those people, and in the end destroyed them. Perhaps someday, I can take solace in the lives I saved. But Sam, that day is not today, and I shall never forget. This ship is now a prison for me, and I am both the jailer and the prisoner. 
 
 `` Sir, I suppose I'll be your prisoner too then. This is n't just your burden to bare, and I will bare it with you in this place, as will all those who stayed. You may have pushed the button, but without us, it could n't have happened, and we all accept that.'' 
 
 I Slowly lower myself into the familiar chair, overseeing the now empty computers and equipment of the bridge before me. 
 
 `` Hmm... I do n't ever remember the artificial gravity being so heavy in this ship. Maybe it's broken.'' 
 
 `` Readout says all systems functioning normally sir. There is nothing wrong with it.'' 
 
 `` No lieutenant..'' I paused, a feeling the tear rolling down the flesh of my cheek `` It is definitely broken.'' 
 
 She turned her gaze from my face to the orb out the window. 
 
 `` You're right sir. I suppose it is broken.'' 
 

