Jovial cheers and slow dancing seemed to be present at the post-war festivities, which took place in central Graceland, in Universe N-66. Nothing could ever bring more of a smile to the faces of soldiers that survived the war than a scene of happiness and pure joy that celebrated America's recent victory. Celebratory songs were being sung near an assortment of American staple foods that were arranged neatly on a nearby table, and a few Konata Izumi genedrives were seen near a corner, donning white suits and smoking pipes that seemed to be filled with a type of Imperial tobacco that was deemed to be truly safe. For the most part, many seemed to enjoy socializing at parties like these, stirring up conversations about personal matters and fun memories.
Imperial captain Bryce Hux attended the celebration, feeling proud of himself for having helped in scoring a massive American victory against the eidolons and Arturius, who was said to have been executed by firing squad - Hux remembered the details of the former's death, hearing of how Arturius had been shot to the point of dismemberment, leaving him riddled with bullet holes - he also seemed to be left with nearly no arms and detached legs. Hearing this seemed to give him the peace he had wanted in his life, and on top of that, his parents finally acknowledged him for his accomplishments through a phone call on his holopad - although they still didn't show their affection to him.
He stood watching the festivities, enjoying the happiness and joy that was spreading around there. Taking in a Gene Krupa piece that was being played there, Hux walked around the place with a natural high brought by his newfound serenity and bliss. He would run into a certain someone at the festivities, a colonel who was a genedrive of Ed from Cowboy Bebop... colonel Edie Spiegel, a genedrive who had come into existence 32 years prior and was looking to commend Hux for his actions in the Eidolon War. She was socializing with a few other generals, and was also talking with a corporal who was said to birth a daughter that would be consistently hunted down every day of the year.
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"Oh, hey Hux!" Spiegel spoke to Hux in a cheery, yet laidback voice that matched her overall demeanor. "Colonel... it is fortunate that I survived the battle between our forces and the beasts. More than 26,000 lives were lost, and so I wish many of our brave men and women hadn't had their lives taken. It almost cost us the entirety of Divisions 117 and 177, but we pulled through." Spiegel heard the details among the many other stories that were being told to her - she replied to Hux... "...and that's why we're commending you and the few that survived the crossfire! All of you are lucky to have gotten out alive. You and the selected few will be awarded tomorrow in Northstar-Americana," Spiegel spoke cheerily to Hux, maintaining a happy demeanor for someone like her.
Young colonel Spiegel was destined to do great things, as for the rest of her long life, she would seem to bring America into an era of peace and prosperity through her actions. She had plenty of time to do so, as genedrives, being Imperial clones with heavily doctored genetics, were able to live for over 1,505 years at optimal health. Genedrives also seemed to be stuck with eternal youth, as they would age normally and stop at the age their template was cloned at.
"That sounds just about great, I thank you for the commendation," Hux said politely, even though he just wanted to see more interesting things at the party that was being held here. Walking around for a few more minutes, Hux sampled a few Mediterranean appetizers that ensured a high, consistent metabolism and a detoxified, healthy system before someone was heard at the podium. Looking over at the podium, Hux saw a general who was renaming the town of Graceland in honor of the fallen captain Richard Kessler. A booming voice was heard from whoever stood at the podium.
"...In honor of the fallen Imperial captain, one of our finest officers Richard Kessler... the settlement of Graceland is to be renamed Kessler Square in his dedication, as a thanks for his service and his selfless sacrifice against the Eidolon Overlord. May you patriots be destined to do actions of the same magnitude of greatness as Kessler had, as our nation continues to rise further through the cosmos - semper aeternum!" The partygoers erupted in a bout of loud applause and cheering, with some waving American flags in the crowd. Hux watched with a smile on his face, having faith in the nation he served in.
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Graceland was renamed Kessler Square on the day of September 14, 2863, at 0901 military time. A new era was heralded for the Imperial nation with thunderous applause in the new town - with that, more economic opportunities would appear from open contractor jobs that would have its people work to expand Kessler Square, as American economists and the Imperial military saw its potential as a manufacturing and commercial hub. It was at this moment that various landing vessels came in with people willing to move into the area and work there, as the town would also get its benefits from a growing workforce and high employment rates.
Hux was smiling to himself at the realization and possibilities of everything around him at the moment. One reason was that he helped lay down the foundation for Kessler Square, so the military would have to give him some credit for doing so upon the settlement's expansion; another reason was that he was simply basking in his pride like one would on the beach, in the hot sun shining on a warm day. This victory felt like a release for someone like him, as well as other military officers; although they have seen enough American victories to make them become bored after going through more than 80 of them, this victory felt unique and well-rounded due to the number of lives lost, and their response to the situation.
He would never have to worry about anything else until the summer of 2874, when something less significant, but equally threatening would specifically target him and his crew... a distant, echoed laugh that Hux could only hear, but seemed to play off was just the calm before the storm.
