Sometimes you Just Know...

Posted on Sat Aug 29th, 2015 @ 6:15am by Master Sergeant Daniel Browden & Mike Talbit

Mission: Prelude to War
Location: Marine Chapel

Admittedly, the chapel was not Danny's most frequented place anywhere he'd been stationed, but he was glad it was there anyway. He walked in and took a seat on the third row of the chapel, watching the back of Chaplain Tablit as he said his prayers. After a bit, the diminutive man stood, crossed himself and turned around, a smile appearing when he spotted Daniel, "Not a face I expected, but I'm glad to see you, Daniel," He said with a smile.

"You too, Preacher," Danny replied, with one of his customary bright smiles.

"What brings you in?" Talbit asked, taking a seat in front of Daniel.

"My own mortality, I guess," Danny replied.

"War will do that to you," Tablit replied, nodding understandingly.

"I got this feeling, Preach, like I'm not going to make it back," Danny confessed. "Like... Like this is it. Tomorrow. That's the grand finale."

"Daniel... it's not an uncommon feeling for a marine to have prior to deployment into an active war zone. I wouldn't worry too much about it," He said, smiling comfortingly. "Our own mortality is a very serious thing."

Danny nodded, still a hint of a smile on his face, "Is it odd... that I'm okay with it? If I die, I mean? I'm not scared."

Talbit laughed, "Danny... how old are you?" He asked.

"Sixty-eight," Daniel replied, proudly.

"Most men your age are retiring about now," He replied. "You've been a warrior for decades, Danny. Maybe your death tomorrow isn't a physical one,... maybe something will come about that will allow you to go home, and retire happy?" He offered.

Danny seemed to consider that for a bit, then nodded, "Could be, yeah.. any chance you could say one of those fancy prayers over me, Padre?" He asked

"Of course, my child," Talbit said, resting a hand on Daniel's head.

"Heavenly father, Daniel armors himself today with the power of the Most Holy Trinity, in the oneness of God, Creator of the universe. Daniel armors himself today with the baptism of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection, his ascension and glorious second coming.
He armors himself today with God’s guidance to direct me, God’s might to sustain me, God’s wisdom to instruct me; God’s word to give me speech, God’s shield to protect me; God’s army to defend me, against the snares of demons, against the lure of vices, against all who plot me harm.
He invokes all these virtues today against every hostile and merciless power that may assail me, against the incantations of false prophets, against the black laws of heathenism, against the false laws of heresy, against the deceits of idolatry, against every art and spell that binds the soul to evil.
Christ guard him today against every poison, burning, drowning and fatal wounding. Christ be with him, Christ be behind him, Christ be within him, Christ be beside him, Christ to win him. Christ to comfort and restore him, Christ to be where danger threatens, Christ be in the hearts of those around him, forevermore," Talbit moved his hands to Danny's shoulders, "Amen."

"Amen," Danny repeated, looking back up at the preacher with a smile. "Thank you, Padre. I'm not exactly what you'd call religious... but... the words are good, aren't they," He said, a warm smile on his face.

"Indeed they are, my friend. You don't have to be religious to appreciate the idea of a higher power looking out for you," Talbit replied with a smile.

Danny nodded his head, looking deep in though, then smiled back up at the Chaplain, "I gotta get going to the shindig tonight... thanks Preacher. It really did mean a lot," He said, standing to go.

"Of course, Danny. Any time, my doors are always open," The preacher replied.

Danny waved his goodbyes and left. Still completely certain that he would die tomorrow.