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Desert Love	By : Krayzee_Aussie Category: Celebrities - Misc > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 4321 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction! I do not know Prince Harry of Wales, Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Queen Elizabeth, Camilla Parker-Bowles or Prince Phillip, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC and I do not profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 17
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- 19
The Master of Ceremonies turned to look back at Charles, who nodded once to his questioning look, before he turned back to face the audience.
“We have two other presentations today. The first is another George’s Cross recipient.”
Harry looked from the Master of Ceremonies to his brother and sister in law in confusion. Kate smiled and winked at him before looking back to Charles.
“I call to the stage, Prince Henry of Wales.”
Harry looked stunned, before standing up and slowly walking to stand next to his father at the front of the stage.
“To the front, facing me, son, you know the protocol,” Charles said pointedly. Harry sighed and gave a small laugh before moving. “Such cheek, Harry.”
There were ripples of quiet laughter from the front row of the ceremony hall, who heard what was said. Charles picked up the medal and waited patiently for the Master of Ceremonies to continue.
“Prince Henry of Wales, as mentioned earlier by his majesty, Prince Charles, was present and captive for the Sydney Siege. With the assistance of defence member, Major Desiree Kitana, he was able to free himself and the other captive Defence and police personnel, before taking down insurgents and assisting in the rescue of civilians as well as assistance to a then captured Major Desiree Kitana.”
Harry’s father reached forward and began pinning the pin to Harry. “I don’t deserve this, father.” He murmured looking straight ahead and avoiding his father’s eyes.
“Nonsense, you helped as much as the others did. There’s CCTV footage. You had a chance to escape with Ryan but you chose to stay and help.” Harry was shocked at the revelation that his father had seen him actively choose to stay. “And looking behind you, I think Desiree agrees with your award.”
Harry raised his eye brows at the mention of Desiree. Charles nodded once, shaking his son’s hand firmly and grasping him on the shoulder. “I am very proud of you, Harry. As your grandmother said in the waiting room, you have seen more active service than anyone else in this family has in a long time, and you have excelled at it. If I had my way, you would have continued serving long into your years, but you have duties to attend to now, and you can hold your head up very high.”
Harry looked at his father, he could feel a lot of emotions starting to swell around inside him. He was speechless but nodded his thanks to his father.
Charles looked back to the Master of Ceremonies and nodded once to him.
“I present to you, Georges Cross recipient, Prince Henry of Wales.”
The room erupted into applause, standing up as they did so and the loudest seemed to be coming from Desiree and Ryan. Harry looked down at them and saw them smiling back at him.
Harry waved his thanks to the audience, before waiting for photos to be taken. He then moved back to his seat, where William and Kate both congratulated him.
The Master of Ceremonies waited for the audience to settle again before continuing. “Finally today, we have a presentation of two medals to a very brave woman. This woman is the first of her kind in Australia, and indeed the entire Commonwealth nation. To delve into detail of this woman’s journey I call upon one of the recommending officers, Prince Henry of Wales.”
******
Desiree sat anxiously, her heart beginning to pound. It seemed to her to be pounding so hard, she was surprised that Harry couldn’t hear it as he approached the podium. She watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out some notes before placing them onto the podium. He too wore his ceremonial uniform, his sword attached at his side. She couldn’t help but admire how he seemed to suit a uniform so much better than his father or his brother.
“Uh, Good morning again,” he began. Something about his voice calmed Desiree slightly. “I would like to first of all, thank you all for coming. I know quite a few of you have come a long way for this ceremony, and I am glad that you could be here to share with these well deserving recipients. Not including myself, I need to speak to someone about handing this back at some point,” he joked. Desiree scoffed quietly and shook her head. She knew Harry must have seen her because he turned his gaze to her, giving her a cheeky smile that made her heartbeat quicken for a moment.
She had to quickly look away and try to settle herself. It was an odd sensation that she hadn’t felt in a very long time and it startled her.
Harry continued. “So I was asked to explain exactly why it was that this person was recommended for both the Georges Cross and Victoria Cross. In doing so, I realise that this person is breaking down barriers one at a time. She is the first woman to fight on the frontline for Australia, and the Commonwealth at the same time. She is the first woman to have completed the Australian Army Infantry course, in doing so beating many of her male counterparts. She then went on to be tested for the Special Air Service Regiment, also a first for a woman. In this, she was also successful. I actually spoke to her training officer for his thoughts on her performance, unfortunately, there were a lot of expletives so I can’t really repeat what he said word for word.” There were quiet laughs throughout the hall.
Desiree herself gave a quiet laugh, remembering how her training officer would often swear like a sailor every time she managed to complete a task without too much trouble. He never meant it in a bad way, it was more a shock than anything else.
“However, these are not the things that she is being awarded for. Major Desiree Kitana has served three tours of Afghanistan, during these tours she has achieved the highest rate of efficiency for the Australian Forces. Upon further investigation, I found her rates were higher even than the British and Americans. But again, this is not what she is being awarded for.”
Desiree felt Ryan starting to fidget beside her. She looked down and placed a hand on his leg to settle him. He looked up apologetically and stopped moving.
“On her last tour of Afghanistan, Major Desiree Kitana was tasked to go on patrols with a visiting British contingent of troops.” Harry stopped speaking. He looked at Desiree for a moment, she knew what was coming and looked stunned for a moment before he spoke again. “I was a part of that British contingent.”
There were murmurs throughout the ceremony hall. Desiree looked to the royals seated behind Harry. The Queen looked nonplussed by the revelations, William and Kate looked at each other but showed no real emotion. Charles looked on proudly at his son.
“During my time on patrol with Major Kitana we came under several attacks, during this time she went out of her way to ensure my safety as well as her men’s safety. We were attacked three times by insurgents, during which time she was injured seriously each time. Nevertheless, she never thought twice of putting her life on the line to protect me or any of her men.”
Desiree felt her throat start to constrict again and she tried to control her emotions, she began to remember the battles she fought side by side with Harry.
“It is her final battle in Afghanistan that she is to be awarded today. During this battle we were attacked at a Forward Operating Base with Rockets and automatic weapons fire. During the battle it was discovered there were snipers operating from atop a hill and inside a drainage ditch. Major Kitana’s Combat Assault Dog, Banzai, moved out to try and subdue the first sniper. She was successful but was fatally wounded in the process.” Harry faltered for a moment. Desiree saw him seem to swallow hard. The memory was obviously hard for him too.
“During this time, we were still pinned down by a second sniper further up the hill overlooking the base. He was well protected. With Banzai severely wounded and no way of getting a clear shot on the sniper, Major Kitana took it upon herself to draw enemy fire and try and rescue the CAD Banzai. She ran approximately one hundred metres through a ditch in open ground with next to know cover before she was shot and wounded. The sniper was able to be subdued along with all other enemy contacts.”
Desiree took some deep breaths, her father and Ryan each took one of her hands, squeezing them tightly. Desiree looked down at Ryan to see he had little tears in his eyes. She smiled and hugged him, quickly wiping the tears away for him with the tissue she had been given earlier. He and Banzai had been close, just like he was with Demon, Amaretsu and Shinobi. He had been distraught when she had returned to him without her faithful CAD in tow.
“It is because of these actions, I recommended Major Desiree Kitana for the Victoria Cross.”
The room was silent as Harry stepped back from the podium and moved back to his seat. The Master of Ceremonies moved back to the podium. “I would now like to call upon Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II to present the Victoria Cross. Major Desiree Kitana, could you please move to the stage.”
Desiree slowly stood up, straightening her jacket and glancing sideways at Ryan, offering him what she hoped was an excited smile, although she felt anything but excitement. He beamed back at her as she moved up the stairs and stood at attention at the top of the steps.
“Her majesty awards you, Major Desiree Kitana, the Victoria Cross for bravery shown on the battlefield in Afghanistan and for putting your own wellbeing aside to ensure the well being of the men under your charge.”
The Queen took the medal from the assistant before turning to Desiree.
“Major, it is my absolute pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” she said as she began to pin the medal to Desiree’s uniform.
“Thank you, your majesty. It’s an absolute honour to meet you,” Desiree replied.
“I would like to thank you, for protecting Henry too. He can be impulsive, but I do know he loves being a soldier.”
Desiree was surprised but did her best not to show it. She remembered back on the day of her departure when she had the video conference with the Queen, at which she implored Desiree to keep him safe.
“He is a fine soldier, ma’am. You should be very proud of him.”
“I hope to see you tonight, at the ball, with him?” she asked. Something about the way she asked surprised Desiree. She looked taken aback but composed herself quickly.
“Yes, your majesty. He has invited me.”
“Oh good, I look forward to it.”
With that she shook Desiree’s hand and stepped back.
The Master of Ceremonies continued. “I now call upon Prince Charles of Wales, to explain to how it is that Major Desiree Kitana has earned recommendation for the Georges Cross.”
Prince Charles stepped up to the podium, thanking the Master of Ceremonies as he did so. “Good morning, it has been a pleasant morning so far, hasn’t it? I will try not to bore you for too long. I, as recommending officer, did so after hearing many an account regarding the Sydney Siege, and this wonderful woman’s actions.” Desiree clenched her teeth, but stared straight ahead, not daring to meet anyone else’s eyes in case it got the better of her nerves.
“This woman, standing to my right, put her life on the line, first to disarm and infiltrate the terrorists who had taken hostage many civilian and military personnel, some of the people that have also been presented with awards today. She then continued to analyse the situation and come up with a way to get as many people out safely, most of these plans putting her own life on the line. She was able to successfully remove the children held hostage first, using her disguise to advise the terrorists that the children would need to be fed and then sneaking them out the back.” She took a deep breath, again, trying to calm her nerves.
“Then, instead of taking the opportunity to leave the scene herself, she returned, drawing the attention of the terrorists to her, allowing the captured defence personnel to rise up and take charge of the situation in their vicinity.”
There were murmurs around the room as Prince Charles continued to recount the event. Desiree heard some sobs behind her, knowing it must have been hard for the survivors to hear it told again. “While the defence personnel, including my son, Prince Henry of Wales, set about evacuating those civilian hostages and checking the injured, Major Kitana found herself cornered by the three remaining terrorists. She was taken hostage, beaten horrifically and at their mercy. It was here, that three of our previous Georges Cross recipients came and earned their place in this presentation. They supported my son, trying to persuade the terrorist to release her safely, unfortunately, they tried to fire on him. It was here, that Corporal Shaun King and Lance Corporal John Evans both took action, leaving only the one terrorist that had hold of the Major, when this terrorist threatened to open fire on my son, she leapt into action, although severely injured already, disarming him and knocking him out.”
The memory flashed in her mind. Seeing Afma raise his handgun, her body kicking into action immediately and forcing itself to protect Harry.
“Unfortunately, he was able to come to consciousness, sooner than anticipated, and as Prince Henry tried to perform first aid on Major Kitana, the terrorist then tried to open fire upon Prince Henry. Major Kitana forced Prince Henry of Wales out of harm’s way, taking a bullet in her chest, causing critical injuries.”
There were murmurs throughout the room, Desiree began to breathe deeply, she could feel her emotions starting to well again as she remembered the exact moment she saw Afma pick up the gun and fire it, followed by the burning pain in her chest.
“Due to Major Desiree Kitana’s actions, Prince Henry of Wales and fifty others are alive today. For this, the Commonwealth is grateful.” Prince Charles stepped back, motioning for the Master of Ceremonies to return to the podium. Desiree kept her eyes straight ahead, staring into space, not daring to look at Charles or Harry.
“Prince Charles will now present Major Desiree Kitana with the Georges Cross, received for bravely taking on hostage takers during the Sydney siege, safely evacuating children and protecting his majesty, Prince Henry of Wales, above and beyond her duties.”
Prince Charles smiled at Desiree but didn’t move to take the medal offered to him by an assistant. Instead, he turned and looked to Harry who was sitting watching the exchanges intently, a sombre look on his face. Harry looked up at his father in surprise.
“Harry, would you please come and do the honours?” Charles asked. Desiree looked at Charles in alarm before looking to Harry. He looked from his father, to Desiree and then to the Queen. She nodded her approval and Harry slowly stood up, his father ushering him before him.
Harry took the medal from the assistant and moved to stand before Desiree. “Uh, hi,” he said nervously.
Desiree felt her cheeks getting hotter but smiled back sheepishly. “Hi.”
Harry carefully pinned the medal beside her Victoria Cross. Desiree tried to avoid looking into his eyes, instead staring into his chest. “They look good on you,” he murmured quietly to her as he straightened it slightly.
She gave an embarrassed smile. “Thank you,” she whispered. She chanced a glance back to his face to find his cheeks were quite pink. She took a deep breath and lifted her face to look at him properly before she held out her hand and he shook it firmly.
“Congratulations, Des.”
“Thank you, H.” Cameras flashed furiously around them, but Desiree barely noticed. She was enjoying the moment.
Charles soon stepped forward. “Congratulations, Major. Well deserved from all the accounts i’ve heard. I do believe there is one more presentation for you though, is that right, Harry?”
Desiree looked between them in confusion. Harry nodded to the Master of Ceremony as Prince Charles returned to his seat.
“Further to the battle of Base Alpha, his majesty, Prince Henry would like to make a special presentation.” The assistants uncovered another tray. Here there was a framed official photo of Banzai and a medal box. They carried it over to Harry, but it was too late. Desiree already knew what it was and held a hand to her mouth to try and stop herself from crying out loud. “We present to Major Desiree Kitana, Combat Assault Dog Handler for Combat Assault Dog, Banzai, her posthumous Canine service medal and Canine operational service clasp – Afghanistan. These are presented to Banzai for her unwavering selfless service to the Special Air Services Regiment of the Australian Army, which unfortunately, cost her, her life. May she rest in peace.”
Desiree felt herself beginning to cry. Her throat began to get choked up and her pulse began to quicken as she tried to get it under control. All her composure was next to gone. Behind her she also heard the tell-tale sign of Ryan beginning to cry out loud too, and her mother trying to soothe him.
Harry picked up the medal box and photo frame. He handed her the medal which she slowly took, removing her hand from her mouth, trying to control her emotions. He shook her hand and then wrapped an arm around her. Desiree stiffened and tried to stave off her tears. She knew this was against royal protocol. She glanced at Prince Charles and the Queen. Both seemed to have small smiles on their faces as the camera bulbs around the room began to go hay wire, flashing like crazy as the photographers tried to take their moneymaking shots.
“It’s okay, Des. We all know you miss her,” Harry whispered. She closed her eyes and let a few stray tears fall, wrapping her spare hand around his mid section.
She opened her eyes and looked at the photo of Banzai in his hand, and then she knew, it was finally time to let her go.
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Desert Love