| Author | Message | ||
     MGen Jeremy Ironside |
The return to planetary atmosphere after months spent aboard a starship, no matter how much time spent in the holodeck, was always invigorating. Fresh, non-recycled air; the smell of grass and trees, the warmth of the star on one’s face; it all energized the body and spirit in a way that the simulations in deep space never could. Or at least it normally did, but the circumstances surrounding the command staff’s return to Reor cheapened the feeling. Made it feel somewhat forced. Unwanted. In a matter of months the feeling would be moot anyway, with the way this new ‘alliance’ would likely be running things. Upon his return, Ironside was deluged by meeting and interview requests. His personal mailbox was all but overflowing by the time he had transitioned from Homeworld Starbase to the planet’s surface. He was hounded by reporters and government officials alike as he exited the shuttle to the surface with the rest of the command staff, inwardly becoming more infuriated by the minute. He had to get out of the city, and he did, quickly, through the assistance of one of the garrisons near Churchill Downs – who graciously provided him with a skimmer to go where he pleased – in this case, the cottage he had purchased more than a year ago. Set on the shores of an inland lake feeding into the sea, the cottage stood at the top of a small sedimentary rock face that flowed down into the lake like a waterfall of stone. A dock and a moderately sized watercraft melded out of the rock and into the water, looked down upon by a spacious deck extending out of the building. The woods were thick to either side, with a small grassy area and fire pit opposite the lake. There were several other cottages on the lake, as well as a small marina, but the main reason why most chose to build here was for peace and quiet. The cottage was in decent repair, having been maintained by a braid work crew throughout the seasons. The tool and wood sheds were well stocked, and the small fusion generator activated as he arrived, engaging the lighting within as the suns set against the horizon. There was a small kitchen, stocked with enough food for about two weeks, a small bathroom with shower, and three bed rooms, one with two bunk style beds. He tossed his duffel onto one of the two couches in the common area and walked past the coffee table and wall monitor to the floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding them open and stepping out onto the deck in the cooling air. It was still spring, but summer was beginning to take its hold and the air was not uncomfortably cold without a jacket. He let his mind empty as he stared across the lake, a small watercraft buzzing past; leaving a soft wake that lapped against the dock and rock face, and slowly tried to let himself relax for the first time in too long… |