Fidelity
16 May 2017User1355
Llanrhaeadr
New Cambria (Ts'in Gu 1)
Ts'in Gu System...
Home.
Verdant green hills roll towards the black, snow-capped peaks on the horizon, a clear blue sky stretching out overhead. The sweet scent of the heather and gorse hangs on the cool, crisp air that fills my lungs, invigorating me. The season’s new lambs bleat, calling for their mothers, while ravens circle lazily in the afternoon sun, cawing to each other.
New Cambria; home.
I have two weeks leave in this paradise; as much as I appreciate even the smallest opportunity to return home, it’ll never be enough. A security guard’s wages are modest, but I’ve been building up a nice pension with Blue Galactic. One day I’ll return for good, to retire and be close to my family.
My sister, Siân, waves excitedly as I approach her homestead. I pick her up easily, hugging her close and spinning her around.
“When will you ever stop growing?” she laughs.
I ruffle the hair on my nephews, picking one up under each arm, hoisting them across the garden to their delight.
In the evening, we enjoy a fine meal of slow-roasted lamb with vegetables, washed down with a rich red wine. These simple pleasures overwhelm me and it isn’t long before I sink into a deep peaceful sleep.
The next morning, Siân wakes me. A company man from Blue Galactic has called by the homestead and wants to speak to me. Sian pours us both a glass of fresh milk before leaving us alone in her kitchen to talk.
“You’ve got a commendable record,” he says, swiping his finger over his PDA, “and your size obviously gets you noticed.”
I nod with a smile.
“And it seems you have been noticed. Someone’s been asking about you. Says he has a programme for some elite security squad.”
I laugh, gently amused.
“I don’t want to be part of some hot-shot unit! Working on the shipments is fine. It’s steady and it’s quiet.”
The man nods in understanding.
“I know, I know. Keep your head down, pick up your pension and settle down here with your sister, her boys, and gods willing a wife and children of your own.” He looks me in the eye and claps me on the shoulder.
“And that’s an honourable journey for any man to take. A long journey, mind. How old are you now? Thirty? You’ve got another thirty to forty years minimum before the company starts paying you a pension.”
I grunt and take a mouthful of the cold milk. He’s right.
He eyes me silently for a few moments, then leans forward; “What if you could take a shortcut? Instead of forty years, you could be out in four.”
I frown. “Go on,”
“From what I’ve heard, this new unit is intense, but the tours are short. Four or five years and you’d be set up for life. Not just you; Siân and the boys too.”
I mull it over. He’s got a point. Short service. Keep my head down and my wits about me. Get out and back to New Cambria.
“Alright, I’m interested.”
The man nods with a smile. “Good to hear. Come into town tomorrow and meet the man who came asking about you. He’ll tell you more.”
We shake hands, finish our milk and I see the man out. That night, I don’t sleep as well; a mix of excitement and trepidation keeps me awake.
By Earth or Capitol standards, I would imagine the town is nothing more than a sleepy hamlet. But on New Cambria, it’s considered somewhat bustling. The small company office is situated in the center and it’s here where I meet up with the visitor from yesterday.
He nods as I approach, and I take notice of another man at his side. He’s tall, with thinning hair and plain, drab clothes. He also smiles, revealing crooked teeth that resemble a broken piano.
“This is Degginal DeVerre,” the company man gestures, “he’ll tell you more about his Sentinel project.”
The tall man steps forward, extending his hand, “A pleasure to meet you, Selwyn,” he says.
Which I thought was unusual.
Everyone calls me by my middle name; Idris.