Going Home
12 Feb 2023James Teague
Synuefe CW-V C18-6, planet A 3 ATFCS Henry Lee Law
12 Feb 3309
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"Henry Lee Law, this is the Evan Williams, final approach to pad 16."
"Evan Williams, this is Flight Control. Nominal approach. See you soon. Out."
I flicked the stick over and down, lining up the approach to the pad over the carrier. The Diamondback Explorer nimbly swooped onto the landing pad, gear extended, kissing the deck with 'nary a squeak.
I made my way to the rear exit as the ship descended into the hangar bay. Otherworldly blue and green glows illuminated the cargo area as I walked by. The last batch of Unclassified and Guardian Relics lay in waiting. Buyers were lined up for both, and plenty were in the hold...not one of the buyers specified as to the what or where, and I never asked. All I knew was the money. Rumor had it they were to go to some sort of new technology for the War, but rumor was rumor, and I didn't care.
Stepping out of the ship, I glanced back at it while making my way to the lifts. The Evan Williams was my oldest and closest ship; its Operator Green paintjob glistened in the bay lights. Smiling, I made my way to the lifts and out onto the concourse. TFCS Henry Lee Law, a Fortune - class fleet carrier, was my latest achievement. Months of sweat, trade, and endless spacefaring finally paid off. It was just a couple weeks old; the shakedown cruise took it out to Guardian ruins, Thargoid surface sites, and ancient beacons. I had put the ship and crew through 12 days of brutally hard work, and it was time to give all a rest. The carrier had made for a far faster way to fill my coffers, though. Made it all more worth the while.
"Commander on the bridge!" The Deck Officer handed me a tablet as I exited the lift onto the command deck.
"Jayne," I nodded. Glancing at the tablet, I winced; the total upkeep had jumped almost double. "Gods' breath...what bleedin' happened??"
"The usual, sir," Jayne said sympathetically. "Everything that will break does on the shakedown. Had to have a new FSD regulator shipped to us while you were at the Thargoid site, and that was just the latest. I tried to raise you, but..."
I waved my hand dismissively, nodding. "No worries, understood." With a few taps, millions of credits flowed away and into the black. Handing the tablet back, I walked into the ready room, stripping off the Maverick suit, grabbing a quick shower, and donning the usual...loose khakis, the old Explorer jacket, and a black T-shirt going over the flight suit. I sat down at the desk, reaching for the bottle of Old Sol and a glass. The Galaxy Map came up while I poured; I swiped it around until a familiar name sat in front of me.
Inti.
Home.
I took a sip of the bourbon, contemplating the past days, and the prospect of the first journey completed. It was time.
I activated the shipwide commlink. "All stations, this is Commander Teague. You all have done admirably these past days, even with the strain of the work schedules, repairs...everything that comes with a new ship. You all came to me with good report and well recommended, and your work has reflected it. I am proud to have you among my crew."
I paused. "Consider your positions to be permanent. Unless you desire to take your leave, the Henry Lee Law is now your home. All I ask is your dedication to me and my ship, and your discretion in its workings. This is a safe haven to all, and what happens aboard, stays aboard. Do this, and ye'll be compensated accordingly."
I downed the rest of the bourbon in the glass. "You've served me well, and it is time to reap your rewards. Deck Officer, the order is given." With three button punches, I laid in the coordinates. "Prepare for hyperspace jump; we sail home to Inti."
Even through the bulkheads, I could hear the cheering. I smiled, making my way out of the ready room, back to the command deck and the center chair. The countdown had already begun; thirteen minutes and this journey would be complete.