The Road Back
05 May 2023Pasopati
CMDR PasopatiShip: Imperial Cutter "Lady Andini"
Location: Orbiting Yurchikhin Station, Andhrimi
Date: 05-05-3309
It feels strange to be back here after so long. This station, these people, they all feel so familiar yet so distant at the same time. It's been months since I left to find myself, to escape the impending doom of the Thargoid war. But now, I'm back and it's like I never left.
As I walked down the hallway of the Paladin Consortium's headquarters, memories flooded my mind. It had been months since I left the faction in search of myself, but now I was back. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I passed by the familiar faces of the pilots and engineers who used to work alongside me.
"Hey, Pasopati! Long time no see!" A voice called out from behind me. I turned around to see my old friend and mentor, Commander Jackson, walking towards me with a wide grin on his face.
"Jackson, it's good to see you too," I said, smiling back at him. "How have things been around here?"
"They've been good, but not quite the same without you," Jackson replied, patting me on the back. "We've all missed having you around. Are you back for good?"
"I don't know, Jackson. I'm still trying to figure things out," I said, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "I just needed some time away from all this."
"I understand. But you know that we're always here for you, Pasopati," Jackson said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Whatever you decide to do, we'll support you."
I nodded, grateful for his words of encouragement. "Thanks, Jackson. I appreciate it."
As I continued down the hallway, I heard snippets of conversation from the other pilots and engineers. They were discussing the recent developments in the galaxy, including the looming threat of the Thargoids.
"Have you heard about the latest attacks on the frontier?" One pilot asked another.
"Yeah, it's getting worse every day. We're going to need all the help we can get," the other replied, his voice laced with concern.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry in my chest. The thought of another war, another conflict that would only lead to more destruction and loss of life, filled me with dread. I knew that I couldn't sit idly by and watch it happen.
"Excuse me, Pasopati?" A soft voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see the head engineer, Maria, standing next to me.
"Hey, Maria. What's up?" I asked.
"I just wanted to say welcome back. We've missed your expertise around here," she said, giving me a small smile. "And I heard that you've got yourself a new ship. Care to show it off?"
I grinned. "Of course. Follow me."
I had come to Paladin Consortium looking for purpose, and I found it. The Consortium's mission to protect the galaxy from danger and oppression resonated with me. I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself, and it gave me a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before.
But as time went on, I started to feel restless. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was meant to be doing something else, something more. And then, news of the Thargoid war reached us. It was like a dark cloud looming on the horizon, and I knew that I had to get out before it was too late.
Leaving Paladin Consortium was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. I felt like I was abandoning my comrades, my friends. But I knew that I had to follow my own path, no matter where it led me.
Now, as I stand here in the familiar surroundings of Paladin Consortium, I realize that I made the right choice. The experiences I've had since leaving have taught me so much about myself and the universe around me. And now, I'm ready to bring that knowledge back to the Consortium and continue the fight against the darkness that threatens us all.
As I board my ship, the memories of my time here flood back to me. The excitement of my first mission, the thrill of flying with my squadmates, the pride I felt when I was promoted. I'm filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the experiences that led me here.
But now, it's time to move forward. I power up my ship and take to the stars, ready to face whatever challenges come my way. I am Pasopati, and I am Paladin.