Chapter 55: Lieutenants
The ride back to the Fort was quiet.
Charon and Emerius sat in the back of an APC with a dozen other officers, all of them looking like they had been through the underworld and back.
Ironically, in a certain way of viewing things, they had been doing just that.
Things were tense between him and his friend, the two having not addressed the argument since it occurred.
’It’s better that way. I don’t know if we will ever see eye to eye on that subject. It doesn’t matter, anyway. Once we get back to the academy, he will go off to please his family, and I will be fighting for the Empire.’
It was that very thought process that kept him from breaking the ice, even when they rolled up into the hanger bay.
Without a word, the two stood and walked down the ramp, covering their eyes as the bright interior lighting oppressed their retinas, dark spots appearing in their vision.
’Gods, have any of these people considered mood lighting? Between this and the endless sunshine outside, I doubt I’ll see darkness ever again.’
A mousy-looking man soon approached them and identified himself as the attendant assigned to them.
"If you could please follow me, the First Among Elders is expecting you in his private study. He does not like to be left waiting; some expediency would be appreciated."
Deciding it was in his best interest not to sour any good grace he had with the old man, Charon quickly followed the attendant, making some casual small talk along the way. He asked about the Fort and the military hierarchy, hoping to get a sense of day-to-day life for someone who lived there.
"It is pleasant enough if you work hard. The city provides everything you could need, from food to entertainment, purpose, and safety. The only difficulty most face is trying to maintain their position."