Crossing the Galactic Rubicon

Chapter VI: Old Contacts

13 June, 2304

Something big was to happen, but it started no different than previous days. Tiber played games on his mobile device in his room and greased his hands from eating chips from a bag. No one really visited him apart from Cato Pansa checking on him every once in awhile. Most of time involved quietness It was unusual for Tiber. He thought his last days in the legions would amount to a battle calling for immense bravery, but now it seemed like the opposite.

He felt like things were really speeding up and unfolding. These past days have been more eventful for him ever since the year began. He assaulted his centurion, and was almost shipped away. Now central command was interested in him. He believed a lot of it was out of his control. People were sending him away or wanted him for something else and could do nothing to influence it.

"Damn it," Tiber remarked. The grease levels on his screen progressed beyond Tiber's tolerance. It became harder to shoot the Norusian targets in his game. He tried wiping the grease off with his sleeve but that only succeeded in smearing it.

He wiped harder anyways. He wiped so intensely that a banging on the door startled him. Somewhat rude, even the most strict centurions would have the courtesy to chime the door. He rose from his bed and approached the door.

The door slid away to a another legionary who looked years younger than Tiber, and definitely carried less authority.

"Legionnaire Tiberio Pelagius?" He asked.

Tiber nodded his head.

"Some individuals from central command require your presence in the tribune conference room, I will escort you."

"No, I'm fine going alone."

Tiber felt a heavy grip on his arm, "I am required to see you there myself," the messenger said.

He pulled his arm away from the grasping, "Brother, I'm not going anywhere if that's what you're worrying about."

"I want to avoid trouble so you best come with me," he insisted.

"Fine." Tiber was already bitter and he had not met whoever wanted him.

They walked through the same maze of halls and room that Tiber had done numerous times ever since he entered the base. It was a bit awkward for Tiber to have someone escort him around the base. Luckily, no legionary really laughed at him.

The two entered the main building from behind where it was closer to the barracks. The main building was three storeys high and consisted an assortment of rooms and chambers. Tiber never seen it before, but the obscure conference room where the tribunes met was on third level with the other important rooms. The new sights sparked some excitement with Tiber.

They took the central elevator which was also new for Tiber. Most bases that he deployed at were not even a month old and did not have sophisticated features. This base was one of the first to be established in Haschundland.

The conference was not too far from the elevator. Tiber bore some anxiety, but less the amount than his first visit with these command type. In the Galactic Roman military, one needed to gain command and experience to climb the hierarchy. With the assassination mission, Tiber went from answering to his centurion to seeing the imperial legate. Tiber was thrilled but shook nervously too when he met him.

Tiber truly neglected to know what the topic of this meeting was. This meeting, and nothing else, was the only information he held. Maybe it was related to his outburst with Darestes, but that was a local issue. It could be anything, and hopefully it was not too serious.