Chronicle of the Unknown Sector. (#Wattys2015)

Part 14: Primal among the tame.

Many planets and regions of space within the sector visited, the Abaconda and it's crew rejoined the space station Transcendence. Serpent Companies battle-weary troops and refuge people of Winters Trading company docked then left the minorly damaged strike cruiser being met by med-teams and engineers that had been on stand-by should worst be foreseen.

Troops bantered about their loved ones, an appealed catch for the singles and even the delighting desire to be back, their Commander on the other hand kept his head in the frame of threats always lingering at every turn, however a sudden commotion snapped Pablo out of this mindset as a number of his troops were pursued by suited figures.

Taking curiosity to this he walked over with the thudding of his armoured boots clanking against the hangers floor, "Care to state what's going on?" Pablo asked reaching a stop in front of both the suits and troops.

"Oh, you're their Commander am I right? Would you be interested in applying for our insurance policy?" one of the suited people spoke out almost shouting directly at him whilst shoving a data-slate in front of Pablo's eyes. Forcefully prying the data-slate from the persons hand Pablo scanned over it's contents before turning his sight upward almost staring down toward them as they asked "Well, what do you say?"

"You know, I already have a form of insurance. Serves well as a problem solver too." Pablo stated drawing his Ion-handcannon holding it's barrel upward with his finger off the trigger "No strings attached, no long term payments, just point at the issue and let the rest follow suit." he added with a deathly stare striking fear into the salesmen as they ran frantically.

With his troops laughing at the sight and Pablo adding his own smirk as he placed the weapon in hand back within the holster attached to his leg, Pablo proceeded to heading towards the main hub of the station.

Compared to the first time he'd stepped within the stations interior, Transcendence had been reformed into a city-station complete with gardens, along the way people waved towards him causing a look of confusion to arise as he simply half waved back.

Finally reaching a spot to sit in silence Pablo peered upward whilst leaning back against his seat, through the clear ceiling was the vast ocean of stars. In that moment he felt at peace within himself, Bao'ke, Erghun, Merydion being the list of planets he'd visited aboard Strike-cruiser Abaconda, he pondered on what planets he'd have to fight on next.

"Welcome back Commander." a soft gentle voice rang into his ears causing him to blink a few times turning his head to face the origin of said voice, it was Callandra with her caring smile as she added "Mind if I take a seat?" which in turn Pablo answered with a simple 'I don't mind' look. The pair sat admiring the stars before Callandra placed a invitation next to Pablo causing him to peer down at it.

Picking it up reading over it he then raised his eyebrow for it stated "Commander Modoon, you have been honoured with the awarding of the highest award within the tri-powers. Solar shield of stars", lowering it Pablo arched forward resting his chin on his overlapping hands. "The highest honour huh? Why do those words feel so hallow." he uttered with a heavy sigh turning his gaze toward Callandra upon resting her hand on his shoulder.

"Commander, you are a man who knows loyalty and honour. Never once have you expected something for your actions, volunteering to dive from the stars headlong into the fray to ensure the lives that those who serve under you as soldiers live. Willing to state your life in turn to do so" Callandra explained toward him still holding her smile, "To me, that is the sort of man who deserves that award most" she then added standing up taking her leave with her last words being strikingly true "If not for your sake, then for those who look toward you."

That entire night Pablo was unable to catch a wink of sleep, staring into the abyss contemplating on what to do. Accept the award that is being offered to him knowing that some were who stole his life away, or dishonour the fallen who willingly gave and paid with their lives fighting as the sectors hope, what felt like an eternity for just a few seconds he finally decided as he turned to face the photo of his mother remembering words of wisdom she had told him, 'without hope and faith, people won't fight for what is true' pulsated in his mind forcing him to sit up.