1.78 - Going Home
A shuttle back to the Sol system will be arriving soon. One of the few that goes to Nyame. When preparing for the trip back I thought there would be more options. Edan reminded me we’re outside of Sol, Nyame isn’t on a list of travel destinations and Invicta is really against corporations, which would typically provide this kind of travel. Add all those things together, and we’re left with limited options. Well, limited options that are safe. I was surprised security allowed Edan, Enyolo and Velphi all to walk with me to the platform. I guess that’s just a perk of traveling so frequently, or not worrying about strict regulations.
“I feel like we need to have some kind of touching goodbye,” Edan speaks.
“We’re going to see each other again and it won’t be decades. I promise,” I elbow him.
“Your relationship is admirable,” Velphi adds.
The shuttle’s doors open and passengers begin to depart as we reach the terminal. We take a seat and sit silently as the ship empties out and others prepare to depart. The terminal is quickly filling with a wide range of people. Surprisingly, mostly humans. I hadn’t seen so many in this part of space at any point since I’ve been here.
“I don’t know if you remember, but I’m not good at goodbyes. I usually just go without saying anything.”
Edan laughs, “no shit? I remember, last time you just said you were leaving and then one morning you were just gone.”
Enyolo shakes her head in disappointment, “In my culture farewell ceremonies are accompanied with a large gathering, well wishing and gifts to aid in travels.”
“I simply ran for my life,” Velphi adds. “I did not have time to say my farewells or exchange information with those that I love.”
“Well, thank you all, especially my little brother, for all the generosity and hospitality you’ve shown me during my time with you. Even when being chased by bounty hunters and robbed, we had some fun times.”
The four of us laugh about some of the adventures we’ve had in a short amount of time. Almost a year has passed since I left Nyame against my will. I’ve made a lot of money, committed a large-scale robbery, got a new set of armor. I don’t know why I’ll need the chameleon armor, but Edan insisted I keep it. I’ve faced death almost a dozen times despite this adventure starting because he was trying to save me. The flight crew signals we’ll be boarding soon and I prepare for my final goodbyes.
“Hey,” Edan sounds somewhat down, “Enyolo, Velphi, could you give us a minute.”
Velphi gives me a firm handshake and pat on the back as he makes his way out of the terminal. Enyolo surprises me with a hug, she never seemed like the physical contact type; but she did say farewells were emotional for her people.
“67 years,” she winks at me before vanishing into the crowd. That’s more her style, vanishing right in front of your eyes.
“Why’d you send everyone away,” I ask Edan.
“I didn’t want them to see you cry,” he responds with tears welling in his eyes.
“Give me a hug.”
Edan wraps his arms around me tight enough that it hurts a little, but I hug him, and rub his back. The same way I would comfort him as kids when Evan would pick on him. I feel the tears in my own eyes the longer he hugs me.
“We’re grown men,” I laugh. “We’re acting like kids who’ll never see each other again.”
“It was just so long, and I feel like I’ve really got my big brother back. These last few months have been perfect.”
“Except getting shot at and fighting Ajani.”
“Even those were perfect,” he laughs.
“Well, the good news is I won’t be far away. I’m going to make a home on Nyame after I settle my debts.”
“I know what you said, but I can’t help but feel it’s going to be a really long time until I see you again.”
“Even if it is, you can call me this time. You can message me, we can share photos,” I wipe a tear from my own eye. “You’re so damn emotional,” I sigh. “It really gets to me.”
“That’s what little brothers are for,” he smiles.
The announcer calls for first class ticket holders to board and that’s my sign to go. Edan gives me another hug, this time quicker.
“I love you, and don’t fucking die in prison,” Edan smiles at me.
“I love you too, and you try not to die in prison either. I want you to see the ranch.”
As I board the shuttle Edan gives me one final wave goodbye, I return the gesture before scanning the ticket on my wrist comp. I’ve never traveled in first class before, it should be a new and thrilling experience, but as I take my seat, I don’t feel any joy. I’m just as anxious as when I was sneaking off to Pluto for the first time. I’m just as sad as when I woke up missing an arm. Glancing out the window Edan still hasn’t left the platform. I give him another wave as the doors finally begin to close. The staff gives their information about safely traveling and I keep my eyes locked with Edan until he’s no longer visible as the ship moves into the launch corridor. He’s so damn emotional, and it gets to me every time. The sentence about finally getting his brother back sticks out in my head as the ship begins to rumble as it’s moved to begin takeoff.
The familiar pressure as the ship exits the space station at speed and enters space, hurtling for the a Hafengdan somewhere a few hours away. A message from Tawa arrives as soon as we reach cruising speed. It’s a photo of the two of us with Edan. I don’t remember taking this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he took it with his security camera. It’s the three of us laying around after cleaning his apartment. Another message arrives from Edan. It’s just a note saying he misses me already. I shake my head and laugh before sending a message saying I miss him as well.
“Would you like anything to drink sir,” a stewardess asks me.
“Something strong and fruit flavored. Then maybe a water to wash it down.”
“I know just what you need. I’ll be back momentarily.”
I’m still not much of a drinker, but I’m going to need it for whatever comes next. Is the ranch even still there for me? I’ve got money but I haven’t spoken with them in almost a year. Will I actually have to go to prison and what comes next. It’s daunting, and it’ll plague my mind as I travel these next few days. But I’m ready for whatever comes next. I don’t have any other choice.
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