The Last Night

Posted on 24 Sep 2024 @ 4:53am by Lieutenant Commander Dresden Cage

Mission: M4 - Falling Out
Location: Dresden’s Apartment, San Francisco, Earth.
Timeline: 2100 Hours, Less than 24 Hours Before Arrival at Obsidian Command
743 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

The night was still and peaceful in San Francisco. The city’s usual hum of activity was slightly muted as Dresden Cage sat in his apartment, the soft glow of his video monitor illuminating the otherwise dimly lit room. Most of his belongings had already been shipped to Obsidian Command, leaving the apartment feeling emptier than usual. Only a few personal items remained, scattered around the space, waiting to be packed into the duffle bag at his feet.

On the screen before him was the familiar face of his younger brother, Denver Cage. Despite the years that separated them, there was a strong bond between the two—one forged in the fires of shared experiences and mutual respect. Denver, did not take the path of military service. He did however take the path of political office and he had always been one of Dresden’s closest confidants.

“So, they’re really sending you to Obsidian Command,” Denver said, his tone half-impressed, half-concerned. “You’ve always talked about getting a big assignment, but this is… well, it’s something else.”

“Yeah,” Dresden replied, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples. “It’s a big deal. It’s an important post, and I’m grateful for the opportunity, but… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous. It’s a lot of responsibility.”

“Of course it is,” Denver said, his expression serious. “But if anyone can handle it, it’s you. You’ve always been the one to step up when things get tough.”

Dresden smiled at his brother’s confidence in him. “Thanks, Den. That means a lot, coming from you.”

There was a pause as Denver seemed to consider his next words carefully. “Just… be careful out there, okay? I know you’re good at what you do, but Obsidian Command is no joke. You’re going to be dealing with some tough things. First, the enormous space you will have to manage. Hundreds of decks. Build a good team around you and you’ll be fine.”

“I know,” Dresden said, his voice softening. “But I will be fine. I promise. I’ll keep in touch—send you updates whenever I can. And who knows? Maybe you can come visit me out there once I’m settled in.”

Denver chuckled. “You know I’d love that. Maybe one of the political delegations I’ll be assigned to can swing by. But seriously, don’t worry about me. Just focus on what you need to do. You’ve got this.”

“Yeah,” Dresden said, nodding more to himself than to his brother. “I’ve got this.”

They talked for a little while longer, reminiscing about their childhood, joking about old times, and avoiding the looming reality of Dresden’s departure the next day. Finally, as the hour grew late, Denver leaned closer to the screen, his expression earnest.

“Take care of yourself, big brother,” he said “And remember, you’ve always got people back here rooting for you. Don’t forget that.”

Dresden felt a lump in his throat as he nodded. “I won’t forget. I promise. And I’ll be back before you know it. We’ll catch up properly then.”

They exchanged a few more words of encouragement before saying their goodbyes. As the screen went dark, Dresden sat in silence for a moment, letting the stillness of the apartment settle around him. It was strange to think that this place, which had been his home for so long, would soon be just a memory.

With a deep breath, Dresden stood and began packing the last of his belongings into his two remaining duffle bags. A few clothes, some personal items, and a small holopicture of his family. He zipped up the bag and set it by the door, his mind already shifting to the tasks ahead.

He moved over to his desk, where a stack of paperwork awaited his signature. Last-minute orders, transfer documents, security clearance confirmations—all part of the bureaucratic dance that accompanied a change in assignment. He signed each document with the practiced ease of someone who had done this many times before, though the weight of the moment wasn’t lost on him.

As he finished the last form, Dresden sat back and let out a long breath. It was done. Everything was in order. All that was left was to get some rest and prepare for the journey ahead.