Enroute to Obsidian Command

Posted on 27 Sep 2024 @ 7:51pm by Lieutenant Commander Dresden Cage

Mission: M4 - Falling Out
Location: San Francisco, Earth
Timeline: 0830 - 1130 AM, Five Hours Before Arrival at Obsidian Command
1199 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting long streaks of sunlight across Dresden’s mostly-empty apartment. The soft glow illuminated the few remaining items scattered about—a few books, some data pads, a couple of personal trinkets that had been overlooked during the initial packing rush. Two medium sized duffle bags sat in the center of the room, their mouths gaping open, ready to receive the final remnants of his life in San Francisco. Everything else of value had already been transported to Obsidian Command, where his new quarters awaited him.

Dresden moved through the apartment. There was a finality to packing that always felt more emotional than expected. As he folded the last of his clothes, placing them carefully into one of the bags, his mind wandered over the few years he’d spent here. Setting aside the last few weeks, it’s been a fun ride.

He shoved the last pair of boots into the second duffle bag, then zipped it up with a heavy sigh. It felt strange, knowing that this was the last morning he’d spend in this place. San Francisco had been good to him, but the uncertainty of his new assignment at Obsidian Command loomed large in his mind, occupying every free moment.

He jumped into the shower one last time, brushed his teeth, got dressed, and took a look around one last time for any remaining things. After finding none, he slung one duffle bag over his shoulder, letting it rest on his back, while he grabbed the other with his left hand. He made his way to the door. He paused for a moment, then placed the apartment key on the counter. He’d already informed the landlord of his departure. His contract was officially terminated, and the apartment was no longer his.

Dresden closed the door, made his way outside and stopped for a second. The cool morning air greeted him as he descended the narrow staircase to the street below. His steps were steady but heavy, and he could feel the tension in his body growing with each moment closer to the shuttle port. This was it. There was no turning back now.

The city buzzed with its usual morning activity. Shuttles passed over head, hover crafts traveling around, while pedestrians hurried along the streets, their lives continued on without interruption. Dresden adjusted the duffle bag on his shoulder and headed toward the shuttle port. It was a 15-minute walk, and the city’s familiar rhythm gave him some sense of normalcy even though he was leaving it.

As he neared the shuttle port, his stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten anything yet. A small breakfast spot caught his eye, tucked in the corner of a busy street near the terminal entrance. Without hesitation, Dresden stepped inside and grabbed a booth. The interior was reminiscent of an old diner and he loved it. He ordered his favorite: a bacon, egg, and cheese hero with large coffee. Brand: Bustello, an old coffee recipe that the male lineage of his family enjoyed back in the day. The booth was by a window which oversaw the front of the port. He sat his bags down beside him with a thud. The smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee filled the air, and for a moment, the tension in his shoulders eased. This was familiar. This was comforting.

As he waited for his food, Dresden pulled out his datapad and began scrolling through the information he’d been given access to about Obsidian Command. His promotion to Lt. Commander and the position of Chief of Security came with full clearance, which meant he could start reviewing personnel files, ship records, and security reports. He’d read bits and pieces yesterday, but this morning, with time to spare, he decided to really dig into it.

The first thing he pulled up was a detailed profile of the station’s Commanding Officer. Captain Corvus DeHavilland—a highly experienced officer. He had a reputation for being tough but fair, someone who expected excellence from his crew. Dresden respected that. He wasn’t the kind to shy away from high standards. Still, it was always good to get a sense of what kind of leadership he’d be working under. Next, he read up on Commander Thaddeus Zayne, the Executive Officer. Zayne’s file was interesting to say the least.

The bacon, egg, and cheese hero arrived at his table, which removed his focus from the data pads. The sandwich was piping hot and wrapped in foil. Dresden took a bite, savoring the taste. It was exactly how he’d like it—crispy bacon, perfectly melted cheese, and eggs just right. He took a sip of coffee and turned his attention back to his datapad.

The next section covered the station’s senior staff he’d be working closely with. Dresden skimmed over their profiles, noting key details: service records, commendations, and any disciplinary actions. He realized that there was another security officer in his department, Lt. Commander Sebastiaan Van Der Laar. Van Der Laar lead the security investigations unit. Good to know and good to have. He was going to have to lean into him. After that came the security reports. Dresden took a deep breath and dove in. There had been a few incidents recently, some minor scuffles, but nothing major.

Two hours passed as Dresden continued to pore over the information, his focus broke only by the occasional sip of coffee. By the time he finished reading, he felt a bit more prepared for what was ahead. Obsidian Command was going to be a challenge, no doubt about it. But Dresden had never backed down from one before, and he wasn’t going to start now.

A chime from the datapad signaled the transport shuttle’s imminent arrival. Dresden checked the time. It was almost 1100 hours, and the shuttle to Obsidian Command was on schedule. He gathered his bags, slung the duffle over his shoulder again, and headed toward the shuttle terminal.

The terminal was bustling with activity, but Dresden easily navigated the crowd. He found the docking pad, flashed his ID at the attendant, and stepped onto the loading platform. The shuttle was sleek and modern, its dark gray exterior shimmering in the morning light. Dresden boarded quickly, finding a seat near the window. He stowed his duffle bags in the compartment overhead, then settled into his seat, pulling out his datapad once more.

The shuttle’s departure was delayed by fifteen minutes, giving him more time to review additional security files. Dresden scanned through recent station reports, his brow furrowing as he came across a few flagged entries. Most of them were routine—equipment malfunctions, minor protocol breaches.

The shuttle finally lifted off, smoothly ascending into the sky. Dresden looked out the window as the city of San Francisco grew smaller beneath him. The shuttle angled upward, breaking through the atmosphere and entering the vast, dark expanse of space. It would be a five-hour journey to Obsidian Command, and Dresden used the time to rest, though his mind kept racing with thoughts of what was to come.