12/09/2524 - 5 months prior to Contact Harvest -
[All Personnel, we are docking with the Quito Space Tether in T-minus 10 minutes. Please brace for the gravitational turbulence.]
It's been 9 years since I've last seen the glaring atmosphere of Earth. For a planet where every administrative power of UEG- the Unified Earth Government- lies, it seemed almost dull, or at least unimpressive. The planet was right between spectacular environmental beauty of Arcadia and barren desert of Madrigal. Not special, just normal.
What a boring place to spend next 10 years of office, I spoke to myself. But it was apparent that my new boss, who is outright shoving her head into the window, had profoundly different idea.
"It's so different from the Waypoint..."
By the god's sake Liz, can you please behave like a professional? It might be normal behavior for a 56 year old (28 in modern standard) women who just entered society to act like so.
But she was anything but ordinary.
"Don't- I mean never act like that in front of media. ECB news will rip you alive if you make one more-"
"Oh SHUT UP Nic! I've been stuck in this titanium can for two weeks straight from Reach. If UNSC puts me in anything that starts with 'Cruiser' or 'Carrier', I will resign immediately and start another Insurrection".
"It's necessary security measure. You wouldn't be wandering around like a teenager if what happened in Callisto happened here."
"He is correct ma'am." Captain Hood intervened. "After suicide bombing incident at Epsilon Eridani, all administrative personnel are required to be transported in armored vessel."
It's reasonable argument. No military personnel with sane mentality would leave a person as important as her in unprotected civilian vessel. Unfortunately, she wasn't looking for an excuse.
"Ugh, just forget it. Captain Hood. When will we arrive at Sydney?"
"It will take some time ma'am. UNSC Roman Blue is quite a...sophisticated vessel. The engine takes time to reheat after Slipspace jump-"
"You mean it's old." she mumbled.
"-I will pretend I didn't hear that."
She's doing it again, I thought. "Thank you Captain. We'll get ready."
"Sir."
After a brief salutation, Captain calmly walked away with ironclad professionalism he did not fail to execute. My, My. Only if my little superior had learned such discipline.
Captain Hood is a rare breed. He wouldn't leak Liz's other side to media even if he's specifically ordered to do so. He trusts person, not the rank; which is why I requested HIGHCOM to assign him for us.
Much to her uncontrollable boredom, docking ring between Roman Blue and Quito Space Tether started to release its infamous squeaking sound, thanks to lack of maintenance funds from previous U.E.G. administration. I remember handshaking each one of orbital construction workers to criticize former president, despite of opposition from my party.
But it doesn't matter anymore. We have won the Sydney now.
Tap, Tap, and Tap. As she and I prepared ourselves to exit Roman Blue, I asked Liz one most irritating question I had since we entered Sol System.
"You said the Earth is different from what you saw from Waypoint. Does that mean you've never visited her before? Not even once?"
"No. Why?
"...Nothing"
What would 64% of Earth voters think if they knew their candidate cared so little about their district?
Fortunately, we don't need to worry about that. Hundreds of reporters greeted us as the airlock hatch opened. She softly grabbed my hand, and I did the same.
"Ready, Mr. Secretary?"
"After you, Madam President."