Just a short little chapter this time, as I said I'm kinda drowning in exams for the moment. Also! I thought this story needed a cover so I made one. It's based off something I did for my media course but it will be significant in future chapters. Its not perfect but I don't really care, for an afternoons work I'm happy with it.
Pablo signing off!
The tavern was filled with loud banter and friendly conversations, in the corner Vixen and Hecht were chatting amongst themselves, workers and other guests kept a wary eye on them. Richard pushed the doors open like it was an old western film, garnering the attention of everybody in the bar causing an awkward silence. He looked left and right before finding the others in the corner, Meilin shook her head and turned away, the rest of Orion pushed Richard out the way and took a seat around the large table.
"How you doing?" asked Mon Craft before throwing back a decent amount of his drink, a drop or two ran down his chin, "This stuff is good!"
"We're good, how about the rest of you?" Paul asked as he pulled up a chair, Miku sat on his legs as he sat down.
"Sounds like you guys had fun, news travels fast around here, killing that Consierd thing sounds like a story and a half," said Meilin.
"I'm sure Richard would love to retell it," Chris playfully punched Richard's shoulder guard.
"You bet I would!" he said excitedly.
"Especially the part where you spoke about regretting your amazing plan and running like a little bitch."
"You heard that?"
"I guess only true heroes leave their radio-link on then?" asked Keiran.
"Of course."
A waitress came over to the table and set down four flagons of ale for the guys, Mon thanked the waitress and she left them. Richard set his helmet down on the table and had a small sip of the ale.
"Hold on a minute," Punky pointed at Richard, "Aren't you guys a little too young to drink?"
"I'm eighteen soon and I'm the youngest so it's basically okay."
"Hey I'm the youngest!" Miku pouted.
"Fine, youngest Spartan. Happy now?"
Miku nodded and watched Paul as he tasted the ale.
"Come to think of it? How old are you Miku?" Cassidy asked. Miku thought about it for a moment before answering.
"Technically, I'm five hundred and forty-five years old, but I'm actually only sixteen."
"Oh yeah, the college was founded just after the new millennium wasn't it?"
"Screw how old she is!" Meilin said, "I wanna know how they met."
Miku blushed a little, "W-w-well … um."
"Aww she's gone all shy," Mala rested her chin on her hands.
"I signed up for the college when I was about fourteen," Paul started. Meilin, Mala and Cassidy listened intently. Paul carried on talking about the story whilst the others conversed amongst themselves.
"So where are you from Craft?" asked Chris.
"I was born in the Deneb system before the war," Mon Craft started, "I went back after the war to see what was left. It's safe to say there wasn't much."
"Any family members left?"
"Only two, my sister and her son who live on Earth now."
"What about you Punky?" asked Richard.
"Why should I tell you?" he snapped.
"I'm just trying to start a conversation here."
"Ignore him, these guys are not the type to talk, so don't ask them about their lives," Mon interrupted.
"Well what about you Lovisa," Chris turned his attention to the blonde who was silently drinking, "You got any family?"
"I do, but nobody I can go back to," she said coldly.
"I won't ask."
"Good."
Chris washed the awkwardness away by downing the rest of his drink. A group of musicians took their places on the small stage and began playing a gentle melody, a young woman stood at the front of the stage, singing softly. She smiled as cheers from the crowd reached her. The Spartans listened to the band, they ordered more ale, and began drinking the night away. Later in the night the band finished their final song and had left, a fair number of Asmodians were also still drinking and conversing when the Spartans decided to leave. Cassidy pointed up into the sky, huge twinkling swirls like stars radiated out from what seemed to be the top of the beam of light, which was said to be the remains of the tower that held Atreia together. They gazed at the lights for what seemed like a lifetime, the solace and peacefulness was broken by the sound of engines thundering over the city. The group made their way over to the landing site, Mala was still hobbling along on crutches, she stopped to rest her injured leg.
"I guess Kasamoni's suggestion didn't work?" asked Paul.
"Maybe it only works for Asmodians," Mala said with a smile.
"Or old wives tales," Lovisa muttered.
Laura stood with her arms crossed, she seemed impatient, or annoyed.
"Where have you been?" she asked angrily, "A message was sent out two hours ago!"
"Sorry ma'am," Craft yelled, saying he was slightly drunk was an understatement, "We're jusht tasting the fine Ashmodian beverages!"
Laura looked at him in disgust, "How much did you have to drink?"
"Only a couple of pints… or maybe a dozen."
"You better sober up by the morning, otherwise Hecht is staying aboard the Infinity."
"Yesh ma'am!"
Mon Craft attempted to salute before stumbling up the ramp into the cabin of the Pelican, followed by Punky, Nova and Pyre.
"Orion! Vixen!"
The rest stood to attention.
"Get some rest, but be ready by dawn. The Asmodians want our help with some home security problems."
"Ma'am?" Mala asked tentatively, "What about me?"
"Stay aboard the Infinity, Vixen will go without you. Are you Ok with that?"
"Yeah its fine, it's not like I can do much anyway."
Laura gestured for the teams to board the Pelican, watching Mala as she went by. Laura knew what it was like to be out of action when the rest of your team was fighting, watching helplessly from the sidelines, at least Mala's team would still be alive when she recovered. Laura stepped aboard behind them and signalled to the pilot that it was clear to take off.