Tony had been through a lot these past couple of weeks. It reminded him of his tour aboard the USS Varjhey during the Dominion War. That underpowered antique had been little more than target practice to the Dominion. He could remember at least three times when that ship should have gone up in flames, yet somehow didn't. It almost made him believe in God. Tony was forced to come to grips with his mortality during that war. It wasn't that he had gotten used to the notion of not coming home, it just didn't consume his thoughts. He had made the conscious decision to enjoy life while he could. He was twenty-nine after all, and wasn't getting any younger.
His debarkation line met up with three other lines from other transporter pads. Even though he didn't have any luggage, Tony was content to stand in line patiently until he saw a familiar face waiting for him at the end. "Ricky!" he yelled over the noise of the crowd. Tony began shoving his way past the line. Most of the people responded to his enthusiasm by shoving him back or muttering an insult under their breath. He didn't care. His little brother was waiting for him.
Rick Moreaux heard his big brother's voice and started looking for him. As Tony shoved his way forward, Rick saw his older brother. "Tony!" He yelled back. He moved as close as he could to the exit of the 'Arrivals' terminal.
Tony hit a block of people near the exit to the main concourse. He hopped over the glowing fiberope keeping the line organized and ran to his brother. They gave each other a tight hug. "Heya, slacker!" Tony yelled. He grabbed his brother into a half-nelson and messed his brother's already messed up brown hair.
Rick responded by giving his brother an elbow in the stomach. "Hey yourself, ya hack!" he replied with a smile.
Tony stumbled back from the hit and ran into a couple coming out of the exit. "Sorry." He offered half-heartidly. Dirty looks from the couple eluded to their willingless to accept his apology.
The couple continued on while Rick ran his fingers through his hair. Breathing heavy from the mock wrestling match in the middle of O'Hare, he asked, "So, you wanna head back to the apartment, or grab something to eat first?"
Tony stood up, rubbing his stomach. "How about both? Let's get in your transport and get a hold of Angelo's and pick up a pizza on the way home."
"Ready to hit the hard stuff already, huh?" Ricky asked, laughing. "Sounds like a plan." He motioned towards the front doors. "I parked across the street. Let's burn." The two put their arms around each other and headed towards the door.
