California Sands
The sun dipped low over the horizon, tainting the once blue sky with an amethyst glow. The clouds were lined with gold, the silver glittering stars stunning him with their beauty.
He took a long breath, seeking to fill his lungs with the scent of the ocean once more, the sand falling from his grasp as he took large handfuls between his fingers.
This was his favourite spot in California. The sun beat mercilessly onto bronzing bodies during the daylight hours but at night the city seemed to come to life with a different kind of purpose.
He had sought the sands of California for this different beat; he had believed the vibrations would finally tell his heart (and his head) what it was he truly wanted to do. The answer seemed simple, but when he thought about it he couldn't quite get his head around it, too many different scenarios popping in and out.
He loved the ocean; it soothed him, the waves meeting the shore in a gentle swish, swish, swish. The sea breeze helped cool the heat the day time sun had shamelessly caused.
After spending so long in Antarctica, he felt he was owed some quality warmth. After all, it may be his last.
His mission to find this old City seemed suicidal, maniacal and he wondered whether he needed to call the psyches on the people he'd met not more than a day ago. General O'Neill had given him an ultimatum, one he'd been sure would be easy to fulfil.
But as the day had worn on, it had become more difficult. A journey to another galaxy seemed like an opportunity that couldn't be missed. And yet, he found himself unable to resolve himself of the fact he may never come back. He may never see the faces of his few friends, his ex-wife, his dog ever again. He'd never see a sunset like the one in front of him ever again.
He may not even live 'til the end of the week.
But there was something there, something coursing through his blood, telling him he had to go. It felt like a calling – it was sure as hell an act of fate that he'd been asked.
There was something waiting for him in Pegasus, he was sure of it.
He just wasn't sure he was man enough to claim it as his own.