[color=#FFFFFF]Matt is sitting in a black leather chair. He stares out the window to the city below. In one hand he holds an unlit cigarette. He is seemingly puzzled by the thing. In the other, he holds a bottle of Scotch. He is overlooking the financial district, gleaming cars whiz past and well dressed business men and woman go about their business. A female voice starts up again behind him.
"So in our last session you were telling me about the trial."
Matt turns in the chair to face the woman. He sighs and closes his eyes to become lost in his own thoughts.
"Aye? Yeah, Dad's on trial for his role in the kidnapping. Then there's the whole corporate espionage thing the authorities uncovered. I didn't realise how low he could stoop. Now it's bringing tha' whole family down."
Matt takes a sip from the bottle of Scotch. It's harshness took him aback slightly, and it dulled the pain in his mind.
"Please, continue. Why is your family "coming down" so to speak? Do you not still have the support of your mother and brother?"
Matt glares at her with an ice cold stare, the Psychologist immediately sees that she has touched a nerve.
"Well, John's gone on deep cover assignment. I don't know about it, he wouldn't fracking tell me! No-one in High Command will tell me crap. And Mum? Hell she's off on some research expedition as far as I know. She ain't returning my calls and Ageria want nothing tae do wi' me." "Doesn't Ageria respect an officer of the law?" "They dinnae have tae tell me anything, not since tha' LSF retook control over Mum's research project. That effectively killed it. Ageria weren't pleased about it and now they *especially* don't want tae talk tae me."
Matt draws the cigarette to his lips and lights it. He inhales and starts coughing.
"In my professional opinion, I advise you to quit right now before you start any more bad habits." "Pfft. Amount'a people that want tae kill me already, somethin' like this ain't gonnae do it."
Matt stood up and went to the window, this counselling session was turning out to be the same as the previous ones. It was just a reality check and a chance to update the Physologist.
"Your superiors have advised me that the Omaha will be able to fly again next week." "Aye. Instead of getting shafted by Hale, I get me own command. Just whit Dad wanted." "She may be ready to fly again, but I don't think you are." "I've been flyin' fine this past month. Frecking smugglers are dead, hacker gunships are dead, taken oot two Rheinlanders in tha past week alone!" "And yet, your judgement is impaired and if you disembark with that ship and crew, you'll find yourself in a situation which will demand quick action and sound judgement. You took 20 minutes to decide to light a cigarette."
Damn, Matt thought. She has you there.
"Aye and?! Listen lady, over this weekend I have tae talk to different Estate Agents to try and find a way out of the Government selling 'aff the Smith house. Some damn law on proceeds of crime. That means I'll be Father-less, Brother-less, Mother-less and Home-less. Nae a pretty sight fer any man a'ight. Sure I gotta lot on my mind but I can still frecking fight!" "And what about Angelina?"
Matt froze on the question. He stammered and shook his head before finally being able to answer.
"Well, she was released from hospital. I only saw 'er tha' once. It wasn't... I mean, tubes everywhere.. Face covered in cuts and bruises..." "So you abandoned her?" "NO! NEVER! I couldnae see 'er like that." "And yet, now she's been released - you've made no effort to contact her. Why?" "I dunno, just.. I'd lose her again. I've lost everythin' else. I'd lose her." "Do you want that?" "I dunno. I need tae sort this crap oot before thinking about whit I want. Whit I want isnae important right now"
Matt honestly didn't know what he wanted. Things seemed so much simpler when he was studying his Engineering modules at West Point. It was always something that he wanted to do when he retired, to set up a small workshop back on Denver. Perhap's he should jump at the chance now rather than later. The Physiologist simply remained silent and took some notes while Matt watched as a Mammoth transport took off.
"I just don't know Miss. I guess I'll find out more when I see the Estate Agents this weekend." "Well you are making progress, as soon as I think you are fit for command. I will report that back to High Command. Currently, due to your personal life - I recommend staying out the cockpit for the time being." "And ye' know fine I won't." "Yes, that's a given. Just try not to get yourself killed. Otherwise that's an end to whatever legacy you wanted to make. History will remember you as a nobody. Some kid in the Navy. Good Day to you Mr Smith."
Matt walked out the tower block slowly and pushed the bottle of Scotch into his jacket pocket. Manhattan was cold today, and the chill bit into him. He zipped his jacket up to his neck and made his way back to the spaceport. His thoughts took him back to the beaches of Los Angeles and to one of Ensign LeBlanc's parties. He longed for the simple pleasures of hot beaches and cold beer's.
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