These are the Voyages

[Old_Sparta]

Darius strolled slowly back to the rear of his Rhino's cockpit. He always made a point of trying to keep active in small ways like that. Sometimes, that's all the exercise he get for hours on end, sometimes days it seemed. Running a hand through his dark, black hair, he examined the control panel in front of him. For not the first time, he was glad he made a point of stocking Rheinlander coffee. He'd made a point of having a small kitchen station of sorts in the back of his freighter, so he didn't have to stop off quite so often. Reaching below the counter built into the wall, he retrieved a carafe. Even with the life support controls built into the Silent Echo, space was hard and cold. The coffee would help.

For years, he had flown freight in service to Liberty. Today was to be the end of that run, though. Too many close calls in recent weeks left him contemplating his own mortality all too seriously. Since before he could remember, he and his family had risked their lives moving cargo from system to system. Although his family had originated from Rheinland, and claimed Liberty as their new home, Darius had never felt more home than in a space ship. He could still remember the emotional last day aboard his father's ship. He found it so moving, he tried to shake away the memory. Got to focus on other things.

With a swipe of his hand, he called up his flight plans. It was odd, flying his first cargo run as a civilian. Normally, he depended on military intelligence, and pre-determined routes. He examined the hologram before him, while sipping the hot brew. He couldn't help but make a face. I am going to have to pick up some fresh coffee when I hit plane-side next. This freeze-dried stuff just isn't cutting it. Licking his lips, he prodded the hologram with his little finger. The next stop on his route was illuminated, and data on the station scrolled through the air. In spite of himself, he had to chuckle. It was an odd freedom, to plot his own courses. Despite the jaded attitude of most spacers, Darius felt a sense of nakedness, a sense of exploration. These are the days. he thought. These are the voyages- he smiled, and allowed the voice to trail off in his head, liking the sound of that.

Now, back to those flight plans. he tentatively sipped his coffee. I just hope they have fresh coffee in stock on Planet Erie.

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