VC2 Chapter 21-Slow Days

Sector 2100

Planet 2101

November 18, 2052

Stein entered the Mess Hall and greeted Tarbuck who was taking a sip of cold beer.

“It's different with Charlie's absence.” Stein sat down beside the man.

“Yes it has. The mood here is not as lively as it used to be. We all worry about him.” Tarbuck pointed at the crowd of soldiers just standing about talking quietly to each other.

“Need a drink sir?” a solider attending to the bar offered Stein with a bottle.

“Sure, why not.” Stein took the cold beer into his hands and smiled.

“Let's make a toast.” Tarbuck wobbled as he stepped off his chair.

“To what?” Stein took a sip of the refreshing beverage.

“To Charlie! Of course!” Tarbuck shouted loudly unaware of his misdemeanour.

The crowds turned their head towards the Rear Admiral and raised their glasses.

“To Charlie.” the soldiers shouted in unison.

“To Charlie.” Stein raised his drink and clinked with Tarbuck's.

“Another one for me sir!” Tarbuck gulped his drink and slammed it on the table.

“I think you had one too many...” Stein sat Tarbuck down.

“Poor fellow woke up last night muttering about Sarah before going into a coma.” Tarbuck sighed and laid his head on the table.

“Come on, let's get you to your quarters.” Stein gently patted Tarbuck's back.

“Ahhhh, without Charlie handling diplomatic relations...things have been falling apart.” Tarbuck moaned and groaned as he got up slinging an arm around Stein.

“We'll talk about it next time. Let's worry about getting you sobered up.” Stein laughed lightly as Tarbuck walked into table.

As the pair slowly walked out of the Mess Hall, the alarms suddenly lit up and sounded off.

“Warning, new bases detected nearby! Warning, new bases detected nearby!” the alarm blared.

“Awww shit. My ears!” Tarbuck covered his ears in pain.

An officer rushed toward the two and saluted.

“Sir, initial reports that CMD is here.” the officer handed a slip of paper to Stein.

“Who the hell is CMD?” Tarbuck said groggily.

“Core Militia Division sir.” the officer replied without hesitation.

“Sounds like some noobs.” Tarbuck laughed lightheartedly.

“Officer, take the Admiral to his quarters to rest. I will take care of this.” Stein redirected Tarbuck's arm to the officer and glanced at the slip.

“Yes sir.” the officer nodded.

 “I'll get this to Owens at once.” Stein thanked and rushed off.