The Call of Home - part 1

The breeze slowly blew among the ancient trees of the Sarrainen Forest, high in the mountain range with the same name on Malkalen V, the sun slowly setting, it's now orange light turning the entire snowy landscape into a wonderland. On the shores of lake Mullanen a small settlement prepared for the coming evening, one by one it's lights flickering, turning on, their reflections now visible on the lake. The town of Lorraiemi had been estabilshed decades ago as something of a resort in the mountain range, without too much industry, a perfect place for any Caldari to find peace and quiet.

Most structures were the same prefabricated designs, just assembled in different ways. As night approached many workers from the local small factories retired toward their homes or public recreation areas for a drink. Hovercars roamed the streets, mostly local inhabitants moving away from the low density industrial areas back into the town for the night.

Larin Oriannen, a rather old Ishokone Watch officer parked his patrol car slowly in front of "The Ice Bear", one of the most famous local pubs, with a rather bored look upon his face. As he stepped into the light of the pub's entrance he pushed the door with his gloved hand, smiling as the warmth of the establishment touched his face. The bartender, a Deteis woman smiled seeing the aged officer and spoke "Done for the day Larin, shall i get you the usual?".

An approving nod from the Watchman made the woman move toward the drink distributor machine. Removing his winter jacket Larin took seat in one of the high stools by the bar looking around from instinct. Several workers were there, each keeping to their own, a couple of them playing a game of Holo-Darts. His eyes also noticed several young couples by a table, enjoying themselves with a card game. The State had legalized gambling thus such games were allowed in public places. Nothing seemed to be bothering the tranquility of this town.....

.... But soon, this would change. Flying over Lake Mullanen the AVS Avenger, a Cormorant-class destroyer approached the small town's Star-port. Besides a couple of shuttles and the odd frigate ships rarely landed here. While it had facilities to keep larger ships nobody every bothered to visit Lorraiemi except winter sports enthusiasts and the rare Ishukone official. The roar of the Destroyer's engines filled the valley that hid the lake as it flew low, no higher than one hundred meters above the water. What started first as a low rumble  grew into an infernal noise now. Many inhabitants of the town rushed to their windows or the streets.

Soren Kerrin, a dock-worker at the hover-craft rental facility raised his head only to watch the star-ship approach, over two hundred meters long, the lights of it's multiple decks and navigation lights turning the surface of Lake Mullanen into a veritable light show.Around him several others watched this rare sight almost awed. Their eyes could see the ship's landing struts being lowered as it moved toward the star-port, it's landing and spot lights coming online. All across town the news spread like wildfire of the ship's arrival.

With aging eyes Larin Oriannen observed the whole scene as he had moved into the streets at the first signs of the approaching vessel. Close to him a young girl asked shyly "What is that, Mr. Oriannen?". Her small hand pointed to the landing Cormorant.

The Watch Officer smiled a little, trying to find the best answer to give the inquisitive child "It's a Cormorant, Keika. A large starship, they rarely come here". The child looked at the scene,then back at the officer, awed and perhaps a little frightened by the ship itself.

Meanwhile, at the Star Port

Several port service vehicles made their way toward the landing pad that had been set active for the Cormorant, slowly stopping to a halt. Towering above them the sub-light engines of the star-ship powered down, it's other systems still running. Before the eyes of the maintenance of the service personnel the access ramp lowered, it's edge gently stopping onto the ground. The staff leader slowly approached it, setting his gaze upon the figures descending on the ramp.


 Keirra wearing a set of her usual utilitarian clothing, wrapped in a double insulated winter suit stepped slowly on the ramp, taking in a deep breath of the planet's fresh air. Her eyes pierced the twilight as she moved to the foot of the ramp, followed by her companion, a large Minmatar male, dressed in a similar way. She turned to him and smiled, a genuine happy outlook on her face visible "Welcome to Malkalen V my friend. It's time we took a vacation".

The Brutor smiled, as this was his first time stepping off the ships and stations, feeling good about the change of atmosphere. As a free man it was his first time ever visiting a Caldari controlled planet but it pleased him. More stories to tell to his tribe back at home on Pator. A low voiced remark came from him "I suppose this is winter, it's rather cold".

An approving nod came from Keirra who was already on her way toward the port workers. For the first time these Minmatar heard the Caldari language as greetings were exchanged. His eyes scanned the surroundings, observing several shuttles and a couple of atmospheric transports parked at the terminal. However his attention was turned again toward the Caldari. He could hear laughter, perhaps joking as Keirra interacted with the staff.

Turning her golden maned head toward her Minmatar crew, Keirra smiled "Don't be afraid gentlemen, we're among friends here, no need to be shy about it". With radiating eyes she looked to her left and the small town a couple of kilometers away. She felt like jumping out of her skin out of joy. After so many years she knew she finally answered it, the call of home and her first destination was clear in her mind. She would visit her grandparents.