The private transport slid smoothly into the docking bay. John lifted his
hands from the ship’s controls and left the docking to the experts in C & C.
The familiar jolt and thud of the locking mechanisms told him he could
disembark the vessel. He hit the release for the safety harness, stretched and
scrubbed his hands down his face.
The whiskers on his CHEEKS attested to the long, arduous journey back home.
As much as he loved space travel, it still felt good to be back on solid
ground or as solid as a SPACESTATION can be.
All he wanted to do now was complete the ritual of washing his own SOCKS,
take a hot shower, shave and hold Delenn in his arms, not necessarily in that
order.
He slung his BACKPACK over his shoulder, picked up the gift he'd bought for
his fiancé and headed off the transport.
Choruses of “Welcome back, Captain” greeted him as he walked through the
Zocolo. He spotted a botanical shop and stepped inside. A large bouquet of RED
roses captured his attention. They were the real deal and not the synthetic
variety.
He scooped them up, slid his identacard into the vendor slot and continued
on his way.
He'd just entered his quarters when the babcom unit beeped. He groaned and
debated for two seconds not answering the communication, but he was the
Captain and it may be important.
“Play.”
“Hello, John.” His heart tripped and emotion lodged in his throat. The
beautiful face of Delenn filled the screen. “Welcome, home.”
End.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.