Off To St. Albans

[Trace Kennet]

Trace looked over the displays one last time, confirming that everything was ready for take off. Reaching over, he picked up the comm and broadcast a message to the entire ship. "Hold on tight everyone, here we go." Replacing the handset on the wall, he flipped a switch to engage the engine. He heard the engine engage, and he pulled back ever so slightly on the controls. The ship practically jumped into the air at his touch, almost as if she were saying, "I'm free, let's go." Trace let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding, and he relaxed a little. It was like he was finally home, after a lifetime of being away. "Alright," He murmured, "Let's get going."

The ship responded to his slightest control, and he settled in as they climbed higher and higher. This was it, he thought, this was what he had always dreamed of. Trace's face broke into a smile, and he began to feel really free, for the first time in his life.

[Lars Engström]

Sitting in his office, Lars heard Trace's message over the intercom. This is it, he thought to himself, we are back on our feet. He pushed all the thoughts of the personal issues on the ship out of his mind for a moment, and closed his eyes. His heart began to beat faster as he felt the ship lift off, and he smiled. Nothing he had ever experienced could compare to the feeling of leaving a planet, it never got old. He propped his feet up on his desk and returned to thinking.
After they were out of atmo, he would go pay Dru a visit. He hoped she would settle down a little once they were away from Osiris, and there were some things that needed to be discussed. But for the next few minutes, he was alone, and happy. He sighed a contented sigh. Why can't more time be spent like this? he wondered. This was the way life should be, without problems. With that thought, he let his mind slip into oblivion for a few minutes. Soon enough he would have to return to his role as a captain, but for now, he was free to day dream.
After several minutes had passed, Lars decided the time had come. He headed off to the passenger area to pay a certain guest a visit.