[b][u] Aurolia Orbital Dock 14 [/u][/b] [img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/3212571e-04c6-4f6f-84ca-36e7fedaf069.png[/img] Several days had passed since Gaius' fateful encounter with Agent Severis, enough time to have his own affairs set in order. He of course couldn't divulge the true details of his mission to his family, all that could be said however, was that this would be his final tour of duty along with announcing his well-deserved retirement from naval service, much to the pleasure of his children and grandchildren. ----------------- Gaius sat alone in the troop bay of a razorwing combat dropship, the only company being the pilots, his luggage, and a service droid provided by the Agency. In his boredom, Gaius enjoyed some small talk with the pilots, exchanging some terrible jokes here and there, and the pilots pestering him once or twice about his time in the war, but eventually, they had finally arrived. "Captain, we're on approach to Orbital Dock 14." one of the pilots announced. Following this, Gaius stood up and walked over to the cockpit, flanking the pilots as they all took in the view as they drew closer to the installation, the docked [i]Dawnhammer[/i] coming into view. One of the pilots let out a loud whistle. "Impressive ship." "Well she oughtta." Gaius said. "Been at my side since the war." The dropship continued its approach, moments passing as they finally entered the [i]Dawnhamer[/i]'s massive hanger bay, making it's slow descent to the floor, the interior of the ship making a "thump" sensation. "Well Gentlemen. Gaius spoke. "That's my que." "Captain, it's been an honor." One of the pilots said. "And...good luck." The other pilot said. "..Thanks" Gaius said, walking away, signaling his service droid to pack up his things, with a simple nod, the droid complied and grab a hold of two heavy suitcases. The loading ramp lowered, revealing a his XO, young man in an officer's uniform, plus a two squads of marine standing at an orderly attention, greeting their captain. "Welcome back aboard, sir." The Officer saluted Gaius with a smirk. "I see shore leave was cut short?" "Good to be back Janus." Gaius saluted back. "Ready for our last round?" Janus' smirk swiftly became a slight frown, the realization sinking in. "Yeah..we're gonna miss you, sir.." "Ooh don't give me that look." Gaius said, giving off a wide grin. "I ain't dying, not yet at least." He joked, although considering the mission, it's partial to truth. "These bones are startin' to get old, I feel I've done enough in my lifetime." "Understood, sir." Janus said, who signaled the marines to disperse, as they retired for the day, one thought had almost been forgotten."Oh, sir, you have some "Guests", I'll meet you in the bridge when you're ready." "Guests?" Gaius was puzzled, twisting around before one particular group stood out among the uniformed crew, his wife and wing filght mates standing near another dropship. Gaius walked over, still puzzled, why were they even here? But before any questions were asked, Gaius gave each of the old starhounds a tight hug, and an intimate kiss for Isana. "Little much to see me off huh?" "Well, yes." Isana replied. "Did you think you'd be going in this alone?" "If this is your last mission, we want in." Caris said followed by a fist pump. "Just like old times, right?" Giddy said. Gaius wanted to object, this mission was unlike anything back in he war, the consequences of any mishap would be disastrous for them and for the Republic...but, if all goes according to plan, this would be their final mission together, and honestly? He wouldn't have any other way. "..Yeah, just like old times." "That's it? No bitching about protocol?" Isana jested. "Who the hell do you thin I am?" Gaius jested back. "Besides, the mission itself is very unorthodox and I'll take any good help I can get." "The last flight of the Starhounds!' Caris shouted joyously. "Let's make it count."