[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/2rzyA1k.png[/img]
[color=crimson][h1]The HMS Nyx[/h1][h3]Over Annona Colony[/h3][/color][/center][hr]

The forward observation deck of the Caliban-class assault carrier sat just above the actual bridge of the ship, its wide viewing windows nestled beneath the ship's sensor arrays and various antenna. The already sparse interior of the observation deck had been stripped, and converted into a sort of Officer's Lounge- allowing Victor or other officers to get some nice and quiet time without having to intrude on the generally rowdiness of typical rank and file crewmen. Lighting was kept minimal, instead relying on the light from the sun, nearby planets and stars, while a low table and a few sections of couches kept the sightlines long and relatively undisturbed. In place of a bar, the corner had a single cabinet for liquor, as well as an antique globe that could be opened up to store liquor- a gift from the Royal family to Victor himself for his services. 

While there was no written rule that said no one could enter, usually when Victor entered the observation deck, it meant he wanted to be alone and left undisturbed- though there were always exceptions. Not that he ever asked anyone to leave, and he entered infrequently enough that for the most part the other officers on board were more than happy to clear out for their commanding officer. As such, Victor stood alone in the observation deck, in the red and white of the Zern Imperial Navy Uniform, impeccably tailored to his form, golden Signifer ranks emblazoned on his shoulders. At a waist chest high counter that ringed the outer wall of the observatory sat a cigar, leaning against an ashtray, its tip smoldering a deep orange, as small wisps of smoke wafted upwards towards the vents above. 

Ice clinked against glass as Victor lifted a glass of whiskey to his lips and took a sip, the golden amber liquid pressing heat into his stomach as he stared at a crumpled and damaged photo unfolded and held open with his other hand. His eyes flitted from the picture, to Annona Colony, with Venus and the rest of its habitats in the background. He let out a soft sigh. 

[color=crimson]"I'm home."[/color] he murmured quietly, half to himself, half to the picture in his hand. He let out a soft snort at that. [i]'Home'[/i]. As much as he loved Venus, it wasn't exactly his home anymore- or at the very least it didn't feel like that anymore. The sentiment was a lot stronger now than it used to be- Venusian Zerns weren't Venusians anymore. It was a sad thought- the reason he joined the military in the first place now hating him. 

[color=crimson]"Venus is different now. Or maybe I'm different. I'm not even sure if you'd look at me anymore."[/color] he said softly, his thumb slowly tracing the outline of the face on the picture. He flipped the photo over and read the handwritten note- circled with a heart on the back for what must have been the thousandth time.

[sub][i]To my dear soldier, come home soon! - Amanda[/i][/sub]

Pushing thoughts from his mind, Victor lifted his tumbler. He regarded the amber liquid for another moment before taking another sip of the drink. The warmth, slightly sweet and nutty taste of the liquor was an acquired taste. He had never had the luxury of actual liquor back on Venus- nevermind actually being able to afford it. It wasn't until he got promoted to Signifer could he afford to regularly buy luxury whiskey in any real quantity. He scoffed at himself, he could vividly imagine the faces of the people in his old neighborhood if they saw him drinking and tasting actual whiskey like some bourgeoisie pissant instead of holding his nose and downing the bootleg booze they used to brew in their basements.  

[color=crimson]"Alice,[/color] Victor called aloud, [color=crimson]"What's our status with Annona Station?"[/color]

A moment later, a feminine- if slightly hollow voice rang through the intercom speakers of the observation deck. [color=lightblue][i]We have just received a report from Annona Station: Docking request has been approved, and accommodations will be provided.

Additionally, a note from Annona Station: "Welcome home, Lion of Gibraltar!"[/i][/color]

Victor snorted audibly. 

[color=crimson]"Tell the Captain to bring us in- And tell the crew to be on their best behavior. We're going to be rubbing shoulders with Nobility soon."[/color] 

[color=lightblue][i]Yes, Signifer.[/i][/color]

Victor sighed and rested his arms on the short bar. This would be their first time docking in months- the 5th fleet had been out putting the Caliban through its paces. Getting used to the ship and its functions, testing mobile suit catapults and combat readiness drills and the like. All in all, it had been an incredibly dreary and boring few months, the Caliban had lost its new ship wonder and luster within the month. However now, with the Venue arriving in Venus soon, Victor and his crew would be expected to be on hand. Whether it was as a safeguard, a new toy to show off at the Expo, or just at Royalty's whim, Victor wasn't entirely sure, but chances were they would need something of him.    

[color=crimson][i]"Welcome home."[/i][/color] Victor repeated to himself mockingly.

Welcome home indeed.