[Fan Fiction] Outrageous Fortune

[Stuckenschmidt]

Coromodir Orbit (Command Center)


Kamea and Koch were alone in the room, when a communication signal from the surface reached the `Roncales`. A few moments later they saw Director Espinosa.

"Uncle.", Kamea said with a cold voice.

"Kamea. It is strange. All these years in exile. Months of civil war. But this is the first time we talk to each other. Maybe we should have done so before."

"There is no need for extensive talks anymore. The Reach has been liberated. The Founding Families and their forces have united under my banner. You are hopelessly outnumbered. The war is over. Spare your men this last onslaught and surrender."

"Well. I still hold Coromodir. And Lord Madeira is here with us. I don`t think you want something happen to him. So I suggest that you go somewhere else, Niece."

"This is not how it will work. Alexander knows about the risk he is in. But he would never want the war to carry on if there is the chance to end it immediately. So I ask you the last time to surrender."

"I am afraid I can`t."

The projection ended. For a moment there was silence, until Kamea began to speak.

"My Uncle is a fool to sacrifice his last men in a needless fight. But so be it. Commander, I am going to order the attack of all forces of the Founding Families. I want your unit to serve as reserve."

"Aye, My Lady."

*****​

Roughly an hour later most of the crew had gathered in the Cockpit. Usually nobody else than the pilots and the Commander was allowed in there, but today there were no rules. Koch wanted everyone to witness something, they would maybe see never again in their lifes.

"Woooow.", one of the Engineers said.

"This must be at least one full Regiment. Plus Infantry and Tanks.", Georg Seeler said.

"Too bad we are not with them.", Medusa mentioned.

"They won`t need us.", Darius meant.

"In the evening you may praise the day.", Yang said. Koch heard it and nodded innerly.

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Coromodir Orbit (Command Center)


The Officers and some crew members had gathered, although there was not a lot to do. They knew that down on the surface the battle for Coromodir was raging, but they were not part of it. Every now and then they heard a random radio signal, but not enough to get a picture of what exactly was going on. Eventually Koch ordered to launch a recon drone. It took some time until the capsule had entered the atmosphere and descended close to the battlefields, but finally they saw something on the screen.

It became even more silent. Those with combat experience evaluated what they saw and Koch came to the conclusion, that the Restoration had more firepower on the field. So basically it was just a matter of time now.

"Sir!", Sumire said. "We have a new contact closing in on the planet. It just appeared on the screens."

"What is it?"

"I have seen this energy signature just once before. And if this is not some weird coincidence, then it has to be the `Iberia`."

Koch leaned back against the wall and thought for a second. "Sumire. Contact Lady Kamea as fast as possible."

*****​

"Are you sure?", Kamea asked shortly later.

"Absolutely. We have a clear identification. Ostergaard did not obey the orders and is waging his own war."

"What do you think?"

"Well, I don`t know, how many units he has aboard. But whatever he has got, it will be supported by the ship`s artillery systems. He will be able to prolong the conflict on the surface."

"This must not happen. We are so close to victory. But we need an idea how to stop him."

"My Lady.", Doctor Murad interrupted. "We might deploy Locura against him."

"What? Didn`t you say that it would be hazardous to touch that thing ever again?", Yang asked.

"It is. But with my current knowledge I might be able to use it against Ostergaard. It is a desperate plan, but as it seems we have nothing better. Anyway. We will need a communication array in order to deliver the package to the `Iberia`."

"I know one.", Kamea explained. "On Lyris, the second moon of the planet. But it is still controlled by the Directorate."

"Then we will have to change that.", Koch said.

"Good luck, Commander. And please waste no time, for it won`t take long until the `Iberia` will be able to land on the planet."

"As always, My Lady."

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Lyris Surface


"One, I am in."

"Roger. Don`t smell the roses there."

Koch made a grunting sound when Doctor Murad reported, that she had entered the Control Room of the Communication Array. He had been surprised, that the defense consisted of nothing more than a few Turrets and a rather weak Mech Lance. But he did not complain. Especially since it would take some time, until the Doctor would be able to upload the virus to the `Iberia`.

"One, contact incoming.", he heard Sumire`s voice. "A Dropship heading to a Landing Zone southeast of you."

Indeed a Leopard Dropship deployed another Lance of Battlemechs, and this time it would not be easy, for immediately he saw a LRM salvo, that could only origin from a Catapult. His own Lance closed in on the enemy, but the installation was spread out with limited lines of sight. But the two PPC carriers, that Lady Kamea had organized as support, were already harassing the enemy. One of them exploded simultaneously when the Highlander fired its first Alpha Strike and destroyed a Quickdraw.

The battle was rather even, until the Atlas and the King Crab were close enough to bring their full firepower to bear. A Grasshopper had to be taken out, before the Catapult came in sight. Although a sturdy Mech, it had no chance when faced with the damage output of the Lance of the Grenadiers. Eventually the second Quickdraw was destroyed and the installation, although damaged already, was under control again.

"Doc, here One. What is the status?"

"Working on it,Commander."

"One, here Fortune. We are approaching the Evacuation Zone.", Sumire reported. "But we are not the only ones. I see another contact approaching from the north."

According to the plan, the `Fortune` was heading for a spot directly south of the installation. But the Grenadiers also heard a second ship landing to the north. The stomping they heard next made clear, that some heavy units were appoaching, although the first enemy contact was a Jenner. But seconds later Autocannon projectiles damaged the right side of the King Crab and the notorious silhouette of a JagerMech came into sight.

The Grenadiers turned around, supported by the remaining PPC carrier. But PPC fire also came from the other side.

"One, I see a Banshee.", Intendant said.

Koch looked on the screen and gave orders. "Ignore it. I see a Battlemaster coming in."

Seconds after he said it, the air was filled with laser beams, signalling the arrival of the Battlemaster Assault Mech. Immediately after the Jenner exploded, all four Mechs focused their fire on that Mech. Fortunately Koch`s Atlas and Dekker`s King Crab had enough spare heat to perform a combined Alpha Strike, severely damaging the enemy Mech. In the meantime the Highlander received heavy damage and had to retreat to the second line.

Fortunately the BattleMaster was brought down at the same time. The remaining three Mechs now turned toward the weak armor of the Jagermech, that could not resist the combination of Autocannon and LRM fire for long, before the pilot had to eject. The last enemy standing was the Banshee. While Intendant`s Highlander hobbled out of sight and the King Crab protected its damaged right side, the enemy received more damage from LRM, until it lost enough stability to fall on its back.

Koch and Dekker approached the now helpless Mech. The projectiles of three AC/20 penetrated the center torso, ultimatively destroying the enemy Mech. After a heavy fight, it became silent again.

"One.", Koch heard Doctor Murad saying.

"Yes."

"I am finished."

"Right on cue. Execute."

"Yes, Sir."

*****​

Coromodir Surface


Lieutenant Roald Nygard was pleased so far. He and the rest of the 3rd Parata Hussars had fought well during this battle. Nevertheless the casualties had been high among this Infantry Regiment. The units were not at full strength, when they arrived at Coromodir and effectively it consisted of only two Battalions. But together with some Light Mech units they had been able to secure some of the fortifications in the outskirts of the capital and thus secure the flanks of the main assault toward the city center.

"What the hell is THAT!?", he heard someone shout. He looked around and noticed, that everyone was looking to the sky in the west. He raised his head and then he saw it. A giant, flaming meteor entring the atmosphere and flying across the sky. He realized, that it was a large Dropship. But through all the flames and smoke he was not able to identify the type and emblems.

Everyone was mesmerized by what happened and even the fighting stopped, as the people were watching the inferno coming down toward the surface. Eventually it hit the ground and the silence was interrupted by a deafening noise, while the earth shook under the feet of all spectators. Lieutenant Nygard fell to he ground. When he raised again, he saw a huge cloud of dust and soil coming his way. For a while it became dark around him and he had difficulties to breath. Eventually the cloud passed by. He had to cough and drink a sip of water, before he was able to focus on the surroundings again.

When he looked toward the impact site, he saw that the landscape around was destroyed and on fire, the Dropship just a burning wreck. He wondered, whether anyone aboard had survived this catastrophe. He grabbed his binoculars. The surface of the ship was burned or deformed. But at some point he thought he recognized the emblem of the Concordate. But maybe he was wrong. He turned away and began to give orders, so the battle would continue.

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Coromodir Orbit (Command Center)


The Grenadiers had returned to the `Roncales` as fast as possible, although it took some time to get into an Orbit of the planet again. There they learned, that the battle was almost over, with the bulk of the remaining enemy forces being encircled inside the capital. Kamea had returned to the Grenadiers either to discuss the recent developments.

"That Ostergaard guy surely must have been crazy.", Koch said.

"Well, he lost his son.", Kamea pointed out.

"With all due respect, My Lady, but thousands of people died. If everyone wanted to seek the people who killed their parents, children or siblings to take revenge, then the Universe would be an even more uncivilized place."

"Lady Kamea.", Sumire interrupted. "The Directorate is anwering your call."

Kamea and the others turned toward the Holographic Projector, where the image of Santiago Espinosa appeared.

"We meet again, Uncle. The Iberia is destroyed. Your forces defeated. Surrender now and put an end to this struggle."

Santiago did not say something for a while. Koch saw into his face and recognized the facial expression of a broken man. Eventually the Director adressed his Niece.

"Kamea, all I did was for the Reach. I wanted a stronger realm, but you did not listen. Your Restoration, this civil war, will leave it weak and vulnerable. Ready to get destroyed by any other entity. But this does not matter anymore. I have lost. It makes no sense anymore to continue. I hereby surrender."

"NO!", a female voice shouted in the background and everyone around knew it was Victoria. "We have to fight to the end."

"Victoria. It is over. The Directorate is gone. To continue this means to let people die for no good reason."

"You dare talk to me about unreasonable death? After all you made me do at Perdition? You are a coward. Kamea! This is not over yet. It is between you and me now. Come to the old Tournament Ground. Your Lance versus my Lance. Refuse, and I will personally kill Madeira."

The signal was cut and there was silence in the room. Koch looked at Kamea. At other times he would have said that she should not take the risk. But this was personal for her. Madeira was her friend. Victoria was a relative who had betrayed her. He would not be able to convince her to stay away from a duel. So there was only one way to support her.

"My Lady. My best Mechs and Pilots are at your service."

"Then let us go ahead and bring this to an end."

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Coromodir Surface


The Tournament Grounds. In other times Mech Pilots had been trained here and sometimes there were indeed Tournaments, where the people were able to witness two or more Mechs fighting each other. Now they were too, unfortunately with all the death and destruction linked to it. But this would be the final battle. Kamea appeared in her Atlas, and so did Koch. Glitch came in the King Crab and Medusa in the Highlander.

As they arrived near the site, they heard some last radio signals between Victoria and her father, but he was not able to convince her to stop. Koch could not help but think that Aurigan women seemed to be a bit more stubborn than those at other places. But maybe it was just a nobility thing.

The Lance advanced and soon there were the first contacts, followed by a salvo of Autocannon projectiles. But it had been fired too soon and missed Glitch by far. She and Medusa covered the right flank in order to attack the Jagermech. Soon three more contacts appeared. A Cataphract, an Awesome and a King Crab. The latter being Victoria`s Mech.

And so the battle began. Victoria had made a mistake to bring a Jagermech, for they are easily overwhelmed. This one was no exception, and so the Grenadiers soon had the advantage of numbers. Victoria focused her fire on Kamea`s Atlas, but the latter kept a safe distance to avoid the Autocannon, while the other three Mechs eliminated the Awesome. Now the Grenadiers split their fire. While Glitch and Medusa attacked the Cataphract, Koch fired the first salvo toward Victoria. Seeing that she got distracted, Kamea got closer to her cousin either.

Now the enemy King Crab received damage from two sides and it began to show, when the left arm was ripped off. Koch slowly switched to the other side and two Mechs hammered on the Crab`s left Torso, destroying it in the process. One could see,that the Crab was overheating and soon the reactor began its self-destruction.

For the first, and last, time they heard a transmission.

"...never...surrender..."

Then the reactor exploded.

Koch turned to the east to check the situation, but the Cataphract was going down in the next moment. The other Mechs had received no serious damage. When he turned around again, he saw Kamea`s Atlas standing in front of the destroyed remains of the King Crab. He slowly moved his Mech next to her`s.

"I did not want it to end like this.", she said after a while.

"To be frank, I think you did."

"For all the harm she did she deserved this end, yes. Yet she probably got the end she wanted. Maybe she even longed for it after Perdition. But now the people won`t see her at court to receive justice."

"Her father is still in your hands."

"Yes. But her betrayal did hurt more."

For a minute or two it was silent and Koch wondered, was she was thinking about. He had no idea how close the two women had been in better times, but it was clear that Kamea must experience a ton of conflicting emotions when looking at the broken Mech. Anyway, they should not spend too much time here, when they should be at more important places.

"My Lady. The capital is waiting for you."

"You are right."

The Atlas turned around and moved toward Cordia City, followed by the other three Mechs.

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Coromodir (Cordia City Palace)


Koch was in his best uniform. Although that did not mean a lot today. On the way through the city the whole population had been in its best clothes. When he approached the Palace, hundreds of Officers and Nobles from the Reach and other Realms were present in bemedalled Uniforms and luxurious dresses. He felt a bit like a recruit in his outfit, that looked very basic and simple compared to them.

But he got something, many others would dream of today. A private audience with Lady Kamea on her coronation day. And so he was sitting in a small antechamber, waiting for a servant to appear and guide him to her rooms. Eventually a door swung open and a man in livery appeared, making a gesture pointing to the room behind.

“Lady Arano will receive you now.”, he said.

He went into a considerably large room. It was bright due to a lot of natural light coming through the high windows on the other side of the room. Additionally the walls and the floor were made of bright material like marble. He saw Kamea standing on the other side of the room, looking out of a window. She wore a splendid white and red dress similar to the one he saw the first time they met. It was strange. He knew her for months but she had always been in her Uniform. Seeing her like this reminded him, that she was not a Soldier or Commander. At least not in the first place.

When he came closer he saw, that she was looking at the place, where the coronation would take place. Although there was still time, there were already thousands of people waiting.

“My second coronation day.”, she said.

“I am sure it will proceed better than the first one, My Lady.”

She turned her head to the left and gave him a smile. “I am not your Lady, Commander. Not even your employer anymore.”

“Nevertheless the High Lady.”

“Not for you.”, she said and grabbed a small and red wooden casket. She held it in front of him. “Open it.”

He picked up the lid and in the inside he saw a small golden medal. It was round with the emblem of House Arano on the front.

“This is the Coalition Order of Merit First Class. My father endowed it and you are the first person to receive it, who is not from here.”

Koch was a bit perplexed, for he had not expected this.

“This is the least I can do to express my gratitude.”, she explained.

“We always got paid.”, he said.

“For doing your job. But this is to reward loyalty and honesty. Not of a Mercenary Commander, but a good friend. And my name is Kamea.”

She reached out her hand and Koch shook it. “It was a pleasure, Kamea.”

“Likewise, Martin.”

He took the casket, closed it and put it in one of his pockets. Then he looked at her again.

“What are you doing now?”

She looked out of the window, but this time with a wistful expression.

“You know, this is what I have been dreaming of for years now. To return home. Bring down the Directorate. Take my rightful place on the throne. But now, that I am here, I don`t feel as happy as I should. My uncle was right about one thing. The Reach is now weaker than ever. The economy is in shambles. Tens of thousands died. There is a lot of devastation to fix and grudges to heal.”

She made a gesture toward the crowd outside.

“All of them expect, that the situation will improve and that I am going to be the one to achieve this. So do I. On their behalf. On the behalf of the dead and wounded. And for my own sake.”

He looked at her. There it was again. The doubts and the insecurity whether she was good enough to overcome the obstacles of life. He had his thoughts about that, but right now a bit less honesty and a bit more confidence was necessary.

“To be frank, this is normal when one door closes and the next opens. See, I have never been in the position to turn from a leader on the battlefield to the leader of a whole nation. But the Kamea I know was always willing to face challenges and make decisions. Sometimes dangerous, sometimes controversial decisions. But it would have never been an option to sit there, do nothing and watch how things unfold.”

She smiled. “Maybe I should have listened to advisors more often.”

“Lord Madeira would approve of that.”, he answered and could not suppress a short laughter.

“What are your plans?”, she asked.

“We are leaving this part of the Universe for now and move to the Inner Sphere. There is business to do, friends and families to visit.”

“Sounds like a well deserved break. I wish you all the best.”

The two gave each other a hug and with a last smile he turned around to head for the door.

“And…Martin?”, she said, making Koch turn around in the middle of the room. “Don`t be a stranger.”

“Yes, My Lady.”, he replied with an ironic smile.

 

[CHH_Rampage]

I enjoyed your story. Thanks for writing it.

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

There is a bit epilogue coming up tomorrow, so we are not completely done yet. All my FanFic Stories have a "The End" at the, well, end.

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Space Transit (Captain`s Quarter)


Koch sat on a chair with crossed legs and looked out of the window into the Universe. His left arm rested on the desk and held the Medal in his hand. He glided over the surface with his fingers, while pondering about the events of the last months. It had been an interesting year. A small Mercenary Company struggling for financial survival was suddenly a well known and popular unit with no limitations whatsoever. They were free to go where they wanted and even be picky about future contracts.

So, from a materialist point of view, it had been an outstanding success and everyone had reason to be happy. But there was more to it. He looked at the Medal. He moved it a bit back and forth and saw how the lights from the ceiling reflected on the surface. There was something left to do. He had delayed doing it until now, but he felt that this was the right moment.

He sat proper at his desk, took a pen and a piece of paper and began to write:



Dear Mother
Dear Father

You have not heard from me for a long time now and I apologize for that. I have to admit, that I actually did not want to write you, until I was certain about whether the path that was lying ahead of me was right or not. You know that I have always held strong opinions concerning everything I deem important and that my decisions are a direct result of these convictions. Decisions, that separated me from my family and country.

I am going to believe, that I did not change in the meantime and I say that with a decent amount of pride. I have not been sure at first, whether the decisions in my life had always been right. Back in the Commonwealth I have had the opinion, that I was not treated properly according to my rights as well as my performance as a citizen. I still think, that I was wronged, but hold no grudge or hard feelings toward anyone anymore. For without these events I would have never had the chance to experience what I witnessed recently.

You may or may not have heard about the situation in the southern periphery called Aurigan Reach. If not, please take a few moments to read about it. I don`t want to go into too much detail right now, but let me just tell you, that I have been part of those events and, as frightening as they were, that they helped me to come to the conclusion, that the decision to begin a new life outside the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth has been right.

When I was still in the Armed Forces, it has always been my conviction, that I do not only serve my country, but also the people of the Commonwealth, so they may live their lifes in peace and free of fear of external threats. I have learned that, although the people must be protected from foreign threats, they may have more to be afraid of from within. That suddenly their world collapses and a new menace, bred inside their society, will come down on their heads like an unexpected and sudden thunderstorm.

That all the certainties of life, their hopes, dreams and aspirations will get erased and locked away in new, dark and dreadful places, yet unimagined in their worst fears.

That liberties, dignity, decency, anything of value will get reduced to nothing.

Nevertheless I have seen that desperation and misery does not stop people from standing up against the forces that make their lifes miserable and that leaders rise to reinstate the status they deserve and long for.

Leaders, willing to recognize and fulfill the simple needs of the common man.

Willing to personally lead the people in combat, to take the risk of ultimate failure and share the hardships and imponderabilities of war with those they command.

Leaders worthy of their elevated position, worthy following, worthy of ruling countries and their people.

People, who might feel inspired, sense a spark of hope and see a new day rising at the horizon, that may bring a better future for them and their loved ones and make the horrors of the past go away like a bad dream.

I had thought that what had happened to me in the Commonwealth had bereft me of the possibility to lead an honorable life. But the recent months have showed me, that this is not a question of the uniform one is wearing or the place one is serving, but the willingness to do what is right. I am grateful for the experiences I made and the lessons I have learned, although they sometimes came at a tremendous cost.

I hope you are all well and that what I have done may make you feel satisfied with my choices. I send you my best wishes and soon I will report you everything in detail, for I am coming home.

Your loving son

Martin

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Bromhead


Morning (Captain`s Quarter)

Paperwork. Koch did not like it, but it was necessary. Plus they had time, now that he had ordered the Grenadiers to take a longer break from business. He leaned back in his chair. The `Fortune` had landed at the spaceport and from his window he was able to see some other small Dropships or planetary ferries. It was good to be in the Inner Sphere again. It was calm, organized and peaceful here and he enjoyed the fact, that there would be no combat mission for a while. Everyone, including himself, would have the time to relax and come to terms with what had happened this year.

Then he heard a knock at the door.

“Yes?”, he said. The door opened and Intendant entered the room. After she had saluted to Koch, she stood at ease.

“Sir, I am here because of my submission.”

“I know.”, Koch said and grabbed a sheet of paper from his desk. “You want to leave us. May I ask why?”

“Sir. It has nothing to do with you or this Company. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to serve with you.”

“So?”

“When I signed up for this company I told you, that I would follow your lead, even outside the periphery. But I am afraid that I have changed my mind.”

Koch looked at her with an understanding expression. “It is not easy to leave home.”

“Yes. And no. See, I would not mind leaving the Reach under different circumstances. But you know in what a desperate and weak state the coalition is right now. They will need any help they can get. The Armed Forces are being reorganized and they are looking for loyal citizens with combat experience. I was contacted by the recruiting officer of the Household Regiments and they offer me a position as Lance Commander.”

Koch smiled. First of all because he was happy for her. Secondly because he understood her sentiments all too well. Thirdly because he was not completely innocent, since he had passed her name to the Commander of the Household Forces. He stood up from his chair and made two steps toward her.

“Well, it is of course a loss for us to let you go. But I respect your motivations, hence I can do nothing else than to wish you luck. Will you leave us right here?”

“Yes. The next transport toward the Reach will depart in two days.”

“All the best, Kori.”, he said. They shook hands and she left the room.

Koch went slowly back to the window and looked at some engineers working on another Leopard nearby. This was the end. They played their role and now the show is over and everyone is going home. Metaphorically speaking. But wasn`t that quite natural? They had participated in an important event and of course one wanted to stay in contact with those who were with them. He opened a drawer. There was Kamea`s medal. Maybe this was her way to deal with the fact, that the ones she had met during the Restoration would not be the same people she would deal with in the daily business of politics and administration. It hurt a bit to let friends go and maybe never see them again. But, at the end of the day, that was how life works. He thought about that to be good, for it was necessary to do new things every now and then instead of clinging to the same thing forever.

He closed the drawer again. He was pleased to have been part of that campaign. But it was over and there were new experiences waiting out there. Plus some people would have the time to do things they had postponed for too long. He was one of them.

*****​

Noon (Shakir Valley)

Bromhead was, in large parts, a considerably arid world. But there were exceptions. One of them was Shakir Valley. A broad, green, fertile place at the southern edge of a mountain range. There were numerous villages in one of the planet`s agricultural heartlands and in one of them Arthur was born.

He was walking down a road close to a small river. It was sunny with a few clouds and a light breeze. It was warm, but not as hot as at other places outside the valley. As he was walking, he heard almost nothing else besides the wind in a few trees, the dabbling of the water and his own footsteps. Then he felt, how a hand was reaching for his.

“It is beautiful here.”, Sarah said and smiled at him.

“True. Believe it or not, but before I left I thought this was the most boring place in the Universe.”

They came to a small fork. “That`s the way to our farm. It is over there at about a mile.”. He pointed in a direction and Sarah could see a few buildings in the distance.

She was a bit nervous since she agreed to visit his parents. On the one hand she was happy that he took their relationship so serious to do that. On the other hand she asked herself whether she was ready for it. Arthur was friendly, charming, interesting. But was he also the one she wanted to found her own family with? Time would have to tell.

They approached the buildings, when suddenly the door of the residential building opened and a woman came out and ran toward Art. She was maybe in her early 50s, lean, tanned, blonde hair with a decent amount of grey among it. Eventually she fell round his neck.

“Arthur!”

“Hello Mom.”, he said as he lifted her a bit while hugging her. Eventually she made a step back , wiping away some tears of joy.

“Mom, this is Sarah.”, he made a gesture to the right. His mother gave her a hug too.

“Welcome at our home.”, she said. “He wrote a lot about you. Okay, he does not write too often, but you know how he is.”

In the meantime the rest of his family had appeared. His father, brothers, sisters-in-law, nephew and nieces. It was a hearty welcome after almost a year of absence. He was glad to see them all again and how the kids were already monopolizing Sarah. Eventually the whole group went back toward the building, Arthur and Sarah arm in arm. It was not clear yet what the future would bring, but right now it was good to enjoy the moment.

*****​

Afternoon (Brom`s Home)

Brom`s Home had its own cycle of life. The city was active in the morning, before it fell asleep around noon, when it was too warm to do anything. But in the course of the afternoon, it came back to life, with shops, cafes and markets opening again.

Koch and Emily were strolling through the city. She had been eager to visit the local markets for fruits and vegetables, making some orders for the Company. At one stall she saw some perfect Melons and she bought two of them immediately. As they continued, she told him about the salad she wanted to do with them. Eventually Koch saw a small side-street and he directed her into it. There were a few small shops and also a jewelry store. He stopped in front of it and looked at the shop window.

“Those ear rings would look nice on you.”

“You think so?”, Emily asked. She was a bit confused, since he usually did not think about such things. Then she saw how he grabbed into one of his pockets and got a small quadratic casket out. He opened it and she saw a golden ring.

“I should have asked way earlier. You are a wonderful woman and I love you. Would you marry me?”

The answer was a high-pitched, inhaling sound close to an Aaaah, while the bag with the melons slipped out of her hand. Then she came closer and gave him a long and intense kiss. She looked him deep in the eye and said “Yes” while showing a fond smile.

She took the ring out of the casket and put it on her finger. It was slightly too wide, but that could not spoil her good mood. They entered the shop in order to find a second ring.

Koch felt good to finally have done it. One path ends, the next one begins.

THE END​

 

[BARBOSA (Aries)]

Great story. Liked it a lot. A pity i took 2 years to find it

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Thank you