“Than you Admiral, I know this has been a sudden request… lot of sudden things I feel lately.” Nathan said with a low tone as he sat across from the monitor as Admiral Perkins face stared back at Nathan as the older Admiral seemed to narrow his gaze a bit as he nodded slightly.

“Well the Loki will miss your guidance, but I can understand having a family… and Senator Harland was very kind in his words about you when he came to me.” Perkins said, his face a bit terse as Nathan couldn’t help but smirk ever so softly. I bet he did. Nathan said to himself, Matthew Harland, Senator Matthew Harland was Nathan’s cousin, one of the few in his family he seemed to get along with. One of the few people that could out power Perkins was always someone who had the words ‘Senator’ before their names.

“I will tell Matt how gracious you have been sir, I am sure he will appreciate you doing such a solid for our family. I know the funding of that Mythology program has been a very big thing you have been working toward. Captain Bordeaux is getting the ship I hear? Bet you are thrilled your fleet is getting the honor of the newest ship.” Nathan said as he began to think about all the things Kelly had ever said about Perkins, Commodore when she knew him. If only you could see this Kelz. Nathan thought to himself, her posting on the Atlantis had meant he hadn’t seen her very often but he did get to meet her and her Husband last year, before all things had falling apart.

“Yes well…” Perkins said, visibly flustered but not wanting to rustle any feathers as he seemed to keep his gaze icy and directly on Nathan. “…the paper work will take awhile, but by the beginning of the near year you will be officially on Outpost 42. I wish you well Lieutenant, Perkins out.” came the reply as the screen instantly went black as Nathan let out a loud sigh of relief to have that much over with. Looking over on his desk a small photo shined almost as if it was his most prized possession as he looked at it with a soft smile.

Picking up the picture he looked at as he rubbed his hand over the glass as he closed his eyes briefly. The photo showed him holding his oldest son Logan, with Chloe keeping Madie and Mara in each of her hands as Nathan had his hand around the waist of his wife. The image was no more than a year old as he opened his eyes as a small tear fell as it landed on the glass as it splashed slightly before running down the frame.

“I’m getting you guys back, even if it kills me.” Nathan said softly as he took his sleeve as he wiped away the tear before clearing the rest from his eyes before placing the picture back on his desk. Moving from his desk Nathan found the liquor cabinet, it’s doors seemed well used as he opened them as he grabbed a glass and bottle of Grecken 72, a bottle from one of his favorite breweries Malt Masters.

Sitting down on his couch he felt the springs seeming to accept his weight maybe a little to easy, as if this was a favorite position for him as he began pouring a drink in his glass. “Computer, lower lights by 40%.” he said as the light in the room became dim as he sat looking at the whiskey swish inside the bottle in front of him. Downing it back as if it was nothing more than water he quickly began pouring a second, and a third.

Nathan Harland