Posted by Civilian Ragna Idun McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Laying Cornerstones

Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Laying Cornerstones

(snip)

Ragna stood outside and watched the busy street. It was time to go back and face Seamus. If they were home, she’d have dinner in the pot and be weeding the vegetable garden with Angus and Aurora waiting for Seamus to come striding out of the woods. She was going to have to find a way to forget she missed their home. It was lost to her now. She sighed heavily and took out her PaDD.

I’m on my way back, Seamus. -Ragna

She liked to walk, she was fit and it felt good to just move. She walked all the way back to the Seven Palms. She smiled and waived politely to the people at the desk. She waved her bracelet at the panel and waited for the lift that took her all the way to the penthouse apartment.

Ragna McKenzie, Herald

The lift opened and, once she was inside, began to move up and up… and up. And up some more. Past their floor and stopping at the roof.

The doors slid open and Seamus stood at the base of the stairs that led up the roof-top shuttle pad… on which sat a shuttle with it’s engines powered up. Seamus looked at her as he had when she left. With love… but with a hint of disappointment. “Ragna. Come, wife. You no longer live here. It just doesn’t work, no matter how much we have tried.” and he gestur3d up the stairs to the shuttle’s open hatch.

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna stared at the shuttle, her eyes flickering to Seamus but didn’t meet his eyes. There was no fire in hers, no fight. Just shame and acceptance. She removed the access bracelet and set it in his hand as she passed him silently. She wouldn’t fight him. She deserved this and more. He’d be happier. His life would be peaceful. She would not shame him further by making another scene. She went up the stairs and into the shuttle without argument.

Ragna McKenzie, Herald

Seamus followed her and took a seat next to her. The shuttle’s door closed with seemingly thunk of finality. Seamus looked at her as the shuttle rose and began heading out over the city.

“Ragna… you know I love you more than my life. I have sailed storm swept seas… fought kin and mercenaries… readied myself to be cut down just to see you one last time. All of this I have done and would do so again without hesitation.” He took a breath and sighed heavily. “But asking you to come here was a mistake. A lily cannot grow in the desert.” The shuttle banked and out of the window… was the spaceport.

Seamus took her hand and squeezed it. “This… all of this… has been my fault. I should never have pulled you from your home. And for that, my darling Ragna McKenzie… I am profoundly sorry.” The shuttle dropped down into the air traffic approaching the spaceport. Myriad vessels were la ding and far below could be seen individuals disembarking and making their into Oed. Far fewer, but at this moment poignantly visible, we’re the few vessels taking those who wished to leave away.

“Ragna… please know that what I am doing I do because I want you to be happy. More than anything… I miss your smile. And your fire. And it is killing me that I have helped to quench it.”

Seamus McKenzie

“Don’t Seamus. Don’t take the blame. I could have said no. I should have. I thought I could do it. I was wrong. I’ve shamed you and your clan.” It wasn’t hers anymore, she understood that. “I tried… I thought I did… either way, it wasn’t enough.” She wouldn’t cry, oh but he could see the tears, and it wasn’t pride that held them in check. It was for his sake. “I won’t argue. If you want a divorce or wish me to go back and live exiled I will. Whatever you decide. I’ve done enough damage. I love you though I never did it right.”

Ragna McKenzie, Herald

Seamus squeezed her hand as the shuttle moved towards the spaceport… and then kept going past it. They left the confines of the city and the shuttle accelerated greatly. Seamus was quiet for many minutes and then spoke. “Divorce? Exile?” and he shook his head. “You’re daft if’n ya think I’m ever lettin’ go of you.” The shuttle banked hard and far below, in the middle of the vast barren landscape that was the remains of Oed’s surface… were three bright lights. The shuttle slowed and began to descend, finally landing at a small platform. The hatch opened and Seamus got out, never letting go of Ragna’s hand and almost literally pulling her along. The walked down the stairs the packed earth ground and were standing outside three enormous, transparent, geodesic domes connected by enclosed walkways. Two were dimly lit up from the inside, but the inside of them was covered in condensation so seeing inside was impossible. The third, however, was lit brightly… like midday. And through the transparent walls stood a structure… a low building with a turf roof. A rough hewn fence contained a few sheep. Past the fence was a large garden, well maintained and truly impressive in its health. The building was made of stone and was a perfect example of traditional building. Whoever did this, did it by hand and with no noticeable modern tools. The stonework was uneven, but done in way that just seemed right.

Seamus put an arm around his wife as a warm, dry breeze blew across them. He pointed to the environmentally-sealed door in the side of the dome.

“Welcome home, my love.”

Seamus