The dirt wall had started becoming a metal case for the compound. With the works progressing further, Commander Broom had spared some security forces to expand the dirt wall past Darren's grave, after the extra help was assigned, it took the security teams and workers only five hours to complete the temporary dirt wall. The only thing they did not finish, was the gate, they simply posted a team of four men to guard it, as well as the two squads to patrol atop the wall. Solomon sat above the metal gate of the main wall overlooking the works over at the grave yard, as diggers and workers set to work to make ready more deep holes in the ground for their occupants that awaited their final resting place. The sun had started to settle over the horizon, the bright light had been replaced with a deep red that echoed the blood of the previous battle spread over the sky, Solomon sat back in the slightly uncomfortable metal chair and put his feet up onto the now metal defence wall. Sipping from his hip flask a fine whiskey. The noise of the workers and machinery hummed into the distance, Solomon enjoyed the closest thing to quiet relaxation he had come across on this planet. The moment did not last long, as it was rudely interrupted by the heavy breathing and panting of Decius as he ground to a halt, falling to his knees from exhaustion, sweat dripping from his short hair. Solomon tilted his chair and smiled at the panting private at the base of the wall. Solomon invited Decius up with a wave. The two men shared the whiskey that Solomon provided in the sunset and they discussed the usual things of soldiers. Weapons, tactics, battles from the past, thoughts on future orders and women. Decius was withholding on the latter, Solomon had to divulge his experience with Lyra with a smile before Decius would open up about his new found feelings for no other than Sandra. Solomon was taken back by the news, and warned Decius of her father. "not that he's a bad man or anything, pal. He's your general... meaning, there will be a lot of eyes on you, waiting for you to mess up. ALOT of eyes." Solomon let that sink in before adding playfully "including mine."
The Gryph had visited Red Sector On many times in the two months Solomon had been planet-side. This was the first time he had the privilege of an invitation to the meeting. As Solomon entered the well ventilated meeting room he was shocked to see how lavishly decorated it was. Leather arm chairs spread across the room instead of metal fold away seats, a soft warm auburn rich carpet under foot, the walls panelled in dark oak and the ceiling provided much natural light with its glass top. Solomon was pleased to see two Gryph he knew already. Sykra and Carlo raised themselves from a very comfy looking arm chair eagerly to greet him. The meeting was under way once the greetings had been dealt with. Commander Broom was the only figure on his feet in the room once everybody present had taken their seats, hovering around the chairs, addressing many matters. Food supplies, Mare attacks, weapon sharing and such. It was near the end, when he came across Solomon's chair and he stopped. "Solomon, I am sending you back to The Evergreen to help The Hopeful. The Judgement will be taking your place on Merriden IV as it is having... issues... with its navigational systems. Your personal items are as we speak being sent up to the Evergreen. Dismissed." Solomon stood with a salute, and nodded to the Gryph visitors.
Solomon had barely got his blue and red jacket back on before Kyril had silently placed himself behind him. "Now, lad. Are you ready to go home?" he asked lightly with a smile "Eve misses you", Solomon smiled at Kyril but did not speak, his mind wondering to why The Hopeful would need help. It was armed with a full ten companies of soldiers, plus teams of security and engineers.
The Evergreen had remained in low orbit whilst she refuelled herself with her energy source and food supplies, Solomon and Kyril stood at the coffee machine, silently appreciating the fact that Commander Sykes was no longer around to try banish the sacred and much adored substance. With a sigh, they both walked to their command consoles and the rest of the bridge crew emerged from the entrance corridor.
"Welcome back boys, it's good to have you home again. I missed you." came Eve's soothing voice, Solomon laughed and began his checks.