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[Kai'Len Ciunus]

The bulkheads rumbled gently behind his back, reminding him that he was still just a soldier, not a diplomat. No, Diplomats were given passage on only the finest of shuttles, lavished with the posh lifestyle of the wealthy, and pretty much pampered and powdered until their whining could be silenced. Soldiers, on the other hand, were given no such luxuries. He wasn't sitting in a plush velvet seat, he wasn't being given only the finest of choice foods to eat during his flight. Hell, he didn't even get an in-flight movie. He was a soldier, and in the minds of the Festian Government that meant that he sat on a metal bench in what could have passed as a cargo hold. He ate only the nutrition cubes that tasted like nothing. His entertainment was reading up on the current events of the planet, familiarizing himself with the politicians currently in office, and pretty much trying to get a handle on his next drop zone. He was doing his homework on the battlefield that was being thrown at him. It was almost the same as being with his men and dropping into a hot zone. Except that the media was much more acurate with their intel than the military.

"So, Kai, How long has it been since you were home?" a soldier sitting across from him asked.
A thin smile slipped over his lips, "This is not my home anymore. It hasn't been for a very long time now Tibbs. And it's Commander Ciunus." he said firmly.

The other man nodded slowly. "Right sir. Well, if you don't mind my asking, what are you doing going to Fest if it isn't your home planet?"

Kai looked up from his datapad and resisted the grin. "Good question. I intend to find out once we arrive. Now, please, I'm trying to read."

The soldier nodded again and sank back into his seat.

The remainder of the trip was silent. Kai simply had nothing to say and Tibbs looked fairly hesitant to say anything at all. After another four hours, both were released from the shakles of awkward silence by the voice of the pilot over their comms.

"Commander, we will be entering the system in two mikes, planetside in fifteen."

"Good to know Captain. Thank you."

The landing was much lighter than Kai had anticipated. Usually combat pilots like this one were balls to the wall about landing, having been trained to get in and get out as fast as they could. Moving quickly usually resulted in a mistake or two, or at the very least a slightly rougher landing. Not this time, smooth as a feather touching the floor. Kai was impressed. He gave Tibbs a nod as the rear ramp opened and he made his way towards it. Cold air rushed into the cramped compartment, burning the officer's cheeks and ears. It had been a very, very long time since he had smelt that familiar wet smell of snow, ice, and just a hint of lubricant. It certainly brought back some memories.

He stepped down the ramp with purpose, his armored boots clunking lightly as he did. At the base of the ramp was none other than Senator Delmaar Nagan and his little entourage of other political figures. While he didn't mind Nagan so much, the rest of the fat men standing around irritated the soldier. From the look on Delmaar's face, he wasn't too pleased with their presence either.

Kai actually kind of liked Senator Delmaar. The man had been a real bad-ass Infantryman once upon a time. Every kid on Fest grew up listening to the old stories of wars and crusades and the heroes or villains that fought in them. On Fest, Delmaar Nagan was one of those heroes. Now, being just a bit too old to fight on the front lines of a war and just a bit too stubborn to retire, the legendary soldier had managed to get roped into being a politician. Kai had no qualms about that, he understood orders.

The Senator stepped forward and offered a firm handshake, "Welcome home Commander. I trust the flight was alright?"

"Senator. The flight was fine. Better than I'm used to. Only had to share the latrine with one guy instead of sixty."

Nagan laughed lightly and guided Kai to a nearby vehicle. "I know that you're a bit confused as to why you're here instead of with your men, but don't worry. I'll explain everything very shortly. This car will take you to what will be your quarters for the duration of your stay. Once you have unpacked and settled in, maybe done some light reading about the Tangos present, I will have Jans here drive you to the Grand Chambers. We will discuss everything else once you arrive. Clear?

Kai nodded slowly as he panned his head. He saw the faces of the other politicians and made mental notes of each. He tilted his helmet slightly in his arms and depressed a small button inside. The bud in his ear clicked several times, letting him know that the men had been digitally captured. 'Present Tangos....' That did not sound very comforting. He shook his head gently, clearing his mind and focusing. After shaking the Senator's hand he got into the hovercar and closed the door, slipping his helmet on as he did. During the ride he studied each face that had been photoed. It seemed that this was simply another war to fight, only this time it would be without guns.... hopefully....