Posted Sept. 6, 2021, 7:34 p.m. by Colonel Calvin Harris (Commander Air - Space Group) (Jerome Davis)
Colonel Calvin Harris waited patiently in the Departures lounge of San Francisco Spaceport, his greying chocolate lab Boomer at his feet. Dressed in his normal travel attire… combat boots, blue jeans, SFMC grey t-shirt, his beloved brown bomber jacket, and a beat-up UCLA ballcap from Molly’s little sister. He wished he could have traveled with Molly to OED, but it was not to be. He had to return to Starbase One to meet the Fleet Heavy Transport caring the rotators for his new Air Group. The trip had given Cal a chance to visit home, grab lunch with his sister, and dinner with his family before heading to the Spaceport to head out to what pilots called “The Fringe”.
As Cal thumbed through a random magazine as he waited for his transport, the veteran Marine turned a page, froze, and nearly laughed out loud. Leaning over to Boomer, he pointed at a large picture on the lead page and the old dog wagged his tail at the image. “You might be glad to see’er buddy… but I know if she saw this, she’d livid!” Cal laughed as scratched the dog’s head.
=A= Ladies & Gentlemen, Holloway StarLines is pleased to announce that flight K-3-9 is now boarding from Terminal B, Gates 4 through 7. We would like to invite all guests of our Premier Cabins to board through Gates 4 & 5. Departure for OED V will be in 45 minutes from now. Once again, Holloway StarLines flight K-3-9 is now boarding from Terminal B, Gates 4 through 7. =A=
“Well ol’boy… that’s us. Shall we?” As the Marine stood, the dog joined him and the pair walked to Gate 4. The young man at the gate looked first at Cal, the only one in the queue in jeans, and then to Boomer. “I’m sorry sir… I believe you are boarding at the wrong gate and pets are not allowed in the Main Line Cabins.” He said dryly, a clear look of annoyance before even looking at Cal’s ticket. The Marine took a slow, deep breath and started to open his mouth when a smartly dressed young woman walked up to the two and offered her hand.
“Colonel Harris…” She said with a smile. “… my name is Jennifer Willis and I am the Senior Attendant on the crew. Please allow me to apologize for my colleague delaying your boarding. Chairman Holloway asked that I greet you personally and assist you to your cabin.” She glared a cold glance at the other young man who immediately turned to the next passenger. Cal simply smiled lightly and followed the young woman to the boarding tube and then to the Starliner.
As they walked., Cal noticed they passed the door to quarters he had booked, walking instead to the door at the most forward section of the Liner. After the young woman opened the door to the massive Presidential Suite, she turned to Harris with a smile. “If you need anything, just call. We believe everything to be in order and we are happy to address any concern. OED is a 10 day journey so make yourself comfortable. Enjoy your trip sir.”
And with that, she was gone. Harris looked down at Boomer with a smile and… tail wagging… the old dog bounded across the room to the large Holloway red on black leather couch in the center of the living area. With its wide, sweeping view out the front of the Liner… directly below the Bridge… his was the only suite with an unobstructed view from starboard to port of the huge Liner. The sleeping quarters were on the port side of the ship, with similar floor-to-ceiling windows with the kitchen and dining area on starboard. Cal and Boomer settled in, the Marine remembering to scold and thank one of his oldest friends… and soon-to-be Uncle-in-Law.. for the upgrade.
Cal & Boomer
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