Homecoming

The Commander Office, Ninety-Fifth Battalion.

Knock*Knock*Knock*

As Ethan was packing up and preparing to depart for his vacation, a knocking sound came through the door. He knew who it was without asking.

"Come in!"

Chen Xue walked in, a little flustered and a tinge of red could be seen on her face.

It was the first time Ethan saw this expression on her. He even doubted whether he had a problem and if he was seeing things. It's not strange though since they've reestablished their relationship which was put on hold because of him.

"Sit down!"

Seeing her closing the door, he pointed to the sofa in the office and said.

After sitting down, she lowered her head slightly, not daring to look at him. Her hands were on her legs and was fumbling about.

Ethan walked over and looked at Chen Xue's appearance with interest.

If anybody in the whole Ninety Fifth Fleet saw her appearance now, their jaw would have dropped to the floor.

As if reading Ethan's thoughts, Chen Xue pouted and rolled her eyes.

"What?! I only show this side of me only in front of you and my dad" she said.

'That's when you still remember me though' she thought.

"Okay, okay. Just still surprised that you're this cute" Ethan said, laughing easing the atmosphere.

"What are your plans for this vacation?" Ethan sat beside her and asked.

"I don't have any plans. Just want to go back to earth and spend the vacation with my dad" she replied.

"That's a plan in itself" Ethan joked.

"Anyhow" She rolled her eyes.

Ethan moved closer to her and hold her hand that was resting on her lap and looked into her eyes.

"Let's visit famous scenic spots together when we get back," Ethan said.

"Okay"

Chen Xue stared at him and nodded, bursting into a smile that dazzled Ethan.

.....

The 1st Mixed Fkeet, 'Breaking Dawn' glided smoothly through the depths of space. On board, Ethan, a seasoned and battle-hardened officer, looked out of the observation window, gazing at the pale blue dot that was Earth. He felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation. It had been six long years since he left his home planet to join the Federation Force, and now, he was finally returning for a well-deserved vacation.

As the 'Breaking Dawn' approached the atmosphere, the ship's engines roared to life, breaking through the planetary barrier. Ethan felt a tinge of nostalgia as he saw the familiar landscapes emerge below him—sprawling cities, lush forests, and the vast oceans that he had missed dearly. Despite the thrill of adventure, he experienced in space, there was no place like home.

"Commander, we've received clearance to land at the Federation Headquarters," the ship's communication officer announced over the intercom.

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Ethan replied with a smile. "Prepare for landing."

The ship gracefully touched down at the Federation Headquarters' landing platform, and as the doors opened, Ethan was greeted by a group of high-ranking officials, including General Lucas Ivanovich and a close friend.

"Ethan! It's good to see you, old friend!" General Lucas said, embracing him warmly.

"It's good to be back, Lucas," Ethan said, his voice filled with genuine emotion.

After exchanging pleasantries and brief updates, Ethan was finally free to step onto his home planet's soil. As he walked through the bustling spaceport, he felt a sense of belonging that he hadn't experienced in years. The sight of fellow humans going about their daily lives, unaware of the dangers lurking in the depths of space, warmed his heart.

His first stop was his childhood home in a military suburban town. He hadn't told his family about his homecoming, wanting to surprise them. As he approached the front door, he felt a familiar mix of nerves and excitement. Although his old man is already aware of his coming, he is the Grand Vizier after all.

With a deep breath, he pressed the doorbell, and moments later, the door swung open. Standing there was his foster mother, her eyes widening in disbelief.

(A/N: Grand Vizier Mike's wife).

"Ethan? Is that you?" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Ethan grinned widely and enveloped her in a tight embrace. "Yes, Mom, it's me. I'm home!"

Tears welled up in his mother's eyes as she held her son close, unable to believe that he was standing in front of her after all those years. Inside the house, Ethan's father and younger sister appeared, and her reactions mirrored his mother's—a mix of shock, joy, and overwhelming love, except for his old man was just smiling.

For the next few days, Ethan reconnected with his family and friends, relishing every moment of his well-deserved break. He spent lazy afternoons in the backyard, reminiscing about his childhood adventures and sharing stories from his time in space. In the evenings, they gathered around the dining table, savoring home-cooked meals and cherishing each other's company.

As the days went by, Ethan couldn't help but notice the changes that had occurred on Earth during his absence. The world had advanced, adopting new technologies and practices, and yet, the essence of humanity remained unchanged—the unyielding spirit to overcome challenges and the ability to find hope in the darkest of times.

One evening, as the sun began to set, Ethan found himself strolling alone on the beach, the cool sand beneath his feet. The sound of crashing waves provided a calming rhythm, and the vastness of the ocean reminded him of the boundless space he had explored. But, there was tranquility on Earth that he could never find amidst the stars.

As he gazed up at the night sky, he knew that his vacation would come to an end soon, and he would have to return to his duty in the Federation Force. Still, he was grateful for this time on Earth, for the opportunity to reconnect with his roots, and for the reminder that humanity's true strength lay in the unity of its people.

With a renewed sense of purpose and a heart full of love for his home planet, Ethan Kane prepared himself for the next chapter of his interstellar journey. But, for now, he would cherish every moment of his Earthly vacation and hold onto the memories that would sustain him in the unknown expanse of space that awaited him.