Erne's Voyage

Northeastern Rim, United System of America
Year 374 A.E.

Space. The endless skyline that connects all life together. Lit by thousands of distant stars, tiny blips of life that make us know we're not alone. Yet the loneliness of it is overbearing. Not oppressive but comforting. A hug of existence that allows you to connect with your thoughts—

"Patriot 3, you're awake?"

The jovial voice of Patriot 4 disrupts my train of thought. I stare at the nearby lunar satellite. The small grey orb that hides my ship from low radar. I try to resume my monologue, but after nothing comes up, I answer him.

"Ahoy 4"