Three weeks later.
Walking down a muddy midtown street eerily clear of citizens. A man out of place with his black military cut hair and ocean blue eyes, further contrasted by a pure white, gold cuffed navy uniform. Adorned with a royal blue sash kept taut with a dark blue belt, all brought together by his ornate finally engraved black scabbard.
He was finally gonna see his parents after a 24 month voyage at sea. Being a commander in the Kings Navy he was lucky to get any sort of time off.
Especially with the navy being the spearhead of the King's crusades. 'The things I've seen…'
Noticing local shops and homes were boarded up and an increase in patrols it was foreboding. His eyes caught a blast zone tens of meters wide where the old silver repository used to be.
"tsk". He was unhappy to see his home community in anguish.
Having been given a debrief his awareness of the goings on between the classes has only increased his eagerness to get his family out of the Empire for a while.
"Already to this extent …" seeing empty streets was disheartening.
Breaking the man's intense focus a group of kids still somehow playing drop ball called out to him. "HEY! ERIC!" one of the kids with scruffy brown hair yelled. "Good to have you back." Another said.
Eric, the big brother he is reprimanded them "what are you guys doing out here!" with a worried voice "go inside to your parents."
With a General shop in sight its warmth and familiarity was a welcome sight after so long and an escape of the cold fog rolling through the streets making everything feel sterile. Eric's parents store was currently one of the few places still open making it a place of comfort for many.
Stepping in Eric was assaulted by a smell of old wood floor and salted meats from the small sandwich deli his mother operated, the rest of the store was stocked shelves with everything you could need, bathed in warm light from wall mounted oil lamps.
A few customers standing in the line for a sandwich noticed Eric, a man with grey hair and a white patchy beard "Eric! Welcome home, it's good to see you."
Shaking his hand "how have the grandkids been I seen max out in the street playing" after some chit chat with Frank and other customers the door labeled 'Employees only' swung open.
Stepping out was a smaller middle aged woman with deep black hair peppered with grey. She had dull green eyes that had a mischievous look to them. Currently carrying a tray of freshly baked bread.
Noticing the gaggle of people piqued her interest. Placing the bread down she walked over. Frank sees Celine. "Celine! come come."
First she heard his voice causing her to catch her breath. Then she saw him, her son. Her throat tightened and a tear came to her gentle eyes. "Ohh Eric my boy!"
Briskly walking over she hugged her son. "I missed you, how have you been?"
"Hi mom, I've missed you too. I have been busy but healthy." He said while towering over her. With a sigh of relief Celine took her time with their warm reunion.
"Well go get changed and come help your mother." She wanted to converse with her son but customers were waiting. Like second nature Eric equipped his work attire and apron, assisting his mother with the day's lunch rush.
While making a customer's sandwich with deft fingers. "So where's dad?"
His mother, with a warm smile morphing into a caring worry. "He's preparing. Trying to save us some damage and getting some families out before this all escalates any further."
Eric's father was a well respected merchandiser, a man that can find anything. Being a man of merit and trust, traits passed down to Eric. Their 'General shop' was a safe haven for many. Using its safe houses and connections Eric's father Jeb is able to subvert the "none leave decree" giving a way out of the Empire for families not wanting to be caught up in the already active conflict.
Some fled to the Empires vassal states, some even moved to the Federation, one family even took on the journey to the Goldenfields.
Eric with a disgruntled face "you know I'm a navy commander, hearing my mother admit to breaking the law is.."
Celine chuckled. "Oh please, that's not how I raised you. Family comes first." Eric nodded in agreement while warping a sandwich. "Family comes first."
Wiping down the prep stations Celine sees Eric pull out a sack, "are you and dad still giving money away."
Grabbing the money "your father and I are making more than enough, uplifting the community also helps us."
Celine putting the bread away and Eric storing the unused meats she asks. "are the crusades going well?"
Leaning against a counter top near the preserve cabinet, crossing one leg over the other and crossing his arms. "Rampant and costly…we lost 3 battalions."
Celine set down the utensils and didn't speak right away, taking in the loss of life. "The sea is growing more angry." looking at her son "Just make sure you make it back, that's all I care about."
From over her shoulder a gruff and low voice "as do I boy." Eric snapped his head to his fathers voice. "Dad! it's good to see you."
Jeb hugged his son. "Your mother and I have missed you, it feels safer with you here."
Eric putting his hand on his fathers shoulders and looking at his mother "Please I can't bring that much security."
With a wistful laugh Jeb retorted. "you would be surprised…people look up to you, the youngsters especially." Eric touched his sword in thought. He was a respectable 3 star water conduit. His sword play alone was said to be an additional 3 stars. As someone who was still in his mid twenty's this was a miraculous achievement.
Eric was having a reevaluation of his status among the community.
As a family. Jeb, Celine and Eric were closing up shop for the night.