Return Trip

The High Regent stared at the ship's oculus. Sitting peacefully in the centre of the image and void was a peaceful brown and green ball, twirling contentedly on its invisible dance. Alexandros retained mixed feelings as he saw the final leg of his return to the birthplace of humanity. He had that left to campaign, to remind the Imperium and his brothers that he was still a potent warlord in his own right. The campaign itself had lasted two-thirds of a year. If he had remained on his original schedule, he would have been back late last year.

But he had not accounted for the nigh endless detours. For the first time in two years, he had a chance to re-immerse himself in the body of the empire. Days had been spent committed to hundreds of personal appearances at festivals, disasters, and more as he connected with citizen and elite, reminding them he was not a distant lord from far away Terra. He had done his best to spend as much time as he could spare with his brothers.

He had divided his time as best as he could and still hungered for more. He could not remember any time in his life that he had felt so pressed for time. Governing Delos as its ruler in all but name had been an enjoyable exercise of power and responsibility. He had always known he would never be able to connect with all of his citizens. He had satisfied himself with maintaining a presence in their minds through image and vid.

The Imperium was a different beast entirely. His words may eventually reached all of its citizens, but it could take years. An hour spent on one planet meant an entire cluster would not see him. There was a barrier there that he hated and struggled against. It recalled to him the ancient myth of Sisafis.

In the end, he could not avoid the homeworld of humanity any longer, no matter how he wished against it. This was his last moment of respite before the deluge of duty swam over him once again.

He enjoyed every second he could as he continued his silent vigil. [[Category:R]]