Ashort while later Zac and T’arq disembarked and, following Tomas’ advice to take some time to mull things over, Zac had allowed T'arq to drag him to a bar. This wasn't the only bar on the large space station where the Zataras was docked, but it was the one where the two Taureans felt most comfortable. They’d been coming here for years whenever their assignments brought them to this sector. The newer recruits avoided it, considering it too gloomy and worn around the edges, the decor dated and dull. But what it lacked in comfort, it made up for in quality liquor.
That, and the view.
With a smirk, T’arq pushed a glass of amber colored liquid towards his friend.
Zac picked it up with a nod of thanks and paused with his glass halfway to his lips as his friend made a toast.
“To new beginnings!”
Zac threw a sideways glance at his companion, who grinned and raised his own glass in a salute. “Always the optimist, T'arq,” Zac's rough voice rumbled in the quiet of the almost empty bar.
“Well, one of us has to be positive. You're always wandering around with a shitty expression on your face.”
Zac grunted, knowing what T’arq said was true. He lifted his glass, downing the fiery drink in one swallow.
Zac fiddled with the empty glass as he took in the view beyond the bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the station and, as the bar was on the side of the station that faced away from Taurus, the great expanse of space could be seen, stretching off into the beyond. They had spared no expense in the station's construction. An enormous circular central zone housed the major working areas. There were docks large enough for the vast starships, and they easily accommodated the smaller shuttles. Because of the thousands of inhabitants on the station, it was a busy place with supplies being delivered, troops being moved, and general shipping transiting from outside the system to Taurus itself.
Much of the station was devoted to Taurean military operations, with separate wings hidden behind layers of security that were bothersome to enter and exit.
It orbited Taurus itself by necessity; close enough to act as a major transport hub for Taurean imports and exports—keeping the Taurean elite well stocked with the delicacies they favored that could not be found on Taurus.
For a warrior who had spent most of his life on starships, the view of the vast expanse of space from where he sat right now was both comforting and familiar.
Zac suddenly realized that T'arq had been speaking to him.
“Sorry, did you say something?”
“You haven't heard a word I've been saying, have you?” T'arq shook his head in mock anger. He stood up and gestured across the room with his glass towards a laughing group, who were the only other occupants of the bar. “I think I'll go talk to someone who can hold a conversation.”
Zac gave him a wry smile and nodded, “See you tomorrow then?”
“Tomorrow.” And with that, T'arq headed across the bar.
Zac sighed, watching as his friend easily integrated himself with the group, laughing and smiling. T'arq was right; he wasn't good company for anyone. Not even himself. Zac looked at his empty glass, debating whether to call it a night, or order another drink.
His thoughts drifted to the humans who were about to arrive. Zac had read the reports. He doubted they were up to the standard of the Taureans. They were soft and small, and there was no way they were going to pull their weight on the front lines of the fight with the Xakul. In fact, they could well be a hindrance.
Deciding that nothing could improve his mood, he signaled the bartender for another drink.
