Reese followed the course AIDEN had plotted on the CIC's galaxy map, a gorgeous swirling holographic cosmos in the center of a large angled display. It looked as though someone had plucked a bit of space itself from the sky and spilled it out before her like paint from a bucket. She could dip her fingers into the lights and feel nothing, but the display would respond to her motions, twisting space around her fingertips. It was easy to play god here, to get lost in the power of manipulating space, but Reese maintained no such grandiose perceptions of herself. She was the ship's commanding officer. She could make decisions about where they could attempt to go or not go, but like a captain on Earth's most mercurial seas she was subject to the whims of forces outside her control. All she could do was hope that in times of peace and turmoil she made the right decisions.<br/><br/>A few hours to go. The crew would be putting the last bits of preparation together now. The Anzio would grow quiet save for the faint sounds of music AIDEN played throughout the various decks, his way of attempting to soothe an anxious and eager collection of death chasers. Reese would retire to her quarters, pour herself a drink, maybe read or watch a vid. Some innocuous task to take her mind off of what may be if things were to deviate from the plan. Only this time, their plan was to expect anything and everything. How could one truly prepare for such uncertainty?<br/><br/>The Commander's head ticked in Cole's direction as he approached. "Ah, Cole," she replied gently, stepping down from the galaxy map to face him. His request wasn't unusual, but his demeanor seemed different. His voice lacked the flirtatious tone she had come to associate with him, and his eyes appeared glossy. Whatever he wanted to speak to her about, she was confident it had nothing to do with continuing their prior conversation.<br/><br/>"Of course, Cole. We can head to my cabin." She nodded and directed him forward with a wave of her hand. They took the elevator up to the top deck where it deposited them in front of her private room. It was quiet inside. One couldn't even hear the hum of the ship here. Encapsulated in metal and glass, two stolen soldiers floating on a direct path to anything. At least here, time would settle, if only for a brief moment.<br/><br/>"What's on your mind, Cole?" she inquired, taking a seat on the leather couch, her eyes curious.