The campfire is burning.
The crackling sound of dry oak burning in the flames, surrounded by the resin-scented hot air in this pine-built cabin. This is the air of the 21st century.
David Klein took a deep breath, sinking deeper into the soft sofa. He loved this moment immensely. Despite being born in a more southern state, men of the Federation always fantasize about a cabin in the snow, right? The flannel fabric rubbing against the skin on his neck, everything felt incredibly real.
This must be real.
Florence sat in a hard-backed wooden chair, posture upright. Her blonde hair was dyed a red copper color by the firelight, gaze resting on the empty wall.
Silence slowly accumulated in this cramped space, like snow piling up gradually.
"Just now, nine space elevators in the Great Sertis Plateau, Nilo Sertis, Meridian Plateau, and South Gale Research Station fell. David, this is war."
Florence spoke, her voice steady.
