The Ol' Dusty Trail

[ABitOfVittle]

In the early hours of a crisp Serenity morning, an announcement is made. A seat, emptied.

A Consul, no more.

Made public, Cletus Klein of Serenity seems to have stepped down from his spot as Consul. And no less, it seems, has begun to stop doning the official garments of a Serenite Soldier. It seems like the Cowpoke has not just removed himself from leadership, but from active duty as a whole. This is not done, without at least some words. 

"I guess that day has come, ain't it? I've been here, in these dunes, since before I could even rightly know just how big the world was, I came in to it a dirty, ragged lad with nothing on his back but a broken staff; and nothing to his name but a few-sizes-too-big hat. But, it didn't stay that way, did it? The best, took me under their guidance--and shaped me into what I was. What I am. There is not a single act I can do upon this star, that will ever repay my debt to these sands, to my people.

But. My time is coming to a close. I can not, in my right mind, lead our people; when my mind is scattered to the stars with concepts. When I can not, put my whole heart into this duty that has been tasked upon me. My kin, have done nothin' but laude me in the past, for the things I've done. For the things I've prevented.

But, I am just one man. A tired man.

A man who wants time to explore himself, and to see his family grow. As Consul, as one so embroiled in this toil, I can not do it. And to split myself, would be damning to both myself, and the nation I've come to love.

I won't be a stranger. And I won't be vanishing. But for now, I need to see that Ol'Dusty Trail, and remind myself who Cletus Klein is, under all of armor n' colors-o-allegiance.

Catch you on the road, my brothers n' sisters. Hunt well, and see yer' dreams made manifest, under the yoke of th' stars. 

Not long after? Whilst the residence bears the Klein's name, still? He would be notably more scant, just as he promised. Off to see, to create, and to experience.


For better or worse.