Aurek Family Farm [FLASHBACK]

[Aurek]

Aurek Family Farm, Saleucami, Nineteen-hundred hours​

Rolan cocked the rifle, taking aim at the bottle on the fence and fired, hitting it dead on. The bottle exploded into a dozen shards of glass. Cocking it again, he handed it to his son, now thirteen years of age.
"Try again, son. Remember, put the butt firmly in the pocket of your firing shoulder." His form looked better, but it still needed work.
"Elbows down -- your elbows should be positioned under the rifle so that you can support it's weight." Better. He had the stance down, at least.
"OK -- good. Now, let your cheek fall naturally to the stock. Stare through the iron sights. Take aim, and fire." A moment went by, before hisson asked him:
"Dad, why do we need to learn to shoot if we're not at war?" Rolan looked at his son before responding.
"It's our duty as citizens to be able to protect our family and our property against any who may threaten it. A blaster is only one part of being a man, however. Your duty as a man is to your family, and you need to be well equipped and prepared to protect that family if the occasion ever arises where you need to."
Taking another moment, Rolan's son fired, it made impact with one of the bottles mounted on the fence. Sending it flying and exploding into a dozen pieces of glass. Rolan smiled, beaming with pride. He clapped his son on the back, pulling him into a quick hug before speaking.
"That's my boy. Now let's clean up and head inside for dinner."

Rolan walked through the door behind his son and was greeted by a warming spectacle. His wife, Mira, stood in the kitchen, cradling their baby daughter Mika. The amazing smell of MIra's cooking filled the room as soft music played. Rolan walked over to the two and kissed Mira on the cheek. Mira smiled at him and handed the baby to her before turning off the stove.
"Can you put Mika in her high chair and help Sean set the table? Dinner's just about ready." Rolan nodded, cradling the baby and kissing her on her bald little forehead. Such a magnificent thing, she was. He set her down in her high chair and began to set the table.

As the four sat around the table, laughing and talking about their days, Rolan was overcome with a euphoric pride. He and Mira had created an amazing family together, established a successful farm and were raising two good people. Rolan wondered if it could get any better than this. He wanted it to be this way forever. He took a sip of wine, before setting the half empty glass down on the table. Life was good.

But all things change...