Immortality is a gift, but one with a sting in the tail

Atop a solid mountain, far from any heavily populated places, the Citadel had been built. Its location was carefully chosen to guarantee security and seclusion. But even the strongest foundations can become worn out over time. The Rock, the Citadel's leader, was finally informed of a specific incident, yet his initial reaction was not one of panic but rather awe at the skill of the builders. Any sense of urgency was quickly overridden by the thought of their excellent work.

However, Alexander, who was familiar with The Rock, anticipated that his lord may change his mood. He had the foresight to pack a shot of brandy to prepare for any mood swings. The Rock's mood had recently become more erratic, with periods of intense melancholy followed by euphoric times. Alexander, on the other hand, being a loyal and valued aide, remained solid and consistent, happy in his job despite his youth.

The Rock understood that he needed to attend the location right away after hearing the news Alexander had conveyed. He sipped the brandy and gave Alexander the go-ahead to get ready for an instant flight with a few guards. Alexander quickly organised the clothing and equipment needed for the expedition and advised his master to unwind till departure.

The Rock thanked Alexander and returned to his opulent yet cosy chair. He then took the opportunity to gather his thoughts for the upcoming responsibilities. He cast a quick glance at the empty chair next to him that had formerly belonged to his longtime partner, Gwyn. The two chairs had seen better days and bore the traces of time in the form of dings and wear, but The Rock treasured their authenticity and refused any attempts to clean them up. He had always been wary of accepting presents since he thought they came with expectations and might cause miscommunication or disdain. He found it amusing that gifts might be considered "poison" in German, but few other people appeared to feel the same way. Nevertheless, he recognised the actual blessings in life, such as the company and encouragement of people close to him.

The leader savoured the luxury of the moment as Alexander refilled The Rock's brandy glass. He thought about time, recalling his journeys throughout the globe and his time aboard the SS Shiraz. The novelty of space travel had worn off, showing the grandeur of the cosmos and the insignificance of humanity in the scheme of things. He had a greater appreciation for the inventiveness of Earth and its inhabitants as the sensation of wonder and terror of the unknown had subsided.

The Rock saw the changes in the scenery as he flew over the coast near the Citadel. Old towns had been moved many kilometres inland by the passage of time, and rivers had been rerouted to service new communities. He was occasionally both impressed and worried by humanity's capacity for adaptation and change.

The Rock understood that the Citadel's distant location had been purposefully chosen as they got closer to it. The facility was difficult to locate and access, which increased security. Even after finding the Citadel, getting inside was still difficult.

The Rock entered the building and discovered the central chamber, where two wooden boxes were lying. His mind was inundated with flashes of the past as he handled the boxes with care. Broken gear pieces from the SS Shiraz were found inside the boxes, signifying both blessings and curses. The crew's ageing process had been severely impacted by the spaceship's malfunction, which prompted the crew to take extreme steps to prevent an uprising on Earth.

The choice of whether to repair the Citadel or let it collapse came to symbolise the ongoing decisions and unpredictabilities of life. The Rock and Gwyn debated whether to embrace renewal or accept the course of existence as it was as they considered their own mortality. Gwen promised The Rock that they could decide their fate together, free from outside control, as she was determined to move forward with her plans.

The Rock reflected on the value of gifts and the passage of time as they departed the collapsing Citadel, embracing both the wonders and difficulties of life's journey.