Sandbug

Posted on 03 Apr 2023 @ 9:19pm by Aiden Dhow

Mission: M3 - Into the Deep
Location: Obsidian - Itonian Settlement
Timeline: 0805 Hrs
898 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Aiden stood under the sliver of shade provided by the landing craft as he waited for the bulk of the passengers to make their way toward the heavy gates ahead of them. He'd been amazed he even managed to find a spot on the transport, full as it had been of refugees coming to make their home in the proffered space within the red rocks. Personally, were it his choice, life on a station - transient or not - would be worlds better than this sand-blasted hell. Still, a part him couldn't deny there was a certain appeal as he looked around.

Adjusting his grip on the bag at his side, Aiden pulled the camera out and powered it up, letting his eyes adjust to the glare until he felt he had a good scope of his surroundings. He took a few preliminary shots of the backs of the Refugees, catching various groupings that ranged from ones and twos to small family units carrying their few possessions in what bags they could carry. The scene was muted by the gleam of morning sunlight – he could barely comprehend that this was early in the day and still hours from the afternoon heat – reflecting off softly billowing sand in hues ranging from vibrant red to a translucent coral. After checking his shots, Aiden shifted the strap higher onto his shoulder and pressed forward to join the crowd.

He wasn’t here to beg for lodgings with the rest; he had been invited to come visit, and perhaps find a way to share a bit of the colony with those still hesitant to come down. He’d been surprised to run into his uncle of all people on the station. Apparently he’d come up to restock and touch base with an old friend; not much was shared on who said friend might be, but when Kit had gotten Aiden to talking, he’d shown genuine interest when the younger man mentioned his newest acquisition. It had been Kit’s idea to photograph the colony, suggesting that he might be able to make a bit of profit off of the images if they turned out well. It was a challenge, and at the moment Aiden didn’t have a lot of work on his hands, as Ms. Hardt had her shop up and running and really didn’t need his assistance every day.

So … he was here, an arm drawn over his face as a gust of wind kicked up a flickering wave of sand. He checked the camera once it passed, assuring himself nothing had gotten into the mechanics; from what he could tell, the devise was designed to stand up to just about anything within reason, and apparently sandstorms fit that description.

“What do you think you’re doing here?” The question caught him off guard, and Aiden scrambled to keep hold of the device as a dark woman with glittering amber eyes peered up at him. “You’re no Romulan.”

“No, he’s not.” The voice cut in before Aiden could form a response and he glanced up to see Kit breaking away from the crow. “I told you my nephew would be down here, Shirin. This is Aiden.”

The woman, Shirin, smirked. “Come down to play with the sandbugs, huh?” Her expression softened slightly as she caught sight of the camera. “You know how to use that thing, or is it just to pick up women?”

Aiden bristled, but he caught sight of Kit’s amused grin and shrugged, handing it over to the woman. “See for yourself.” As she began flipping through the images he’d taken so far, Aiden took the chance to study his surroundings. Here in the main gate, the worst of the heat and wind were cut off, providing a bit of relief. Further in was dark and comparatively cool, but he could see light at the far end and imagined passing from one misery to another.

“So what do you think so far,” Kit nodded at a passing Refugee before turning back to Aiden.

“Uh, I’m not really sure what to think. Not all that appealing if you ask me.”

“Says a space jockey,” Shirin handed the camera back. “Those aren’t bad; but you haven’t seen much worth looking at yet. Just remember the homes are marked out for those folk; you’ll have to finagle your own deal with the elders – El Aurian or not.” Without further word, she turned and headed into the passage.

“You’re lucky she likes you,” Kit teased, then waved for Aiden to follow him. “I’ll introduce you to the council of elders, then set you up with a tour of the place. If you end up spending a few nights, you’re welcome to stay in my lodgings for the time being.” He considered Aiden for a moment before adding, “You know I would speak for you if you wanted to consider staying here long term.”

“I doubt that would happen,” Aiden flipped his hood back, shaking off as much of the sand as possible in the stillness of the passage. He peered at the other man a moment before adding, “But thanks.”

“We’ll see. Either way, I always have room if you decide to come back to visit again.” With that, he led the way down the passage.