Hardly A Holiday Resort

Posted on Wed Aug 28th, 2019 @ 7:09am by

616 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: What Stalks The Night
Location: Planetside

When James stepped out of the shuttle that transported them down to the planet he took a look around. Dark grey, unwelcoming clouds lingered high above, a cold chill on the air, the whole place looked like a manifestation of grim depression and foreboding. Though they had landed in a clearing there were trees and bushes around them in scattered pockets but there were no birds, at least none that he could hear.

"The complex is 2.1km from here, bearing 062." The pilot called out as he seemed to get ready to settle down for the long wait as the away team went about their business.

James made sure he had all his gear handy, it would no doubt be needed. While he waited for the others to prep he thought about Kelly and Tiff. Shore leave was a much needed and welcome change of pace for them and as a trio, even that sounding strange in his head from the typical 'couple'. But the three of them had entered into something which he held close, even when away from them they were never far from his thoughts, even now.

He did wish that he could spend more time with them but this new ship, the size and scope of it and his role as Chief Engineer meant that his time was limited but he hoped they understood. On his desk in his office he had pictures of them both, then a picture of the three of them together in the centre. Regardless of if he looked left or right one of the girls would be there and in the middle the union of the three of them with smiles, hugs and happiness. He knew he was lucky, he never downplayed that for a moment and nor would he.

His line of thought was broken by something buzzing around his ears. "Hey Doc, got any repellent in that case of yours?"

Xavier stepped off with medkit in hand, a larger one on his back with an assortment of things required for the gel and the away team's welbeing. When he stepped out of the shuttle he immediately felt his foot sink an inch. Looking down he saw that the ground was kind of soft, mud oozed up the height of his boot a little. He sighed, he hated that.

Then he heard James mention something. "Sorry Lieutenant, again?"

"Insect repellent, got any?" Just as another buzzed passed his ear.

Xavier pulled out his medical scanner. "Small insect, I would guess its attracted to the salt from your sweat." He put the scanner away. "Here, try this." From his bag he pulled out a small spray canister and handed it to James.

"Though I would suggest we move, I don't know anything about the bio diversity on the planet or its medical dangers or what they could carry. If we can limit exposure I'd suggest it." Xavier spoke to Commander Caselli.

James sprayed the back of his neck, behind his ears, hands and brow before handing the canister back. Last thing he wanted was to come down with something from what ever it was flying around them or return to the ship looking like an inflated version of himself from all the bite marks.

"Well the security measures prevents beaming in, I doubt our arrival went unnoticed." It seemed stupid to have a security net over a place to prevent beaming in but nothing to stop others from doing exactly what they planned to.

"That weather doesn't look like its turning any more hospitable too." Xavier pointed out to a particularly unfriendly looking gathering of dark grey clouds with that tell tail mist under it of heavy rain.

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