After
successfully plotting their course,
Ariel found himself sharing the helm with Captain Corelli, navigating the ship through the cosmic currents with practiced ease. The
six day journey proceeded smoothly, the course plotted with precision as they made their way towards their destination.
In the meantime, the remaining Autumn Gold crew and Maya's group mingled. Captain Corelli hired a typical mix of free trade personnel, each with their own unique background and expertise. Some were ex-navy or ex-scouts, bringing with them a wealth of experience from their previous careers. Others had signed aboard at various ports, eager to learn the ropes of spacefaring life. Among the crew was even a college kid serving as the ship's medical officer, gaining valuable experience before pursuing a proper degree in medicine. He talked with Maya a lot during the journey.
As Ariel and Captain Corelli worked together at the helm, the rest of the crew went about their duties aboard the ship. The Autumn Gold, while functional rather than luxurious, provided a comfortable enough environment for its passengers and crew. The accommodations were a bit worn, and the food, while not gourmet, was certainly edible.
The passenger area was clean and tidy, if somewhat spartan in its furnishings. There was little that was new or expensive aboard the ship, but for those simply trying to get from place to place, the Autumn Gold was an entirely acceptable conveyance.
With the journey proceeding smoothly and without any major incidents, the group found themselves with a rare opportunity to relax and unwind. Freed from the constant pressure of imminent danger or looming disasters, they embraced the chance to catch up on reading, catch up on sleep, and get to know one another better.
In the quiet moments between shifts and duties, conversations flowed freely, with stories and laughter filling the corridors of the ship. They shared tales of past adventures, exchanged tips and tricks of the trade, and forged bonds of friendship that would endure long after their journey had ended.
As the Autumn Gold descended through the
thin atmosphere of Watson, the crew gazed out at the harsh and dry landscape unfolding below them. Rugged mountain ranges dominated the horizon, their peaks towering majestically against the backdrop of the starry sky. Rocky badlands and dusty plains stretched out as far as the eye could see, their barren expanse broken only by occasional patches of scrub vegetation clinging to life in the arid soil.
Ariel, ever the skilled pilot, guided the vessel, his hands steady on the controls as he maneuvered through the clouds until Settlement Island came into view, its fertile seas and warm currents making it the only inhabited region on Watson. The capital,
Central, nestled snugly on the shores of two great lakes fed by
Mount Salbarii, an extinct volcano looming in the distance. From above, the village appeared as a tiny oasis amidst the harsh landscape, its cluster of buildings and winding rivers serving as crucial arteries connecting settlements scattered across the island.
Soon the starship is on the ground at
Walston Starport. As the crew prepared for the next steps, Michelle addressed the group, her voice projecting over the ship's intercom system.
"Attention, everyone," she began, her tone firm but measured.
"We'll be making a brief stop at Walston on our way to our next destination. We'll only be staying for a few hours as we load and unload our cargo."
Captain Corelli continued,
"Our vessel is on a charter. So, let's say goodbye to Maya and her friends and make the most of our time at Walston to ensure that we're ready for whatever lies ahead."
After grabbing their bellongings, stepping out onto the dusty landing pad
wearing respirators and rebreathers due to the thin atmosphere, our intrepid adventurers scanned their surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. To their surprise, there were no other ships present at the starport. The vast expanse of the landing area lay empty, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of interstellar travel.
Maya furrowed her brow in confusion, exchanging puzzled looks with her companions.
Adeon and Ariel also noticed the conspicuously small and empty starport.
As they made their way across the landing pad, they noticed a couple of roofed berthing pits nearby. These covered structures typically housed vessels undergoing maintenance or repairs. However, a quick glance inside revealed that they were empty, confirming Maya's suspicions.
"There's no other ships here, just the Autumn Gold" Maya muttered, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Where is our ship?"
Dressed in utilitarian uniforms and going about their tasks with practiced efficiency nearby,
the starport's ground crew seemed unfazed by the eerie emptiness. There was also a
customs building situated just ahead. The structure was small and unassuming, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape with its simple design and modest size. To enter the startown, it is necessary to pass through customs.
