The sun was high in the clear sky with only a single cloud forming around the mountain side. Not a sign of structure damage was in sight making everything very peaceful as a lone transport ship entered though the atmosphere. Passing through the cloud, it made a calm decent into a colony that has slowly molded onto the side of the rocky terrain. A gentle breeze cradled the transport as it flew in the sky. The formation of the terrain was like a pair of arms about to embrace the vessel as it flew in.
Very few specks of debris hit the shield as it flew to a nearby landing pad. Beneath it were several Lilipans roaming about in what looked to be a bazaar. Each covered in different colored cloth; the sands were ever changing in color as several of them move within a crowd. Several tents and buildings were built up containing several wares. Judging by all the bantering that was going on, there was much profit to be had. The buildings were simple in design. Beige in color, rounded and square like; they dotted the landscape as mats of a variety of colors laid in front their doors. Owners with large hats danced around as they tried to reach as many consumers as they could within their crowds. Some walking away with goods and some walking away with a lack of interest, it seemed like a good day to visit the settlement. However, very unusual was it for this many of their kind to be out in the open, let alone create a community near an Arks landing pad. One would fear that they would be in a lot of danger with the amount of darker activity the planet of Lillipa was seeing. Regardless, the environment has changed a lot over the month. One could be impressed with how it has gone from a desert wasteland of endless dunes, ruins and hills to a bustling community consisting of several buildings. This once barren mountain side is now filled with homes, stores, water towers and several construction projects still going on. Now filled with creatures moving up and down the site, a welcoming sight was to be had as hands waved to the ship that flew by.
Now reaching the dusty landing pad, the transport landed dead center on the rather large Arks star that was imprinted on it. The power of the engine caused an aura of wind below, scaring away any specs of dirt that was comfortable. Accompanying it was another transport surrounded by the tiny bear like creatures, a human and a CAST. Few looked backed as the doors of the newly arrived ship opened. Coming into vision were two figures wearing sunshades of different kinds. A pale, lavender haired man wore the sleeker shades of the two that were black as the darkest caves. The other has much more color on his skin. Blazing red haired with a pair of gold aviators, one could judge that he was the pilot by the suit that could now be seen. A pilot suit of sage and orange walked down the ramp as it was approached by one of the natives. Neither of the men complained as they made the transition from an air conditioned ship to what was to be the hot environment of the planet. However, it was presently warm for being out in the open. Aside from the flooring obviously being hot, one could easily get use to staying in the cool environment in the mountains. The single cloud above has been shading the landing pad from the sun all day.
Greeting the two was the chief of the community. Robes of pure white and decorated with tribal deigns of red and blue triangles, this one was much younger and more colorful than the one Arkz is used to seeing. Syncing at the right time, the creature stopped right in front of the man in the purple suit as he finished stepping onto the platform. With a bow, it shocked the two as it began to speak their language. “Greeting members of Arks and welcome to this landing pad. I am Ruffin of Egal, leader of community. I hope a pleasant stay you will have.” Said the chief as it bowed.
“Interesting that is has obtained the ability to speak our language.” Responded the purple haired man as he looked to the red headed man. “Greetings, we are friends of the man you may know as Yoshi. I am Kaz and this is Heart.” Said Kaz, with a gesture to his friend and returning the bow.
With a gasp, the red headed man then crossed his arms and replied “Heart!? That’s the best you can come up with? Come on man, we’re not secret agents!”
“Freely giving out our names could lead us to some issues should information be drawn from the locals. Seeing as Arks doesn’t even know that Yoshi has been out here for a month, it would be unwise to drag us into any sort of trouble. We are merely here to check up on him.” Responded Kaz, who stared at Heart with a cocked eyebrow.
“As friends? Because we care about his safety? I may not know what it was like coming back as a Dewmen but you need to soften up.” Heart said as a he placed a hand on Kaz’s shoulder, giving it a rough shake. He then turned to the Lilipan as it patiently listened to the two. Expecting an annoyed look on it, Ruffin looked rather intrigued. “The names’ Reinhardt and this is my friend, Kazamir. Nice to meet you and we welcome your hospitality. Isn’t that right
Kaz? May you lead us to Yoshi?”
With another bow, it gestured to follow as the crowd around the second transport began to split. Under the supported ship sat Ijiraku as she worked on the vehicle’s back lower corner with Yoshi sleeping on her lap. Reinhardt grimaced at the thought of using metal as a pillow. Yoshi however seemed fine, even with various bolts being plugged into his nose. Approaching the two, she didn’t even stop to look at them as she spoke to the men.
“Humans are such interesting creature. All the potential things you could use them for as they sleep. It’s a good thing he breathes through his mouth. Before you ask, I am installing new landing gear for the Terenanova. Taking it apart proved quite vexing but we managed to get it out with the help of the Lilipans.” She said as she plucked bolts from the man’s nostrils. Finally stopping as she picked up one of the broken ones, she turned to the two the relic raised. “Did you know these metal objects use to be considered the finest deadbolts of its time? Interesting that it was so brittle, you could flick it off. I assume build up and the ship’s internal systems are what kept it together all this time.” She said with a smile, turning the object as she spoke.
Hand on hips, the pilot then finally said “Err, that’s nice. Glad to see you two are doing fine I guess.” Unfolding his arms, he then crouched down and pointed to Blue’s nose. “Eh, why are you using Yoshi’s nose to hold parts? Heck, what else have you been doing to him?” Nervously asked Reinhardt as Kazamir stoically stood, unmoved. Several of the fuzzy beings around them moved to and fro; some with tools, others with parts, and one that held clear cool water. Like Ijiraku, most of them worked on some part of the ship. Sounds of metal work and soldering fill the air with the bantering of the bazaar completing the scene around them.
Going back to installing the rest of the landing gear, she then said “Nothing that would harm him, save for the time I used his head to hold a cap. I may have feared his neck would break from the weight. None the less, he has been helping repair the ship and has done most of the work. Leaving me to do only the things I am good at.” Having finished, she then looked back at the two and waved her arms to the surround Lilipans.” The Lilipans around us are those who owe him favors for helping them out. They appear to see him as a blessing. A sign that Arks has them in their thoughts and has been bringing them supplies to build the settlement. Really, he has just been bringing back parts for the ships and the surplus went to the locals. With the help of your wife of course, Mr. Durene.” Said the gold CAST as she stroked Yoshi’s forehead.
“Marean has been aiding the natives by smuggling unauthorized Arkz materials to them?” Kazamir spoke with a voice of disapproval. With the tone of voice alone, Reinhardt did not need to look at the rather angry look his friend had.
“What can I say? She’s a woman who likes adventure and danger. She knows the laws like the back of her hand. Always has. Besides, I’m sure they won’t miss some of their things missing here and there. Even if they did catch on, they can’t blame it on Celestial because she left the group and several teams land on this site from time to time, remember? So relax.” He said as he starched his back, slightly leaning to face Kaz whose face hasn’t shifted one bit.
Turning away to look at Ijiraku, Kazamir then said “I am disappointed in you. What happened to the squad leader that took matters seriously and lead with honor?”
“What happened to the best scout we had who was willing to take risks and wing assignments? Time has apparently changed all of us” retorted the Newmen.
Finally making signs of life, Blue finally began to wake. By coincidence the chief and a Lilipan of equally fancy robes came with a scroll to report to the ship owner. Speaking in tongues unknown to the two men with shades, The CAST and owner nodded as they spoke. Reinhardt was impressed that Yoshi could understand them. Kazamir’s indifference however made him feel uneasy. As the Chief and his companion left, Yoshi then finally got off his knees to greet his friends.
“Hey you two, glad you came to see me. They came to report to me that the hull is successfully repaired and reinforced but they couldn’t do anything about the engines. So, what brings you two here?” Yoshi asked in a sleepy tone with a yawn preformed afterwards.
A smile as wide as his head and hand to pull Kazamir’s towards him, the Newmen then replied “We came to see our old buddy! While I can’t speak for mister grumps over here, I personally wanted to get you away from this piece of work and into the city. You know, see the sights, party in the city, and get you talking to single ladies.”
Kazamir then casually pushed off and said. “I came to say hello as well. Our friend pulled me away from my duties for a similar reason.”
“Come on, it will be fun! The ship will still be here when you get back.” Reinhardt added as he began to shake Yoshi with both hands on his shoulders.
“I don’t know...” Said Yoshi. “We got pretty far and have planned a shakedown tomorrow morning. What do you think?” he asked with a hand raised towards Ijiraku, the other on his chin.
“While we would be leaving the pad open to an attack, I do wish to relocate to someplace that won’t get sand in my joints. I’ll ask some of our team members to guard the place. Maybe I can ask Enforcer and Xenovia?” Pondered the CAST.
Now grabbing Yoshi and Kazamir, Reinhardt with tone of assurance then said “Then it’s settled. Let’s go right now!”
Leaving Ijiraku to tell the surrounding assistants of their departure, the three men traveled to the transport as Yoshi told them of his new friends and how Ijiraku taught a few how to communicate with the rest of Arkz as well as teaching him how communicate with them. Taking their seats, the ship roared as it began to power its thrusters. Ijiraku slowly walked up the ramp as it began to close. Making her way to the cockpit, she waited by the doorway for the Newmen pilot to put on his helmet. Grabbing him by the collar, she brought him close to her with enough force to make his helmet head-butt her metal skull. With a tone of seriousness but a look of joy, she said the Newmen “He’s not seeing any women”. That said, the Caseal threw him back into his seat and made her way to the hold to join the other. She gently returned to Yoshi his brown ten gallon hat once taking a spot of her own. Upon lifting off, the Lilipans waved a farewell as it flew away with majestic grace.
“It’s good to see you again, bonehead.” Kazamir said as he punched Blue’s shoulder.
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