Permafrost Slumber

Chapter 5

Perhaps due to their exhaustion, or perhaps from sleeping for the first time in comfort with their bellies full; the two companions wake up at the sound of someone using a loudspeaker device that resounds across the entire outpost.

Loudspeaker Announcer: Good morning everyone. Sun's up, let's get to work. This shipment needs to be sent out today.

As if on cue, people file toward their workplaces at a steady pace, casually chatting and sharing a few laughs as they walk. Most were probably awake by the crack of dawn and were simply waiting for the start of their shift, only a token few wanted to take advantage of a few more blissful moments of sleep.
Kallen rises from her bed and stretches for a little bit as she exclaims:

Kallen Kaslana: Mmm! I slept well. The mattress was a bit lumpy but it was good to sleep in a real bed.

Seeing as the Captain was slow to wake up, Kallen throws her pillow at him and it hits him square in the face as he sluggishly sits up. Kallen is unable to contain her laughter and manages to sneak in a few apologies when she can.

Kallen Kaslana: Pfff... Sorry... Haha... I didn't mean it. I thought you weren't getting up. Haha, I couldn't have landed that so well-timed even if I wanted to.

As the companions put on their fur clothes, a familiar burly man bursts through the door into the room, swinging the door wide with a loud shove while his voice rings even louder to match the energy inside him.

Higgins: Morning my lovelies! Isn't this a wonderful morning?

Higgins is full of energy this morning and looks a lot better in comparison to their first meeting. All the soot has been mostly removed from his clothes and he seems to have thoroughly washed his face and beard. His cheeks and nose are red from the touch of cold but it adds a certain charm to his smile.

Higgins: I hate to be the bearer of bad news if you're planning on seeing the-... err, Natasha. Before she left, she left a message asking you lovelies to stay another day or two here.

The Captain falls silent, pondering this not wholly unexpected request, while Kallen asks:

Kallen Kaslana: In the Care House?

Higgins scratches the back of his head then replies with a hint of uncertainty in his voice:

Higgins: Y-Yes? I don't know. Natasha asked that you stay here another day or so till she comes back from a trip she's taking across the mountain where she found you. You're welcome to walk around the outpost or even help out if you're so inclined. We need any pair of helping hands we can get. Boss... Err... Natasha asked that you don't leave for a while.

As the Captain finishes putting on his fur coat and makes sure he's well insulated against the cold waiting to embrace him once he steps outside, he says to Higgins:

Captain: Did she say anything about the map I gave her?

Given the puzzled look on Higgins's face, he is unaware of what the Captain is talking about, even after a good look into his dark brown eyes confirms that Higgins isn't pretending.

Higgins: Map? Not a word, I'm afraid. She left very early in the morning and I was just passed down a message from the Hangar.

Higgins then claps his hands together as he smiles and says:

Higgins: So, what will it be? Will you help us out till Natasha comes back?

Kallen Kaslana: Well... we have no immediate plans and it would be rude not to repay you for the hospitality you've shown us.

Higgins chuckles and says:

Higgins: Ah! I knew you'd help out. I saw you're a helpful sort the moment I looked into your eyes, my Lovely Lady! What about your friend? I hope you're not soft-handed or too pampered to get a little dirty.