Archcore: Echoes of Ion

[14] - [On Mars]

-[Mars]-

Small children ran together laughing as they passed Shirley, who quickly raised her bucket of water, fearing of them accidentally knocking into either her or the bucket.

Watching them run away, she just smiled and shook her head before continuing on her trip back.

Many colonies were built on Mars, thanks in large part to Cradle, and while it was a livable planet, it wasn't an easy job. Still, Cradle had sent large shipments of supplies needed for the small colonies once every two weeks. Specifically, the first and third weeks of every month.

Shirley lived in a large complex. One of many that housed colonists. Due to harsh conditions of the planet, this was the best solution for those living on the outer areas of the colonies.

"Shirley!"

As Shirley was coming up the stairs to the second floor, she was stopped by a pale woman with long ash colored hair.

"What is it Kokoro?" Shirley asked.

Kokoro was silent for a moment as she looked back the way she came. With one hand on the wall, she kept herself still while the other hand laid on her large stomach, "Need help coming down the stairs?"

Kokoro shook her head, "It's not that. It's the guy Gil brought. He's awake. He's finally awake."

Saying nothing in response, Shirley set the bucket down and followed Kokoro until they came to find an older man talking to another on a bed' "Do you know your name? Gilbert asked him, "Can you tell me that?" Taking a flashlight, Gilbert waved it across his eyes.

"Name name?" He asked, "It's Azuma."

"Azuma." Gilbert repeated, "Well, I can't seem to find anything wrong with you."

Azuma took notice of both Kokoro and Shirley looking at him, leading to Gilbert looking back as well, "You two, get out of here!" Without any response, the girls quickly disappeared, "Your daughters?" Azuma asked.

"Daughters? No. But I did raise them as if they were. They live with me and help out here sometimes." GIlbert explained.

Moving back, Gilbert helped Azuma get to his feet. While he did wobble and stagger a bit, Azuma was able to balance himself, slowly taking a few steps forward until finally he could walk like normal, "Nothing is definitely wrong with you, Azuma."

"Is that odd?"

"Considering where we found you, yes. You fell from space in a Dreadnought, burning in the atmosphere as it fell. Yet, here you are, completely unscathed, how?"

Azuma was quiet for a moment, "I really don't know myself. I can't really remember why. All I know is I fell from space when coming too close to Mars, the next thing I know, I'm here." Gilbert crossed his arms as he thought over Azuma's words, but chose to not ask anything else, "Alright, come on. Time to stretch your legs."

Gilbert led Azuma out of the building where he was immediately met with the sunlight. Shielding his eyes, he looked around to find himself surrounded by the structures of the settlement, "So this is a Mars colony."

Despite the known knowledge of the harsh conditions on Mars, both natural and for living, the settlement gave Azuma a reminder of the Vanadis central colony. Structures both big and small, all of them well built. People, both adults and children who littered the sidewalks wore nice, well made clothes as well. It was more than just a colony that struggled, it was a colony that thrived. That was able to continue living well off.

"Not too bad for a colony, huh?" Gilbert asked.

"Gil." Kokoro called as she came out from the complex. As both Gilbert and Azuma looked to her, they could see she was looking up and down at Azuma. He did the same, but his eyes were more focused on her enlarged stomach, "You need to stop walking around, Kokoro. You're due any day now." Gilbert said.