10 Minute Tales

Mar 28

The wind hissed wildly around them. Sand blew at them from what felt like every angle, obscuring their sight. If they didn't know better, they wouldn't have said they were close to the dome.

"This is ridiculous." Queenson yelled, trying to be heard above the windstorm. He was holding on to Abe's shoulder, who was holding on to Aurora's. "I've never seen a windstorm get this bad."

"You haven't been in one." Abe replied. "This is about right."

"Why are we this far out, anyway?"

"Stops them being able to see us." Aurora replied. "Put simply, even Sentinel's cameras struggle with this much distortion, they can't make anything out."

"And how are you coping?"

"Two cameras, proximity, GPS... I'm as blind as you, but I still know where I'm going."

"Wait, wouldn't Sentinel know you were using the GPS?"

"Doubt it, it's not his tech."

"Wait, what?" Queenson raised his eyebrows, surprised.

"Yeah, the main company behind the tech is on another continent. Sentinel doesn't have as much power over there, he'll be focused on sorting our home out first."

"You hope."

"Hey, what's life without a little optimism?" she flashed a grin over her shoulder. "Come on, we're almost here." Queenson squinted. He could make out the vague silhouette of the shuttle, its blocky shape beckoning to them, offering sanctuary from the storm. Aurora sped up a little, the other two stumbling over the rough ground. She started tapping at a panel, making the door open with a hiss. The three quickly entered, shutting the door. The ground was already sandy; Aurora activated the air purifier to get rid of the dust hanging in the air. Queenson sighed in relief, heading over to the control panel.

"Hm... not too much fuel. Should make it up there, at least..."

"Then it shall be enough. Sinis holds spare fuel in the event of shuttle problem; though Dextra doesn't receive many visitors, it will be likely that technicians included a fuel reserve for their own use."

"Even if it was up and down?"

"In interplanetary manners, it pays to be overprepared." Abe replied gravely. Queenson nodded, admitting defeat.

"Alright, boys, stand aside. Never get a human to do a robot's job." Aurora grinned. Queenson stepped aside, letting Aurora swivel her hand around to plug her hand into the console again.

"Switch to Error. She can repel Sentinel, you're less buggy."

"Well, yeah, I guess that makes sense..." Aurora pouted. "Sucks I'm going already, though..."

"You have done marvellously, Error." Abe smiled. "I hope to meet you again, soon."

"Sure you will." she grinned, giving him a mock salute. Her eyes dimmed and the arm lowered; when her eyes switched on again, she stood in a professional stance. "I am Error."

"Error, take us to Dextra. We need to talk to Sentinel."

"Ack-ack-acknowledged." Error nodded. The shuttle shuddered as Error brought it to life, and they were soon soaring into the sky, aiming to go beyond.