10 Minute Tales

Jun 12 - Astro Colonist

The alarm clock chimed quietly by Gris' bed, but even it was loud enough to shatter the silence of the room. He awoke quietly, eyes drifting open to see the cold, metallic dome above his head. The light panel glowed softly, getting brighter to help him awaken. He grumbled as he got up, trudging over to his outfit. It was a jumpsuit authorised for extra-colony activities and could be worn with an exosuit or a space suit. He shrugged it on almost reluctantly as he headed out into the world beyond his door, planning to eat before heading out to work. Several thousand years of interplanetary travel and scientific advances that stretched the boundaries of imagination, and here he was, stuck as a food cultivator. If it wasn't for him, though, the colony would starve. He straightened himself up as he reminded himself. Most of the food on this station was thanks to him and his crew. Time to reap some of the benefits. He hastened over to the central transporter, pressing the mess hall button. The platform slid elegantly to life, sliding into a long, glass corridor. The stars were beautiful, foreign constellations painting beautiful dots on a blank canvas. One day he'd get out of the transporter and look out at this beautiful abyss forever, but today was not that day. He sighed as he entered the main body of the station, the transporter sliding to a stop in the lobby. The other residents were talking to each other rather eagerly; it seemed as though a new ship was orbiting on the other side, and the pilot was visiting. Curious, he followed the crowd to meet the traveller. 

She was a member of an amphibious species, her blue, scaley skin glistening softly in the light as she fidgeted. She didn't seem comfy in the sterile air of the station, but somebody had already given her a drink of water. She was talking to the crowd, regaling a story.

"... so of course he was less than impressed. I never delivered the prisoner, after all."

"What? But you caught the prisoner alive, right?"

"Yeah, but he wanted to do the justice himself. A Protector can recruit bandits, though, and so far he's proven loyal."

"You're gonna keep an eye on him, right?"

"No duh! Last thing I need is for him to rebel, I've got Vala keeping an eye on him." She nodded, grinning confidently, before looking over and noticing the newcomer. "Hey, you're Gris, right?"

"I am." he nodded slightly, surprised she knew his name.

"Everybody says your veggies are incredible, despite being in space. Did you need any fertiliser?"

"Well, I suppose I could always do with some more up here." he nodded, relaxing a little. "What do you want in return?"

"A great, non-replicated meal. You have no idea how boring nutrient blocks get."

"Alright, I'll do what I can." he smiled. "One meal for one bag."

"Sounds good!" she giggled, nodding. "I'm Aroza. We have a deal!"

"Of course." he nodded. "I trust to hear from you soon, then."

"No problem! I already bookmarked the station's co-ordinates relative to the star." she nodded. "Gonna restock on food and head out first."

"Enjoy your stay." he nodded, walking away again. Breakfast sounded like a wonderful idea now.