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#IntoTheBlackPbp_Story1

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Wulfric

, Post 7

The aroma of coffee and fresh baked goods enveloped us in a warm hug as soon as we opened the door to Uncommon Grounds, the closest shop to the port. We all paused to take a deep breath before heading to the counter where a barista met us with a cheerful smile. “Welcome to Uncommon Grounds! Our special today is a medium roast hybrid bean from Huxley, the Splicer colony on Titan, prepared to your preference and served with either a chocolate croissant or pistachio lemon biscotti. What can I get for you today?”
Jared ordered the special prepared heavy cream and honey and selected the biscotti for dipping for himself and large, zrifa smoothie for Baruk. Baruk explained that a zrifa is a fruit native to the Budhai homeworld that resembles an Earth dragonfruit but tastes similar to a mix of strawberry, banana, and mango. They recommended I try one, but there was no way I was passing up a chocolate croissant and smooth cup of black, dark roast Arabica. The barista seemed impressed by our decisiveness and set in preparing our order.
We made our way to a corner booth and settled in with our much needed repast. The buttery flavor of the flaky crust complemented the smooth, slightly bitter, dark chocolate filling of the croissant. I savored the first bite before reaching for my coffee, which was equally glorious and completed my much needed snack perfectly. As I reveled in my meal, I noticed Jared and Garuk watching me intently. “What?” I said curiously. Jared chuckled and replied, “I’d forgotten how much you enjoy good pastry and coffee. You may have even gotten a bit more intense.”
I could feel a light flush rising towards my face before laughing self-consciously. “Anyway…It is wonderful to see you again, Jared, and finally meet Baruk. This is a rather interesting place you two call home.” We talked for a few hours about what we’ve been doing since school, about the day I had since arriving, and how I plan to spend my time in Port Wells. I even broached the topic of finding a new job and not returning to Earth. Jared convinced me that I shouldn’t tell off my boss until I had made my decision and preferably found a new position. That was sound advice, but it didn’t help me figure out what was going to be next.

1/2



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Wulfric

, Post 6

The conversation died out soon after and we rode on in silence. I awkwardly studied my tablet and he began dozing off while leaning against the window. There really wasn’t much to say about the situation other than it sucked. It didn’t seem to matter what planet you were on. Some people are assholes and the authorities stick to the letter of the law unless they can find a way to do less. It bothered me that Karl, that was the name on his overalls so I assumed it was his, was more concerned about being arrested for defending himself than about how he was treated.

The door to the rear car opened again and I heard voices again. I could see several faces peeking around and the figure stepping through into our compartment. She had a medium, muscular build and wore a tanktop, loose-fiit jeans, and black leather work boots. Aside from her green hair which was streaked with yellow and black, her only truly distinguishing features were a neurojack on her temple and the prosthetic arm which was painted with flames from elbow to wrist.

Elective cybernetic enhancements have been commonplace for decades. They started as medical prosthetics but eventually became mainstream for those who could afford them. As the tech became more readily available through secondhand parts and black markets, the Cyber subculture developed. Most of the modders chose practical enhancements that would help with their careers or lifestyles, but some went for shock and awe. I’d heard that there were several people who went so far as to replace their entire bodies but those were just rumors. I mean how would that even work? My attention snapped back to the young woman who unceremoniously flopped in the seat next to me and leaned over to whisper, “Aw look, he’s sleeping. We should be quiet, huh? Did you two have a nice chat? I could see you from back there.”

A couple of toadies followed her in and stood at either end of the compartment holding onto the support rails. It was hard to tell what or if they were thinking, but I had the distinct feeling nothing good was going to come out of this situation. The tram slowed as it approached the next station. Karl woke up and growled; his hackles rising again. The woman feigned an innocent face while raising her hands palms out. “Looks like someone is still grumpy. Maybe you need to take a longer nap.” The toadies shifted a bit closer to the Canid whose muscles were tensing for a fight.

The tram door opened and voice called in, “Ashley! I told you and the boys to stay away from Karl.” Everyone turned to find a uniformed security officer standing on the platform holding the door open. “This is your stop isn’t it?” Ashley gave the others an annoyed look and signaled for them to get out of the tram. She followed without a word and the officer stepped in. “Sorry about that Karl. I think I made it worse by trying to warn them off. I don’t know how you keep from tearing them apart.”

“It’s not a lack of desire, but then I probably shouldn’t tell you that. Besides, they’re just kids. Little assholes, but kids just the same.”

“I didn’t hear a thing.” The officer glanced at me. “You ok? If Ashley so much as brushed against you, I can pick them up. They’d be back on the street tomorrow, but tonight would be a little quieter.”

I shook my head to decline the offer. “No harm done. I’m not sure if that would have been true if we’d hit the station a few minutes later though. Thank you.”

The rest of the trip back was quiet. I stepped off the tram into a mixed crowd of business and vacation travelers scurrying to and from their flights. I glanced over the balcony and saw Jared with his bald head and bushy beard standing next to his partner Baruk. They were urgently scanning the crowd. I yelled down to them. They both looked up and waved enthusiastically.



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Wulfric

, Post 5

The sounds from down the street grow louder and I can see figures moving around the stairs. Maybe Jared had a point about not using the station. I turn back the way I came and start walking; slowly at first and then increasing my pace to a brisk walk. I reached the platform as the tram arrived and I boarded it immediately. I was vaguely aware of others in car as I grabbed the nearest seat. On the wall beside me was a map of the tram stops. I estimated it should be about 45 minutes to get back to the port, faster if it doesn’t stop at every station.

The door to the rear car opened and I heard the sounds of howling again. I looked up to see a large humanoid with a dog-like head and reddish-brown fur ducking through the passage into the car. He was wearing grease-smeared overalls and carrying a lunch box. The sounds were cutoff when the door closed behind him. He flopped down into the seat across from me with huff. “It’s like this every day with those idiots. You would think they’d get bored and find something better to do than howl at me.”

“Who are they?” I asked.

“Local delinquents. They’re mostly harmless so long as you don’t provoke them. If they feel challenged or made to look weak in front of their gang, they will get violent. They usually don’t follow when I leave the car.”

I looked back at the door to see if it was opening again; it wasn’t. I then returned my attention to the mechanic who I assumed was a Canid—one of the species of uplifted animals from Earth. He looked exhausted but his hackles were slightly raised showing his frustration as well. “The authorities won’t do anything about them?”

He shook his head resignedly. “They aren’t technically doing anything wrong. Just because I’m always there when they start howling doesn’t mean they are doing it to harass me and there isn’t a law against howling in public. The only time the police would get involved is if the situation got physical. I’d rather avoid that personally.”



· 3 people · Closed
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Wulfric

, Post 4

Glancing at my tablet, I noticed I had been wandering around the urban sector for almost two hours. It was time to at least contact Jared. He was probably starting to worry. I pulled up his listing and tapped call. The screen flashed “connecting…” and then filled with a man’s face or least the part of it that wasn’t covered by a bushy, red beard.

“Hello?” Jared was squinting at the screen and kept shifting the angle. It looked to be much brighter where he was, which would make sense for the agricultural sector. “Finley? Your shuttle already landed? I was going to meet you at the port. It’s going to take me a few minutes to get back to the house and about 20 minutes to get there. I hope you haven’t been waiting long?”

“It’s not a problem Jared. I’ve been doing some sight-seeing. I know you two have work that needs doing. I’m sure I can find transportation out to the farm. Besides I’m not even sure where to tell you to come get me.” I briefly panned the camera around so Jared could see I wasn’t at the port anymore.

Jared’s voice took on a concerned tone. “Finley, you should head back the way you came. You’re heading into the industrial district. Better yet. Catch the tram back to the port and we’ll meet you there. Look up and follow the track to a station.”

I wondered why Jared was so concerned. We used to hang out in worse places back on Earth, but he knew the colony better than I do so I scanned up and down the street which ran under the track. I spotted a set of stairs a short way down from where I was. “On my way Jared. I think I can see a station not too far up from here.”

“Not that way! Trust me. Head back the way you came. There are stations every half-mile in the urban sector.” Now I knew the farm life was making him skittish. How dangerous could it be to hop on a tram? People live and work here every day. I paused looking up and down the street. I could hear yelling or maybe howling, but I couldn’t see where it was coming from.

Use to see all posts for this story.



· 5 people · Closed
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Wulfric

Story 1 Post 3
Starting Post: beige.party/@wulfric/113607042

“I’m not sure if I’m on vacation, looking for work, or just trying to disappear for a while.”. I admitted. I’d been so focused on getting off Earth and to Mars that I didn’t think about what would come next. The realization was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Grthyk nodded and his mandibles opened into what I think was supposed to be a smile. “Sounds like your legs have a destination that your mind isn’t aware of. Maybe you aren’t looking to stay in one place. My cousin was like that. She started out sight-seeing and then started colony hopping; a few months here, maybe a year there. After 5 years of that, she signed onto a freighter and never looked back. It’s been 15 years now. I think she’s been to every Coalition world and colony by now. Might even have been to Valgrul space.”
It seemed a bit odd getting life advice from a stranger, but what said made sense. I always had a plan or an expectation to live up to. This trip was impulsive. Sure, I planned to relax a bit and visit friends, but that’s not the same as laying out a 5-year plan. The idea of messaging my boss that I wouldn’t be coming back was particularly pleasant. I shook off my musings and turned my attention back to the clerk. “That’s impressive. After that long, she must have her own ship.”
“Nah. She didn’t want that kind of responsibility. As an employee she could change ships and directions after every contract. As an owner, she would have be responsible for everyone on board and the ship itself. I think she missed she would also have the freedom to take her ship wherever she wanted, but who am I to say? I’m one the still living here; two blocks from where I grew up.”
A small light appeared on a camera mounted in the back corner of the stall and a series a clicks and chirps came over and small intercom behind the counter. Grthyk switched off his translator for a moment and responded. All four of his shoulders slumped slightly like a child that was being reprimanded. He then straightened back up and switched his translator back on. “Sorry about that. My partner was concerned that my chatter was getting in the way of my providing service. I certainly hope that isn’t the case. Is there anything I can get you?” Grthyk’s arms spread apart indicating the wide assortment of snacks, souvenirs, and miscellany.
Feeling a bit sheepish about getting him in trouble, I purchased a drink and some snacks and continued on my way. One hour in Port Wells and I’m wondering if I’m going home. Maybe I was looking at it the wrong way. It wasn’t how long I was here. It was more about how long I was there and not being sure I like it enough to go back.



· 3 people · Closed
Continued thread
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Wulfric

Story 1 Post 2

I stood in awe for a moment looking at the nearby buildings and then up at the glowing dome criss-crossed with titanium beams as far as the eye could see. I checked my watch to confirm it was only 10 am because of the dim reddish-orange light the permeated colony. Despite the lighting, it is truly a marvel compared to cramped hallways and series of habitats that form Verne. Several people bumped past me muttering before I realized I was blocking the main walk and began moving with the crowd shuffling along while taking in the city.

The crowd thinned as I moved farther from the port. Traffic hummed past me; trucks and cars skimming just over the polished, grey road accompanied by the whine of hoverbikes. A bit overwhelmed by the sights and sounds, I step to the side of a small kiosk to get out of the flow of pedestrians. It was darker in the shadows of the buildings with only the dim lights from the stalls that lined the sidewalk. I didn’t notice the antennae poking over the counter but saw the triangular head, multifaceted eyes, and clicking mandibles out of the corner of my eye and jumped away as the cockroach-like creature rose and fixed it gaze on me.

It made a rhythmic series of clicking noises that sounded almost like laughter. The sounds changed and were soon followed by a synthetic voice, “Didn’t mean to scare you. First time in Port Wells?”. My heart raced as I looked closer at the clerk who I now saw was wearing a blue apron with the “Grthyk’s Goods” written on it in several languages. He must be a Gret, I thought to myself while trying to find the words to respond. “Yes. First time I’ve been farther than Luna to be honest.”
“Earth? I’ve considered a holiday there, but I’m just not sure I could deal with walking around without a dome over my head. I’m a born and bred Martian. What brings you Mars?”

First Story Post: beige.party/@wulfric/113607042



· 3 people · Closed
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Wulfric

Story 1 Post 1

After spending almost 9 days aboard a passenger shuttle in economy class, it became very clear why everyone said to spring for a cabin. I'd been sleeping mostly upright propped against the bulkhead. It wasn't particularly comfortable but it was certainly better than being stuck in a middle seat. The last two days of the voyage were filled with grumbling and short tempers. The attendants' smiles barely hid the relief in knowing the trip the was almost over as they made their way through the compartment. When the captain announced the shuttle was on approach to Port Wells, the oppressive atmosphere dissipated and a ripple of excitement spread through everyone aboard in for no other reason than knowing they would soon be free of the 900 sq ft economy accommodations we each shared with the other 29 passengers.

Upon arrival I grabbed my carry-on, the only luggage I brought, and exited the shuttle as quickly as possible. The air was fresh and crisp; not at all as I had been expecting. Verne's air had been more like that of the shuttle, scrubbed and sterile. I then noticed the trees and plants lining the walkways. The moon colony had an arboretum, but nothing like this. Glowing arrows direct passengers to set of large doors at one end of the hanger. The brightly lit corridor beyond is filled with scanners and agents checking cargo, luggage, and travel documents much like any busy terminal. Passing beyond the final set of doors, Port Wells looms before travelers like any metropolis of Earth with the distinct difference of the translucent dome arching overhead. The soft, orange glow from the dome slowly gives way to the brighter lights and electronic billboards closer to street level giving the city the dusk-like shroud.

Given the number of vehicles, businesses, and apartment complexes within the urban sector, it's hard to imagine that beyond it lies tracts of farmland and forests that make up the majority of the 30-mile diameter complex. A large console outside the terminal displays an interactive map of the colony showing each of the carefully planned sectors: Urban, Industrial, Agricultural, and Recreation.

I've been couped up too long. Where to first?



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