Dark, Rumbling and Deadly

[Starfliers]

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In a conference room within Starflier Base sits the founders. Leon Vicci, Halpert Kennedy, Albert McKenzie and Rex Baker. One seat remains unfilled due to Burton Grant still being behind bars. A smell is in the air, having everyone been living in Kepler for a few months.

Leon: "Thanks for coming everyone. The meeting today is to talk about the storm outside, and it's effects on the station as well as our own health."

Albert: "I've measured the radiation levels over the last couple months, and they are getting worse. Our supply of alloys is keeping the exterior of the station repaired, however there's residual damage."

Leon: "It looks like I've absorbed some minor amount of radiation. For the past few weeks I've developed a headache that won't go away. How do the rest of you feel?"

Halpert: "I'm going to cut in and say this, I feel like shit. The constant charting of new systems, some areas of which are in radiation fields, doesn't help me. It's either I fly out and get cooked, or stay here and get cooked. I feel like vomiting half the time I'm in space."

Rex: "Jesus, Halpert. Uh, I think I'm safe guys. You know me, I use the lanes when I transport my goods. No worries here."

Leon: "Albert? What about you?"

Albert: "I have been feeling the effects of radiation poisoning for a little while now. Same as you, I have an incurable headache. However, my work here cannot be stopped. I have noticed others from the research team be halted by their symptoms too."

Leon: "Since we're all getting worse, minus Rex of course. I've been in contact with Cryer Pharmaceuticals. They'll be doing tests on all of us to see how much radiation we have absorbed, and if it's curable. I'll have to re-read the transcript, but maybe they'll be bringing some medication too."

Albert: "That will help me and my team continue our work."

Halpert: "That'll have me survive long enough to chart the rest of Sirius. Why not just get someone to tow this station? I don't want to live in this storm forever."

Leon: "Tow the station? It's huge, it won't be an easy job. Plus, what are we going to while it's in transit? Granted, if this is something we could organise."

Halpert: "Medication and rest. Lots of both. I'm tired, Leon. Surely the 800 people on this station are too."

Rex: "I'm not!"

Halpert: "Ugh, shut up, Rex. It's likely going to be hard to find a way to do it. Just look into it. We can't go on if all of us end up feeling how I am now."

Leon: "Alright, Halpert. I will. Could you do something for me?"

Halpert: "What is it?"

Leon: "How many systems have you charted so far?"

Halpert: "I think the count is at seventeen."

Leon: "Look at those systems, see if there's a suitable place for us. Contact nearby groups to see if they'll allow us there."

Halpert: "I'm not flying out for this."

Leon: "Not asking you to, just use the terminal in your quarters. Rest, Halpert."

Rex: "Am I free to continue hauling?"

Leon: "Go ahead, Rex."

Everyone gets up aside from Leon, all making their way out to resume their duties. Once the doors close, Leon leans back in his seat, looking at the ceiling.

Leon: "God, I miss Burton."

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