Eris Reddoch wrote: > The two men walk through the open gate in the metal fence and across > the lot of crushed stone toward the metal buildings. As the way there > is a crunching sound under there boots that mixes well with the smell > of oils, ozone and chemicals that permeate the air. > > The door to the "Office" is unlocked and opens into a dimly lighted > interior. There is an empty table and chairs in the center of the > room. To the left there is a counter with stacks of boxes behind it, > and an open door that leads out into the warehouse. To the right > there is are shelves with a number of parts, boxes, and unidentified > "stuff" on them, as well as a door that leads out into the "yards" > where the surplused and salvageable ships are kept. > > Behind the counter are a pair of men. One is short and gray haired, > Ricardo recognizes him as Pete. The other is tall and young with his > long hair tied back in a pony tail, you don't recognize him. > > "Morning! Can I help you." Pete calls out from behind the counter as > he limps around it toward you. As he moves out from behind the > counter you see that he is wearing short gray pants to match his gray > tee shirt. You can also see that his left leg is artificial, and the > knee joint isn't bending properly as he walks causing the limp. Pete, for this *is* Pete, welcomes Ricardo and Zeek and taking the list that Kelly has made up starts helping them find the parts and modules. Collecting everything that Kelly says you need takes all day because you have to personally remove some parts from the salvaged ships out in the back lot. Ricardo has been back there before, but it is new to Zeek. The ships, ranging in size from boats under 100 dtons to ships of over 1,000 dtons, are scattered in the large swampy area behind the warehouses. The swampy area has many small islands, and many of the small islands is topped with a large inflated white plastic dome. Under each of the domes is a ships protected from the elements by the dome. The small islands are connected by metal bridges and narrow earthen causeways. Open water channels run past each of the islands giving barge access to them, that is how some of the wreaks are moved into place and how parts can be removed. During the day, as you walk along the causeways and bridges, you occasionally see ripples in the water of the canals, and see the grasses of the swampy areas ripple as something large moves through them, cut neither of you catch sight of any large animals. After working for several hours you have all of the parts on your list collected and moved to the office. You'll need a lorry, or grav truck to carry the parts back to the ship, though. Eris AKU
