Re: Profit Margin - Rangent/Vilis (0601) Date: 287-1107 11:50
With the merest hint of an jolt, Profit Margin's landing gear touches the icy surface at exact same instant that the ramp reaches its maximum drop. There is a thin sheen of moisture on the metal surface, caused by warm air from the ship, its humidity precisely controlled, meeting the cold air outside the ship.
Guided and guarded by the two female crew, who hold position at the top of the ramp (where it seems quite chilly enough), Edrin Othati-Fenn says nothing as he pulls his clothing tighter about his ribs, though he nods to his escorts as he starts down towards the surface of the planet. Stepping onto the ice, he looks about, taking in the vista of snow drifting across the frozen expanse, driven by a lazy wind - the sort that seems to cut straight through a body, instead of going around it.
He shakes himself, and starts to trudge towards a small dome a little over a hundred metres distant, his head bent into the biting wind and the hood of his jacket pulled down low across his face.
As soon as he's out from under the belly of the ship, the ramp starts to lift, screeching a farewell to him. Perhaps one tinged with a hint of "and good riddance". Through the narrowing aperture, Shui and Yas can hear the rising whine of the drives, preparing to send the ship starwards, while on the bridge, Saskia can feel it as a vibration through the soles of her feet.
"Attention Profit Margin," Jockram's voice comes from the bridge comm system, "There is a door opening about ninety degrees around the left side of the dome from your current position. No sign of any other activity yet, just a sudden flow of warm air."
Profit Margin starts to lift, a little less gently than she had descended, while still doing her best to fly casually.
In the hold, the sound of the drives is cut off as the ramp closes fully, seating itself against the pressure gasket, and locks...