Friday, January 8, 2010

Destiny

Dec. 27 - Destiny Refugee Camp

"Why do you bend such solemn brows on me? Think you I bear the shears of destiny? Have I commandment on the pulse of life?" - Shakespeare, King John

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When Caliban fell, its inhabitants scattered. A large number, including Krenshar Magic and the Replicant Order, fled to Hale's Moon.

The refugee settlement they constructed gave the impression of being a mixture of pre-existing condominiums and a frantically erected shanty town. Located on the far side of the Blue Sun compound, it was an uncomfortable walk over harsh terrain to the mining town and it's amenities.

They called the place 'Destiny'. I could not think of a more fatalistic word.

It sprawled around the edges and down the sides of a gaping hole in the lunar surface. Cargo containers were scattered about the compound. A greenhouse along the one side. A bank machine. Carbonated beverages.

I climbed to the highest point of the camp and entered the structure there. The view from it's window took in the majority of the settlement.

As I approached the door I saw a figure dart down the ramp away from the building. I followed slowly and caught up with the man at the large elevator.

It was the mechanic that I had observed repairing Krenshar's laboratory on Caliban after the fire set by Lily and Cody.

"Hello again," I said.

"Good day," he replied.

"We met on Caliban," I began, "You were repairing the lab."

"I remember that," answered the mechanic.

"I am looking for Mr. Krenshar," I said.

"He is currently not around."

"And you.... have you settled here well?" I asked absently.

"As well as can be expected after your home is attacked," he replied.

"I was not informed of your ....eviction until after the fact." That came out wrong.

I continued. "Please tell Mr. Krenshar that I was looking for him... just to talk."

"Very well," replied the mechanic, "Your presence has been noted."

I nodded and walked away. There was really nothing else to say.

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