Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
The skimmer tore through the sand, kicking up dust and debris behind him. The feeling of flight allowed his mind to drift. Gaan swam in the void, mind blank. The outline of far-off mountains, painted by the many moons of Scoosha filled the distance. They were like spotlights in the sky, each a different size. There were no clouds to block them from seeing all beneath them.
Methodically he would check co-ordinates, that was the only time he was pulled from his cleared mind. The skimmer would adjust its position automatically, swerving to avoid unseen obstacles that jutted out of the desert sands.
"He stopped and dismounted," Klennu said. His voice rang in his ears, breaking past the previous hum of the engines. "Our friend seems to have company. Not many by the look of it. I'll map the area and send you a technical read-out."
"Thanks, Klennu," Gaan croaked, his voice cracked from not speaking for so long.
As his destination grew in the distance he switched modes. The loud hum of the engines almost disappeared and morphed it what was nothing more than a robotic whisper. The speed, which previously kicked up a dust trail now slowed to a cruise barely able to rustle the top layer of grains.
Gaan missed the hum; the invasive growl of his engine. That tone was the one noise that was able to soothe his mind and calm his thoughts. He was able to clear his head when that comforting sound occupied his ears. It was the same sound that filled his ears back on his ship, hopping from one-star system to another, he would find relief as he was rattled by the engines.
In the distance, lights became clear. It was a beacon in the darkness of the desert. Slowing to a halt, he checked over his map and decided to leave his skimmer on an overlooking ridge.
After dismounting, he knelt and had a look at the place. There didn't seem to be anyone around, no guards, no patrols. This was a hideout that the occupants didn't need to worry about unwanted visitors. A place this far out of the way wasn't in any danger.
It seemed to be a pre-war build. It wasn't Confederation-made, even though they did have other facilities that dotted the world. No, this seemed to be a failed township. They were common in the desert, but most were swallowed by the sands of Scoosha over time.