The Exile headed down the ramp, lightsaber in hand as her pilot followed close behind, weapons drawn. The sun was beginning to dip behind the bleak horizon and neither of them could guess what awaited them in the bunker. Once inside, they headed towards the glow of artificial lighting that beckoned from the other end of the narrow corridor.

"My Master," Visas called from within, "Welcome!"

Stepping into the light both Master and Pilot soon holstered their weapons. There didn't seem to be any trouble at all. Visas stood in front of a large control panel as two other Miralukans bustled about, tools in hand and a distinct purpose in their strides.

"Visas," the Exile breathed, relief evident in her voice, "What happened? It's been four days…nearly five!"

"I apologize," she replied softly, "Our equipment is in poor condition and our communications array failed nearly a week ago. Bao Dur has been working hard to get it online once more with the parts we've scavenged but it has taken some time. We do expect it to be functional again tomorrow but I apologize for the distress this must have caused you."

"I'm just glad you're alright," she said, "Where is he?"

"In the back chamber and you may want to let him know that you are here. He has worked very long hours since the array went down and I think he may relax somewhat once he knows that you are aware of our fate."

"I'll see to it," the Exile said as she turned towards Atton, "Will you go to the Hawk and let Mical know what's happened? I don't want another rescue party sent out tomorrow if he doesn't hear from us. Visas, please go with him and take any supplies you might need."

"I'm on it," the pilot drawled as Visas nodded, turning they made their way back towards the tunnel entrance.

The Exile said a brief hello to the other workers and headed towards the back of the bunker. The space was very tight with thick concrete walls and small rooms. The area beyond the Miralukans held piles of spare parts, tools and weapons, beyond that lay a cramped sleeping quarters. Some bare mattresses lay, strewn about the room along with one bunk bed against the wall. Opposite, a small galley filled the remaining wall of the room complete with a small eating surface, chairs, a portable burner and lockers for food storage.

Moving beyond, the Exile passed through the final door and ascended about 10 steps into the communications room. It was small, but the east end had an open space on the top that allowed the sunset to streak into the room, dappling the floor in a soft orange and rose glow. Bao Dur stood facing the north wall in as familiar a stance as she had ever seen aboard the Hawk. His strong shoulders were hunched, his jaw squared and dark brown eyes entirely focused on the panel of delicate connections in front of him. The blue glow from his arm reflected over his work, as he pushed to completion.

The Exile felt a sudden flush of heat inside as a smile played at her lips. She had almost forgotten how attracted she'd been to the young tech when he'd first joined the crew of the Hawk. Their companionable silence in the garage had come at the price of meditation and the occasional cold shower in the beginning. It would seem that the weeks apart had rekindled something within and she tried to ignore how her body reacted when she looked at him. Watching him work in such intensity was almost a narcotic. She closed her eyes, feeling the anxiety drain from her body. He was safe.

A slight rustling noise drew her back from her reverie. The Zabrak had turned, his powerful frame backlit by the blaze of sunset and his eyes locked on her. She smiled companionably, waiting for the casual greeting she usually received upon entering his space, but for once he didn't say a word. He put down his macrofuser, crossed the floor and pulled her into a warm hug. Shocked, the Exile slowly lifted her forearms, blushing as she rested her hands gently on his broad back and tingling when she felt his chin brush the top of her head. It was an uncharacteristic move for the Tech. He was perhaps the least physically affectionate individual she'd ever met and he'd certainly never touched her before. Not even an accidental brush when he helped her at the workbench on the Hawk.

Her concern grew as they pulled back gently from their embrace. Bao Dur was utterly exhausted. His eyes were red and swollen, his shoulders slumped and any expression on his part seemed to require a real effort. The Exile doubted that he had slept at all since the array went down.

"What is it?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"I'm so sorry, General," he replied, "I wasn't fast enough…I wanted to get this thing up and running to save you the trip out here or at least to warn you. You probably worried…I'm just glad you got here before nightfall."

"It's alright Bao," she said, "But what did you need to warn me about?"

"This planet isn't the same at night," he began, "Nihilus touched the surface of this world with darkness. All life shriveled and died but it didn't stop there. The water is…poisoned with radiation. The oceans, the rivers, even the rain kills wherever it falls. That's why the surface is so barren…nothing can grow here. But at night the darkness just magnifies…somehow…it's hard to explain. The air is clean, the soil is fine but the negativity is everywhere. We've all had nightmares and we're all tired. We try not to talk to each other too much after dark because even minor disagreements become major just a little too quickly. We do know that it isn't so bad when we're all together. That's why we put all our mattresses in the same room. I was worried that you'd come here on your own and take the brunt of the darkness. I wanted to warn you…please…make sure that you and Atton stay with us at night. There's space…"

The Exile noticed Bao wavering slightly as his voice trailed off and she wondered if he'd had a decent nights sleep since he arrived. "Are you almost done here?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied, "All that's left is a quick test and we'll be up and running again. I'll be done in ten minutes or so."

"Good," she said, "If a test is all that's required, let me do that. I need to speak to the Enclave anyhow and you can go rest all the sooner."

He hesitated for a moment, nodded and turned towards the stairs, brushing her hand with his own as he went. Feeling her cheeks burn once more, she headed to the array and began entering the sequence that would initiate the test.