A Traveler's Log
by Kakashidiot
Groves of Heridium
The small yellow-orange Gek before me is obviously having a great day. Waves of pleasurable aroma drift toward me as it waves its small arms in excitement at the prospect of friendly commerce. A part of me understands the Gek. As Travelers, as Traders, we live incredibly isolated lives as we mine, harvest and, sometimes, loot our resources to haul them great distances for money. Those we meet, even if for a short time, become great friends.
My grasp of his language is minimal at best. I barely get through the required courteous greetings.
"We have much to offer, Traveler," the little creature blinks up at me, easily forgiving my awkwardness. "I, Agrak, am pleased to offer any of these at a fair price. My ship…" Agak's mouth widens and gapes a little in a fair approximation of a smile as he emits a small yelp of delight. "My ship may be up for offer as well, if the price is right. If there is anything you have to sell, I will take a look."
The price is right. Another of Grandfather's sayings. I smile almost instinctively in response.
"Let's see what you have," I reply as I scroll through his ship's manifest. "I'll take the zinc… and the plutonium. Hm. Maybe two of your power cells as well." Unstrapping my own manifest, I hand him the tablet and allow him to peruse what I have for sale. "I just finished mining a sizeable amount of heridium out on the hills to the west."
"The Sentinels did not bother you?"
"Not today," I smile.
We conclude the transaction with a transfer of units. Despite his size, Agak is strong. He insists on helping me carry the items to my ship, which is parked a few meters away from the Trader's landing pad.
"A storm is coming," he squawks with sharp look up at the red sky. "This planet is hot. Even for us."
"Yes," I nod. "I prefer colder planets myself."
"Ahhh!" The creature shivers dramatically at the thought. The following sentences descend into unintelligibility. At the sight of my confused expression, he explains: "I dislike the cold."
We part ways. I do not wave goodbye, for the Gek see such niceties as unwanted gestures of finality. I salute him sharply with the tips of my craft's wings and bounce upward and out of the atmosphere, leaving behind lowering red clouds and biting hot winds.
Start log.
Today, I met Agak of the Gek. A Trader. Another day, another trader. Today I learned that many of the Gek do not appreciate colder planets. Which is odd… because those I met on colder planets still maintained a fairly cheerful outlook on life. Perhaps they find happiness in a different way. Perhaps how they view happiness is different. Perhaps I can learn from them.
End log.
Let me know what you think!
-KI