Outpost   Somewhere in the outskirts of the galaxy The wind whines through the dome's exo-skeleton. On the inside the atmosphere is almost earthlike in its composure and it is kept at an agreeable temperature of around twenty degrees during the daytime. At the same time on the other side of the dome's skin there exists a hostile environment of mainly methane, with just enough density to sustain the constantly blowing winds. Temperatures raise well above the hundred mark in the light period, while during the dark period they can easily drop far below the freezing point. A tingling feeling occurs in her left arm and Lucky switches on her wrist communicator. She recognizes Crazy's face in the hologram that now seems to stand on her arm. It grins at her. 'Hey Luck, what's doing? Having fun on your day off?' 'Sure. Nothing beats the ever buzzing activities of this hot spot of the galaxy. I can hardly keep track with all the fun.' Lucky ostentatiously suppresses a yawn and continues: 'What do I owe the honor of this call to? Are you experiencing problems?' 'No, not really. I just started to feel lonely out here and decided that I felt like a chat. The storm is getting too heavy to continue here, so I will shut down the operation for as long as it lasts and make my way back to the dome. We probably won't be able to resume before the start of the light period anyway. It looks like this storm will last for the whole of the dark period.' 'Right. Just be careful. From what the rainfall looks like here, you may have difficulties in crossing the stream. I looked at the monitor earlier and the water sure has risen over the past couple of hours. Perhaps you should wait until it is frozen solid before you head back here.' 'What, and miss the pleasure of looking at your smiling face any longer? No way, ma'am. I'll just take my chances. Nothing has stopped old Craze so far and sure no little stream is going to stop me now. See you in an hour.' 'OK, whatever you say. I'll put the kettle on the stove. See you.'

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