The air was still, save for the distant hum of machinery and the occasional hiss of steam escaping the ground. You walked across the expanse of the airfield, the sound of your boots crunching against the fine, red dust echoing faintly. Before you, the looming silhouette of the spaceship stood, its metallic surface gleaming under Orbis' twin moons.
It was a vessel built for endurance, not beauty—a testament to Orbis' engineering prowess. Every panel, every rivet seemed to tell a story of desperation and determination.
At the base of the ramp, Plavo stood, practically bouncing on his heels, his wide grin unmistakable even in the low light. He waved enthusiastically, his excitement cutting through the tension that hung in the air. "Look at that thing! Isn't it amazing? I mean, okay, it's not exactly sleek, but still—this is going to take us to the stars!"
You couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "It's something, alright," you replied, your gaze tracing the intricate network of pipes and glowing conduits lining the ship's hull. "A lot of people worked hard to get this ready."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Plavo said quickly, brushing dust off his sleeve. "But seriously, can you imagine? Out there—it's all unknown! This thing's our ticket to... well, everything!" He looked at you, his eyes gleaming. "You made the right call, you know."
You nodded, the weight of what lay ahead pressing heavily on your shoulders. This wasn't just a ship; it was a symbol of survival, of hope. But it was also a reminder of the dangers that awaited beyond the safety of Orbis' atmosphere.
As you climbed the ramp to the ship's entrance, the interior lights flickered to life, illuminating a spacious yet utilitarian corridor. The air smelled faintly of metal and fuel—an oddly comforting scent. Plavo followed closely behind, his small feet pattering against the floor.
"You know," he said, trying to keep up with your longer strides, "once we're out there, there's no turning back. I mean, I'm ready, obviously, but just saying. It's gonna be big."
"Big is an understatement," you replied, glancing at him. "You sure about this?"
Plavo puffed out his chest, his hands on his hips in an exaggerated pose of confidence. "Hey, I'm always sure. Besides, you need me. Who else is going to keep things running smoothly while you're busy looking important?"
You couldn't help but chuckle, his energy contagious.
As you paused for a moment, glancing back at the planet stretched out behind you, Orbis' vast landscapes and bustling cities seemed so small from here. Yet it carried the weight of everything you had sworn to protect.
"Alright, then," you said finally, stepping further into the ship. "Let's make it count."
"Count on it!" Plavo chirped, darting ahead with a spring in his step, already lost in his excitement.