“I give him a week, two tops” remarked Rega, the reluctant leader of Shift Alpha. He'd seen this type many times before – fresh out of the Academy, unable to find a high-flying job and without a day of hard labour behind him. Probably thinks this work will be a breeze compared to the kind of complex technical marvels he was trained for, but he'd be completely ignorant to the harsh conditions and woeful lack of resources he'll be facing. What them Gullians need to realise is that its like a constant battle down on Denaco Crater, but of course without the prestige or perks bestowed to those serving of in the Fleet. “You're too generous, Boss.” said his pessimistic apprentice Shun. He continued, “By my reckoning this dreamer won't last half a cycle before the sound gnaws and the work grinds and he can't but demand to be taken the hell off this rock. Not that I blame him, mind you”.

A lowly process operator called Banto entered the conversation to argue his corner, “Don't forget Shun that you were one of those dreamers a couple of years back, and you turned out okay and no mistake”. Banto paused before putting on a determined face and announcing, “True enough we've had a bad run as of late, but I've a feeling our fortunes about to change”. Instead of countering, Shun merely responded with passive agreement, “Yeah, it better change – for all our sakes”.

The three workers stopped talking amongst themselves and approached the newcomer. “Welcome to the Crater, kid – I'm Rega and these here fellows are Shun and Banto. Welcoming party's a bit small, but as I'm sure you are aware we're overstretched as always” said Rega gruffly. The recent arrival replied in a well-spoken manner, “Hello gentlemen, my name is Tusken Ringle, but you may address me as Tusken”. The seasoned labourers winced as Tusken then proceeded to extend his arms. The lad had about him the distinct aura of one who fully expected that the others would do likewise, but nobody reciprocated his gesture. “Sorry Tusk, but we don't do that formal stuff 'round these here parts” revealed Shun. “Yeah. Considered bad luck, 'ya know” interjected Banto in his stereotypically Gullian lacklustre tones, before returning to his post.

”That kid ain't got a chance” mumbled the ever-gloomy Shun to himself. He didn't say it quietly, but the sound was masked by the low hum of the engines, the clitter-clattar of the tracks on the ground, the high-pitched squeals of the lasers combined with the distant sound of thudding coming from the heavy-duty mechs. In a loud and uncharacteristically friendly voice, Shun said to Tusk, “I'm sure you'll do just great, kid – I'll let the others get back to work and give you the grand tour”. Rega half-heartedly gave this arrangement his blessing, “Any excuse to get out of doing your job, right Shun? Sure, show him around. Just don't dilly-dally – we're enough behind schedule as it is”. Tusk turned to Shun and said jovially, “Thank you kind sir. I'm sure this will be a very interesting and educational experience”. This day was going to be a real eye-opener, thought Shun.

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My first shot at creative writing in a long while.

That was a good start, it sounds like the text for the intro to a television show, like you know they always have a short clip, then the theme song, then the rest of the show? It is like a good "Prologue".

-vISTA

I like it Ren, nice names you used by the way, shift alpha and the like. Is he a recruit into the military or something, then again you mention seasoned labourers, what exactly are they labouring on (crater-mining?) :p?? I think you should continue!;)

Cool, a good part 1 to what seems to be an interesting story, sounds like he is going to work for some heavy industry (mining perhaps) which is going to be tough or perhaps the military. Looking forward to the next part, keep up the good work!

Nice stuff, I like it. It's an interesting opening, giving us tidbits of information without letting on exactly what's going on/how they all ended up there, with a lot of scope for the story to progress.

Just wondering, that name - Denaco Crater - sounds familiar. Was it mentioned on some concept artwork somewhere? For some reason I seem to remember a name similar to that appearing on some assumed to be MS concept art. Or maybe I'm just totally wrong.

Well done on being the first person to pick up on this. You are correct, Denaco Crater was mentioned in some concept artwork and it is this which inspired me to write the story.

Please continue, I would like to see more!

Craving More must give up some more great story