(… continuing)

Twenty minutes later, Dukk, Annee, Marr and Mentor had just boarded a hyperloop. It would take them from the space port, through the mountain and into the adjacent valley. A group of four were already in the middle seats. They too were dressed for skiing. Dukk and Mentor headed to the seats in the back of the carriage.
“So this is your first time skiing?” Annee asked Marr as they took two seats in the front.
“Yes, any tips?”
“Take your time. Start with the basics and you’ll get it in no time.”
Marr laughed. “That doesn’t help me much.”
“Getting some lessons is a sure way to get up to speed.”
“I have booked a ski instructor for tomorrow. As we’ve only got an hour or so this afternoon, Dukk suggested we just take the snowboards and have a laugh.”
“Yep, that is what I would do too. And don’t worry, Dukk is a great teacher.”
“He taught you?”
“Sure did. Helped me learn the skills and build my confidence. He was very attentive, patient and generous with his time. Mind you, it was before he realised nothing would happen between us.”
Marr looked over. “He thought that you and he might be companioned?”
“Yep. Poor lad. I guess he might have a better chance with you,” Annee laughed.
“Maybe,” Marr laughed and looked away to hide the blushing.

“How did you find your first haul?” Annee asked as she sensed not to go any further with that subject for now.
“I have loved it,” Marr replied. “It has been a steep learning curve. The traverse is taking a little getting accustomed to. I have lots of questions still. But, I am loving the experience of it.”
“What kind of questions?”
“I guess the protocols around certain activities. Like the arrival protocol this morning. I am still confused about when IDs are checked and when they aren’t.”
“Do you mean the girls?”
“Yes, their IDs weren’t checked, but everyone else’s were.”
“That isn’t typical. In fact, I’ve never known it to happen on Earth, at a hub or on a system controlled by the elites.”
“How intriguing.”
“Yes, it is. The whole thing has got me interested. I plan to do some more looking into it later.”
“I’d like to know more about that too. Will you keep me in the loop and let me know where I can help?”
“Of course, I would be delighted to share what I find.”

"Do we really need this?” Marr asked. She was inspecting the oxygen inhaler that was clipped to the front of her jacket. “I don’t feel short of breath or anything.”
“That’s because we haven’t been outside. The atmosphere is artificial in the hanger, hyperloop and the places we’ll go in the village. The interconnected buildings ensure we are in a liveable environment at all times. In fact, it isn’t that much different than being on a large space station like Kaytom Beach. The only difference being that when you go outside you won’t die straight away. A few blasts of that every so often will complement the naturally occurring oxygen levels here.”
“That seams obvious, now that you say it,” Marr laughed.
“How does the ski suit fit?”
“It is a bit loose, but it is alright.”
“There is a ski shop near where we get off the hyperloop. Buying gear there is as good as any place.”
“Oh, that’s an interesting idea.”
“I can help you if you like. Or you could go in with Dukk. He is in need of a newer suit too,” Annee laughed.
“Yes, his suit does look a little worn. Why is that?” Marr laughed.
“He says it is still very functional,” Annee laughed. “In fairness though to Dukk, he has been pretty thrifty in recent times in order to secure a captains share of the Dinatha. However, with that done and with the bonus from this gig, he should have plenty to invest in a new suit.”
“Making good use of my bonus was on my mind too. It is settled then. I’ll take Dukk shopping.”
“This day is getting better and better,” Annee laughed.

“Wow!” exclaimed Marr as the hyperloop shot out of the mountain and raced into the valley.
They had gone from the darkness of the hangers and tunnels within the mountain, to a brightly lit valley. The glass sides and ceiling of the hyperloop, gave them a full view of the valley. Ahead was a spectacular array of buildings built into the side of the mountain on the opposite side of the valley. High towers of silver and gold glistened in the artificial light.
To their left was an array of much more modest buildings on the valley floor. The staff village.
The hyperloop took them further up the valley and past the resort. They came to a stop in a building at the base of a snow covered mountain side.

“You ready Mentor?” Annee asked when they stepped out of the building.
“Yep, lead the way. It has been a while so I’m looking forward to being at the top of a mountain again.”
“See you guys later,” Annee said to Marr and Dukk as she led Mentor towards the chairlift.

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 19 - Unloading (Passage 2 of 5)]

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