Entry 19
Landed on Abel, first moon of Alkeline XII. Hyperborean planet, average daytime temperature sits around -52 degrees Celsius. Not exactly my preferred climate. I’m more of a summer guy. Still, the place has its charm in a harsh, frozen kind of way.
The surface is crawling with massive creatures, easily 6 meters tall. A strange fusion of crab and praying mantis. Designation: W. Papioduysteum. They move with surprising grace for their size. Noticed gill-like structures along their bodies, filtering the icy storms and extracting nutrients directly from the air.
Broke orbit near Echo Repository J11-312-Z/J. Was granted access to their databanks. They revealed the location of an Ancient Ruin on Abel, one they hadn’t explored yet. I offered to go. Seemed like the right kind of opportunity. They agreed and assigned an emissary to accompany me. Research Entity Birob.
A young guy, still full of wonder and adventure, i like him. Before departure we shared some energy drink, simple moment but a good one. Felt… less alone for once.
He took the seat behind the cockpit, looking over my shoulder and pointing out landmarks to me.
Two hours across frozen terrain, and I didn’t mind a second of it.