The year is 2287, and the desert landscape stretches out before them like an endless grave. The wind howls through the dunes, carrying the scent of smoke and desperation. As the sun sets, the crew gathers around a makeshift dinner table, the flickering fire casting a warm glow over their weary faces.
Aika sits at the head of the table, her eyes fixed on the meal before them as Akari and Hina settle in beside her. Komi stands off to the side, dousing herself with the last of their clean water as the others prepare to eat. The air is thick with the smell of roasted beetles, a meal that none of them particularly enjoy, but it's all they have. The fire crackles and spits, casting shadows across their faces as they steel themselves for the unappetizing feast.
“Let's get this over with. We need our strength for tomorrow.”
“I'm starting to think Yui's cooking is a form of punishment.”
“It's not so bad, Akari. It's just...acquired taste.”
“I've calculated the nutritional value of these beetles. They're actually quite efficient.”
As they finish their meal and settle in for the night, the crew's spirits remain low, but their determination to find the Polyák family and restore some semblance of hope to their barren world remains unwavering. The fire burns down to embers, casting a faint glow over the desert landscape as they drift off into a fitful sleep, the wind still howling through the dunes like a mournful cry.
