AAE-001-005

{ <center> <img src="../images/4.jpg" height="400" width="400"> "There is the sky, which is all men's together." - Euripides [[.....|loading zone]] <center> [[<img src="../images/gear5.jpg" height="100" width="100">|loading zone]] </center> }

**At Fairhaven Spaceport** Cracks and potholes littered the enormous disk, but the platform was still functional. The quantum-steel platform was in dire need of repair, but it was still capable of supporting mid-sized craft as well as the large transport ships. The clanging of metal and buzzing of tools could be heard from inside one of the [[hangars|hangar]].

**Inside the Hangar** The gargantuan enclosure was large enough to hold several of the larger starships as well as many of the smaller personal vessels. Ship officers and ground crews, working late to make quota, were busily making preparations for departure or signing in with the local administrative staff. Off to the side, Zephyra saw a small being fly down from a high shelf and land alongside a large cargo vessel. Curious, Zephyra walked over to the [[work site]].

**Loading Zone** Zephyra entered the loading zone and marveled at the stacks of goods. Crates, massive amphoras, and barrels were piled here and there. Gigantic lifters, there operators likely enjoying some early evening wine, sat quietly. The [[Spaceport]] ahead was well-lit and a few dedicated individuals could be seen working overtime.

**Looking at a Bee-girl** The small size, multiple arms and wings of the fairy-like technician made her well-suited for her position. Her antennae pointed toward Zephyra for a moment and then focused on the maintenance task at hand. Sparks flew up yet again around the [[work space|work site]].

**Exploring the Work Site** The [[being|Bee-girl]] hammered on a bronze pipe and then reached for her welding torch. The space filled with sparks and caused Zephyra to take a few steps back. On a grease-covered rusty metal table was a [[strange tool]].

**Reaching for the Tool** "No way!" shouted the little mechanic. "Yeah right... Over my dead body... I would not be caught dead without my gear." Zephyra, still holding the tool, was frozen in shock and disbelief. "Like seriously?" shrugged the little mechanic. "Um... How about no. So like, [[drop it already]]!"

**Confrontation with the Bee-girl** The mechanic was only about a foot high. Half of which was the head and torso of a young maiden and the other, quite frankly, a bee. The only "clothing" she wore was a strip of cloth tied across her forehead. The Bee-girl's breasts were dotted with perspiration from her labors and yet somehow her hair remained perfectly styled. Despite her size, she had the presence of a Titan and Zephyra obeyed her command without question. Within the dark cosmetics of her fashionably oval face, the Bee-girl's eyes glowed like fire-red stars. Clearly, this was not Zephyra's night. Kicked out of the Palace... and now [[being harassed here]] as well.

**Pressured to Leave** The Bee-girl smiled gently, but Zephyra could see the tip of her abdomen twitching. { "OK. Time to go," cautioned the voice. "We need to move and I think we are running out of time..." } Zephyra wondered if it was actually possible that she possessed a stinger. She was appearently half-girl and half-bee. As crazy as it sounded, it did stand to reason that she might be so armed. The Bee-girl, always one to get her way, put on her goggles and fired up the torch once more. Zephyra began the long walk back to the <a href="AAE-001-006.html">southside of the City</a>. Along the way, she stopped at a few shops and bought a few goods. { <center> <a href="AAE-001-006.html"><img src="../images/gear5.jpg" height="100" width="100"></a> </center> }