9-090: Pristine Downport
How much attention does Oliver pay to other people’s routines on the ship?
The team reaches the end of the concourse, with a couple of people glancing longingly at cafes on the way past, but Dicard is leading the way forcefully and apparently oblivious to the needs of other stomachs.
Because starships tend to be loud, slightly radioactive and potentially capable of significant destruction if they hit the ground unexpectedly, Downports are usually located some distance from population centres. On most worlds the Downport is usually connected to the nearest city or installation with a train or a travel pod network. However, on Pristine travellers have a choice of bus, perhaps a taxi or (for VIPs) an aerostat.
Outside, the transit depot is undercover and there are heating units near the concourse doors, but there are bus-sized openings through which freezing air is blowing. The temperature is decidedly chilly and the place smells of ozone and brake pads.
Dicard assesses the situation, points at a row of waiting cabs on one side of the depot and holds up two fingers. A Legionnaire standing at the front of the building waves two cabs forward. Halcyon acknowledges him. Unlike the urbanised sedans on Zargonia, these are ruggedised vehicles with chunky all-weather tyres. They pull up in front of the group and Dicard drops his luggage into the cargo area of the first one. Fromm makes a line for the second vehicle.
Which will Oliver select?
Next to none, he probably notices Alan’s, Erin’s and Dicard’s based on the movie dates and taking over shifts in control.
Oliver will go with Dicard.