Danni watches the sunset from the western terra-tower of the outpost, entranced by the splashes of color above the thirty-meter dalloralla trees, pink and crimson and now with tinges of orange and green. It's breathtaking, even though she doesn't know what's brought about the strange new colors, completely unaware of the dweebits that have been unleashed on the planet.

She's well-rested enough for that night's shift, but there's a certain tiredness that resonates from her. Three years ago, she'd come to Belkadan brimming with excitement and wide-eyed wonder, eager for the chance to discover something the galaxy has never yet before seen.

It's been three years of nothing but silence. At least, from beyond the edges of space. Belkadan itself, though, is a flurry of activity, the forest surrounding their facility teeming with life. In fact, during their first year, a redcrested cougar had leapt over the wall from a nearby tree, seriously injuring two of her companions; she'd managed to kill the creature, but the damage had been done.

She misses the old days.