Challenge 01

Challenge 01: “The story must have a monk in it.”

A harsh wind blew across the surface of the Martian plains. Thick clouds of dust swirled in the sky and swarmed across the land. Rust colored dirt kicked up, forming small, fast dying whirlwinds. Despite countless attempts at terraforming the fourth planet, it seemed determined to remain a desolate wasteland. Mars’ colonists had hoped for the same success as the colonies on Luna and beyond, but to no avail. What few settlements that had sprung up among the hills and mesas had all long gone underground, preferring to wait out the storms than to work around them.

A figure walked amid the howling storm. He was clad in a thick, brown cloak that covered his entire form. A black mask covered his face, shielding his eyes from the dust and providing him with a steady supply of oxygen. While this storm was mild compared to the ones that usually graced Mars’ surface, he didn’t take any chances. Any skin that could possibly be exposed was covered by a layer of black synthskin, protecting him from the elements. He had heard one too many stories about the lone colonist who mistakenly had wandered out into the storms, only to be robbed of their skin.

The figure reached down to his belt and pulled out a small device. He pressed down on a button and the holographic projection of the logos device came to life. Even in the sandstorm, he could clearly make out the distinct features of the map. The AR aspects of his visor didn’t hurt either. Although its main functions had been disabled, the relay’s emergency beacon was still fully functional and emitting its signal. Which was good, as with the current interference there was no way he was going to navigate by satellite. The figure released the button and returned the device to his belt. It wouldn’t be long until he reached his destination.

Brother Nikolai of the Ordo Illustratio knew the risks involved when he accepted his profession. The colonies required those willing to maintain the comm relays that kept settlements in contact with each other and the distant worlds beyond. Even so close the Terra, it was difficult for official technicians to repair them themselves. AIs were too unreliable and remote drones provided their own problems. It had to be a person. Thus, when the call went out, his order stepped in. The monks of the Ordo Illustratio had dedicated themselves to the understanding of technology and the sciences. To be out in the colonies, isolated from the rest of civilization, gave the monks a chance to better reflect on the orders tenants and teachings.

Even amongst the thick clouds of dust, Nikolai could begin to make out the relay. As he got closer, it became apparent just what the problem with this relay was. While regulations required that the relays be properly secured to the ground, many assumed that their weight alone would prevent anything from knocking them over. Brother Nikolai’s predecessor was evidently a member of that group. With a sigh, the monk righted the relay, making sure that everything was where it need to be. Once that was done, he switch off the emergency beacon and activated the ground locks. It beeped to life and returned to its job.

Nikolai checked his logos device once more. The winds picked up around him. Brother Nikolai set off to the next relay.

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 So, that'll do it for the first writing challenge. Hopefully things are not too bad so far. I know I was really stretching the whole "monk" thing in this one. Earlier this Summer I read A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, which was all about tech savvy monks. Guess that was what first came to my mind. Let's see what happens tomorrow! Hopefully I won't be posting it so late in the evening.