The year is 2275, and the desert landscape stretches out before Akari and Hina like an endless, arid sea. The sun beats down upon them, casting a warm glow over the rolling sand dunes, and the air is thick with the scent of creosote and mesquite. The mood is one of tense focus, as the two women stand back-to-back, scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.
Akari's eyes narrow against the sun, her gaze sweeping the horizon for any sign of movement, while Hina's hand rests lightly on the grip of her rifle, her fingers tense and ready. The only sound is the distant hum of the CORE7 broadcast rig, a steady heartbeat in the stillness. Akari's CORE7 rig is silent, its usual chatter and beeps muted as she focuses on the task at hand. Hina's eyes are fixed on some point in the distance, her expression intent and focused.
“I've got nothing on the horizon, Hina. You?”
“Just the wind, Akari. And the smell of green.”
“Green? What do you mean?”
“The creosote bushes, they're blooming. It's a good sign.”
“Keep your eyes on the horizon, not the flowers.”
“Rika's right, but it's nice to remember there's still beauty in this world.”
As they stand there, scanning the horizon, they are reminded that even in the harshest of environments, there is still a beauty to be found, and that their bond as a team is what will carry them through the toughest of times. The tension in their bodies begins to ease, replaced by a sense of hope and determination, as they continue their search for the Polyák family.
