We descend down through the clouds of Mechatol Rex on a bright, beautiful day.

There are in fact not very many clouds.

The local sun is shining down with its golden light.

There is a giant crowd gathering around the inverted ziggurat of the Galactic Council building.

And the beacon, glowing brightly on on top is very prominent.

We swoop over, we see the entirety of Mechatol City,

all the illustrious council districts where the diplomatic corps all live,

through the wealthy districts, down towards the middle class and slum districts,

all the way out to the edge, just outside the

shield walls that keep the sea of desolation and its devastating dust storms at bay to a little

ruined area. And we go underground into the headquarters of the Calaris.

Today is a very important day. Today is Beacon Day.

Over 30 years ago today, the Emirates of Hakan convoy arrived on Megatol Rex, found that

it was not dead and completely deserted, but still maintained a thriving population of Winaran

custodians.

And the Winarans sent out the invitation to restart the

Galactic Council and relit the beacon on the council building. Since that day, this day has been

celebrated as Beacon Day, and it is a major celebration here on McAulwrex. Everybody is attending.

Everybody that is, except you guys. Somebody has to stay

and maintain security at the Kalaris headquarters. And unfortunately, your cohort has drawn the

short straw. Oh, no. Some would say, unfortunately. Your cohort fellows, Gasha and Rick, unfortunately.

Your cohort fellows, Gasha and Rick, unfortunately, are off-world pursuing a personal interest for some leave.

...