The transport ship, a hulking freighter that had seen better cycles, shuddered violently as it pierced the thick, ochre atmosphere of Xylos. Aureon gripped Elleaner's hand, his own knuckles white against the worn synth-leather of her glove. Through the reinforced viewport, the planet below was a desolate expanse of rust-colored dust and jagged, rocky terrain, scarred by the gaping maws of numerous mining sites that resembled open wounds on the planet's surface. The air outside looked thick and heavy, carrying the promise of grit and hardship.
The landing platform on Xylos was a chaotic scene of heavy machinery, gruff-looking beings of various species clad in protective gear, and a constant haze of mineral dust that coated everything in a fine, reddish film. The airlock hissed open, revealing a blast of hot, dry air that carried the metallic tang of raw ore and the low rumble of heavy equipment in operation. This was Xylos, a far cry from the bustling spaceports and relatively civilized sectors of the Alarian Republic.
A stocky, burly human with a weathered face and a no-nonsense demeanor approached them as they disembarked. "You two the tech specialists Jax sent?" he bellowed over the din, his voice rough as gravel.
Aureon stepped forward, his satchel containing their tools slung over his shoulder. "Aureon and Elleaner. Yes, we are."
The man grunted, his eyes scanning them with a look of blunt assessment. "I'm Borak, foreman of this operation. Don't let your size fool you, kids. The work here's tough. Tech failures cost us credits, and credits are what keep us breathing on this dustball." He gestured towards a sprawling complex of prefabricated structures and towering mining rigs stretching across the dusty landscape. "Your quarters are in Block C. Report to maintenance bay Gamma-7 tomorrow at first light. That's when the real work starts." With that, he turned and lumbered off, leaving Aureon and Elleaner to navigate the chaotic environment.
Their assigned quarters were basic but functional – a small, sparsely furnished room with two narrow bunks and a shared wash unit. It was a significant step up from the cramped unit above the synth-food vendor, offering a degree of privacy they hadn't expected. After settling in, they ventured out to get their first real look at the mining operation.
The scale of it was immense. Gigantic drills gnawed at the planet's crust, extracting raw ore that was then processed in massive, clanking machinery. Automated transport vehicles rumbled across the dusty plains, carrying loads of the precious minerals to waiting freighters. The air was thick with the noise and the ever-present dust, making breathing slightly uncomfortable even through the rudimentary filtration masks they had acquired in Port Veritas.
Maintenance bay Gamma-7 the next morning was a cavernous hangar filled with a bewildering array of heavy-duty equipment – massive ore crushers, laser drills with intricate cooling systems, and automated transport drones with complex control mechanisms. Borak introduced them to a gruff but knowledgeable older technician named Grokk, a being with thick, chitinous armor and multiple sets of eyes. Grokk would be their direct supervisor, and his expectations were made clear from the outset.
"This ain't no place for mistakes," Grokk rasped, his many eyes swiveling between Aureon and Elleaner. "Equipment downtime means lost profits. Fix it fast, fix it right, or you'll be packing your bags quicker than you arrived."
Aureon, undaunted by Grokk's gruff demeanor, felt a thrill of anticipation. The technology here was far more advanced and complex than the atmospheric skimmers and grav-bikes he had been working on in Port Veritas. This was a real opportunity to test his skills and expand his knowledge, the Business Module already buzzing with potential learning opportunities.
Their initial tasks were relatively straightforward – routine maintenance checks, replacing worn-out components, and running diagnostic scans on the automated systems. Aureon's methodical approach and his ability to quickly grasp complex schematics, often referencing the detailed information provided by the system, impressed Grokk, who grudgingly admitted that the "kid had a knack for it." Elleaner, while less experienced with the heavy machinery, proved to be invaluable with her keen observational skills and her ability to anticipate potential problems based on subtle changes in the equipment's operational sounds and energy signatures – insights that likely stemmed from her developing tele-empathy.
The work was indeed tough, the days long and physically demanding. The constant dust irritated their lungs, and the dry heat was draining. They learned to drink copious amounts of water and to take advantage of the short rest cycles whenever they could. The other workers, a rough and diverse bunch drawn to Xylos by the promise of high pay, were initially wary of the newcomers, especially the young-looking Aureon and Elleaner. But as they witnessed their competence and their tireless work ethic, a grudging respect began to form.
The instability of the Outer Rim, however, was never far from their minds. Borak had warned them to stay within the perimeter of the mining compound after dark due to the risk of raiders. Security was tight, with armed guards patrolling the perimeter and automated defense systems constantly monitoring for threats. One evening, a piercing alarm blared through the compound, sending everyone scrambling for cover. A small band of scavengers had attempted a raid on one of the ore transports, leading to a brief but intense firefight outside the perimeter. It was a stark reminder of the lawless nature of this frontier.
Despite the harsh conditions and the underlying threat of danger, the promised pay was indeed astronomical compared to what they had been earning in Port Veritas. Their credits accumulated rapidly, the digital balance in their accounts growing with each completed work cycle. Aureon immediately began to formulate plans for how to invest this newfound wealth, the Business Module providing him with numerous ideas for expanding Aureliane Emil Holdings beyond mere repairs.
Elleaner, too, felt a sense of growing excitement about their future. The fear of the unknown had lessened, replaced by a quiet confidence in Aureon's abilities and their shared resilience. She continued to develop her medical knowledge through the system, assisting the camp's medic with minor injuries and illnesses, her gentle touch and empathetic nature proving surprisingly effective in soothing the often-gruff miners.
Xylos was a harsh and unforgiving world, a place of dust and danger. But for Aureon and Elleaner, it was also a land of opportunity. The astronomical pay was providing them with the capital they needed to fuel their ambitions, and the challenges they faced were honing their skills and forging their bond even stronger. The Absolute God Tycoon System had led them to this dusty frontier, and as they worked tirelessly amidst the roar of the mining equipment, the seeds of their future empire were beginning to take root in the most unlikely of soil.