The Cardinal Directive: Mission Log #16

Storytime and disagreements

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>> Files recovered and restored from civilian camera registered as <RadioHandsome>
>> Play next? 
>> Confirmed. Now playing Mission Log #16

The camera’s view returns to a half-formed campsite tucked amongst towering spires of rock stretching into the night sky — a little haven tucked away in otherwise inhospitable terrain.

At the far end of camp, Aret and Charlie seem to have just put the final touches on switching the sleds around, sliding the last pin into place and standing back to take a look at their good work.

The camera shifts through several angles, apparently struggling to capture the moment in a way that’s both genuine and artistic. Slight left tilt. Slight right tilt.

Upside down.

“Stop playin’ with that camera and help me, boy.”

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The ranger’s voice called Aret’s attention back towards camp, ruining the shot. Patrick huffed, but spun the camera around on himself, whispering loudly. “What’s up guys, we’re not dead so — update from the site of a super-secret smuggler cache! Let’s take a look at what we’ve got…”

Patrick had never filmed an unboxing video before. Did this count? It was technically already unboxed — the ranger had wasted no time getting the military-style crate open and unceremoniously rifling through its contents. He picked up the first item, turning a roll of thumb-sized white papers in his gloved hands.

“We’ve got uh… what are these? Stickers?”

The ranger reached out, taking them from him. “They ain’t stickers.”

“…Postage stamps.”

“Ain’t that neither.” He peeled one of the stickers off the roll, placing it in a little square compartment on his arm. There was a small pop-like sound before he tossed the roll back. “Ration stamps.”