Never seen a Lazloi before, never knew they existed. We were fast running out of food an’ water. Wondered if we’d survive the week. The glow on the horizon grew brighter every day; you could see it in daylight. ‘casionally, the radio would come to life, strange growls and wails, human sounds, but not human words. Pulses of light shot into the sky and we knew that we were in trouble. The only food an’ water was back there on the ship. Somehow we’d have to go back towards the light an’ hope we were lucky. Few hours out, Chan saw it on the horizon, driftin’ in the wind. I saw it through the ‘scope. Looked impossible, somethin’ made of blue glass, but shiny like metal; some kinda ship, just hanging there. Couple hours later we reached it, water gone, wonderin’ if we were in bigger trouble. We shouted, waved our arms, tried to get closer, but somethin’ blocked our way, invisible, buzzin’, cracklin’ when we touched it. Then she came. Stood behind the barrier, glowin’ in a ball of light, white hair, white eyelashes. “I’m Cleopatra, daughter of somethin’, daughter of somethin’ else”, least that’s what it sounded like. Spoke our language real weird, like she was singin’. “Been enough death here.” she said, “Goddess forgive me, but I will protect you.” She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. - Elise Mackie on meeting Kleneptra ny Hybritta ny Karaenia, the Lazloi Pathfinder. Scout ship is an original model, created in Truespace but converted to Hexagon. SP3 with Desolation Earth Nomad outfit, V3 with MOS shirt and SF Remix Suit. Rendered in Vue Pro Studio 5. Wasn't initially going to post this, on account it was too simple, but heck, I needed to advance the story. Thanks for looking and for any comments.