A ship of Havenworlders was out on the rim doing planet surveys. It's been stressful as they wait for repair parts to come in due to damage from raiders, fortunately their human chased the raiders off, and the human brings out a big stack of paper books with black and white images and a large box of colored pencils. They smile at their friends and say. "Here, one of my favorite ways to relax, de-stress, and clear my mind. I have enough for everyone to have their own coloring book." -- Anon Guest
The Edge Territories are full of unique perils. Previously undiscovered civilisations, warlike roaming bandits, Sargasso Schemes, the list goes on and on. Including the flora, fauna, mycota, and general landscapes of the planets surveyed by Planetary Survey crews.
This one had had mildly inconvenient biota, and a very inconvenient band of space pirates in the stellar neighbourhood. Which was why the survey ship was now in a ploughed crater caused by it's 'cheese grater' landing[1].
It was also why the crew were setting up a combination survey camp and replacement parts factory whilst they waited for rescue. At least the space pirates had learned why Humans had that reputation, and decided to favour the better part of valour for the foreseeable future. The real trick was keeping everyone entertained during downtime, since all the media entertainments had been fried by atmospheric entry.
The crew of the Hungry Eye had wondered why Human Reg insisted on gathering so many superfluous plant samples. Or why ze was methodically feeding them into one of the Materials Printers. Or exactly what ze was trying to accomplish with various substances already analysed for their potential use.
The answer came one very dull evening in their improvised shelter, when Human Reg entered with a stack of books and a mysterious bag.
"I know we're bored with Talent Nite and Random Instrument Nite and all the other homebrew relaxation activities, but I finally got one that can help y'all chillax." Ze handed out one each to the Havenworlder crew, dipping into hir bag to also hand out a small box of coloured cylinders.
"What is this?"
"Colouring in," said Reg. "It's amazingly meditative. You can get lost in filling in the spaces and I know you're still stressed about Bandit Bob, out there. And whatever makes the noise in the night time."
As if on cue, some as-yet undiscovered creature let loose a chilling shriek.
"AH SHADDDUP," Reg yelled back. Ze rolled hir eyes. "Anyway, since we're pretty much stuck with staying indoors with nothing to do at night, I figured a little meditative art therapy might help you. So... colouring books. Yay."
Since it was either that or trying to sing Rounds again, the crew relented.
"Is this not an activity for children?" wondered Companion Gotz.
"I mean... it can be, but there's plenty of grownups who've discovered the zen of colouring in." Reg coughed and mumbled, "...includingme."
[1] The people aboard survive, pity about the ship. Now who's up for a miles-long expedition to get our engine back?
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / smarnad]
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