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By the time Penelope had her feet in the cool, moist sand of the long stretch of beach, she'd already made some new friends and had set up plans with them for the next day. They'd left her at the coast to do her thing while going off to get what they needed for tomorrow's adventure. She'd always been glad for company, so had been thrilled to be offered a ride to where she was going by the pair. They told her all about what gave them cause to be on New Melbourne, how the season was expected to help out their business, and then gave her the sort of tips you could only glean from locals. 

The trip to the secluded beach had been a long one, but well worth it to find it mostly deserted and stocked full of fresh sea treasure. Her new friends had promised that as she had rode on the back of their little truck, talking through the window as wind helped carry them along at times and rock the little beater at others. 

That gentle smile lit her face as she strode down to the shore, arms rolling on the waves of wind as she danced with it. Penelope didn't need music, the waves rolling in a strong lap with the remnants of storm made its own melody. Along the way to dip her toes in, she'd pause if something caught her eye and kneel down to inspect it. The pattern continued all without interruption until her backpack was full and she stood watching the sun set over the steady waves, thigh deep in the cold water as salty spray misted her with each pull. 

She'd sighed happily as the final glint of sunshine disappeared over the horizon, and turned to head back into town. If she didn't quite make it to the ship, that'd be fine. Penelope quite liked sleeping outdoors. There were less trees here than home - hard pressed to find a planet that had more than Greenleaf - but the sound of the ocean made up for it. Couldn't quite hear that everywhere, and she wasn't one to turn down a good relish.