The Journals of Cullen Rutherford 380

melaena:

9:41 27th August 380

I strive to keep a level head; most
days it is easy, dealing with situations that require little more than logic
and common sense. Not today. One day into the desert and I have had enough of
sand. Valerie seemed to find my displeasure amusing. It took a handful of
minutes for I told you to fall from
her lips followed by a self-satisfied grin.

Valerie is right, of course, no matter
how maddening it may be to admit it. She had, in fact, told us of the horrible
trek through the sand, and I may have dismissed her claim at the time. In
truth, it is worse than I had imagined. Even the smallest gust of wind serves as a
reminder that we are not prepared to travel these sands, but travel we must. I
will endure the grating sand blasts and Valerie’s smug vindication. One I deserve-the
other I would not wish on any living creature.