Aetius awoke to the harsh glare of the sun. Where was he? Why was it so hot here? And why was his head pounding? Blinking his eyes at the burning light, he made to stand up, staggering once as he did so. It was obscenely bright, and he had to squint to make anything out in the arid land.
On his feet, the first thing he noticed was the lack of any equipment or supplies in his vicinity. His books, his supplies, his phone-- all of it gone, all except the strange watch provided by Departure Sciences secured to his arm. The second thing he noticed was the strange black sleeve draped over his arm, extending to a cloak over the rest of his body. I don't remember putting this on... Moving to roll up the sleeve, he gave a start as his hand passed through it, his hand disappearing through what was supposed to be his arm. What? Maybe it's a side effect...
The third thing he noticed was a small group in the distance, their figures too hazy to make out clearly, his sight obstructed by swirling sand. Might as well go see who or what it is...
