Plight of the Soul Orbs (June Lore)

Thip and their followers knew that they would need to find more nuclear energy to fully repair Thip's hull and enter deep space once again. So they set forth into the nearby desert in search of materials. 

The heat of the sands were no issue for the soul orbs. Their hulls reflective enough to avoid overheating. However, the constant barrage of sand when the winds blow could cause significant damage. They knew that their time in the desert could be limited if the wind picked up. 

Finally the star began to set below the horizon. The soul orbs set up a small camp and burrowed into the sand for protection while they recharged their systems. Their power was limited and they knew they needed to preserve it. 

A skittering sound came from behind Thip as a golden beetle dug into the sand in search of metals. The sounds grew louder and many more beetles began to rise from the sands. The soul orbs awakened to a tremendous wave of relic beetles skittering directly towards them. 

The beetles jumped at Thip and began to devour their hull dissolving it with acid. The smaller soul orbs powered up their engines and removed the beetle launching it into the air.  

The star began to rise again and with a hiss the relic beetles burrowed themselves back into the sand. Thip and their followers escaped, however Thip's hull was in dire condition. They needed to find material quickly. 

The winds started to blow and in a matter of moments the soul orbs were surrounded by a storm of dust. Thip was blown around and quickly lost sight of the other soul orbs. The sands ripped and dented Thips hull. No longer able to sustain flight Thip crashed into the dunes. 

When the sands settled the soul orbs were able to find Thip. Battered and damaged they carried them through the desert in hopes they could find what they needed. 

Radiation is detected in the distance. It seems to be some sort of desert growth. Upon further inspection the soul orbs found that the radiation was being emitted from a pink rose-like mineral which was growing from the ground. The soul orbs used the material to repair Thip and improve their hulls. This still wasn't enough material to travel to space but it was enough to survive for now...