the shuttle lands

The shuttle hissed as it settled onto the landing pad, the cabin filling with the faint smell of ozone from the atmospheric reentry. Anna unbuckled her seatbelt and stood, the bulk of her diaper making itself known again as her snug pants pressed against it. She shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Mia, who gave her an encouraging smile.

As they stepped out into the terminal, the enormity of Obasaan hit Anna like a wave. The high ceilings of the spaceport, glowing softly with embedded lights, and the bustling crowd of men and diapered women created a surreal sight.

Mia pointed toward two large signs ahead. One read "Couples and Families" in bold blue lettering, with a symbol of two figures holding hands. The other, labeled "Unaccompanied Women," featured a single feminine figure with a diaper outline beneath her skirt.

“This is where we part ways,” Mia said, squeezing Anna’s hand. “You’ll be fine. Just follow the line, and they’ll take good care of you.”

Anna glanced nervously at the crowd funneling into the respective lines. “Are you sure? It feels… a little overwhelming.”

Mia’s Daddy placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s just customs, Anna. They’ll guide you through everything you need to know. Welcome to Obasaan.”

Mia gave Anna one last hug. With that, they turned and headed for the couples’ line, leaving Anna standing at the entrance to the unaccompanied women’s line. She swallowed hard, clutching her bag as she stepped forward.

The woman directly in front of Anna caught her attention immediately. She was dressed in what could only be described as full toddler fashion. Her hair was styled into high pigtails, tied with bright pink bows. Her top was a short, frilly shirt that did nothing to hide the thick, babyish diaper beneath, which crinkled loudly as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. The diaper was adorned with pastel designs—stars, moons, and the word "CUTIE" in bold letters.

The woman also had a pacifier clipped to her shirt, the plastic guard bouncing lightly against her chest as she sucked on the bulb absentmindedly. She clutched a stuffed bunny in one hand, her fingers idly playing with its ears. Despite her childlike appearance, she seemed relaxed, humming a soft tune to herself as the line inched forward.

Anna couldn’t help but stare, a mix of fascination and apprehension swirling in her mind. She tried to imagine herself in such an outfit, and the thought made her blush furiously. The woman noticed Anna’s gaze and turned to face her, her pacifier falling from her mouth with a soft pop.

“Hi there!” she chirped, her voice bright and cheerful. “First time on Obasaan?”

Anna blinked, caught off guard. “Uh, yeah. Just arrived.”

The woman giggled, her pigtails bouncing. “You’ll love it here. It’s such a happy place! I’ve been here for three years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Anna **** a smile, unsure how to respond. “That’s… good to hear.”

The woman tilted her head, studying Anna curiously. “You must be nervous. Everyone is at first. But don’t worry—they’ll take care of you. The customs officers are super nice.”

Anna nodded, shifting awkwardly. “Thanks. That’s… reassuring.”

Before the woman could say more, a customs officer beckoned her forward. “Next, please,” the officer called, his voice calm and professional.

The woman waddled ahead, her diaper crinkling loudly with each step. Anna watched as the officer led her to a small booth, where another man greeted her with a clipboard and a warm smile. The interaction looked routine, almost like checking in for a doctor’s appointment.

Anna’s turn came quickly after. The officer, a tall man with kind eyes, gestured for her to approach. “Welcome to Obasaan,” he said, his tone soothing. “Please step forward.”

Anna swallowed hard and stepped into the booth, her heart pounding as the customs process began.