Maya stood poised and patient as the leader of the group contacted his commanding officer. Having lost sensation in her fingertips, she lowered her hands slowly to her sides, hoping not to spark a shower of bullets. Minutes ticked by awkwardly while the man reported the details of their expedition. Tilting her head inquisitively, she carefully examined each scout in attempt to discern if any of them exhibited telltale signs of Archon lineage. Marcus was capable of reaching out with his mind in order to scan others’ thoughts, but Maya hadn’t quite perfected the skill. Instead, she relied on her acute perception to pick up on behavioral cues. None of them men before her fit the bill. 

	Her back stiffened; Maya was suddenly very aware of someone else in their presence, hiding in the shadows. The leader was still engrossed in conversing on the radio, and none of the others appeared to be aware that they were being watched. As the wind switched directions, she eased as she detected a familiar scent -like burning leaves mixed with leather and a sweet touch of rum. It was Paul hiding out of sight. 

[i]Sneaky bastard. He should still be in sick bay. What, did he think I couldn’t handle this mission on my own?[/i]

[color=00aeef][i]Well, you’re currently surrounded by men with guns…[/i][/color]

[i]They haven’t shot me yet.[/i]

[color=00aeef][i]Yet.[/i]  [/color]

	At that moment, the leader of the pack turned back around to Maya, taking his hat off apologetically. "Please forgive me,” he announced, “We don't take any chances around here. What happened to you, miss? You look worn, and you appear to be alone. It's too dangerous out here for that kind of behavior." 

[i]Dangerous? I wonder what has been going on on this planet…[/i]

	Putting on a smile and her polite business voice, Maya replied, “No worries at all. It is completely understandable, especially in times like these. As odd as it may sound, I am actually trying to find someone of great importance to me. If it’s not too much trouble, could I possibly catch a ride with you to the nearest town or city?” She made sure that the last sentence sounded extra pitiful, pouting her lips for effect.