At the woman’s thanks, Dara simply smiled, shaking her head, “No need to thank me, I am a doctor: preserving life is my job.”

As Margaret turned her attention to the nearby boat, Dara seemed unperturbed, while Ivorio tensed a bit. However, Balto laughed, “Calm down a bit. I used to be stationed here a good while before I got promoted. Sure, there’s lots of scummy types around, but as long as you keep to yourself, you won’t be bothered. Don’t wanna make a ruckus, you know? There’s a base just overhead, this place would have been discovered long ago, but as far as the Marines are concerned, there’s only water and rock down here.”

As the morning went on, the boat had little trouble getting to the sea outside, where Balto snuffed out the lantern hanging above the deck, relying on the low light of the early dawn, the edge of the sea glowing from the sun. The smaller boat continued its passage for an short while before a black spot appeared on the horizon, approaching quickly. Balto grinning, “Perfect, we’re here.” As the smaller boat got closer to the larger one, Margaret could sense a number of life forms aboard, scrambling about the upper deck or huddled together below. Balto ordered, “Hook up there and we’ll make the ship trail behind.” Understanding, Ivorio nodded, lashing his hook to the boat and the back railing of the larger ship, Balto hoisting the sails.

As they worked, Dara watched the brightening glow on the horizon, groaning, “It’s getting bright...” Shielding her eyes, she looked over at Margaret, recalling, “You’re strong, you know.” The doctor then asked vaguely, “What do you fight for?” After a moment, she blinked, before realizing, “Ah, I guess that’s sort of a personal question...”