The trek was uncomfortable to say the least. Neil sometimes felt they were being watched the first mile or two, stalked by the predator they had wounded. But soon it disappeared, and not a glimpse was seen of it again. Zalli's arm bled, but not profusely. She had handed it back to Neil, and Neil in turn ripped a bit of his native dress to wrap around her wound once they ate breakfast. "You know, so much shit keeps happening," he said to Sayeeda with a shrug and a helpless smile. "I keep forgetting we're not getting paid by someone." 

He gave a laugh at his own words, unable to help himself when he viewed their dire circumstances. Neil and the others ached and had a true want for water, but they moved on and kept at it until Taya announced with a croak that the Highlander was near. 

When they finally made it to the ship, Neil gave a savage "yesssss," clenching his fist. Running his hands through his hair, he remembered they had fresh water and food onboard, not to mention a showering unit. Yes it was all limited, but if they got the engines working again it wouldn't matter. Plus the shower water went through the automated cleansing system to be drinkable again. That should still be working if the life support was. 

Taya nearly wept when she saw the ship, though instead of crying or prostrating herself, she gave the longest and most tired sigh. "Thank the Gods of the Realm." She said, swallowing to make her throat the tiniest bit more moist from their long trek. Quetzalli was happy too, but in an entirely different fashion. While not quite as used to rough situations like Junebug, she was still a tribeswoman and knew how it felt to face harship. Her main focus was on the strange beast made of metal before her, larger than all dwellings save the ziggurats she had served in. Her eyes were wide and her full lips were open in wonder. 

Neil, of course, saw it as an old friend. "Can't wait to have another chat with Lonney." He coughed, and headed toward the open hatch door and toward the inner entrance, his feet digging into the sand before they stepped on solid Xarconian steel. The young pilot inserted the correct algorithm to open the door. To their relief, it opened with a small 'hiss.' 

"Permission to clean our wounds, wash up, and get something to fucking eat Captain?"
[@Penny]