Neil threw the last sack of coffee onto the cart, slapping his hands together and exhaling into the crisp, cool air. The last few weeks hadn't necessarily been what he would call exciting, but it wasn't so bad every now and then. Semi-honest work and some good R&R were probably best for the crew, considering they were on the way to what was likely a suicide mission for Taya. 

Their initial contact with the theologically inclined locals had been touch and go at first. The galaxy wasn't short of religious thought. The fact the universe existed on set principals of science when all could be chaos, or the fact existence at all was happening made many think there had to be a creator or catalyst beyond what current understanding could comprehend. Neil had heard many theories on his travels, particularly working at the space station with Sven. But he had never been on a planet of people who were so universally dogmatic. 

It was really hard not to fuck with them, even if only a little bit. 

"Brother Gerome," Neil started. The clergyman (if he even was a true one) halted in his tracks and turned to the group again. All the younger men watched intently. "I have a question about the faith." 

"I'm always ready to help enlighten those who are curious," he said with a smile. He was wilier than his groupies, Neil could tell just by looking at him, so he wouldn't go too hard. "What is the question, friend?" 

Neil gestured toward the Hexanagallion. "I was wondering about the fate of my good friend Saxon here. Where do Xenos fit in the Fellowship of Man?" Neil hid his smile like a champ. "He seems very interested in what he's been hearing but he was a bit shy to say." 

"Neil!" Taya whispered as loud as she dared even while Sayeeda put a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. Neil didn't bother looking at Saxon, imagining the hulking brute's mandibles curling in anger. Brother Gerome's followers looked to one another and some even appeared threatening, thinking Neil was mocking them. They weren't far from the truth, but Brother Gerome took it in stride as Neil thought he would. The white sun gave a pale gleam to his shirt as he raised his hands. 

"It depends on the sect, of course. Some believe man was made in God's image..." he remarked. It was a problem with many human religions. Or to say, not the religion itself, but how men viewed them throughout history. 'Man' was still so commonly used despite an extremely biodiverse galaxy. "However, all who follow the divine creator are welcomed here as brother's and sisters on Ateran. You, your Captain, the young woman, and even your big friend here are all welcome if you wish to stay." 

"Hear that Saxon? There's hope yet." 

Sayeeda had to place a hand on the Hexa's chest to keep him from walking over and throttling the pilot.