[snip]

Naomi appreciated their efforts even they were less effective than actions. It was no fault of theirs, but rather a lesson learned from her youth. With a deep inhale, she forced her calm to stay on her form. Her head nodded as she weighed their statements. She continued to chew the gum while she spoke.

“Thank you,” She said with genuine gratitude,”We’ll still need to get the equipment. We should start with the stuff farthest from the shuttle and work back toward it. This way if we need to get out of here fast, we got nearby cover.”

The science officer walked to the equipment for soil research and lifted it up. Her eyes tried not to shift across the landscape as she carried it back to the shuttle. However, that didn’t stop her paranoia from raising her neck hairs on end.

-Lt. Naomi D. Locke, Sci

“Agreed. I’ll also keep an eye out for any problems. Hopefully there are none, but if there are, I’ll be here.” Kenzo said, casting a glance out behind them for potential threats.

LtJg Kenzo Kurata, Chief Armory Officer

“Let’s board the shuttle and head back to the ship to regroup,” said Marceau, finishing his call with Grace as he headed back to the death trap… No, it was just a shuttle.

~ Capt Renault

From the pilot’s seat, Laursen turned around. “The shuttle is powered up and ready Captain. As soon as everyone is onboard and everything is strapped in we can take off.”

Laursen, pilot

Marceau climbed into the shuttle, into his usual seat behind Laursen’s, and waved everybody else on board as he strapped himself in. “Load up the equipment, make sure we leave nothing behind.”

~ Capt Renault

The MACOs began loading equipment in as fast as they could and still maximize the efficiency of the space in the shuttle.

MACO

With everything stored and loaded they were as ready as they could be in the overly cramped shuttlepod to return to the Sojourner.

GM CockRoach