“No shit,” Akaya says sarcastically. He doesn’t like being shushed like a child, nor being told the obvious. Nevertheless, he does keep his voice down as they venture inward over the squishy grounds that form the perimeter of their crash site.

‘Life’ he has found, is mostly hostile on other planets. It’s really the level of annoyance that they have to measure and prepare for in these cases of unexpected contact. As far as he is aware, there is no advanced species on this planet, so at least he’s confident that their tech won’t be outmatched.

He scans the vicinity for chemical and biological agents. For now, the readings fall safely within acceptable ranges. Something moves suddenly in the bushes up ahead. Akaya glances at Niou and nods towards it.