Max mirrored the nod he received from his new mentor, who then moved away from him towards the ship's port side. The older man's recognition showed him that he needed to start trusting himself a bit more- his hesitation to take what should have been the obvious course of action didn't hurt him this time, but who was to say it wouldn't in the future? The field was no place for second-guessing himself, and he was certain that there would be many a danger ahead of him that would dwarf the threat presented by a flock of fleshpeckers. He needed to believe in himself a bit mo-<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"Don't get cocky rookie." </span><br/><br/>Olivia's words carried a cutting edge, and they served to remind him of just how far he had yet to go. He sighed, watching her follow behind Judas, before hearing another female voice nearby, this one carrying a very different tone.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"Oh, cut him some slack. He did well, and you arn't helping his morale much. Trust me when I say that such attitudes belong on the training grounds - out here, social aversion will see you killed."</span><br/><br/>Max looked gratefully at Carrie, taking heart from her words. She had more field experience than either of them, and he appreciated the sentiments behind her statement. Olivia had given him some feelings of trepidation in terms of the treatment he expected to receive from the others, but Judas and Carrie had both represented startling contrasts to the woman's attitude. In any case, it was a relief to finally get a change of scenery.<br/><br/>Once his feet were on solid ground Max took a deep breath, savoring the moment. Brimstone Gulf might not have the most pristine of reputations, but he was relieved to be off of that ship- it felt like they'd been up in the aircraft for an eternity. He took note of the large, grey trees, wondering what other forms of wildlife waited beyond the ancient fixtures, but for the time being he put his concerns aside as he headed towards the nearby camp.