There's a pool!

Over the ridge and down a steep bank covered in thick purple vines there is a pool. Jason could see the clear waters and a bed of green and yellow plants below but time was running out.

The numbness grew, Grimes could feel his body beginning to succumb to the toxin.

Almost falling, the mercenary threw himself down the vine encased bank and splashed into the water.

The first thing Grimes was aware of was the heat. The water wasn't that cool. It was as warm as a swimming pool. There must be some thermal vent somewhere under the thick carpet of plants. The next thing he was aware of was the healing effect. In just a few seconds Jason felt an itch replace the dangerous numb sensation that had been threatening to take over his body.

The mercenary knew what to do. He had to made sure all traces of the Z'orlock toxin was gone and he was he had to protect his gear too. Grimes pulled off his boots first, wrapped his torn shirt around them and threw them back onto the shore. Piece by piece, Grimes stripped and tossed his clothes out of the pond. There wasn't any weaponry or electronics to work about.

Next he set about scrubbing and cleaning. Jason ducked under the water, holding his breathe as he raked his fingers through his hair. Cloud of Z'orlock toxin washed off and drifted away into the clear water.

Relief finally hit Jason. For the first time since the guards picked up his trail and started their chase the mercenary started to relax.

The peace lasted less than a minute.

A figure stumbled into view on the edge of the bank. Jason was naked in the clear water, his clothes thrown to the side and drying in the alien sun.

It was the woman. Even at this range Jason can see the survivor is delirious an covered in the same deadly toxin that he had only just washed from his body.