Easier said than done, the third rule of survival was, "never give up. When you’re ready to quit, you’re closer than you think". It was the indomitable spirit of mankind that prevailed in harsh times. It is what pushed him to build tools to overcome the absence of natural weapons or defenses against predators. It is what drove him to the stars when Earth became uninhabitable. It is what drove Quinn to place one foot in front of the other over and over, ever keeping on the eastward course.
Days had passed, silently, as he had nothing more to say to Haibiachi, his ever-present companion. Only occasionally it would urge him onward with words of encouragement; "you're doing great, Quinn" or "not much further, Quinn". Once a day he would stop, set up the lean-to, and condenser, and sleep for an hour or two before continuing his journey.
On the fourth day, with laboured breathing and a sense of failure, Quinn collapsed. He felt relaxed in the knowledge that rest was soon to be his, even if it meant death. The game was over. But then Haibiachi beckoned. "Quinn... please, do not give up. Remember rule number three? You are so close."
"I... I can't... I'm finished." He panted.
"No, Quinn... you are stronger than this. You will is not yet sapped. Only a few more steps and you will find what you seek." Haibiachi pleaded.
Quinn swore. "Damn you, you really enjoy my toil, don't you?"
"That hurts. I do not enjoy it when you suffer. Why would I have helped you if I enjoyed your suffering? I could have said nothing and let you die at your ship."
Quinn forced himself back to his feet. He teetered momentarily before setting his feet in motion again. "You are not really talking to me." He accused Haibiachi. "You are a non-sentient, stellar body... it is my mind that is making it seem that the red dwarf is talking."
A long moment passed in silence, only the hot breeze whistled between rocks and buffeted his ears. "Would you have welcome my company less if I were your own mind?"
Quinn stopped then shakily turned toward Haibiachi and laughed. "I guess not. Whether you're my mind or the sun, I welcome your company all the same." He turned back to his path eastward.
When the sixth day was blending seamlessly into the seventh Quinn had found what he didn't know he was looking for. He nearly stepped off the edge of the precipice and plummeted to his death when Haibiachi warned him. "Thanks, Red." He said, using the name he gave Haibiachi. "I mean, really... thanks." He looked out upon a vast valley. The eye was incapable of seeing just how extensive the natural formation was. His voice caught up in his throat with emotion. "Oh my... this truly is a gorgeous view." He looked down and noticed that the precipice on which he stood cast a decent shadow. Looking along the edge Quinn found a path of ingress into the valley. Carefully he made his way downward.
"How did this form, it's amazing?" When he got no reply Quinn stopped and sat down in the ample shadow, feeling a significant difference in temperature. Catching his breath he pulled out his canteen and took a mouthful of water then swallowed. He looked up to where Haibiachi would be and nodded. "See ya when I get to the valley floor, Red."
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