Vassenia let loose what could only be described as quite possibly the most bombastic and cheerful bout of laughter from a single individual in recent memory, the furs and beast bones that adorned her robes shaking vigorously.  "In my opinion, both by observing from orbit and in the shuttle descent, this world has an arid beauty that makes it shine all the brighter!  Myself and the acolytes who accompanied me are quite looking forward to traversing and hunting among the dunes further inland as tribute to Aari's blessings, should time and local authorities permit."

Augurius nodded vigorously, his excitability climbing by the second.  "Agreed!  Would like to make observations of local flora and fauna, study evolutionary adaptations to local pressures and resources."

"Personally, I've always been fascinated at how society manages to set roots in even the most inhospitable locales," Caecina said as she looked at the domes and minarets with an approving smile.  "Life, and most importantly civilization, ultimately finds a way."