Day 3 | Afternoon | The Trial

[Efren Lanville]

Efren slowly gave over his code slowly.

“Get this to him immediately Corporal. We’re counting on you. Over.”

[Kannon]

Instead of clear confirmation, there was a steak of shredded words, and a lot more static. They were losing it.

[Cuyler Gray]

While Efren did what he could, Cuyler studied the antenna, wondering if there was any way they could extend it or boost its power.

[Efren Lanville]

Efren tried a bit more before putting back the receiver with a frustrated bang, “Fuck!”

While Cuyler tampered with the machine he let out a snort of air through his nostrils and said, “Let’s try the thopter team…”

[Kannon]

While Efren did what he could, Cuyler studied the antenna, wondering if there was any way they could extend it or boost its power.

Probably seeking a new location, like at the end of the promontory. But doing that, plus disassembly and assembly, would take time the hostages and the other teams didn't have. They had made a decision to set up shop here.

When Efren tried thopter signatures... [To High-Level Talks, After Razar and Ambrose appear]

[Ambrose Pantazis]

Echo team, this Bravo. I'm reading you loud and clear. Over.

[Efren Lanville]

Efren gave Sinsei and Cuyler a look of relief as the signal appeared to be much clearer in short proximity.

"We have completed the Trial. Constructed the Net. Entreated at the Green Oasis, but clouds obstruct the view. Possible storm coming in. Moving on to Red Field before the storm may arrive. You too should find shelter soon. Over."

The possibility of an intercepted transmission increased greatly while in the same region. Efren spoke in code in case something may be getting through on the ground.

[Cuyler Gray]

Cuyler nodded. It was time to move forward.

[Kannon]

Sinsei 4.jpg (96.7 KiB) Viewed 2179 times

Sinsei couldn't keep mental distance to the ups and downs of their adventures with communication, reacting vividly to Efren's fucks and yays, adding her own. To get some peace for her hands, she was getting familiar with the carbine, really intent on using it against the first target she could hold accountable for all this.

[Efren Lanville]

Efren looked at the two women beside him and sensed their readiness to continue the mission. He gave them both a firm nod while holding the receiver next to his ear.

There wasn't anymore time to waste... They should move on quickly.

[Eileen Marsh]

[Ghosted]

"Let's at least wait until all thopters report." Eileen pointed out, going against the notion to rush their next move. According to the plan she had been relayed the harass team should be ready to act first, on Paul's aerial signal.

[Efren Lanville]

"...Copy. This is Victor. I hear you Echo team. I am in the Brown Field, going to pick Daisies soon. Have you got the basket, Bravo? Over."

Efren frowned a bit at the reference to Victor… Something didn’t sit right, but he thought it perhaps to be related to Paul’s quirkiness.

He then waited for confirmation from Bravo…

[Ambrose Pantazis]

Sorry Victor, I lost the basket on the way here. I could go back and look for it, but I wouldn't want us to miss Echo. We can find something else to hold the daisies.

[Efren Lanville]

Efren looked out towards the south and Atreides Landing. Silently hoping that someone was indeed on the way…

“Well… with the possible incoming storm, we’re gonna move closer to the red field. If things look good we’ll swing by the brown field to pick daisies with you all. We’ll leave the nets here and see if we catch anything. We can always stop by the nets on our way back. Over.”

He looked at Cuyler and Sinsei with a look that said get ready to move out.

[Kannon]

Sinsei didn't need to be looked at like that twice. She was on her feet immediately, carbine on shoulder. She had an aura of a freedom fighter about her.

[Efren Lanville]

Efren smiled a confident roguish smirk.

“Let’s go save your father.” And then after a slight pause.

“And my people.”

He stood up and readied himself to go.

[Cuyler Gray]

"Let's go." Cuyler nodded.

[Kannon]

[I assume Eileen will guard the antenna as previously decided.]

The road down was amid scattered rock formations, many sharp, precluding an open view of the valley beyond until crossed. Once they did so, however, what stretched below was a carpet of uniform jungle... too uniform. The whole area was probably artificially obscured by the sensor net that gave the area impervious protection from aerial view. It was an expensive technology, testifying to the amount of investment which had been put into these operations.

The net result for them was that despite the panorama they had to navigate based on what was before their noses. The descent was getting only steeper and more labyrinthine.

[Decide on the kind of approach.]

[Efren Lanville]

Efren tried to lead the trio down the path. He thought of perhaps jumping with chutes from the top... but then they'd have an impossible time knowing how to get back where they came from in case of an emergency.

So he lead them down the path that seemed to head towards the most uniform part of the uniformity.

[Cuyler Gray]

"We need to locate whatever technology they're using and disable it." The uncanny view of the valley was difficult for Cuyler's discerning eye to look at. But, she did her best to look for anything in the artificial canopy that stood out.