When the light pierced the sky Rick watched, his mind stirring with possible explanations.

[b]"I think it's time we get this show on the road, don't you?"[/b]

Rick silently nodded and they went. They traveled roughly a couple days, setting camp during the sunset. The ravine before them clearly was not present on any maps they held. As Edmondo remarked this dip into the land was manufactured. The questions remained: Why and how?

[b]"So, tell me about yourself, Rick. How'd you end up getting sent all the way out here?"[/b] As he asked he produced a ration pack and tossed it over to him. Rick opened the pack, producing the entree and accompanying accoutrements.

"I was assigned this as my first independent mission. This is a test from higher up to see how I manage on my own." He answered, his tone as neutral as his stony expression. He never excelled in small talk, it was always something of a weak point of his. For the most part he always kept to himself, speaking strictly to the point whenever needed.

He took a calm bite from his entree. It was as expected for a meal designed to keep for long periods. His eyes were largely focused on the smoke rising from their little encampment. While he trusted in Edmondo's competence he found himself questioning the risk of detection should something from within the forest notice the smoke.