[quote=@Scarifar]
Afki took a quick wide scan of the current party, her mind deep in thought, and quickly made a conclusion, "Let's form 3 groups of three. We'll each search a different area of the city for Cho and come back within, say, an hour and a half." Parshath silently agreed with Afki's proposal. If his train of thought was correct, the group of three rule was perfect for ensuring maximum search coverage while maintaining a sense of safety in numbers. Theoretically, at least one member would be able to rejoin the main party even in the worst case scenario. "We should keep an eye out for each other, as well as for Cho. And if we don't find him with the time limit, we can discuss what to do after we regroup. How's that sound?" 
[/quote]
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Teleus folded his arms and nodded. "Hm, yes, that sounds like a good strategy. Okay, who wants to go with Afki?"
All of them raised their hands. Teleus facepalmed and groaned, "Come on, guys, we can't [i]all[/i] go with Afki. Do we need to cast lots?"
"Yup." Law stopped spinning his knife to pull out a handful of sticks.
Gurden threw up his hands. "Yeah, sure, trust the [i]rogue[/i] with a game of chance."
"And trust a [i]noble[/i] with it instead? You wouldn't know honesty if it slapped your tit and called you mommy."
"Say that again, [i]commoner[/i], and you'll be getting more than just a slap."
"Knock it off, kids!" Teleus barked.
"Excuse you?" Law growled. "Just because our spat looks like it's escalating doesn't mean you need to butt in. Stay out of it, Shield Hero."
"Yeah, stay out of it," said Gurden.
Teleus threw up his hands. "Fine. Work it out. But no fighting."
___

Several bruises later, the party assignments were decided. Hallim, Budam, and Afki formed one party, Heizar, Grin, and Bron another party, and Law, Gurden, and Gio the last party. Teleus would watch from the city entrance.

Budam didn't say much, but his perpetual scowl lessened somewhat when he learned he'd be accompanying Afki. Hallim, on the other hand, looked like he would faint from relief. As they explored the winding tunnels of the Formic city, Hallim whined, "Miss Afki? Do you know how long this is going to take? I'm feeling really sick."

Budam gently squeezed his shoulder in solidarity as he watched for any sign of their missing spearman.