The Spartan, the Landmate, and the STRAIN all stood on the edge of the cliff, staring down in the valley below. A young woman also stood with them, poised to jump down at a moment's notice. The Spartan had a sniper rifle primed and loaded and was sighting down the barrel, following the movements of three people walking away from them.
"I don't like this." The young woman muttered, as she crouched down at the very edge of the cliff. "I can smell anticipation and greed...its a trap."
The STRAIN rumbled in agreement and shifted, but the Landmate held up his hand, forestalling any further movement.
"They know its a trap, Leah." it said simply. "And if necessary, we are here to back them up."
"Oh shut up, Tereus." Leah snapped. "Your River can sense things before they happen, but they are only three of them down there. What if something overwhelms them before we get down there?"
"They can handle themselves." Tereus replied calmly. "Both River and Riddick want to test their new blades, and Genesis-"
"Genesis was bored and wanted a fight," the Spartan interjected. "He won't fight me anymore now that he got me pregnant."
A snort of laughter came from the STRAIN.
"Like you're any better, Ralph." Leah rolled her eyes. "You're the reason Isabel isn't down there with them to translate."
A voice came from the STRAIN. "She won't need to translate gunshots and someone swinging a blade, now will she?" Ralph used his STRAIN's speakers to communicate with those outside.
"SHE can't hear what's going on down in the valley," another voice interrupted from the STRAIN. "So kindly shut up and pay attention or the dragons will have to be the ones to the rescue."
"Yes, Ma'am," came from Tereus, followed a minute later by Kelly. Leah merely rolled her eyes.
In the privacy of the STRAIN cockpit, Ralph blew the video feed of his wife a kiss and a smirk, "As you say, my dear."