"We're entering into rebel territory," Scarlett announced as she looked at the map. "We need to be cautious."
"If Lady Jaye confirmed Cobra's working with them, why aren't Duke and Beach Head here?" Flint grumbled.
"We don't know if Cobra's actually stationed in this territory. There are pockets all over with rebel sympathizers," Scarlett answered. "Part of our job is to find out if they are. Duke's team is on standby. If we run into any trouble, we're not supposed to engage, but we are to report."
Spirit, whose eyes had been closed, suddenly spoke up. "She's here."
Flint was proud of the fact that his hands stayed steady on the wheel. "How do you know?" he asked the Shaman.
"I just do," he answered, his tone final.
"The Traveler festival is just a few miles ahead," Scarlett said, glancing back at her notes and the map. "They're not too happy with party crashers, so I suggest we approach this with caution and respect."
"Why would she let them lead her into possible Cobra territory?" Scarlett mused quietly. "You don't think the Travelers are working with…"
Spirit shook his head. "Their culture is not ruled by the government. As such, they do not involve themselves in their quarrels. This is sacred ground to them, and they were allowed to keep their annual ritual."
"Checkpoint up ahead!" Scarlett said sharply, and Flint brought the vehicle to a halt. "Now what?" he asked them.
"We go on foot," Snake Eyes signaled to the group.
They took only what they thought they would need, leading the truck camouflaged in the underbrush. Flint spoke briefly to Duke, whose team was approaching the area.
"We also have an air strike team assembled, if necessary," Duke informed Flint. "The Trasikavyangovernment is getting antsy."
They managed to get around the checkpoint, but found themselves several miles off their intended course.
They glanced at the sky, noticing that they only had several hours of daylight left. Silently, the group kept moving forward, hoping they were nearing the end of their search.
