(2)
The Shipmaster's Wraith hummed to life and hovered about a half a foot off the ground. While the Arbiter lingered on the structure a moment longer, an Elite Zealot acting as the Arbiter's Second ordered the others to get in formation, sending two Elites over to Ludo's Spectre. One of these Elites had on a suit of snow white armor that was exclusive only to the Ultras, while the other was wearing the standard blue combat harness. Both got into the passenger seats located on either side of the vehicle, while a Grunt Major that was in attendance climbed up to man the Wraith's plasma turret. Once everyone was in position to move out, the Arbiter made his way over to the Spectre and knocked on the hull, requesting Ludo's seat.
"At your service, Arbiter," Ludo proclaimed as he got out and climbed into the gunner's position.
The lance set out at a steady pace moments later, vehicles in front, ground troops in back, weapons trained on the high walls of the deep, canyon-like valley they were in. There was an immense abundance of boulders and vegetation: the perfect set up for an ambush. As they neared the first turn, two enormous boulders were sitting one in front of the other right in the center of the pathway, temporarily splitting the trail.
"Keep your wits about you," Rtas said to everyone over the comms. "This could be a trap. Ground forces, move up and clear out the forward area. We will cover you with the turrets."