Singi nods in answer to the question, and moves over to the others. "What is the problem?"
Ayse looked up from the map he was studying for the dozenth time, putting his spectacles away in a vest pocket. It had been a long trip for the scholarly elf; he'd appreciated the relatively quiet time to study, naturally, but he also itched to be practicing his magic. Unfortunately, Elias Sonelle wasn't nearly the spellcaster Ayse himself was, and he feared giving away his persona. A piece of trouble might give him the excuse he needed to "learn" a few new skills, so he somewhat eagerly folded up the map and moved over to listen closer.
AZLANT - LAND HO!
Ramona shares the spyglass with Weyve and Aria. Both observe the settlement, it looks quiet, too quiet, as if abandoned.
As she and the rest of the group step to the bow she speaks quietly, “We have a problem. Something is wrong. Nobody’s in sight. There’s no smoke from cook fires or the smithy. Some of the buildings look burned out.
Sailors can’t keep their mouths shut. Soon all the other colonists are going to hear about this—if they can’t see for themselves already—and things could become… tense.
Based upon your interviews, I believe you lot to be the most qualified to go ashore and check out the settlement. If you wish me to, I can send a few of the soldiers with you as well.
In the meantime, I going to ask Captain Markosi to sail north along the island’s coast to a secondary landing site determined by the expedition’s surveyors as an alternative spot to found a colony. The site was later designated as an emergency extraction point should any danger befall the first wave of colonists.
Perhaps there will be someone there.
After you have had a chance to investigate Talmandor’s Bounty, rendezvous with ship at this secondary location. It is due north along the coast. Once we have better information, I will make a final determination on where the rest of the colonists should disembark.
I know this is asking a great deal... can I count on you all?"
"Soldiers would just get in the way." Orbius said.
"Hai." He looks at the others, taking a quick count and listening to their replies.
"How far is this extraction point? If your observations are correct, then we can not count on finding useful supplies. We will need to carry at least enough to reach you."
Weyve brightens. "So we will be the first to set ashore? Yes, I'd be happy to help. Though I'm hardly a warrior, I do have some useful skills. I can be ready to leave in a moment."
Weyve goes below and then returns to the deck a few minutes later with his backpack and gear.
"By any chance do you have a map for us, showing the location of this secondary site?"
Aneon places the palms of her hands together, and nods while saying, "Hai!" She glances at the others and says, "I will not rest until we have found out what happened here." Well isn't that a coincidence, all the pathfinders plus these two. Too bad the charade continues.
Maka rubs his hands in excitement. This is what he has looked for! He nods, saying nothing, while checking that his gear is well tightened and apropriate for the task at hand.
Ayse nodded grimly. Cover or not, the colony's potential loss was disturbing. He agreed with 'Orbius', saying, "It does seem it would be better to investigate with a smaller group first."