At Kylliâs somewhat delayed response to her question, Bec returned the somewhat blank stare as she came to stand on her feet, Montann smirking a little in that way where Bec couldnât tell what she was thinking. Did she get some blood on her or something? No, that didnât seem to be it⊠Somehow, she felt sheâd prefer to let Kylliâs private thoughts about the HUnewearl be just that.
âWeâre over the opposite side of the forest. Itâd probably be best if we head back and get relocated a little closerâŠâ Hoisting the bag onto her back, Bec flipped out her communicator, fiddling with it to request pick up. âBesides, I donât think Tawny will appreciate letting this meat spoil.â
Folding the device away, Bec gestured Kylli over to the centre of the clearing. It did not take long before swirling blue lights began to envelope them, and the familiar feeling of being broken down into photons and speeding through space like vivid lights overtook each of them. Trails of glowing lights warped and flitted around their eyes, stars whipping past in an instant, along with other, brighter glows sped down towards the surface. Finally, a blinding whiteness began to approach them, before fading back into reality as they burst from the pool of water, landing on the metal catwalk in front of Rio.
âHowâs that for service? Got you back here in record time, and kept you in one piece.â Rio smiled cheerfull before remembering her position, breaking into a salute. âOh, and welcome back Hunters. I trust your mission was successful?â Putting on her best âgruff authoritarian voiceâ, she giggled and stuck out her tongue before giving an exclamation of surprise.
âOh my! I certainly am popular today! Would you two mind scooting over and turning in to Sienna? Iâve got another couple returning for pick up.â Beginning to tap away at the keyboard, the pool of water quickly began glowing as she started to recall another duoâŠ
As the beam of energy quickly whisked the duo to the surface, theyâd find themselves thrown out just in front of both Bec and Kylli, who had quickly managed to shuffle out of the way. Safety procedures declared that retrieval shouldnât be done until the platform was clear, but Rio had a penchant for ignoring the rules that were a little too stifling.
Glancing over Ridly and Hal, Bec smirked a little at the slightly singed Ridly, along with the dirt-stained yellow robes of Hal. âAw, did you guys have trouble on your mission?â She teased, the sarcasm in her voice palpable as she snickered. Considering the derisive comments they had earlier, it gave her some smug satisfaction that theyâd encountered difficulty.
âPerhaps youâre getting over the hill and should leave the tough stuff to us? Especially if you botched a simple search mission.â Bec laughed heartily, her ego stoked only further by their âsuccessâ over the other group.
The monitor crackled slightly, before a heavily altered artificial voice came through, the screen emblazoned by a regal looking capital R.
âPreparations have been made to provide a cover story. For now, avoid confrontation and return to the Vanguard as soon as possible. We will review your failings and determine appropriate action. Return the file to the deposit box when safe to do so, and until we contact you again, we ask that you continue your original task, and blend in as per normal.â
With that, the screen dimmed once more, leaving Lance alone within the forestâŠ