The Ravine (2)

Mira's voice broke the silence, her question echoing through the communication devices in each vehicle.

"Is it going to be safe inside?" Her question hung in the air, laced with a hint of anxiety.

From his position in the vehicle, Erik reached for his communicator. His fingers traced the cool metal, a stark contrast to the warmth of the uncertainty that swirled within him.

"It's hard to say," was his honest reply, his voice steady despite the absence of any comforting pretense. "We're still in Thaid territory. We might steer clear of the airborne ones, but we can't rule out other risks."

Erik then adjusted his communicator to reach Alina. "Alina, we need your keen senses now more than ever. Any Thaids in the vicinity, especially the ones fond of surprise attacks, we need to know."

"Got it," Alina's voice echoed back, carrying that familiar undertone Erik recognized. "I'll do everything I can to give us a heads-up."