I stretched to get the stiffness out of my arms and lower back. The drive reminded me of the times when cobblestones and barely suspended carriages where the norm.
When the tree appeared I had to suppress the urge to draw my rifle and I was glad I did. It took me a moment to remember that I had slipped into the leadership position:
“You can go in a minute, but since you have flown around the pyramid: What’s the situation out there? Do they have guards stationed outside or have they just locked down the place? Do people come and go? Oh and could you say at what height you think we can find Summer? Is she somewhere at the top or below ground?”

After the spirits departure I rode a minute in silence, digesting the information. I was disturbed in my revery when the colony popped up and the Vampire send her message.
I replied to the group: <<Yes, but careful: Don’t get shot and don’t let on anything about our mission. They are close to the pyramid. There is a non-zero chance that they’d sell us out for supplies at the drop of a pin. Oh, and no romance unless you are hungry.>>