He frowned, glancing back at the desk. Eli noticed and sighed. "Yeah. Get ready for that. August likes to... tinker." August flushed slightly, glaring at Eli. "Don't say it like that." "Why? I'm not saying it's bad."
He hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. There are certain tribes in the area that we do trades with from time to time, but their language has evolved over the past century to the point that we weren't able to understand them. We would hold the device and be able to make some progress."
Eli headed back to the entrance, peeking out the vines. August gave her a small smile before following Eli. "What are you thinking?" "We should head out, I think," Eli muttered, his gaze shifting among the horizon. "The Pillagers are still around, so we should pack in the meantime. C6 is large enough for five of us."
Aspen's shoulders slumped when they left, and she spoke quietly. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea, Mo."
Mo looked up at her. "You'd rather live in a lie? We left this place 100 years ago, Aspen. We fled because we weren't able to get our *squee!* together. We abandoned everyone and just left, like cowards. It needs to be fixed."
The two returned, their faces reflecting a similar worry. August began to pack up the chamber. "Price, was there anything in the ship from the Star that you'll need any time soon?"
Eli nodded, beginning to pack up the sheets. "Get ready, then. We need to leave quickly and quietly."
"It's not your fault," August reassured her. "Well, it is," Eli added. "But we'll manage. Get ready to go."
