Ipos and Ramuell continued on to Blue Rock Canyon with the Crow Clan in order to escort Dr. Lilith back to Dig #421. They spent two nights with the Clan. On the morning of their departure, Shiya sensed this parting was different; that they might never see each other again. She snuggled close to Ramuell as he ate a breakfast of dried meat and fruit. Before putting on his pack he kneeled down and took her in his arms. She threw hers around his neck and clung fiercely. After several moments one of the clanswomen gently pulled the little girl away. She whimpered once and said “Ohhh,” with a heartbreaking catch in her voice.
By the time Lilith, Ipos, and Ramuell returned to the Dig, Azazel had already sent the four Serefim soldiers back to the SWA-7 basecamp accompanied by Samael and a medic.
