After several hours of walking and numerous stops to rest, the small group, led by Murdock, finally reached the transport pod. The sun had gone down many hours before. As Murdock, Declan, and Annie looked, they saw no fires or any sign that anyone was around.
“Stay here, while I check it out,” Murdock said quietly.
As he approached the pod, Murdock’s senses were on high alert. His night-vision showed no signs of the recent inhabitants. As he reached the underside of the pod, he saw that the ramp was down. He climbed it slowly and as stealthily as he could. He quickly checked every compartment inside the pod and found nothing.
“Bring them in,” Murdock flashed to Declan and received an affirmative signal from Declan. “Bring everything and everyone inside the pod,” he instructed telepathic
