Redhawk Caldera Back at base, bugs in the software

It was a combination of Peregrine's request and the worrisome cloud of insects that spurred Elwood onward. He kept a wary eye on the sky, watching the swarm of locusts that very literally darkened the caldera's doorstep as he made his way to the rendezvous site. Never before had he seen such a strange phenomenon, and while the loud bugs didn't seem to be trying to cause any harm to him, they still made him uneasy.

When he arrived, he found not only Peregrine present with the puppies, but Finley as well. Catching the tail end of her statement, he grimaced as he sidled up to her. He gave her hip an affectionate bump with his own, then said, "It's totally bizarre and completely gross. What's going on?" His gaze strayed to Ferret, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the unusual snack that Mother Nature had provided. He ran his tongue over his teeth, wincing as he imagined spindly insect legs wedged into his gums.