. Hines smirked and said, "Alright. Kyle, you and I are gonna go that way and see what's up. Suits will help fight off the radiation. Tabby, go report back to Patterson that we 'think' we found the target."
. But Tabby didn't hear him. He was tapping the side of his head again, "That ringing is IRRITATING AS HELL!" His voice went up at the last few words.
. Bevin reached over and touched his arm to reassure him, but he flinched in surprise, then relaxed when he saw who it was. "Sorry," he muttered,"I ... um ..." he stumbled over his words, embarrassed. "I didn't ... hear you ... approach. I didn't ... oh, God!"
. Tabby leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Tais ailraight," she said in her Brogue, "I innirstaind."
. "No," he insisted, "It's not all right, hon. I have to hear everything, otherwise I can't defend those I care about like I know I should and could." He paused, then added, "It's a BIG problem!"
. She stepped so she could gaze into his eyes, trying to make sure he understood what she said. "Thain lait me daifind ye lak tha Celtic wimmin daid fer thair men thrawaut tha aijis."
. "I ...," Tabby stuttered, "what was that?"
. Back at their stopping point, Den muttered, "We should have brought some ants."
. Patterson chuckled, rising to his feet and reaching a hand to help Hawke up, "Yeah, and a lot of herbicide!"
. Shadow asked, "Why ants, Den? I was thinking uncles." He grinned.
. "Not that kind of aunt!" He smiled at Shadow, then explained, "Ants, you know like the little bugs. Because we could let them loose and follow them to the way out."
. "Time and place," Patterson said, glancing around. "We've got one way out, and that's mission success. Check your gear and get ready to move." He accessed the commlink to the rest of the team, calling to Hines, "Report, Derek?"
. Hines answered, "Got some radiation we're investigating. Take the tunnel and bear right at the light. Kyle and I are moving to investigate. Could be our target."