Blade slowed the [i]Harlock[/i] as the trio approached the village. He gave a click of the radio in a confirmation to Mike as he broke away, before turning an ear to Aidan's transmission and listening intently.

"Roger, no activity at the target. Things look quiet at our location too. We're moving in to investigate now and will keep you informed. Stay wary, out".

An incoming signal sounded from Nawlin, and he toggled the channel to reply. 
[quote]Looks clear from here sir, do I enter, or continue east towards the rear, while maintaining overwatch?[/quote]
He hesitated as he considered the tactical situation. The terrain looked relatively clear, with no hostiles in sight so far. The buildings, though relatively few in number, were enough to block the line-of-sight between [i]Prowler[/i] and the position of himself and Kuraiko. If there was anyone amongst the buildings, they may well be lying in wait. A pincer movement might help, and they'd get a better overview if they could approach from multiple directions. Especially since Mike's GEAR was designed to scout and recon - exactly the kind of scenario they were in, in fact.
"Move in toward the rear and approach, Nawlin. We'll get a better idea if there's anyone there then. We'll approach from the front and try and draw them out. If there's any hostiles, we can get them in a pincer movement".
He swivelled the grey-black head of his GEAR toward the sleeker shape of Kuraiko's. The wolf gave a tactical appraisal of the situation and an overview of his approach, and the fox replied, pivoting back to observe the approach toward the central cluster of buildings.
"I agree," he replied as he observed the streets and byways they had to approach on. The settlement was small and quite rustic, with unpaved streets and white-washed desert buildings, most no larger than three stories and separated by dusty patches of earth for yards or access to the rear or next street over of the grid-like pattern. 
"Move up in a slight staggered formation, two abreast. Should give us enough cover if we're ambushed. Sweep th' angles as we move an' be sure ta keep an eye on the windows and doors - Infantry like firin' their heavy weapons from internal places at GEARs, gives 'em good angles at joints". 
He'd learned that lesson in more than a few peacekeeping ops, and joint exercises with Esailia's team over the last week had re-taught the lesson as well. 
"Keep it slow an' steady," he advised, before pulling the [i]Harlock[/i] up from its' crouch and moving forward, the autocannon/rifle held out in front at a ready position, sensors sweeping the area as he moved in.

****

At the mine, there was similarly little evidence of the enemy, but no evidence that they [i]weren't[/i] there either. The yawning mouth of the tunnel beckoned the GEARs to close in, and the lingering darkness inside the tunnel, big enough for the GEARs to advance single-file and upright, hid whatever secrets were inside.

***

At the Landcrawler location, the vehicles remained quiet as a tomb. Fabric flapped in the dry breeze, and paper danced on the wind, stirred up as the helo came into a hover. No tracers exploded from cover, and no seeking missiles lashed out from below. The dominant sound was the clatter of helicopter rotors and engines as the aircraft hovered above.