Investigation of the pyramids is not producing any new findings for nearly two weeks already, so I expect we will be leaving the area anytime soon.
Ryan is a careful person, so he would never rush any decisions, but given there were no changes to behavior of the leftover alien structures, he is sure to give the long-awaited order.
Obviously, there are those who like it here and have no intention of leaving, mainly people from the colonist group, who specifically came to this planet to settle. I get it's their mission, and can understand their reasoning to an extent. However, while the soil and conditions are suitable for the colony to be established, presence of dangerous animals in the area, as well as lack of knowledge about the planet shouldn't be disregarded.
I really get their amazement. The air is much clearer than on Earth, and it contains a lot more oxygen, making breathing much easier. To be fair, I'm feeling much lighter and stronger since arriving here. Still, we don't have enough data about the weather conditions changing, pathogenes capable of killing people, or some unknows animals and plants. With so many questions and concerns, leaving a small group of people on their own sounds like a crazy idea. More so, knowing that there are no soldiers to spare for additional security.
Still, it's not like Ryan can easily force people to leave, especially in situation where they request assignments directly related to their role in expedition. Basically, if colonists find a suitable spot for settlement, allowing them to establish it is expected to take priority. Same goes for science team wanting to investigate specific area, building, creature, phenomenon, etc.
Obviously, central management would've been much easier in our current circumstances, giving assignments from well-located camp, having both military and expedition chiefs in one place. Sadly, it's not the case right now, and colonel McRae is currently the only highest ranking decision-maker whose alive status is something I've confirmed. Of course, we also have Manuela here, but medical team is a whole different matter.
Then again, I strongly support the decision to move on towards original gathering point. Every vehicle we had deployed for this expedition was equipped with the data allowing anyone to reach the spot original plan designated for the main base on the New Gaia for Future project.
The area was selected, following a long research and planning for the best possible location. For choosing the most suitable place, there was a number of conditions considered, including logistics, resources availability and security.
In the end, a wide plain area was found, having both the alien megastructure and mountains rich in resources close-by.
Still, the distance we need to travel is quite long. Even if we had access to fully operational flying vehicles, and were sure electromagnetic interference wouldn't shot us down, it would take us over one day since the vehicles would need to make stops for maintenance, and people need rest of course.
I guess, getting some flying units would be a best scenario, given these could survive - not only the weather conditions, but also dangerous animals and still operational defense systems we are aware of, and whatever else is awaiting us we have no idea about.
Sure, for the further travel, we are going to take an appropriate equipment, including weaponry, but I'm worried our best one may need to sit this one out.
I mean, Ursus is a powerful machine overall, but it uses enormous energy to move around, and its sole movement is sure to cause commotion.
Obviously, that could make it easier for other groups to spot us as we move. However, at the same time we would be easier to spot by dangerous animals, and some of leftover defense systems could be triggered.
Additionally, we have to take a good care of every such mecha that survived - losing any more of these would be pretty hard on the whole expedition. I feel bad for Glitter - she is the only person capable of handling this machine in the whole camp, so she will likely have to stay here.
Last time I saw her, she was acting strong, but I bet this whole situation is hard on her.
But yes, that's the situation we are in now. No matter what happens, we need to push forward and join other groups. With more people, it's sure to be easier to survive.