The group follows the road for hours, maintaining a slow ground-eating pace. As we follow the road the scattered bits of woodland that we had been sticking to dwindle with fields becoming predominant across the rolling hills of the landscape. It’s easy going and stops become rare as everyone is able to follow a preset path. With my focus freed I take some time to look for signs of human habitation. There isn’t much to see, on either side of the road long fields are filled with rows of squat green bushes, a few sporting clusters of white flowers that break up the monotony of the landscape. Some birds fly past overhead but beyond that, there is little to see.

After a few more hours we come to a building that seems important. In front of it is a large covered structure under which tall machines sit, strange black tubes extend from their sides for purposes unknown. Whatever the use of this place it seems worth investigation. On the front of the building itself is a series of brightly lit markings that draw the eye. After a few seconds of staring at it I realize I understand the meaning of the markings, the message they convey is “ Clearwater Dinner, Open 5 A.M to 10 P.M.” underneath in smaller lettering is scrawled “ pay for gas at the counter”.

How do I understand this?*

I ask the Violet mentally indicating the sign.

* Reading is a useful skill for Blues and Violets, many of our enemies write their secrets down. Master undoubtedly granted you the skill in your last meeting.*

Truly the wonders that the Master has granted me never cease to humble me before his wisdom.

I move onto the layer of cracked grey stone that covers the ground around the structure and my group spreads out giving me multiple viewpoints as they surround the building. I order the Yellows to begin searching for meaning outside the structure. I have the Reds form a perimeter to watch for danger before me and the rest of my group move into the building.

The door to the structure is a mix of glass and metal, and by putting a little weight on it I make it swing inward allowing the group in. Inside is a large room filled with wooden tables and chairs, on each table sits a metal container with bits of fabric poking out and a red bottle of something. I am struck by how every item looks identical to each other, no chair or table or red bottle has any difference for the others. While a bit unnatural I find it very reassuring, differences are a waste of time all that matters in design is that you serve your purpose.

Two other doors lead out of the room. One is a shiny metal door that has written over it “Kitchen”, I do not know what this is and turn my attention to the other door. This sheds light upon the purpose of this building. “ Restroom” is written above the second door, clearly this place serves as a resting place for humans on long journeys. Thinking it over I decided that this place must have two purposes, allowing humans to mentally rest in assigned rooms and allowing them to congregate and converse at the gathered tables in this main room.

It seems like a good idea and when I next meet Master I should suggest such a structure for traveling squads to stop and recharge, shielded from danger. Still, this human design is inefficient with such a small space devoted to rest and so much to socialization. Socialization may be fun but resting is paramount to continued function.

Come look at this*

The Violet sends and I walk over to look at the patch of wall. On it sits a thick back box with curved glass on the front.

Is it some kind of mirror?* No, it contains information but can only be viewed in the Mundane, its changes are too quick to be reflected in the Other *

I nod, it would be good to gain greater information on this area. I hesitate for a second before peering into the Mundane. Before in combat, it was necessary to check the Mundane periodically for indigenous threats. Outside of combat or patrol, however, procedure was to be sparing with the ability, even if just my sight passed between the layers, some animals and sensitive humans could notice the intrusion.

Looking at the box in the Mundane shows me a flickering picture of a tired looking human at a desk speaking while rapid text scrolls in black and white across the bottom of the screen. The text moves too quickly for me to decipher but a larger set of text frames the man, it says “ Catastrophic damage to the Eastern coast of New Caledonia”.

I turn back out of the Mundane, a Yellow is trying to get my attention. It seems it has found something of interest outside.