47.Foreboding

Will approaches Bill with concerns about the prolonged silence from the Others and proposes sending disguised probe drones into GL 877 to gather intelligence. After Bill voices initial security concerns, Will presents a plan using only common technology to avoid technology capture. Bill and Will bring the proposal to Mario, who agrees to implement it.

Will visits Bill, who is enjoying a Vulcan whiskey. Will expresses concern about the complete absence of activity from the Others, describing it as ominous. Bill counters that their heightened state of alert might be making them oversensitive to the silence. Will then proposes a reconnaissance mission into GL 877 using disguised probe drones coated to resemble asteroids, employing only basic technology like SURGE and level 1 SUDDAR to avoid any risk of technology capture. The probes would either store observations for later retrieval or transmit data and self-destruct if detected. Bill initially worries about technology loss but finds Will's approach sound and suggests consulting Mario, who has operational authority. Mario, when consulted, readily agrees to the plan, noting that his autofactories can easily produce the necessary drones. He acknowledges the effort required but confirms they have sufficient time, and emphasizes that this reconnaissance could prevent a catastrophic surprise if the Others are secretly preparing a major offensive.