The utility truck came to a halt in a secluded grove of pine trees. Connor killed the ignition, and the persistent rattle of the manual engine died, leaving only the sound of rain turning into snow against the steel roof.
Leo pulled his collar up, checking his mechanical watch under the faint glow of the dashboard. "We are only a mile away from the facility coordinate grid. The walk will be difficult in this weather, but the mountain path should hide our advance from any distant cameras."
Ophelia unlatched the sturdy wooden crate in the back of the cabin, handing out the manual climbing tools and the winter jackets they had packed. "Ilyas, help me with the rope bundles. Nelson, ensure the datapad remains wrapped in the dry canvas sheets."
