Into the woods

After the capture of David Troutman, one of the would-be assassins, it was time for Rome and Rei to track down Dan Steele who was the true driver behind the attempt on Rei's life. The woods south of Lake Eprehem, to the west of the resort city of Ur, was a largely uncharted expanse of cane trees. Their original idea was to fly over the woods and use MINIMCOM's sensors to find Steele. However, this might not be the best way:

     About 20 kilometers in, they found a small river leading to Lake Eprehem with a many-fingered series of tributaries heading to the south. From Rei’s limited knowledge of geology, the southern ocean was too far, so this little river must be emptying into the gigantic lake rather than serving as drainage.
     They continued traveling until they reached a distance of over 40 kilometers from the edge of the city. It was at this point, the southwestern corner of Lake Eprehem, when the shoreline began to curve gently to the north.
     “Nothing,” Rei said, disgustedly. “For all we know, he’s wearing the Deucadon invisibility cloak. And we’re way more than one day’s walk. Anybody have any ideas?” he asked, looking up at Rome and Bonnie.
     Rome pointed to her MIDAR display. “I suggest we go back to the edge of Ur and travel on foot. While we may not be able to detect Steele’s presence, we may be able to find a trail.”
     “You’re going to track him?” Rei asked, somewhat taken aback.
     “If that’s what you call it,” Rome answered confidently.
     “Won’t that leave you kind of exposed?” Bonnie interjected.
     “We will have MINIMCOM hover directly over us in stealth mode.” Rome tapped on the front console. “You’ll stay aboard and watch the displays. MINIMCOM’s instruments should be able to pick up any motion or IR signature. Something. Anything. Steele will reveal his position eventually.”
     “Rome’s idea is even better than that,” Rei said enthusiastically. “If I close my eyes, I can use my sonar vision to map out the area. That’s how I found the Deucadons in the first place. They thought they were invisible but they weren’t sound-proof.”
     “Then we are agreed,” Rome said. “MINIMCOM?”
     “On it,” replied the starship. He executed a stunning barrel roll and quickly accelerated due east returning to the spot where he had picked up Rei and Rome. They departed via the cargo ramp. Rei kept on the Deucadon cloak but Rome discarded her ‘disguise’ as she no longer needed it.
     They stood in place and watched the spaceship rise until he was just higher than the treetops. The airframe shimmered and then MINIMCOM was gone.

So what can possibly go wrong, wandering into the woods with a skilled assassin who could be anywhere? Let's find out.