Pratibha Singh scanned the files of the team sent to Guatemala; while the words were a headache-inducing mishmash of symbols, she recognized the ID pictures attached to each file well enough to attach a division and skillset to each. After a moment of brief consideration, she lifted her gaze to meet her companions.

"Sakura, Corona...this is the team we're sending to investigate that energy signature?"

Corona raised one elegantly sculpted eyebrow. "They've already been sent. The aircraft should land in Guatemala City in two hours, then head north to Quiche right after that. Why, did you have any concerns?"

"A few," Pratibha admitted. "It looks like we have a full squad from R&D, as well as three from Intel. That makes sense. But why the Rescue squad and pair from Combat as well? I thought this was supposed to be potential research target, not a combat zone."

Sakura grimaced. "The Rescue group is mostly to deal with the terrain, since most of our heroes aren't accustomed to jungles and Rescue has the most experience handling unfamiliar terrain. Combat's there just in case something goes sideways--we don't really know what's waiting for us down there."

"I wanted to send over another few from PR to smooth over the investigation on-site," Corona added. "Unfortunately, Nightbolt, Pocket Watch, and Paladin were the only ones not on assignment prior to the investigation, and I needed Paladin here to oversee the newest recruits. They'll be fine as they are."

The older woman sounded assured and confident. Pratibha smelled a rat.

"You sent the woman who does a reasonable impression of a goddess on a 'low-danger' mission, Sakura? Really? In addition to another Combat specialist? With thirteen other trained superhumans?"

The most powerful superhuman on the planet twitched guiltily under Pratibha's gaze. "Well-she can't leave one of the-it's complicated and mystical."

"I'm sure it is."

Corona sighed and leaned back in her seat. "Look, this whole global psychic disturbance has us all freaked out. We're not really sure what to expect, so Sakura and I thought it best to be safe rather than sorry. Right?"

Pratibha sighed. "I suppose you're right. It is only a first look after all. Nothing to worry too much about."

The other directors nodded in agreement.

~*~

In the depths of the jungle, an unholy screech echoed through the trees.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Requirements

-Hope you're ready for some combat! After tracking the strange energy signature through the jungle, you come across an ancient tomb of Olmec origin. The outside and inside is inscribed with ancient images of two humanoid figures battling a strange birdlike figure. The bones of two human skeletons along with a number of ancient weapons lie within; however, they seem to have been disturbed...

-...by a bizarre, hostile birdlike monster that is intent on killing you all just as you're getting ready to investigate!

-Try not to die, hmm? And while you're at it, bring the bird (or its corpse) back to the lab for study.

Combat Requirements

All right, Hourglass and Nyelia! Your job is a little more specific than the others, as you're the primary combatants of the group. In-entry, you must kill the beast yourself.

Deaths: Three ballot kills this round. Five tributes will be going up for votes. Three will be eliminated.

The Challenge

I hope you like your song for the round, Ladybird!

https://youtu.be/cN9jTnxv0RU

Due Date: Friday, March 15 at 10 PM EST