Dr. Ash,

As Chief Excavation Officer, it's my job to support the Research team, so I got you your machine for that ridiculous "sand research" project. However, it's also my responsibility to ensure the safety of my crew. Do you know how many trips it took to get an entire bulldozer down here piece-by-piece? And do you know how many of my guys we lost in those trips?

Here's a hint: too fucking many.

Which brings me to my point. I'm writing you today because of this request that just landed on my desk. Apparently, you want a "lightweight, one- or two-man, military-grade helicopter for the purpose of surveying the vast expanse of the columns by air."

I bet you didn't even stop to wonder how much time, money, effort, and BLOOD this toy would cost us. Well, no, sir, I am sorry, but I will not subject my men to another month of marching through that death trap upstairs. For Christ's sake, these people have families, not that they ever get to see them anymore.

Request denied.

-Lewis McNairy