Eagle One sets down at the first expedition's landing site, a clearing in a sub-tropical forest. As Carter begins the aerial search, he notes a few pockets of mist through breaks in the forest canopy, but no sign of people—Alphan or otherwise. While the support team reconnoitres the immediate area, Koenig and Helena drive off in a moon buggy, following a series of trail-markers left by the reconnaissance party. Entering the forest, they leave the vehicle and continue on foot. At a swampy watering hole, they are brought up short by the tracks of a gigantic animal.