Desert resettled himself as the rest of his group spoke, listening to them while keeping his eyes on Vargas. Each mirrored his own thoughts- well, except for Doctor, who he gave a small, understanding nod to. Although the sentinels were designed to be more survival oriented, not all survival involved the work being requested of today. Perhaps, then, he could be the sentinel to stay behind and coalesce the incoming information offered. Yes; that would work, that way they wouldn't have to wait to talk in a set location.

As for gatherings, he knew of one- the Bonebound, whose king he spoke to about... half a cycle ago. Others were provided by Vargas himself. Aquarian's name stirred vague memories in him that were lost upon pressing a claw upon. Was it the 'aqua' part? Still, he had a vague idea of the locations spoken. Cetus and Eridanus were to the east, with Orion and the nearby Canis to the drier west. Both of the former were forests (he thought- he had no inkling of a hint towards Cetus's current state). The cat and Hemlocke would slot in well there among the trees, while Desert could use his previous knowledge with Aure to simply speak and learn through osmosis. He'd just have to direct conversations that way, then. With the Seven, though... He could manage, though he may need to do something about his coat. It'd stand out way too much in any place that wasn't sand filled and teeming with danger. The name posed a smaller-sized group, at least.

Hm. That was his mind made, then. "This would be easier if we had more of us," he began ever so softly, only intending for himself to hear before he shook his pelt and stood up straighter. "I've spoken with the Bonebound's leader before. I may be able to keep an eye between them and the Seven- Aure has a pattern with his food, I believe- a strong change with that could mean something. Otherwise, familiarity may help in this case." He hmmed to himself, bringing a claw to his antlered chin. "As for the Seven- if it's just seven of them, and with their closeness to Canis, I may be able to see what they've been tasked with once I'm done with the Bounebound."

After explaining his reasoning, he turned to Hemlocke and Palefur beside him. "Are you two able to scout between Cetus and Eridanus? There's more chance to hide in the trees there; I'd crash through with my scales and make a nuisance out of myself."

Okay, no, he didn't have that low of self-esteem, but it was good to make them feel like they were much more prepared for the task than he. Plus, really? Desert just didn't want to interact with anywhere wet. Turning his attention between Palefur and Doctor, now, though, Desert tightened his wings' muscles against his sides. "As for you, Doctor, would you mind receiving our reports to coalesce our information? I doubt we'll be able to meet together like this much more while we're busy with the groups. That way you don't have to leave your work, and we don't have to scramble around to find one another." That seemed reasonable; Doctor wasn't willing to scout, but he could still be put to use if he desired. That gave Vargas his own leisure to do what he needed in this endeavor.

"And for cat breeding. I wager we can cross that bridge when we get to it." They had much more important things at stake, here, than offspring. Yes, felines would have desirable genes, but that didn't deserve a division of worry for at the moment.

With his plans laid out, he watched between the rest of them for inputs.

Desert paused at Vargas's input first, his scales tightening against his back as he'd realized what he said. "Er- yes, I see." The words choked out. He didn't overstep his boundaries, right? All at once the budding leader reduced to a emotionally shrinking lily to the creature who could decide his life then and there. He should have left conversation about breeding to Vargas only- he hadn't had the elevation of status so far yet.

Besides, he didn't even have a name.

"Very well," he added as the overseer spoke on avoidance. It was something to keep in mind, yes- but Desert? He wanted to know these caves. Wanted to understand them, to comprehend their ways, to see how they themselves interacted with masters. They hadn't overseers of their own to instruct them to do anything- would masters even lower themselves to that point?

He shook his head to clear it, turning to his small group as Vargas strode away. First thing's first- a small "thank you," with a curt half-bow was offered to Doctor. "You can leave for a while, I'd just prefer for you to stay in the area, is all. Hopefully, with the way the weather's going, things will cool off before long." He made to turn to the other pair before pausing. "Well- uh, cool off as much as it can." This was Hydra he was speaking about. That damn place would never cool. His body posture though, his speech- "And don't worry too much. It's just a small task, and I trust you well enough to do it well. It shouldn't really demand much!" A small, barely encouraging smile with all of his pointed reptilian teeth was given to Doctor before his attention was finally pulled away.

He was quick to listen to Palefur's remarks. There was a planning mind under that light fur- perhaps they were more alike than he'd expected. "That would be excellent," he spoke to her thus. Part of his mind rolled over in thought at Cetus being a swamp, but the fact was quick to be filed away under 'more things to investigate while looking for your brother' time. Which would come... Probably never. Clearing his throat, he continued while looking between the two of them. "If Cetus is... A swamp, as you say, Garnuhhh- Hemlocke would have a better time flying over it, I'd imagine. Make sure they're doing as told, find out what group is who and all, and most importantly stay safe." He couldn't risk losing members of his tiny group already.

Time to become the fun police. With that, Desert nodded to the rest of them. "I'll leave you to your own devices; if you end up completing any survey early you're more than welcome to see about other areas. Or- meet back here if you feel you've done enough." The dragon bit his tongue at saying some awkward goodbye, only turning on his heels to bound into the air and soar out behind Vargas.