Copen
Compared to most others, the lack of sleep didn't take as much of a toll on Copen. Not only did his cybernetic enhancements allow him to go extended periods of time without rest, additionally needing somewhat less than a regular human, but it was also an experience he'd grown accustomed to – he'd been doing so for the better part of a century during his battles against Sumeragi.
Still though, he could hear Lola chastising him for putting off his own well-being like that.
That time awake had also given him a while to think on Lorens' recap and the key details she revealed. The extent of the UNSC's experience with the Banished. The existence of multiple factions across this world. The failed uprisings against the Banished. And... the apparent death of the Master Chief at their hands.
That last piece was the missing piece in his mental puzzle, and the reason why the UNSC sounded so familiar. Chief had mentioned the organization during their first encounter, asking if the place they'd wound up on was under its jurisdiction. They'd gone on to better understand what the Nexus was and its capabilities, and seeing as Copen himself had returned to his own world following that land falling apart, Chief had presumably done the same. Be it through the Spartan's knowledge, or some other means, the Banished had now come to learn of the Nexus themselves.
And if they truly sought its power, then it was imperative that the group got off this island and rebuilt a force to stop the Banished.
"Hm..." Copen put a finger to his chin as he listened to David's proposal, thinking through the options the squad had uncovered. "I understand your concerns about heading west, and I do think we should move forward before it's too late. However, any intel we could get from the Banished should certainly be beneficial to us. It's proven key in my past battles." he spoke, looking in the direction of the forward base for a moment before turning his focus back to the group.
"The forward base is minimally guarded, and I believe I could be fast enough to investigate and return to raid the apex in time. I'd suggest investigating that underground base on the way to the apex – if it really is a processing center and holds potential allies, then we'll want as much help as we can get in getting a way off the island."
He paused for now, waiting to hear any response or objections to his own analysis.