[It is a good vantage point for a lookout... and Gumshoe really doesn't want to do any tree-climbing himself. So he'll let the kid do his thing and make sure he doesn't end up in a crack in the process.]

Oh yeah? I did a lot of climbing trees in my day too, pal. But you know what they say, pride goeth before a fall. [And falling from a tree can really smart...! Especially when the ground's tearing apart.]

As for what I'm looking for? Well, I'm trying to find one of two things. Either some clues as to what the hell's going on here and how to fix it, or people I can help get to safety. I feel like I'm gonna have to settle for the latter for now, pal!