Finishing the run with an epic leap, Duncan just about reached the outcropping in time. The sand churned scant feet behind him as a sandworm broke off in disappointment. For whatever reason, the others had lagged behind a bit (possibly because he had run like the knackers), so Duncan swung his stolen machinegun around to provide covering fire. There wasn't a whole lot that a small calibre gun could do to something that fucking big, but it should help distract them. He unloaded into the sand between the others, aiming further back from where they were running; a few of the smaller worms seemed to fall for it, but the older ones were too canny for that. Fortunately the others had their own solutions and before long the team had regrouped on the outcropping. [b]'Y'know mate...'[/b], he replied to Jericho through heavily fits of panting. [b]'I might be with you on that...'[/b]

Duncan paused for a moment to gain an overview of the situation; most of the team were scattered between a handful of rocky outcroppings halfway between the prison and the outer fence. The Galbadians must have had some method of controlling the worm's movements or else the gate checkpoints would never have been manned; it was a bit of a gamble but if they could reach the main gate, they might be safe. Eika hadn't shown herself either and that concerned him rather more than he wanted to admit. There was still one of the team out on the dunes, but Rachel had picked what was in hindsight the only intelligent thing to do in the situation. Problem was that she was now stranded out there with the prisoners and no way to lug them over... [b]'Xerox, rope Rachel over. We'll work out a route from here.'[/b] If nothing else, they had a brief reprieve before the next rush. [b]'Jake, you still got support teams left?'[/b]