Thebes didn’t take long to consider his answer to Rareth’s request. The Sacred Band was trained for all manner of movement configurations. In this scenario, the heavy gunner was ideally placed to take on more weight, as their role primarily involved moving comparatively little and providing fire support in all directions. “Memnon, take a load; you’re in the middle.” The towering figure retired from his covering firing position and took a bundle of webbed equipment parts from Dr Ngata. And then another.

After a short interlude, they were all ready to go. The Sacred Band formed a tight formation around the unarmed scientists, with 595 positioned behind Rareth but in front of Thebes. After double checking nothing had been left behind, the expedition followed the valley into a pass between two hills. What looked like a dried out riverbed granted them access into a steep uphill incline which headed roughly toward the bright light on the horizon. Short, black, stunted tree-like objects dotted the passage. 

After a short while, a rumble from behind them highlighted that the worm had disappeared beneath the earth again. 595 looked around, trying to substantiate her feeling that they were being watched. “Stay sharp.” She murmured. "If the worms are docile, imagine what the nasties could be."