[Lance sees Ian lower the rifle and get the signal, though he keeps his own weapon up both so that the light of it can possibly be seen by the people they're trying to find and because who knows what might come out of one of the other tunnels.
He can hear Ian's questions, and then a voice in response, though he can't make out the details of what they're saying. No big deal, because what matter is that there are people alive, and that's an incredible relief; he nods back at Ian at the nudge, turning in the correct direction and beginning to cautiously lead the way again.
The tunnel is thankfully devoid of any further creatures just yet, and so soon the small huddle of people comes into view, crammed into a corner with their shields up, just as Ian had guessed they might be. Lance glances over them quickly, assessing their conditions, looking specifically for someone who's lost an arm, and it isn't too difficult to find them at the back of the group and slumped down on the ground; another scientist is near them, trying to help, but there's only so much they can do.]
Ian, can you cover me?
[Lance asks directly, voice quiet as he misjudges how loud to make it, but that's probably better than erring the other way. He can do a little more for the scientist than their colleagues can, but it's going to take a little time and concentration and the last thing he needs is to be ambushed by another rat, so although he doesn't exactly like leaving Ian on the front line this time it's unfortunately necessary.]
no subject
He can hear Ian's questions, and then a voice in response, though he can't make out the details of what they're saying. No big deal, because what matter is that there are people alive, and that's an incredible relief; he nods back at Ian at the nudge, turning in the correct direction and beginning to cautiously lead the way again.
The tunnel is thankfully devoid of any further creatures just yet, and so soon the small huddle of people comes into view, crammed into a corner with their shields up, just as Ian had guessed they might be. Lance glances over them quickly, assessing their conditions, looking specifically for someone who's lost an arm, and it isn't too difficult to find them at the back of the group and slumped down on the ground; another scientist is near them, trying to help, but there's only so much they can do.]
Ian, can you cover me?
[Lance asks directly, voice quiet as he misjudges how loud to make it, but that's probably better than erring the other way. He can do a little more for the scientist than their colleagues can, but it's going to take a little time and concentration and the last thing he needs is to be ambushed by another rat, so although he doesn't exactly like leaving Ian on the front line this time it's unfortunately necessary.]