Forwards: Risky retreat

"We should head that way, towards the burn zone."

Choe appraises you with a neutral expression, "And the tower up top?"

"Better than going further in to alien territory." Narm and Myong nodded eagerly, their state of dress hardly ready to face off against Golgothi of any shape.

Moon spoke up, "You think they'll let us back over the line?"

"We were separated from our company and our gear was destroyed, if we tried to meet up with them again we'd just be a burden. Besides, we're all men. Not like we can accidentally smuggle any Golgothi out inside of us." The group looked uncomfortable at your words. Even Choe's eyes flicked down at the prospect.

"...anyway I think we should run for the border."

There wasn't so much an agreed consensus as there wasn't any responding argument as the group reclaimed whatever metal equipment that survived the acid and stepped into formation. You ended up in front with Choe, holding out a glowstick and feeling mildly ill as you stepped forward into the darkness.

Minutes tick by in the darkness, only broken by the dull glow of the stick and the occasional grate that was only partly covered in rubble. Every one you tried wouldn't budge no matter how hard the five of you pushed, the area above must really be a mess. It is with much trepidation that you start to see the grey roots of the newest Golgothi tower, clinging to the damp walls of the sewer and snaking across the surface of the water.

Moon spoke up, poking at the rigid tendrils, "We should probably take notes, give some useful intel about the underground conditions." You nod in agreement, though the only notes you would be taking would be mental ones: you weren't setting your gun down till you reached the burn zone. Choe seemed of a similar mindset, appearing to actually be getting anxious as the grey roots became thicker and more dense.

There is a loud snapping noise to your right and four of you spin, guns at the ready. Myong stood, frozen under your collective stare, her foot hovering over a crushed root, "...sorry."

Choe growls and you pat her comfortingly on the back, "Easy Choe, it was a mistake. We're ok." To your surprise she doesn't protest, taking a deep breath and nodding at you in understanding. The moment is unfortunately spoiled when a low buzzing echoes from a side-tunnel.

You collectively raise your weapons, ready to fire, except for Myong who whispered harshly, "Wait, if we start shooting we'll bring everything for miles down on ourselves!"