She followed him carefully

As Valerie walked slowly to the exit, she heard faint cracks beginning to form in the brittle suit material. She felt as if the entire front of the suit was a cast, barely hanging off her body. She nervously bit her lip - she didn't know how long her suit could hold up. She already felt restricted in her movement.

Her impending nudity seemed inevitable - not a question of if, but of when.

Hawk looked quizzically at her as she approached. "Something wrong?", he asked.

"No, it's nothing! After you.", she said, putting up a brave face. He looked surprised at her sudden politeness, but obliged her and exited the door. She followed, staying behind him. She didn't want to show him any more of herself than she needed to.

Her suit didn't seem to share the same goal as her. As she walked, she felt tiny flakes of material break off and fall on the ground. Only a little while longer, she prayed.

They arrived at the elevator shaft. Hawk pressed the buttons, but nothing happened. The floor display was red, indicating the elevator wasn't working. He **** the elevator doors apart. "Dang it. Looks like we'll need to climb.", he said, looking down.

"Oh?", Valerie squeaked nervously. She didn't like the odds of her suit staying together if she had to do any sort of strenuous movement.

"Yep. Tie this rope to your waist, and climb up using your gloves and socks. When you reach the floor, fasten the hook on a secure spot, which will allow me to climb after you. I'll **** the door open, and voila.", he smiled.

Valerie gulped.