I’m freezing. Let’s... let’s do something. We’ve got to try...” Vaughan opened his eyes, aware that he’d been on the verge of sleep. He scanned: silence. He stood, his shoulder throbbing painfully. It was almost pitch black in the pit, the light of the strange constellations overhead providing little illumination. Chandra joined him and Vaughan knelt and said, “Climb on my shoulders, Jimmy. Careful—!” He cursed under his breath as Chandra straddled his shoulders, increasing the pain. He took a breath and stood, his knees wobbling with the strain. Chandra’s weight eased from time to time as he tried the occasional handhold. Vaughan moved slowly clockwise around the pit, Chandra giving a running commentary. “There’s nothing around here at all. Move right, further. Stop. There’s something here. I can’t get a decent grip. Damn!” As they completed the circuit, Chandra became quiet.
