The many-legged creatures didn’t react to Rareth’s call in any discernible way. They carried on shuffling forward, their heads rippling slightly from side to side and their segmented bodies following. The loud chittering continued.“Fuck that. We’re getting through this cavern.” 595 spat. 

She activated a lighting sequence she’d quickly pieced together on the walk after the lake. Her suit flashed bright red in an aggressive, undulating pattern. Dr Ngata had assured her in private that it replicated many of the same defence mechanisms that animals used back on Outremer. 595 turned up her external speaker and stepped forward before talking. “Stop right there! DO NOT MOVE.”

The creatures immediately cried out at the sound and light. They erected their front halves in the air, mouths and pincers pointing toward the interlopers. “They’re going to attack!” 595 yelled, firing her pistol on automatic at the first creature from about twenty metres away. The shots connected with it’s mouthparts and eyes, sending chain lightning between all three of them.

The whole area erupted with frenetic screeching. All three of the creatures began spitting viscous green blobs of material at them, one of which landed squarely on 595’s head. “Acid!” She yelled, glancing at her readout. It fizzled against her shields, using up power in the process.