[Ben does have his back, following behind and matching Alex's movement so closely, so instinctively that they might have been tied together with a metal pipe: he goes when Alex goes, stops when Alex stops, and watches his friend for instructions. Which is when it will probably become apparent that no, Ben isn't giving further direction.
It's Alex's show.
The X5 can hear the creatures closing; he even knows how many there are. He knows they should go left when Alex takes them right, but he doesn't say anything, he just covers their six and follows.
There's no exit other than the one they came through, not that isn't blocked by a heap of collapsed cement and metal rods; the second story is enclosed, and the helicopters pass by overhead, the thump and whoosh of their rotor blades echoing in the brittle stairwell, drawing the attention of the creatures upward.
Ben stops halfway through level three, searching for the top half of the collapse on the ground level, agreeing that investigating to see if they can climb down is a viable plan. Unfortunately, the creatures are going to catch up to them, first. He doesn't say anything to Alex. He just reaches forward and lays two fingertips on his shoulder, and stops himself; twisting, he puts their backs to one another, and drops into a subtle, ready defensive stance, eyes scanning out away from them.]
Ready? [Somewhere deep in his gut there's a sharp thrum of anticipation, equal parts inherent anxiety and learned eagerness, but he's steady as his voice to all external appearances.]
[ Spam ]
It's Alex's show.
The X5 can hear the creatures closing; he even knows how many there are. He knows they should go left when Alex takes them right, but he doesn't say anything, he just covers their six and follows.
There's no exit other than the one they came through, not that isn't blocked by a heap of collapsed cement and metal rods; the second story is enclosed, and the helicopters pass by overhead, the thump and whoosh of their rotor blades echoing in the brittle stairwell, drawing the attention of the creatures upward.
Ben stops halfway through level three, searching for the top half of the collapse on the ground level, agreeing that investigating to see if they can climb down is a viable plan. Unfortunately, the creatures are going to catch up to them, first. He doesn't say anything to Alex. He just reaches forward and lays two fingertips on his shoulder, and stops himself; twisting, he puts their backs to one another, and drops into a subtle, ready defensive stance, eyes scanning out away from them.]
Ready? [Somewhere deep in his gut there's a sharp thrum of anticipation, equal parts inherent anxiety and learned eagerness, but he's steady as his voice to all external appearances.]