[ Fortunately, the whip is taut around Tim's forearm just as he's about to fall into the bog. The ensuing pull leads Tim to safety, the masked young man landing on his feet well past the bog's edge. Behind him, the bog is quiet, silently digesting its latest victim. The vulture had fallen into it so quickly that it also fell too deep too soon - it's not even able to burst its head out and gasp for air.

Tim takes a moment to collect himself. He didn't want to have to kill an animal, and he resents the very prospect, but... stretched thin of resources and with no possible alternatives, the choice between Tim and Ann's survival and the vulture's was clear.

So Tim takes a deep breath, inwardly attempting to make peace with what just happened. ]

...At most, yes.

[ Ever since the arrival vessels were shot down, Tim's clearly been having an off-day of sorts. One trial after the other, as must also be the case for Ann. ]

Thanks for doing that. I've seen bog bodies up close and let me tell you... they're not very pretty.

[ Even though he's plenty used to it by now, Tim's never quite sure what to say after near-death experiences, so. ]

Can you believe this is the second time I've fought that thing?

Now I just hope it stays down.

[ He's going to wait till they can both decompress before he ever asks about Carmen, by the way. ]