The soldier took a moment before he seem to get the hint, his head cocked thoughtfully. Finally, he pursed his lips and wrapped his arms around Poppy’s waist, effectively trapping her. Poppy gasped and began kicking fiercely, her eyes wide. The soldier grunted, trying to avoid her flailing legs. “Francis, don’t you dare! Don’t you *squee!*ing dare!”
Her cries gradually faded away as he moved away. Another explosion rocked the hall and there came the sounds of conflict.
The wall in front of him exploded and Dylan came charging through, tossing diamonds behind her. “Francis?!? What are you doing here?”
"It was taking too long," he replied quickly, following her. "I wanted to make sure nobody was in trouble!"
She glanced up at him before tossing back a bomb that exploded on impact, pushing them forward. “They have this crazy ass machine. I don’t even know what it’s made of, but it’s terrifying.”
"Penelope's dead," she replied harshly, pulling out her gun and pulling him down a side corridor. "This way."
She pulled him into a shadowy area, blocked by shelves as a heavy, mechanical machine lumbered in front of the door. Francis wouldn't be able to get a decent look at it as his back was to the door.
