The soldiers fought harder, driven by desperation.
One of them swung a metal pipe, using it like a club.
He shattered a trilobite's claw, only to have another creature grab him from behind.
He screamed, kicking and thrashing, but its grip was unbreakable.
Another soldier leapt in, hacking at the creature's arm with a hatchet.
It released its prey, turning on its new attacker.
A woman's voice cut through the noise. "I'm out of ammo!" She hurled her empty rifle at a trilobite, drawing her knife.
She ducked under its claws, slashing at its legs. It stumbled, and she pressed the attack, stabbing again and again.
Blood and ichor coated her hands, but she didn't stop until it lay still.
"Stay together!" Lucas roared.
The group pulled closer, their movements frantic but coordinated.
