The rubble groaned. A chunk of concrete shifted and from beneath it then a hand emerged.
Rama stirred and coughing through the dust as he slowly pushed himself upright.
His vision blurred for a second but he forced it to clear. His body ached, his limbs heavy, but he wasn't thinking about himself.
"Axel!" he called out hoarsely. "Shoji! EvLat!"
"I'm good," came Axel's voice, slightly muffled, but steady.
A few feet away from him Axel shoved off the debris that had half-buried him. His face was streaked with blood but his eyes were still sharp focused.
Shoji didn't answer but he pushed out of the rubble with a loud grunt. His head turned quickly, checking the others before giving a small nod.
Then came EvLat. Slower and groaning, but intact. He pulled himself free a moment later, dust coating his fur.
They were alive and not badly wounded. That was all Rama needed.
But they had no time to rest.
