Zoe and River reached the arena wall and stared down, looking for a path that would lead them into the vast carpeted field. There was none. The only entrance appeared to be the one that was now buried under Simon's handiwork, a few tons of smoldering steel and concrete obstructing their path.

Zoe eyed the ten-foot drop into the arena and decided it was the only valid option. She climbed over the safety railing and let herself drop, landing on her side with a thud, her face inches from a bloodied body lying limply on the ground with an arrow through its neck. That's a cheering sight, she thought sarcastically, scrambling to her feet as River leapt into the arena, rolling lightly as she hit the ground and springing up in the same motion.

Together, the two women began making their way quickly towards the end of the arena, straining their eyes through the sweeping colored lights to locate their crewmates.

___________________________________________________________________

Simon was running through the corridors and hallways, his heart racing as he searched for an unobstructed access path to the arena. Simon didn't want to admit it to himself, but he was excited. In some part of his brain that had no right to exist, he'd gotten a thrill from the power of the explosion that had thundered through the building, was enjoying running to the rescue with a gun on his hip and the feeling of invincibility gained from knowing that none of his potential foes had the ability to attack.

"Simon?" Zoe's voice crackled through the communicator. "This Zenaphon, was it tested on animals?"

"Shouldn't we save the debate on the finer points of animal rights until we're back on the ship, as in not in danger of violent death?"

"That violent death is looking pretty imminent," replied Zoe. "I don't think your precious Zenaphon works on tigers."

Simon raced to the wall and stared out over the edge of the arena. The falling rubble had crashed to the floor and broken through to the empty underground