Even though they are only feet apart, Cross's transmission is full of static and the high pitch whine of interference. He is getting out just enough, however. The carrier momentarily stops and tries to look back at Cross, but core is too narrow to turn his head sufficiently to make eye contact. The sound of their breathing, slightly out of sync with each other, is all that is heard in the semi-darkness.
		Perhaps the carrier wants to say something, but the words do not come. The carrier continues inching his way forward and Cross begins his pursuit anew.
	An irregularity inside the core has caused it to be very narrow at a particular point. The carrier is able to wriggle through this choke with some effort.