There was an explosion.
Then another.
An AK firing.
“Fuck, they’re killing us down there,” said Krakauer.
“We’ve got to get out of here.”
“You can't walk,” replied Messner.
“Yes I can, I do it.”
“All right, then. Rally Point one meant LZ three. Right?”
“I think so,” replied Krakauer.
“That means west. I‘ll go check the road first. If it's clear, we'll move together. Okay?”
“Doc...”
“I’m not leaving you here in the dark in the condition you’re in. Is that clear, Krakow?”
“Okay.”
“Good,” said Messner.
Then he disappeared into the darkness.