As the long creature unfurls towards its full height, some hindbrain instinct has Ralston taking a further half step back. He doesn't think to question it until after it's already happened—a sharp little flare of annoyance sparking high behind the ribs. What are you frightened of, you silly old man?

"No I won't be able to tell you which one it is," he snaps back, impatience flaring. "Just bring them all down. Everything from that higher shelf."