The supply depot chick materialised out of the sand so suddenly it would have made Gabriel jump if he hadn't had other considerations. Instead he wrapped an arm around hers to keep them together and support each other against the growing wind. Though it was probably more a support for him. He had never exactly bothered to work out as an archangel, because it wasn't necessary, and it never occurred to him as something he should do as a human. He was regretting that oversight now.

"I lost sight of the ravine!" he shouted, keeping his mouth protected with his arm. He was still squinting through the sand, cursing his human vision. "Hope you've got better eyes than D--God gave me."