Ed gave his artificial knee a few experimental bends while everyone was distracted by the bird.  It seemed intact and functional which was a relief.  Given his history and luck with legs he wouldn't be surprised at all if the thing just snapped in half.  Of course even the most resilient of legs stood no change against a stampede.

He moved join Miss Mackay and wasted little time making sure the rest of the group had the same idea. She was clearly their best chance for survival and he was very over jeopardizing his life with chatter and house pride.

"Something between us and whatever's out there would be great," he muttered almost wearily.