The second tremor was stronger.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
The artificial lines spread across the floor lit up at the same time, but not in blue.
Gray.
As though something were checking which paths still worked.
Mu Qing looked up.
"That shouldn't be able to get in."
Damon was still sitting on the floor.
"You're saying that far too often today."
"This fold was sealed."
Chen Mo looked toward the corridor.
"It was sealed against people."
Mu Qing fell silent.
Aria raised her head.
"You think this isn't a person."
"I'm almost certain."
The black plate vibrated.
The Selection circle glowed.
DISTANCE: DECREASING.
Damon read it.
"That's surprisingly polite."
Ester slowly turned toward him.
"You almost had your identity reorganized."
"I know."
"And you're still making jokes."
"My identity seems intact."
"Unfortunately."
Damon smiled.
Then tried to stand.
Ester placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't even think about it."
"We need to leave."
