The East Array put Caleb and Elara on one line.
```
PAIRED CLAIM CANDIDATE.
SECOND CIRCUIT HALF DETECTED.
LOCATION:
UNRESOLVED.
```
Kim answered from the tea-counter phone.
```
THAT IS ME.
SORRY.
BUSY BUILDING A KNIFE FOR IT.
```
Rina read the message once.
"She gets one minute before we cut her line."
Soma started the timer.
Under Ward Nine, the fourteen feeders began chewing east.
They ignored the south seal and opened the old utility wall instead. Brick vanished between their jaws. The tunnel beyond led toward the dead observatory district.
Tali traced their path.
"They pass under three occupied blocks, Mercy's overflow shelter, and the East Market tram supports."
The first support sensor turned red.
People felt the street move before alarms reached them.
East Market carried eight hundred civilians between food lines, temporary beds, and a closed tram platform used as a clinic.
The certified route system offered one answer.
```
