This lower transit was not meant for people. It was for staff and cargo.
The tunnel was long, pale and lined with low lights with a constant hum of activity. The last of Hale's people walked them to the first safe junction before stopping entirely.
"Past this point I won't be able to clear anything without fresh orders," they explained, "You'll be walking through confusion."
Hale hadn't come down with them so she could be safe or political. Either way, it wasn't Lucian's concern.
"Stick with me." Rhel ordered. "We don't want to be spread out if the ring decides to reassign this tunnel."
They stayed close together. Sera needed more support but absolutely despised it. Toren walked like he was trying not to think about the damage he'd done. Istra couldn't stop looking back expecting another unit wave.
The key on Lucian's belt had been silent since they'd been in the plaza.
It began to pulse gently as they approached the halfway point.
