There was no debate. There was no plan. There was only the undeniable, terrifying truth of the world outside our tunnel and the single, solid direction of Shi's pointing finger. Down.
Shi took the lead, his broad, stone-like form a reassuring bulk in the oppressive darkness. Astra, its light still dim but steady, floated just above his shoulder, casting long, dancing shadows that made the rough-hewn walls of the maintenance shaft seem to writhe like living things. I brought up the rear, one hand on the cold stone for support, the other clutching the small, empty pouch of herbs at my waist, a useless habit from a life that felt a lifetime away.
