Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Home

I look up at the hatch on the ceiling, consider it as the single red emergency bulb casts a deathly glow over all of us. But before I can reach for it, the power surges to life again and we're rising.

But the buttons are dark. We're no longer heading for our original destination, I'm sure of it.

Ready, I send. They're waiting for us.

My friends shift in place, but don't speak, minds tied to mine so tightly I feel their muscles bunch and relax as they prepare for battle. My helmet lands at my feet with a clang. I'm happy to be rid of it, despite the extra protection it might offer. I want a clear and unobstructed view when the doors open.

The panel above reads 86 when the elevator finally comes to a halt. Observation level. Of course. I'm prepared when the doors slide open, but we're alone. No one is watching or waiting. And yet, we're here for a reason.

Socrates tries the buttons, but the elevator won't respond. We're here and we're staying.