The halls of the outpost are deserted as Noel charges downstairs, everyone either deployed, waiting in holding areas, or gathered in the control room to watch the chaos. Even the supply depot is empty when he ducks inside to grab an emergency supply bag. So there's nothing to slow Noel on his mission. Even when he does hear footsteps hurrying behind him, he doesn't falter.
"Noel! Wait!"
Rae's harried voice echoes around the cavernous parking garage. Ignoring him, Noel hits the button on the fob he snagged from the unattended guard station and beelines for the vehicle that lights up among the rows of similar agency cars.
"Stop!" Rae catches up just as Noel reaches the driver's side door, grabbing Noel by the wrist. "Where the hell do you think you're going?!"
"Let go," Noel grits out.
"You're not seriously trying to go out there." Rae's eyes bounce from Noel's face to the car to the bag slung over Noel's shoulder. "Right? You're not that crazy."
"It's none of your business."
