Getting Amaru out of the residence took less time than getting him through it.
Once the portable monitors had been secured to the stretcher, Nero and Hale moved quickly, keeping the prince level between them while the last traces of the chamber's pheromonal mixture disappeared through the disabled ventilation system. Amaru remained unconscious, although his breathing had deepened considerably since Seven stopped the cycle, and the occasional movement beneath his eyelids suggested that whatever state Claudia had forced him into was already beginning to weaken.
Duncan followed as fast as his ribs allowed.
By the time they reached the outer security section, he had abandoned any attempt to hide the pain. One hand stayed against his side while the other supported his injured shoulder, his dark field clothes streaked with blood and limestone dust from the fight with Nero.
Nero glanced back at him once.
"You are slowing down."
"I have broken ribs."
"You mentioned."
