Nobody spoke.
The blue pillar had lasted no more than a second, yet its afterimage lingered in everyone's mind long after it disappeared. Even the rain seemed lighter now, falling in quiet sheets over the abandoned highway as Atlas operators hurried back toward the truck.
Marcus climbed into the cab first.
"Move."
The driver didn't hesitate.
The aging truck lurched forward, its worn suspension groaning as it accelerated through the darkness. Around it, Atlas operators ran in disciplined formation, maintaining security despite the exhaustion visible on every face.
Adrian remained standing near the rear doors.
His gaze never left the eastern horizon.
"What direction?"
Samuel answered immediately.
"Basa."
"No doubt?"
"None."
Ryan looked toward Kenji.
"You know what that light was."
It wasn't a question.
Kenji remained silent for several moments before speaking.
"I know what it resembles."
"And?"
"The First Resonance."
The words settled heavily inside the truck.
