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We weave through the ruins, using collapsed structures for cover. Lily adapts quickly, her movements becoming more sure as her modifications strengthen. The silver in her eyes intensifies, seeming to swirl with internal light.

"They're deploying aerial support," Vex warns, hearing the distinctive sound of Unity drones before they're visible.

"There," I point to a half-collapsed building with underground access. "Service tunnels should run beneath this whole sector."

We make for the opening, sliding into darkness seconds before a drone sweeps overhead. The space below is tight but navigable—ancient maintenance tunnels for the pre-collapse infrastructure.

"Can you track where we are?" I ask Trent as we move through the darkness.

He consults his handheld, now switched to mapping mode. "These tunnels parallel the old transit system. If wefollow them north for two kilometers, we can circle back to the transport."

"If it's still there," Vex mutters.

"It's our only option," Trent responds.

Lily stays close to me as we navigate the tunnels, her silver eyes now glowing faintly, providing additional illumination in the darkness.

"Your eyes," I note. "That's your modification?"

"One of them," she confirms. "Enhanced vision across multiple spectrums. I can see...everything."

"Everything?"

She nods. "Thermal patterns, electromagnetic fields, even some quantum fluctuations. That's why Unity was so interested. I can see things their equipment can't detect."

No wonder they wanted her badly enough for priority transport orders.

We continue through the tunnels, alert for signs of pursuit. The distant sounds of Unity search parties occasionally filter down from above, but our path remains clear.

After what feels like hours, Trent signals a stop. "Transport location should be directly above us, approximately 200 meters southeast."

"I'll check," Vex volunteers, already moving toward a maintenance ladder.

"Be careful," I caution.

He pauses, amber eyes meeting mine. "When am I not, Flutterby?"

The nickname makes Lily look between us curiously as Vex disappears up the ladder.

"Are you together?" she asks with adolescent directness.

"No," I answer, perhaps too quickly. “Just a friend.”

I think I can call him a friend at this point?

Trent's expression remains carefully neutral, though something flickers in his eyes.

Awkward silence falls until Vex returns several minutes later, expression grim.

"Transport's compromised. Unity patrol has it surrounded."

"Alternatives?" Trent asks immediately.

"There's an abandoned settlement two kilometers north," Vex says. "Might find usable transportation there."

"Or we could appropriate one of Unity's vehicles," I suggest, a plan forming. "They've got at least three patrol crafts deployed in the area."

Trent studies me, recognizing the look. "You have an idea."