Arcs spit from the gate controls, crawling over the junction’s metal decking as warning lights mark another collapse in the return route. The three Marines clamp recovered gear to their armor and stay with Ahora.
Dunn
Keep them inside the control boundary. The test window is opening now. Do not let the corridor pull you through early.
Dunn’s voice reaches them through the failing comm channel from the cloning lab, fractured by static. He remains behind at the access panel, stabilizing the return lock alone.
Lean Marine
Sergeant, the gate is reading us as authorized, but the corridor geometry is changing.
A narrow band of blue light forms across the broken passage. For three seconds, the distant route resolves into a usable corridor before its edges begin to shear apart.
Broad-shouldered Marine
Ahora, we are ready to move when you are.
Dunn
Window is live. Make the call, Empress. I will hold the lock as long as the system lets me.
Guide the Marines safely through the return corridor