They all waited in silence, their breathing feeling noisy and foreign in the room’s darkness. They hoped the backup power sources would kick in, but none were actually confident. But after a moment later they did, batteries switching on, and dim, greenish emergency lights flickering to life.

“This location is burned,” Ling said. “We keep our units off and untethered. We shove off for a new home tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?” Vapor asked.

Ling turned and said, “You want to risk it?”

Vapor didn’t respond. The figures in the room were grave, wondering if it had all been worth it.