The three friends sat in stunned silence, each lost in their own thoughts as the weight of their situation pressed down upon them. Outside, the sounds of battle continued—screams, explosions, and the distinctive crack of chi-based attacks against hastily erected barriers. Inside, only the soft hum of Kelvin's damaged mech suit and the occasional drip of blood from Sophie's knee broke the quiet.
Lucas finally straightened, rolling his shoulders as blue electricity flickered weakly across his skin. "I've still got a little gas left in the tank," he said, voice rough with fatigue. "I can raise the alarm, try to get a sector-wide evacuation started. It won't save everyone, but..."
"Better than nothing," Sophie finished for him.
Kelvin nodded absently, still staring at his displays. "If you're planning to fly people out, be careful with your speed. Most people aren't built to withstand the g-forces you generate at full acceleration. You'll tear them apart."
