The iron hatch hissed shut with a mechanical finality that signaled the end of the chase and the beginning of the cull. Vane did not lean against the wall to rest. He stood in the center of the vibrating metal floor. His eyes flickered with the clinical blue light of Target Analysis. He ignored the blood trickling down his forearm. He focused entirely on the data.
The two Justiciars were exactly three minutes and forty seconds behind. Varkas was pushing his physical limits to close the gap. Kaelen was moving with more caution. He was likely scanning for the residue of the Silver Fang.
Valerica knelt on the floor. She was holding Mara close to her chest. The girl was pale and shaking. Valerica's violet hair was matted with grey dust. Her dark eyes were fixed on the door.
"They will be through that plate in seconds," Valerica said. Her voice was steady but thin. "They does not care about the locks. They will simply crush the hinges."
"I am counting on it," Vane replied.
