“Then I’ll pray.” Marcus took the radio and thumbed the button. “This is Marcus Valencio, assuming anyone out there can hear me. I’m . . . hiding in a muddy tunnel full of dog urine and Haru Sato, though I’m not sure which is worse. I have a wounded civilian and what appears to be an entire brigade of vengeful Partials. They’ve been chasing us for miles, whittling us down from twenty soldiers to two. I don’t know if they’re trying to conquer the island, raid it, or just kill us for fun. I don’t even know who’s around to hear this—for all I know we’re the last humans left.” He let go of the button, and the radio crackled instantly to life.

“If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that lately,” said the radio. The voice was scratchy and clipped, and so sudden Marcus almost dropped the handset. Haru stood up, his eyes wide.

“Who is this?” asked Marcus, staring at Haru in wonder. He shook his head, clicked the button, and asked again. “Who is this? Repeat, who is this? We require immediate assistance, and backup, and . . . saving of our lives.” He let go of the button and shrugged helplessly. “They’d better not say no just because I screwed up the radio protocol.”

The radio crackled to life again. “Partial radio traffic says that they’re looking for you, specifically, Marcus. Dr. Morgan wants you for something.”

Marcus froze, suddenly realizing why the voice sounded so familiar. “Kira?”

“Hey, babe,” said Kira. “Miss me?”

“What?” Marcus stumbled for words. “Where are you? What’s going on? Why is Dr. Morgan looking for me?”

“Probably because she wants me,” said Kira. “The good news is, she has no idea where I am.”

“Well that’s a relief,” said Haru derisively. “I’m so glad Kira’s safe.”

Marcus thumbed the radio button. “Haru says hi.”

“Don’t worry,” said Kira, “I’ve got good news for him, too: there’s a Grid army advancing on your position.”

“There is?”

“Head out of the building and south,” said Kira. “You’ll meet a Grid battalion coming the other way, just two minutes out at the most.”

“Hot damn,” said Haru. “Let’s get out of this muck.” He lifted Izzy into a fireman’s carry and started making his way down the hall.

“Wait,” said Marcus, running to catch up with him. “Where are you? What’s going on?” The radio was completely silent, and Marcus ran back to where he’d been standing before. It must have been a sweet spot for reception, because the radio crackled to life again.

“. . . now. Repeat, you have to go now. The battalion has a small arsenal of rocket-propelled grenades, and they intend to bring down the entire building.”

“Wait!” screamed Marcus. “We’re not out yet!”

“Then go!”