But I’m feeling calmer now, more in control of myself.

I look around. Wren’s shoulder touches the tunnel wall as her scared eyes dart around. Pander stays close to Wren, making sure she’s okay. Pod is a few yards ahead, and the rest of the group leads the way.

I let go of Kina’s hand and walk quicker to catch up with Pod. Something has occurred to me, a way of making sure, beyond all doubt, that this is reality.

“Hey, Pod,” I say, tapping him on the shoulder.

“Luka,” he says. “Hey, man, I’m sorry that it took so long to get you out of there. We’ve been on the move and trying to plan this breakout. It must’ve been … I can’t imagine.”

“Hey, you came for me, you got me out of there, that’s what matters,” I tell him. “Pod, this is going to sound strange, but—can you tell me where you and Akimi were during the Battle of Midway Park?”

“Doesn’t sound weird at all,” Pod replies, smiling.

“It doesn’t?”

“Nope. Happy ran simulations on you, right? Tried to extract information by tricking you into thinking certain scenarios were reality?”

“That’s right!” I tell him.

“And you figure if I can give you the information that Happy was digging for, it will confirm that this is all real?”

“That’s right!” I say again.

Pod laughs. “Man, they must have some crazy tech to sim reality to that level, and they must have exploited your own memories to re-create circumstances and people you know.”

“That’s right,” I say, quietly this time.

“I don’t suppose it matters if Happy is listening, seeing as we’ve all left those hiding places now anyway. Me and Akimi, we were in the diner on the edge of town. Your sister and the rest of the clones were in an old bank underground in the financial district; the rest of the inmates were … well, I can’t tell you that until we arrive.”

And that’s it, the final piece of proof I needed to confirm that I am truly free. I try to say thank you, but the words catch in my throat.

Pod puts a hand on my shoulder. “You’re out of there, brother, I promise.”

I nod and swallow back the tears. There’s something else that’s been bothering me.

“Hey, how did you manage to grab me?”

“Sorry?”

“When I jumped for the car and I missed?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I got shot, in the Block, while jumping for the car, and you grabbed me.”

“Why wouldn’t I have grabbed you?”

“Well, you know, because …” Suddenly, I don’t want to mention the fact that Pod is blind; it seems somehow rude. “It’s just that … you’re …”

“Slow?” Pod suggests.

“No, you’re not slow. It’s …”

“I’m big and clumsy?”

“No, not that …”