[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NISMglX.png[/img][/center][center][h2][color=#b9dde9]Laurey Karlin[/color][/h2][/center]The elevator lurched upwards, carrying Jan and Laurey away. What might have once been a smooth journey was now one that screamed into the emptying metal halls, juddering the bones of those on the platform. It was a wonder it made it to the upper level, but that it did, with an unhealthy thunk as it settled into place in the courtyard. 

The cavern was lit barely; shadows clotted and curdled, growing like tumours in the fading glow of the emergency lights. 

Amy’s voice seemed more an intruder inside Laurey’s head than ever in that silent hall, where great circuits would fall silent, one by one. It was a surprise how impotent she felt in that moment. Jan was already walking off, the clomping of his boots and the ghosts of their echoes the only company. Laurey followed. The head engineer’s previous energy had vanished, leaving their walk to Realist’s cell a sombre thing. 

It was right in front of Realist's cell that Nero spoke inside her skull. His voice was welcome, but the news he bore was anything but. Portals. Portals fucked things up royally. And she’d been almost enjoying playing spy, the feeling of the adrenaline stirring her organic components into a frenzy, the feeling of sticking it to the Ascendancy right under their noses. She had been beginning to believe.

Still, all good things. 

Jan was looking at her oddly, but when she met his eye he nodded. For once Laurey was grateful for being misunderstood. She nodded back. 

“Alright, let’s open her up then,” Laurey said, as she waited for her hopes and dreams to be laid to rest. It was just so exhausting, hope.