The bus rattled through the city streets, windows tinted dark enough to shield us from the curious stares of civilians who gathered whenever a Hunter transport rolled by. I claimed the back row, Natalia pressed against my right side like she was afraid I'd evaporate if she let go. Emi took the seat directly in front of us, turning around every thirty seconds to offer snacks or check my vitals or ask if the temperature was okay.
Jacob had commandeered an entire row for his equipment, three datapads running simultaneously while he muttered about spawn patterns and environmental variables. Monica sat alone near the middle, her fern balanced on her lap, staring out the window at nothing. Skylar had positioned herself at the front, as far from me as physically possible, though I caught her eyes in the rearview mirror more than once.
