Alex shared new information. "There's something else. The upload rate improved because I routed through Evelyn's emergency protocols. The system is trying multiple pathways simultaneously now."
"And the risk?"
"Increased visibility. We're no longer passive on the network. We're actively seeking connections." He met my gaze without flinching. "If someone's monitoring for our digital signature, they'll have an easier time finding it now."
Miles carefully attached two components together, hands steadier than his worried expression suggested. "I hope this helps when I'm done."
I nodded. "We need to be ready to move the moment that upload completes."
Marcus agreed. "If they block our vehicle exit, we'll have to go on foot."
Miles blinked. "Food and water?"
"Enough for two days if we ration." Marcus gestured toward his packed duffel. "Medical supplies, too."
The rumble from the valley modulated slightly—changing pitch rather than volume. Something was shifting position rather than approaching.
I moved to Alex's side, studying the screen over his shoulder. Strings of code scrolled past, incomprehensible to me but clearly meaningful to him.
"Looking good?"
"Yes and no." He pointed to a sequence of numbers. "The primary distribution pathway is solid, but two of our secondary channels have gone dark. Someone's systematically closing exit routes."
"Can we still get the data out?"
"Yes, if the primary channel holds." His fingers resumed their dance across the keyboard. "I'm rerouting the critical packages to more secure nodes."
"Each node stores a fragment of the whole," Alex added. "Shut one down, and the others reroute to complete the picture. It's a safeguard. But it also means if they take down enough at once—"
I finished the thought. "They kill the whole chain. Got it."
I watched him work, struck by the contrast between the mild-mannered academic I'd met in Tahiti and the digital warrior before me now. I whispered softly. "You're remarkable."
His hands paused briefly. "Save the compliments for when we're not potentially surrounded by paramilitary forces."
"If not then, when?" I placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension in his muscles. "There's never a perfect moment."
He glanced up at me. "After. Tell me after."
A particularly strong power fluctuation interrupted the moment, lights dimming completely for several seconds before returning. The laptop screen flickered but remained active, protected by its battery and satellite connections.
"They're escalating." Marcus's voice was tight. "Testing our infrastructure more aggressively."
I squeezed Alex's shoulder once before returning to tactical mode. "Time to upload completion?"
"Forty minutes to go." He didn't look up. "Eighty-eight percent."
"Miles, how's that signal booster coming?"
"Almost there." He connected two final wires. "Should give us about fifteen percent more bandwidth if it works."
I nodded, then turned back to Marcus. "We need to prepare for immediate departure once the upload completes. Everything essential packed and ready. Thirty seconds from upload complete to out the door."
"Already on it." He gestured toward the neatly organized supplies by the rear exit. "We'll be ready."
I moved to the door. "I'm going to check the perimeter once more. Stay alert. No unnecessary communications."
Alex looked up from his laptop. "Be careful."
