Chapter 49: Hitting the Floor
Elias pushed a button next to the door his steps deliberate as he worked through the lingering effects of the movement penalty. To his surprise, Elara stood on the other side, waiting.
"What are you doing here?" Elias asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
"I came to find you," Elara replied, pulling a tablet from her side. "There's a video I need to show you. It surfaced near where our hometown is."
Elias blinked, glancing down the hallway behind her. "Oh? I'm sure it's important, but I was about to grab some breakfast for Tidwell and the others. They're stuck and can't move."
Elara's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at him. "Why are you moving so... fidgety?"
Elias shifted awkwardly, his leg trembling slightly as he took another step forward. "It's the penalty the Doctor gave to those who didn't meet the shard's requirements. My body's still adjusting."
Elara studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "I see. I'd give you a pat on the back for being the first one walking, but I'll settle for showing you this video while we grab food for the others."
"Fair deal," Elias said with a shrug. "I was gonna say I don't even know where the cafeteria is. You'll have to lead the way."
Elara let out a small laugh. "Sure, that makes sense. Follow me. Oliver's probably too busy to guide you anyway."