Between all the distractions and his own day-to-day business, Russell found reasons to keep procrastinating about the trip. Worries haunted him about whether something would go wrong, if maybe crossing the edge of the network's influence would cause some new and terrible 'echo'.

But he couldn't put it off forever. Not only was Walter enthusiastic about making this trap happen and waiting outside, but...

Sooner or later, Russell's sister would demand a visit over the holidays, and London's well outside the radius. He had to know, before then, what would happen.

Russell heads out the door, bag of supplies hooked over his shoulders and helmet under his arm, and waves at his flatmate like he doesn't see the impatient gesturing. "Nice day, isn't it?"