the revenge of seven · · 2017-07-02the lorien legacies by pittacus lore novels i am number four...
TRANSCRIPT
Contents
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
TheLorienLegaciesbyPittacusLore
NOVELS
IAmNumberFourThePowerofSixTheRiseofNineTheFallofFive
TheRevengeofSeven
NOVELLAS
IAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles1:Six’sLegacyIAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles2:Nine’sLegacyIAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles3:TheFallenLegaciesIAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles4:The
SearchForSamIAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles5:TheLastDaysofLorienIAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles6:TheForgottenOnesIAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles7:Five’sLegacyIAmNumberFour:
TheLostFiles8:ReturnToParadiseIAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles9:Five’sBetrayal
NOVELLACOLLECTIONS
IAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles:TheLegacies(Containsnovellas1–3)IAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles:SecretHistories(Containsnovellas4–6)IAmNumberFour:TheLostFiles:HiddenEnemy(Containsnovellas7–9)
Theeventsinthisbookarereal.
NamesandplaceshavebeenchangedtoprotecttheLoric,whoremaininhiding.
Othercivilizationsdoexist.
Someofthemseektodestroyyou.
1
Thenightmareisover.WhenIopenmyeyes,there’snothingbutdarkness.I’minabed,thatmuchIcantell,andit’snotmyown.Themattressisenormous,somehowcontoured
perfectlytomybody,andforamomentIwonderifmyfriendsmovedmetooneofthebiggerbedsinNine’spenthouse.Istretchmylegsandarmsoutasfarasthey’llgoandcan’tfindtheedges.Thesheetdrapedovermeismoreslipperythansoft,almostlikeapieceofplastic,anditisradiatingheat.Notjustheat,Irealize,butalsoasteadyvibrationthatsoothesmysoremuscles.HowlonghaveIbeenasleep,andwheretheheckamI?Itrytorememberwhathappenedtome,butallIcanthinkofismylastvision.ItfeltlikeIwasinthat
nightmarefordays.Icanstillsmelltheburned-rubberstenchofWashington,D.C.Smogcloudslingeredoverthecity,areminderofthebattlefoughtthere.Orthebattlethatwillbefoughtthere,ifmyvisionactuallycomestrue.Thevisions.AretheypartofanewLegacy?NoneoftheothershaveLegaciesthatleavethem
traumatizedinthemorning.Aretheyprophecies?ThreatssentbySetrákusRa,likethedreamsJohnandEightusedtohave?Aretheywarnings?Whatevertheyare,Iwishthey’dstophappening.ItakeafewdeepbreathstocleanthesmellofWashingtonoutofmynostrils,eventhoughIknowit’sall
inmyhead.What’sworsethanthesmellisthatIcanremembereverylittledetail,rightdowntothehorrifiedlookonJohn’sfacewhenhesawmeonthatstagewithSetrákusRa,condemningSixtodeath.Hewastrappedinthevision,too,justlikeIwas.Iwaspowerlessupthere,stuckbetweenSetrákusRa,self-appointedrulerofEarth,and…Five.He’sworkingfortheMogadorians!Ihavetowarntheothers.Isitboltuprightandmyhead
swims–toofast,toosoon–rust-coloredblobsfloatingthroughmyvision.Iblinkthemaway,myeyesfeelinggummy,mymouthdryandthroatsore.Thisdefinitelyisn’tthepenthouse.Mymovementmusttriggersomenearbysensor,becausetheroom’slightsslowlygrowbrighter.They
comeongradually,theroomeventuallybathedinapaleredglow.Ilookaroundforthesourceofthelightanddiscoveritpulsingfromveinsinterwoventhroughthechrome-paneledwalls.Achillgoesthroughmeathowprecisetheroomlooks,howsevere,lackinganydecorationatall.Theheatfromtheblanketincreases,almostasifitwantsmetocurlbackupbeneathit.Ishoveitaway.ThisisaMogadorianplace.Icrawlacrossthemammothbed–it’sbiggerthananSUV,bigenoughforaten-foot-tallMogadorian
dictatortocomfortablyrelaxin–untilmybarefeetdangleoverthemetalfloor.I’mwearingalonggraynightgownembroideredwiththornyblackvines.Ishudder,thinkingaboutthemputtingmeintothisgownandleavingmeheretorest.Theycould’vejustkilledme,butinsteadtheyputmeinpyjamas?Inmy
vision,IwassittingalongsideSetrákusRa.Hecalledmehisheir.Whatdoesthatevenmean?IsthatwhyI’mstillalive?Itdoesn’tmatter.Thesimplefactis:I’vebeencaptured.Iknowthis.NowwhatamIgoingtodoabout
it?IfiguretheMogsmusthavemovedmetooneoftheirbases.Exceptthisroomisn’tlikethehorrificand
tinycellsthatNineandSixdescribedfromwhentheywerecaptured.No,thismustbetheMogadorians’twistedideaofhospitality.They’retryingtotakecareofme.SetrákusRawantsmetreatedmorelikeaguestthanaprisoner.Because,oneday,hewantsmeruling
nexttohim.Why,Istilldon’tunderstand,butrightnowit’stheonlythingkeepingmealive.Ohno.IfI’mhere,whathappenedtotheothersinChicago?Myhandsstarttoshakeandtearsstingmyeyes.Ihavetogetoutofhere.AndIhavetodoitalone.Ipushdownthefear.IpushdownthelingeringvisionsofadecimatedWashington.Ipushdownthe
worriesaboutmyfriends.Ipushitalldown.Ineedtobeablankslate,likeIwaswhenwefirstfoughtSetrákusRainNewMexico,likeIwasduringmytrainingsessionswiththeothers.It’seasiestformetobebravewhenIjustdon’tthinkaboutit.IfIactoninstinct,Icandothis.Run,IimagineCraytonsaying.Rununtilthey’retootiredtochaseyou.Ineedsomethingtofightthemwith.IlookaroundtheroomforanythingIcanuseasaweapon.Nextto
thebedisametallicnightstand,theonlyotherfurnitureintheroom.TheMogsleftaglassofwaterthereforme,whichI’mnotdumbenoughtodrinkeventhoughI’minsanelythirsty.Nexttotheglass,there’sadictionary-sizedbookwithanoily,snaky-skincover.Theinkonthecoverlookssinged,thewordsindentedandrougharoundtheedges,asifitwereprintedwithacidforink.ThetitlereadsTheGreatBookofMogadorianProgress,surprisinglyinEnglish.Underitareaseries
ofangularboxesandhashmarksthatIassumeisMogadorian.Ipickupthebookandopenit.Eachpageisdividedinhalf,EnglishononesideandMogadorianonthe
other.IwonderifI’msupposedtoreadthisthing.Islamthebookclosed.Theimportantthingisthatit’sheavyandIcanswingit.Iwon’tbeturningany
Mogadorianguardsintoashclouds,butit’sbetterthannothing.IclimbdownfromthebedandwalkovertowhatIthinkisthedoor.It’sarectangularpanelcutintothe
platedwall,buttherearen’tanyknobsorbuttons.AsItiptoecloser,wonderinghowI’mgoingtoopenthisthing,there’samechanicalwhirringnoise
frominsidethewall.Itmustbeonamotionsensorlikethelights,becausethedoorhissesupwardassoonasI’mclose,disappearingintotheceiling.Idon’tstoptowonderwhyI’mnotlockeddown.ClutchingtheMogadorianbook,Istepintoahallway
that’sjustascoldandmetallicasmyroom.‘Ah,’saysawoman’svoice.‘You’reawake.’Ratherthanguards,aMogadorianwomanperchesonastooloutsidemyroom,obviouslywaitingfor
me.I’mnotsureifI’veeverseenafemaleMogbefore,anddefinitelynotonelikeher.Middle-aged,withwrinklesforminginthepaleskinaroundhereyes,theMoglookssurprisinglyunthreateninginahigh-necked,floor-lengthdress,likesomethingoneoftheSisterswouldwearbackatSantaTeresa.Herheadisshavedexceptfortwolong,blackbraidsatthebackofherskull,therestofherscalpcoveredbyan
elaboratetattoo.Insteadofbeingnastyandvicious,liketheMogsI’vefoughtbefore,thisoneisalmostelegant.Istopshortinfrontofher,notsurewhattodo.TheMogglancesatthebookinmyhandsandsmiles.‘Andreadytobeginyourstudies,Isee,’shesays,gettingup.She’stall,slenderandvaguelyspiderlike.
Standingbeforeme,shedipsintoanelaboratebow.‘MistressElla,Ishallbeyourinstructorwhile–’Assoonasherheadcomeslowenough,IsmackheracrossthefacewiththebookashardasIcan.Shedoesn’tseeitcoming,whichIguessisstrangebecausealltheMogsI’veencounteredhavebeen
readytofight.Thisoneletsoutashortgruntandthenhitsthefloorwithaflutteringoffabricfromherfancydress.Idon’tstoptoseeifI’veknockedheroutorifshe’spullingablasterfromsomehiddencompartmentin
thatdress.Irun,choosingadirectionatrandomandhurtlingdownthehallwayasfastasIcan.Themetalfloorstingsmybarefeetandmymusclesbegintoache,butIignoreallthat.Ihavetogetoutofhere.ToobadthesesecretMogadorianbasesneverhaveanyexitsigns.Iturnonecornerandthenanother,sprintingthroughhallwaysthatareprettymuchidentical.Ikeep
expectingsirenstostartblaringnowthatI’veescaped,buttheyneverdo.Therearen’tanyheavyMogadorianfootfallschasingaftermeeither.JustwhenI’mstartingtogetwindedandthinkingaboutslowingdown,adoorwayopensonmyright
andtwoMogadoriansstepforward.They’remoreliketheonesI’musedto–burly,dressedintheirblackcombatgear,beadyeyesglaringatme.Idartaroundthem,eventhoughneitherofthemmakesanyattempttograbme.Infact,IthinkIhearoneofthemlaughing.Whatisgoingonhere?IcanfeelthetwoMogsoldierswatchingmerun,soIduckdownthefirsthallwaythatIcan.I’mnot
sureifI’vebeengoingincirclesorwhat.Thereisn’tanysunlightoroutsidenoisesatall,nothingtoindicatethatImightbegettingclosertoanexit.Itdoesn’tseemliketheMogsevencarewhatIdo,liketheyknowI’vegotnochancetogetoutofhere.Islowdowntocatchmybreath,cautiouslyinchingdownthislateststerilehallway.I’mstillclutching
thebook–myonlyweapon–andmyhandisstartingtocramp.Iswitchhandsandpresson.Upahead,awidearchwayopenswithahydraulichiss;it’sdifferentfromtheotherdoors,wider,and
therearestrangelyblinkinglightsontheotherside.Notblinkinglights.Stars.AsIwalkunderthearchway,themetal-platedceilinggiveswaytoaglassbubble,theroomwide-
open,almostlikeaplanetarium.Exceptreal.Therearevariousconsolesandcomputersprotrudingfromthefloor–maybethisissomekindofcontrolroom–butIignorethem,drawninsteadtothedizzyingviewthroughtheexpansivewindow.Darkness.Stars.Earth.NowIunderstandwhytheMogadoriansweren’tchasingme.Theyknowthere’snowhereformetogo.I’minspace.Igetrightuptotheglass,pressingmyhandsagainstit.Icanfeeltheemptinessoutside,theendless,ice-
cold,airlessspacebetweenmeandthatfloatingblueorbinthedistance.
‘Glorious,isn’tit?’Hisboomingvoiceislikeabucketofcoldwaterdumpedonme.Ispinaroundandpressmybacktothe
glass,feelinglikethevoidbehindmemightbepreferabletofacinghim.SetrákusRastandsbehindoneofthecontrolpanels,watchingme,ahintofasmileonhisface.The
firstthingInoticeisthathe’snotnearlyashugeashewaswhenwefoughthimatDulceBase.Still,SetrákusRaistallandimposing,hisbroadphysiquecladinasternblackuniform,studdedanddecoratedwithanassortmentofjaggedMogadorianmedals.ThreeLoricpendants,theoneshetookfromthedeadGarde,hangfromaroundhisneck,glowingasubduedcobalt.‘Iseeyou’vealreadytakenupmybook,’hesays,gesturingtomydictionary-sizedclub.Ididn’trealize
Iwasclutchingittomychest.‘AlthoughnotnecessarilyinthewayI’dhoped.Fortunately,yourProctorwasn’tbadlyinjured…’Suddenly,inmyhands,thebookbeginstoglowred,justlikethepieceofdebrisIpickedupbackat
DulceBase.Idon’tknowexactlyhowI’mdoingit,orevenwhatI’mdoing.‘Ah,’SetrákusRasays,watchingwitharaisedeyebrow.‘Verygood.’‘Gotohell!’Iscream,andflingtheglowingbookathim.Beforeit’sevenhalfwaytohim,SetrákusRaraisesonehugehandandthebookstopsinmidair.Iwatch
astheglowI’dinfuseditwithslowlyfades.‘Now,now,’hechidesme.‘Enoughofthat.’‘Whatdoyouwantfromme?’Ishout,frustratedtearsfillingmyeyes.‘Youalreadyknowthat,’hereplies.‘Ishowedyouwhat’stocome.JustasIonceshowedPittacus
Lore.’SetrákusRahitsafewbuttonsonthecontrolpanelinfrontofhimandtheshipbeginstomove.
Gradually,theEarth,seemingbothimpossiblyfarandalsolikeit’ssocloseIcouldreachoutandgrabit,driftsacrossmyview.Wearen’tmovingtowardsit;we’returninginplace.‘YouareaboardtheAnubis,’SetrákusRaintones,anoteofprideinhisgravellyvoice.‘Theflagshipof
theMogadorianfleet.’Whentheshipcompletesitsturn,Igasp.Ireachoutandpressmyhandagainsttheglassforsupport,
kneessuddenlyweak.Outside,inorbitaroundtheEarth,istheMogadorianfleet.Hundredsofships–mostofthemlongand
silver,aboutthesizeofsmallairplanes,justliketheonestheGardehavedescribedfightingbefore.Butamongthemareatleasttwentyenormouswarshipsthatdwarftherest–loomingandmenacing,mountedcannonsjuttingofftheirangularframes,aimedrightattheunsuspectingplanetbelow.‘No,’Iwhisper.‘Thiscan’tbehappening.’SetrákusRawalkstowardsme,andI’mtooshockedbythehopelesssightbeforemetoevenmove.
Gently,hedrapeshishandonmyshoulder.Icanfeelthecoldnessofhispalefingersthroughmygown.‘Thetimehascome,’hesays,gazingatthefleetwithme.‘TheGreatExpansionhascometoEarthat
last.WewillcelebrateMogadorianProgresstogether,granddaughter.’
2
Fromthecrackedsecond-floorwindowofanabandonedtextilefactory,Iwatchanoldmaninaraggedtrenchcoatandfilthyjeanscrouchdowninthedoorwayoftheboarded-upbuildingacrossthestreet.Oncehe’ssettled,themanpullsabrown-baggedbottlefromhiscoatandstartsdrinking.It’sthemiddleoftheafternoon–I’monwatch–andhe’stheonlylivingsoulI’veseeninthisabandonedpartofBaltimoresincewegothereyesterday.It’saquiet,desertedplace,andyetit’sstillpreferabletotheversionofWashington,D.C.IsawinElla’svision.Fornowatleast,itdoesn’tlookliketheMogadorianshavepursuedusfromChicago.Although,technically,theywouldn’thaveto.There’salreadyaMogadorianamongus.Behindme,Sarahstompsherfoot.We’reinwhatusedtobetheforeman’soffice,dusteverywhere,the
floorboardsswollenandmildewed.Iturnaroundjustintimetoseeherfrowningattheremainsofacockroachonthebottomofhersneaker.‘Careful.Youmightgocrashingrightthroughthefloor,’Itellher,onlyhalfjoking.‘Iguessitwastoomuchtoaskforallyoursecretbasestobeinpenthouseapartments,huh?’Sarah
asks,fixingmewithateasingsmile.
Wesleptinthisoldfactorylastnight,oursleepingbagslaidonthesunkenfloorboards.Bothofusarefilthy,it’sbeenacoupleofdayssinceourlastrealshower,andSarah’sblondhairiscakedwithdirt.She’sstillbeautifultome.Withoutheratmyside,Imight’vetotallylostitaftertheattackinChicago,wheretheMogskidnappedEllaanddestroyedthepenthouse.Igrimaceatthethought,andSarah’ssmileimmediatelyfades.Ileavethewindowandwalkovertoher.‘Thisnotknowingiskillingme,’Isay,shakingmyhead.‘Idon’tknowwhattodo.’Sarahtouchesmyface,tryingtoconsoleme.‘Atleastweknowtheywon’thurtElla.Notifwhatyou
sawinthatvisionistrue.’‘Yeah,’Isnort.‘They’lljustturnherintoabrainwashedtraitor,like…’Itrailoff,thinkingoftherestofourmissingfriendsandtheturncoattheytraveledwith.Westillhaven’t
heardanythingfromSixandtheothers,notthatthere’saneasywayforthemtogetintouchwithus.AlltheirChestsarehereand,assumingtheycouldeventryreachingusbymoretraditionalmethods,theywouldn’thavethefirstcluehowtofindus,seeingaswehadtofleeChicago.TheonlythingIknowforsureisthatIhaveafreshscaronmyleg,thefourthofitskind.Itdoesn’thurt
anymore,butitfeelslikeaweight.IftheGardehadstayedapart,ifwe’dkepttheLoriccharmintact,thatfourthscarwould’vesymbolizedmydeath.Instead,oneofmyfriendsisdeadinFlorida,andIdon’tknowhow,orwho,orwhat’shappenedtotherestofthem.IfeelinmygutthatFiveisstillalive.IsawhiminElla’svision,standingalongsideSetrákusRa,a
traitor.Hemusthaveledtheothersintoatrap,andnowoneofthemwon’tbecomingback.Six,Marina,Eight,Nine–oneofthemisgone.
Sarahwrapsherhandaroundmine,massagingit,tryingtoeasesomeofthetension.‘Ican’tstopthinkingaboutwhatIsawinthatvision…’Ibegin,trailingoff.‘We’dlost,Sarah.And
nowitfeelslikeit’shappeningforreal.Likethisisthebeginningoftheend.’‘Thatdoesn’tmeananythingandyouknowit,’Sarahreplied.‘LookatEight.Wasn’ttheresomekindof
deathprophecyabouthim?Andhesurvived.’Ifrown,notstatingtheobvious,thatEightcouldbetheonewhowaskilleddowninFlorida.‘Iknowitseemsbleak,’Sarahcontinues,‘and,Imean,itisprettybad,John.Obviously.’‘Goodpeptalk.’Shesqueezesmyhand,hard,andwidenshereyesatmelikeshutup.‘ButthoseguysdowninFloridaareGarde,’shesays.‘They’regoingtofight,they’regoingtokeep
goingandthey’regoingtowin.Youhavetobelieve,John.WhenyouwerecomatosebackinChicago,wenevergaveuponyou.Wekeptfightinganditpaidoff.Justwhenitseemedlikewe’dlost,yousavedus.’IthinkaboutthestatemyfriendswereinwhenIfinallyawokebackinChicago.Malcolmwasmortally
woundedandSarahbadlyhurt,SamnearlyoutofammoandBernieKosarunaccountedfor.They’dputitallonthelineforme.‘Youguyssavedmefirst,’Ireply.‘Yeah,obviously.Soreturnthefavorandsaveourplanet.’Thewayshesaysit,likeit’snobigdeal,makesmesmile.IpullSarahcloseandkissher.‘Iloveyou,SarahHart.’‘Loveyouback,JohnSmith.’‘Um,Iloveyouguys,too…’SarahandIbothturntofindSamstandinginthedoorway,anawkwardsmileonhisface.Curledupin
hisarmsisahugeorangecat,oneofthesixChimæraethatournewMogadorianfriendbroughtwithhim,drawntousbyBernieKosar’srooftophowling.Apparently,thestickBKtookfromEight’sChestwassomekindofChimæratotemusedtoleadthemtous,likeaLoricdogwhistle.WestucktobackroadsonourwaytoBaltimore,carefultomakesureweweren’ttailed.Thecrowdedvanridegaveusplentyoftimetobrainstormnamesforournewallies.ThisparticularChimæra,preferringachubbycat-shapeasitsregularform,SaminsistedwenameStanley,inhonorofNine’soldalterego.Ifhe’sstillalive,I’msureNinewillbethrilledtohaveafatcatwithanobviousaffectionforSamnamedafterhim.‘Sorry,’Samsays,‘didIspoilthemoment?’‘Notatall,’Sarahreplies,stretchingoutonearmtowardsSam.‘Grouphug?’‘Maybelater,’Samsays,lookingatme.‘Theothersarebackandsettingeverythingupdownstairs.’Inod,reluctantlylettinggoofSarahandwalkingovertotheduffelbagwithoursupplies.‘Theyhave
anyproblems?’Samshakeshishead.‘Theyhadtosettleforjustacoupleoflittlecampinggenerators.Notenoughcash
forsomethingbig.Anyway,itshouldbeenoughjuice.’‘Whataboutsurveillance?’Iask,pullingthewhitelocatortabletanditsadapterfreefromtheduffel
bag.‘Adamsaidhedidn’tseeanyMogscouts,’Samanswers.‘Well,outofanyone,he’dknowhowtospotthem,’Sarahputsin.
‘True,’Ireplyhalfheartedly,stillnottrustingthisso-calledgoodMogadorian,eventhoughhe’sdonenothingbuthelpussinceshowingupinChicago.Evennow,withhimandMalcolmsettingupournewlypurchasedelectronicsonthefactoryfloorbelow,Ifeelavaguesenseofuneaseathavingoneofthemsoclose.Ipushitdown.‘Let’sgo.’WefollowSamdownarustyspiralstaircaseandontothefloorofthefactoryproper.Theplace
must’vebeencloseddowninahurrybecausetherearestillracksofmusty,eighties-stylemen’ssuitspushedupagainstthewallsandhalf-fullboxesofraincoatsabandonedonconveyorbelts.AChimæraingoldenretrieverformthatSarahinsistedwecallBiscuittumblesintoourpath,herteeth
clenchedaroundtherippedsleeveofasuit,lockedinatug-of-warwithDust,thegrayhusky.AnotherChimæra,Gamera,whichMalcolmnamedaftersomeoldmoviemonster,trundlesaftertheothersbuthastroublekeepingupinhissnappingturtleform.ThetwoothernewChimærae–ahawkwedubbedRegalandascrawnyraccoonwenamedBandit–watchthegamefromoneoftheinoperativeconveyorbelts.It’sarelieftoseethemplaying.TheChimæraeweren’tinthebestshapewhenAdamliberatedthem
fromMogadorianexperimentation,andtheystillweren’tdoingsohotwhenhebroughtthemtoChicago.Itwasslowgoing,butIwasabletousemyhealingLegacytofixthemup.Therewassomethinginsideofthem,somethingMogadorian,thatactuallyfeltlikeitwaspushingbackagainstmypowers.ItevenmademyLumenflareupbriefly,somethingthat’sneverhappenedwhenusingmyhealing.Ultimately,though,whatevertheMogsdidwaswashedawaybymyLegacy.I’dneveractuallyusedmyhealingLegacyonaChimærabeforethatnight.Luckily,itworked,because
therewasoneChimærainevenworseconditionthanallournewfriends.‘HaveyouseenBK?’IaskSam,scanningtheroomforhim.IhadfoundhimontheroofoftheJohn
HancockCenter,shreddedbyMogadorianblasterfireandbarelyclingingtolife.Iusedmyhealingonhim,prayingthatitwouldwork.Eventhoughhe’sbetternow,I’vestillbeenkeepinganextra-closeeyeonhim,probablybecausethefatesofsomanyofmyotherfriendsareunknown.‘There,’Samreplies,pointing.Atoneendoftheroom,againstawallcoveredwithcompetinggraffititags,areatrioofindustrial-size
laundrybinsoverflowingwithpilesofkhakipants.It’satthesummitofoneofthesepilesthatBernieKosarrests,theanticsofBiscuitandDustseemingtotirehimout.Despitemyhealing,he’sstillweakfromthefightinChicago–andalsomissingajaggedchunkfromoneofhisears–butwithmyanimaltelepathyIcansenseasortofcontentednesscomingoffhimashewatchestheotherChimærae.WhenBKseesusenter,histailthumpsfreshdustcloudsfromthepileofoldclothes.SamsetsdownStanley,andthecattrundlesovertotheclothespileswithBK,settlingintowhatIguess
isthedesignatedChimæranappingzone.‘NeverthoughtI’dhavemyownChimæra,’Samsays,‘muchlessahalfdozenofthem.’‘AndIneverthoughtI’dbeworkingwithoneofthem,’Ireply,mygazesettlingonAdam.Atthecenterofthefactoryfloor,steelworkbenchesareboltedintothefloor.Sam’sdad,Malcolm,and
AdamaresettingupthecomputerequipmenttheyjustpurchasedbytradinginsomeofmywaningsupplyofLoricgemstones.Becausethere’snoelectricityrunningtothisoldfactory,theyhadtobuysomesmallbattery-poweredgeneratorsforthetriooflaptopsandmobilehotspot.IwatchAdamhookinguponeofthelaptopbatteries–hisdeathlypaleskin,lankblackhairandangularfeaturesmakinghimslightlymorehumanlookingthantheusualMogadorians–andremindmyselfthathe’sonourside.SamandMalcolm
seemtotrusthim;plushe’sgotaLegacy,thepowertocreateshockwaves,whichheinheritedfromOne.IfIhadn’tseenhimusetheLegacywithmyowneyes,I’mnotsureI’deventhinkitwaspossible.Partofmewantstobelieve,maybeevenneedstobelieve,thataMogwouldn’tbeabletojuststealaLegacy,thathehastobeworthy.Thatithappenedforareason.‘Lookatitthisway,’Samsaysquietlyaswewalkovertotheothers.‘Humans,Loric,Mogs…we’ve
gotlikethefirstmeetingoftheIntergalacticUnitedNationsoverhere.It’shistoric.’IsnortandstepuptothelaptopAdamhasjustfinishedconnecting.Hetakesonelookatmeandmust
detectsomething–maybeI’mnotdoingsuchagoodjobconcealingmyconflictedfeelings–becausehelooksdownandstepsaside,makingroomformeandmovingontothenextlaptop.Hekeepshiseyesfixedonthescreen,typingquickly.‘How’ditgo?’Iask.‘Wegotmostofthegearweneed,’Malcolmrepliesashefiddleswithawirelessrouter.Evenwithhis
beardstartingtogetmajorlyunkempt,MalcolmlookshealthierthanhedidwhenIfirstmethim.‘Anythinghappenhere?’‘Nothing,’Isay,shakingmyhead.‘It’dtakeamiraclefortheGardeinFloridatotrackusdown.And
Ella…Ikeephopinghervoicewillpopintomyheadandtellmewheretheytookher,butshehasn’tmadecontact.’‘Atleastwe’llknowwheretheothersareoncethetabletishookedup,’Sarahsays.‘Withthegearwebought,IthinkwecanrunahackontheJohnHancockbuilding’sphonenetwork,’
Malcolmsuggests.‘Thatway,iftheytrycallinginfromtheroad,wecaninterceptthecall.’‘Goodidea,’Ireply,pluggingthewhitelocatortabletintothelaptopandwaitingforittobootup.Malcolmpusheshisglassesuphisnoseandclearshisthroat.‘ItwasAdam’sidea,actually.’‘Oh,’Ireply,keepingmyvoiceneutral.‘Thatisagoodidea,’Sarahchimesin.ShescootsinnexttoMalcolmandstartsworkingonthethird
laptop,givingmealooklikeIshouldtrysayingsomethingnicetoAdam.WhenIdon’t,anawkwardsilencesettlesoverthegroup.TherehavebeenalotofthosesinceweleftChicago.Beforeitcangettooweird,thetabletbootsup.Sampeersovermyshoulder.‘They’restillinFlorida,’hesays.There’sasolitarydotformeonthetablet,pulsingontheEastCoast,andthenmilestothesoutharethe
fourdotsforthesurvivingGarde.Threeofthedotsarebunchedtogether,basicallyoverlappingintooneglowingblob,whileafourthisashortdistanceaway.Immediately,scenariosforthatisolateddotbegincyclingthroughmyhead.Wasoneofourfriendscaptured?Didtheyhavetoseparateaftertheywereattacked?IsthatFiveapartfromtheothers?Doesthatprovehe’satraitor,likeinmyvision?I’mdistractedfromthesethoughtsbythefifthdotonthetablet,literallyanoceanawayfromtheothers.
ThisonehoversoverthePacific,itsglowalittledimmerthantherest.‘ThatmustbeElla,’Isay,mybrowfurrowing.‘Buthow–’BeforeIcanfinishmyquestion,Ella’sdotflickersanddisappears.Asecondlater,beforeIcaneven
processmypanic,Ellablinksbacktolife,nowhoveringoverAustralia.‘Whatthehell?’Samasks,staringovermyshoulder.‘It’smovingsofast,’Isay.‘Maybethey’retransportinghersomewhere.’
Thedotdisappearsagain,thenreappearsatanimpossiblepointoverAntarctica,nearlyofftheedgeofthetablet’sscreen.Forthenextfewseconds,itflickersinandout,bouncingacrossthemap.Ismackthesideofthetabletwithmypalmoutoffrustration.‘They’rescramblingthesignalsomehow,’Isay.‘We’vegotnochanceoffindingherwhileit’slike
this.’SampointstotheothersclusteredaroundFlorida.‘IftheyweregoingtohurtElla,wouldn’ttheyhave
doneitalready?’‘SetrákusRawantsher,’Sarahputsin,lookingatme.Ihadtoldthemallaboutthatnightmarescenein
D.C.andEllarulingalongsideSetrákusRa.It’sstillhardforanyofustobelieve,butatleastitgivesusoneadvantage.WeknowwhatSetrákusRawants.‘Ihatetoleaveheroutthere,’Isaygrimly.‘ButIdon’tthinkhe’llharmher.Notyet,anyway.’‘Atleastweknowwheretheothersare,’Saminsists.‘Weneedtogetdowntherebeforesomeoneelse
…’‘Sam’sright,’Idecide,drivenbythesinkingfeelingthatoneofthosedotscouldblinkoutatany
moment.‘Theymightneedourhelp.’‘Ithinkthatwouldbeamistake,’Adamsays.Hisvoiceistentative,butthere’sstillenoughMog
harshnesstomakemyfistsclenchfromreflex.I’mnotusedtohavingoneofthemaround.Iturntostareathim.‘Whatdidyousay?’‘Amistake,’herepeats.‘It’spredictable,John.It’sareactionarymove.Thisiswhymypeoplealways
catchuptoyou.’Icanfeelmyjawworking,tryingtoformaresponse,butmostlyIjustwanttopunchhisfacein.I’m
abouttotakeastepforwardwhenSamputsahandonmyshoulder.‘Easy,’Samsaysquietly.‘Youwantustojustsitaroundhereanddonothing?’IaskAdam,tryingtokeepmycool.IknowI
shouldhearhimout,butthiswholesituationhasmefeelingcornered.AndnowI’msupposedtotakeadvicefromaguywhosespecieshasbeenhuntingmeformyentirelife?‘Ofcoursenot,’Adamreplies,lookingupatmewiththosecoal-coloredMogadorianeyes.‘Thenwhat?’Isnap.‘Givemeonegoodreasonweshouldn’tgotoFlorida.’‘I’llgiveyoutwo,’Adamreplies.‘First,iftherestoftheGardeareindangerorcapturedasyou
suspect,thentheircontinuedsurvivalhingesonluringyouin.Theyareusefulonlyasbait.’‘You’resayingitcouldbeatrap,’Ireplythroughgrittedteeth.‘Iftheyarecaptured,thenyes,ofcourseitisatrap.Ontheotherhand,iftheyarefree,whatgoodwill
yourheroicinterventiondo?Aren’ttheyhighlytrainedandperfectlycapableofgettingthemselvesoutoftrouble?’WhatcanIsaytothat?No?SixandNine,prettymuchthetwomostbadasspeopleIknow,aren’t
capableofescapingfromFloridaandtrackingusdown?Butwhatifthey’redowntherewaitingforustocomegetthem?Ishakemyhead,stillfeelinglikeIwanttothrottleAdam.‘Sowhat’rewesupposedtodointhemeantime?’Iaskhim.‘Justsitaroundandwaitforthem?’‘Wecan’tdothat,’Samjumpsin.‘Wecan’tjustleavethem.Theyhavenowayoffindingus.’AdamspinshislaptoparoundsoIcanseethescreen.
‘BetweenkidnappingEllaandkillingaGardeinFlorida,mypeoplewillbelievetheyhaveyouontherunonceagain.Theywon’tbeexpectingacounterstrike.’Onthelaptop,Adamhaspulledupsatellitephotographsofanexpanseofsuburbia.Itlookslikea
totallygeneric,wealthycommunity.WhenIlookalittlecloser,Inoticeaparanoidnumberofsecuritycamerasmountedontheimposinglytallstonewallthatencirclestheentireproperty.‘ThisisAshwoodEstates,justoutsideofWashington,D.C.,’Adamcontinues.‘It’shometothetop-
rankingMogadoriansassignedtoNorthAmerica.WiththePlumIslandfacilitywreckedandtheChimæraerecovered,Ithinkweshouldfocusourattackhere.’‘WhataboutthemountainbaseinWestVirginia?’Iask.Adamshakeshishead.‘Thatisamilitaryinstallationonly,keptoutofsightsomypeople’sforcescan
massthere.We’dhaveahardtimetakingitdownnow.Andanyway,therealpower,thetruebornMogadorians,theleaders–theyresideinAshwood.’Malcolmclearshisthroat.‘Itriedtorelayeverythingyoutoldmeabouttrueborns,Adam.Butmaybe
it’dbebetterifyouexplainedit?’Adamlooksaroundatus,abitapprehensive.‘Idon’tknowwheretobegin.’‘YoucanskipthewholeMogadorianbirds-and-the-beesspeech,’Samsays,andIstifleasmile.‘Ithastodowiththebloodlines,right?’Isay,promptinghim.‘Yeah.Truebornarethepurebloodlines.MogadoriansbornofMogadorianparents.Likeme,’Adam
says,slouchingabit.Histruebornstatusisnogreatpointofpride.‘Theothers,thevatborn,arethesoldiersyou’vefoughtmostoften.Theyarenotbornbutgrown,thankstothescienceofSetrákusRa.’‘Isthatwhytheydisintegrate?’Sarahasks.‘Becausethey’renot,like,realMogs?’‘They’rebredforcombat,notforburying,’Adamreplies.‘Doesn’tsoundlikemuchofalife,’Isay.‘YouMogsworshipSetrákusRaforthat?’‘AsthehistoriescontainedintheGreatBooktellit,ourpeopleweredyingoffbeforetheso-called
BelovedLeadercamealong.ThevatbornandSetrákusRa’sgeneticresearchsavedourspecies.’Adampauses,asneerformingashethinksthisover.‘Ofcourse,SetrákusRaalsowrotetheGreatBook,sowhoknows.’‘Fascinating,’Malcolmsays.‘Yeah,definitelymoreaboutMogadorianbreedingthanIeverwantedtoknow,’Isay,turningbackto
thelaptop.‘Ifthisplaceisfilledwithhigh-rankingMogs,won’titbeheavilyguarded?’‘Therewillbeguards,yes,butnotenoughtomakeadifference,’hereplies.‘Youneedtounderstand,
mypeoplefeelsafehere.Theyareusedtobeingthehunters,notthehunted.’‘Sowhat?’Icontinue.‘WekillafewtruebornMogsandthat’sit?Whatdifferencedoesthatmake?’‘Anylossesintruebornleadershipwillhavewide-rangingimpactsonMogadorianoperations.The
vatbornarenotparticularlygoodatdirectingthemselves.’AdamtraceshisfingeracrosstheimmaculatelykeptlawnsofAshwoodEstates.‘Plus,therearetunnelsbeneaththesehouses.’Malcolmwalksaroundtooursideofthetable,crossinghisarmsashelooksattheimages.‘Ithought
youdestroyedthosetunnels,Adam.’‘Idamagedthem,yes,’Adamreplies.‘Buttheystretchfarbeyondtheroomswewerein.EvenIamnot
entirelysurewhatwemightfinddownthere.’SamlooksfromAdamtohisfather.‘Isthatwhere…?’
‘It’swheretheyheldme,’Malcolmanswers.‘Wheretheytookmymemories.AndwhereAdamrescuedme.’‘It’spossiblewecouldfindawaytorestoreyourmemories,’Adamsays,soundingeagertohelp
Malcolm.‘Iftheequipmentwasn’ttoobadlydamaged.’WhatAdam’ssayingmakessense,butIcan’tquitebringmyselftoadmitit.I’vespentmyentirelife
runningandhidingfromMogadorians,fightingthem,killingthem.They’vetakeneverythingfromme.Andnow,hereIam,makingbattleplansalongsideone.Itjustdoesn’tfeelright.Nottomentionwe’retalkingaboutafullfrontalassaultonaMogadoriancompoundwithnoneoftheotherGardebackingmeup.Asifoncue,DustwandersoverandsitsdownnexttoAdam’sfeet.Hereachesdowntoabsently
scratchbehinditsears.Iftheanimalstrusthim,shouldn’tIbeableto?‘Whateverwefindinthosetunnels,’Adamcontinues,probablyknowingI’mnotsold,‘Iamcertainit
willprovidevaluableinsightintotheirplans.Ifyourfriendsarecapturedorbeingtracked,wewillknowforsureonceI’veaccessedtheMogadoriansystems.’‘Whatifoneofthemdieswhilewe’reonthismissionofyours?’Samasks,hisvoicecrackingalittleat
thethought.‘Whatiftheydiebecausewedidn’trescuethemwhenwehadthechance?’Adampauses,thinkingthisover.‘Iknowthismustbehardforyou,’hesays,lookingbetweenmeand
Sam.‘Iadmit,it’sacalculatedrisk.’‘Calculatedrisk,’Irepeat.‘Thoseareourfriendsyou’retalkingabout.’‘Yeah,’Adamreplies.‘AndI’mtryingtohelpkeepthemalive.’Logically,IknowAdamreallyistryingtohelp.ButI’mstressedandI’vebeenbroughtupnottotrust
hiskind.BeforeIknowwhatI’mdoing,Itakeasteptowardshimandjabafingerintohischest.‘Thisbetterbeworthit,’Itellhim.‘AndifsomethinghappensinFlorida…’‘I’lltakeresponsibility,’hereplies.‘It’llbeonme.IfI’mwrong,John,youcandustme.’‘Ifyou’rewrong,Iprobablywon’tneedto,’Isay,staringintohiseyes.Adamdoesn’tlookaway.Sarahloudlywhistlesbetweenherfingers,gettingeveryone’sattention.‘Ifwecanputthewholemachoposturingthingonholdforasecond,Ithinkyouguysshouldtakealook
atthis.’IsteparoundAdam,tellingmyselftocooldown,andlookoverSarah’sshoulderatthewebsiteshe’s
pulledup.‘IwaslookingupnewsstoriesaboutChicagoandthispoppedup,’sheexplains.It’saprettyslick-lookingwebsite,exceptfortheall-capsheadlinesandsheeramountofflyingsaucer
GIFsclutteringthesidebars.ThestorieslistedunderMostPopular,allofthelinksinaneongreenthatIguessissupposedtolookalien,include:MOGADORIANSUNDERMININGGOVERNMENTandEARTH’SLORICPROTECTORSDRIVENINTOHIDING.ThepageSarahcurrentlyhasopenfeaturesapictureoftheburningJohnHancockCenteralongwiththeheadlineMOGATTACKINCHICAGO:ISTHISTHEZEROHOUR?ThewebsiteiscalledTheyWalkAmongUs.‘Ohjeez,’Samgroans,joiningthehuddlearoundSarah’scomputer.‘Notthesecreeps.’‘Whatisthis?’IaskSarah,squintingatthestoryonthescreen.‘Thesedudesusedtobestrictlyintotheold-schoolblack-and-whitezinestyle,’Samsays.‘Now
they’reontheinternet?Ican’tdecideifthatmakesthembetterorworse.’
‘TheMogskilledthem,’Ipointout.‘Howdoesthisevenexistinanyform?’‘Iguessthere’saneweditor,’Sarahsays.‘Checkthisout.’Sarahclicksintothewebsite’sarchives,goingbacktothefirststoryeverposted.Theheadlinereads
PARADISEHIGHSCHOOLATTACKSTARTOFALIENINVASION.Belowthatisagrainycell-phonepictureofthedestructionaroundourhighschool’sfootballfield.Iquicklyskimthearticle.Thelevelofdetailisastounding.It’slikewhoeverwrotethiswastherewithus.‘Who’sJollyRoger182?’Iask,lookingatthescreennamecreditedinthepost.Sarahlooksupatmewithanoddsmile,bewildermentmixingwithsomethinglikepride.‘You’regoingtothinkI’mcrazy,’shesays.‘What’saJollyRoger,anyway?’Samasks,thinkingoutloud.‘Thepirateflag?’‘Yeah,’Sarahreplies,nodding.‘LiketheParadiseHighPirates.Whoseoldquarterbackhappenstobe
oneoftheonlyotherpeopleoutsideourgrouptoknowwhatwentdownatthehighschool.’IwidenmyeyesatSarah.‘Noway.’‘Yesway,’shereplies.‘IthinkJollyRoger182isMarkJames.’
3
‘“TheMogadorians,alongwiththeircroniesfromthecorruptedbranchesofnationalsecurity,arebelievedtohavefoughtaprotractedbattleinNewMexicoagainsttheheroicGarde,”’Samreadsaloud.‘“MysourcesbelievetheMogadorianswereforcedtoretreataftertheirleadersustainedaninjury.ThewhereaboutsoftheGarderemainunknown.”’‘He’srightonthemoney,’Malcolmsays,turningtome.‘Butwhereishegettinghisinformation?’‘Noidea,’Ireply.‘Wedidn’texactlystayintouchafterParadise.’IleanoverSam’sshouldertocheckoutthenextstory.I’mbaffledbytheamountofinformationMark
James–orwhoeverthisis–haspostedtoTheyWalkAmongUs.TherearedetailsofourbattleatDulceBase,earlyspeculationabouttheattackinChicago,frighteningessaysaboutwhatMogslooklikeandwhatthey’recapableof,andpostsrallyinghumanityinsupportoftheLoric.TherearealsoarticlescoveringtopicsthatI’veneverconsidered,evenonesaboutwhichmembersoftheU.S.governmentareinleaguewiththeMogadorians.SamclicksthroughtoastorywhereMarkaccusesthesecretaryofdefense,amannamedBud
Sanderson,ofusinghispoliticalclouttopavethewayforaMogadorianinvasion.AnotherclickyieldsasecondarticleaboutSanderson,onewiththetabloid-friendlyheadlineCORRUPTS.O.D.USINGMOGADORIAN
GENETICTREATMENTS.ThestoryistiedtoanimageofSandersonfromfiveyearsagojuxtaposedwithoneofhimfromafewmonthsago.Inthefirst,Sandersonlookslikeahaggardmaninhislateseventies–hisfaceisage-spottedandhehasadoublechinandasteeppaunch.Inthesecond,he’slostweightandhasahealthyglowandafullheadofsilverhair.It’salmostasifhe’stime-traveled.Infact,Ibetmostpeoplewouldthinkthepicturewasahoax,likeit’saphotoofSandersonfromtwentyyearsagowithafaketimestamp.ButifyoutakeMarkathisword,something’sdefinitelychangedwiththesecretaryofdefense–somethingwaybiggerthandietandexercise,orevenplasticsurgery.Samshakeshishead,notbuyingit.‘HowwouldMarkpossiblyknowallthis?Imean,Sarah,youwent
outwithhim.Didheevenknowhowtoread?’‘Yes,Sam,’Sarahreplies,rollinghereyes.‘Markcouldread.’‘Buthewasnever,uh,journalisticallyinclined,washe?ThisislikeWikiLeaksoverhere.’‘Peopletendtochangewhentheyfindoutaliensarereal,’Sarahresponds.‘Itlookstomelikehe’s
beentryingtohelp.’‘Wedon’tknowforsurethatit’sMark,’Isay,frowning.IlookoveratAdam.He’sbeenquietsincewestartedexploringtheTheyWalkAmongUswebsite,
listeningtouswithahandonhischin,thoughtful.‘Couldthisbesomekindoftrap?’Iaskhim,figuringit’sbesttoconsulttheexpert.‘Ofcourse,’hesayswithouthesitation.‘Althoughifitis,it’sanelaborateone.And,evenforthesake
oftrappingyou,IfindithardtobelieveSetrákusRawouldadmittobeingdrivenofffromDulceBase.’‘Isittrue?’Malcolmasks.‘Whathe’swrittenaboutthesecretaryofdefense?’
‘Idon’tknow,’Adamreplies.‘Itverywellcouldbe.’‘I’mgoingtoemailhim,’Sarahannounces,openingupanewbrowsertab.‘Holdon,’Adamsaysquickly,abitmorepolitethanwhenheslammedmyideatotryrescuingthe
others.‘IfthisMarkpersonreallydoeshaveaccesstoallthishighlysecretintel–’Samchuckles.‘–mypeoplewillalmostcertainlybemonitoringhiscommunications,’Adamconcludes,raisingan
eyebrowatSam.HeturnsbacktoSarah.‘They’llalsodefinitelybemonitoringyouremail.’Sarahslowlyliftsherhandsawayfromthekeyboard.‘Can’tyoudoanythingaboutthat?’‘Iknowhowtheircyber-trackingsystemswork.ItwassomethingI…excelledatduringmytraining.I
couldwriteanencryptioncode,rerouteourIPaddressthroughserversindifferentcities.’Adamturnstome,likehewantspermission.‘They’dunraveliteventually.We’dhavetoleavethisplacewithintwenty-fourhourstobesafe.’‘Doit,’Itellhim.‘Betterthatwekeepmoving,anyway.’Adamimmediatelybeginstypingcommandsintohislaptop.Samrubshishandstogetherandleansover
Adam’sshoulder.‘Youshouldreroutethemtoasmanycrazyplacesaspossible.MakethemthinkSarah’sinRussiaorsomething.’Adamsmirks.‘Consideritdone.’IttakesAdamabouttwentyminutestowritesomecodethatwillrerouteourIPaddressthroughadozen
far-flunglocations.IthinkbacktotheelaboratecomputersystemHenrialwayshadsetupandtheevenmorecomplicatedgridthatSandorbuiltinChicago.Then,IimagineahundredMogadorians,justlikeAdam,hunchedoverkeyboards,stalkingus.IneverdoubtedourCêpanswerejustifiedintheirparanoia,butseeingAdamworkIfinallyrealizejusthownecessaryitwas.‘Whoa,’Sarahsayswhenshe’sfinallyabletoopenheremail.Thelistofboldfacedunreadmail
consistsentirelyofmessagesfromMarkJames.‘Itreallyishim.’‘OrtheMogshackedhisemail,’Samsuggests.‘Doubtful,’Adamreplies.‘Mypeoplearethorough,sure,butthisseemskindof…roundabout.’Iglanceovertheemailheadings–lotsofexclamationpointsandcapitalletters.Afewmonthsagothe
ideaofMarkJamesspammingmygirlfriendwould’vegottenundermyskin,butnowitseemslikeourrivalrywassomethingthathappenedtosomeoneelse,somethingfromanotherlife.‘Whenwasthelasttimeyoucheckedthis?’Iask.‘Weeksago?Idon’treallyremember,’Sarahreplies.‘I’vebeenalittlebusy.’SheopensthemostrecentmessagefromMarkandweallleanintoexaminethecontents.Sarah–Idon’tknowwhyIkeepsendingtheseemails.Partofmehopesthatyou’rereadingthem,usingthemtohelptheLoric,andcan’treplyforyourownsafety.Anotherpartofmeworriesthatyouaren’tevenoutthere,thatyou’regone.Irefusetobelievethatbut…Ineedtohearfromyou.IthoughtIhadaleadonyouinNewMexico.AllIfoundtherewasadesertedmilitarybase.Itlookedlikeamajorbattlewent
down.WaybiggerandnastierthanwhathappenedinParadise.Ihopeyouguysgotoutsafe.IhopelikehellI’mnottheonlyonelefttofighttheseassholes.Thatwouldsuck.Afriendofminesetupasafehouseforme.Wayoffthegrid.Aplacewherewecanworkonexposingthosepalefreakstothe
world.Ifyoucangetintouch,I’llfindawaytosendyouthecoordinates.We’reontosomethingbig.Somethinginternational.Idon’tevenknowwhattodowithit.Ifyou’rereadingthese,ifyou’restillincontactwithJohn,nowwouldbeareallygoodtimetoshowup.Ineedyourhelp.
–Mark
Sarahturnstome,hereyeswidewithsuddenpassion,facesetdeterminedly–I’veseenthatlookbefore,knowitwell.It’sthelookshegivesmerightbeforetellingmeshewantstodosomethingdangerous.Withoutherevensayinganything,IalreadyknowthatSarahwantstofindMarkJames.
Thedashboardclockreads7:45.We’vegotfifteenminutesuntilthebusleavesforAlabama.I’vegotfifteenminutesleftwithSarahHart.FifteenminuteswasabouthowlongittookAdamtoencryptSarah’semailagainstanyMogadorian
hackers.ShegotoffaquicknotetoMark,whorepliedalmostimmediatelywithanaddressforarestaurantinHuntsville.HetoldSarahhe’dwatchtheplaceforthenextfewdaysand,ifshereallywasSarahHart,he’dpickherupthereandspiritherofftohissecrethideout.AtleastMark’sbeingcareful,Itoldmyself.ThatgivesmeconfidencethatSarahwillbesafe.Afterthatbriefcommunication,Adamimmediatelywipedbothemailaccountsfromtheinternet.Now,hereweare.We’reparkedinfrontofthebusstationindowntownBaltimore,theplacebustlingwithactivityevenat
sunset.I’mbehindthewheel,Sarahinthepassengerseatnexttome.Wefitrightin,justtwoteenagerssittinginacrappycar,inthemiddleofsayinggood-bye.‘Ikeepwaitingforthepartwhereyoutrytalkingmeoutofgoing,’Sarahsays,hersmilealittlesad.
‘You’llsayit’stoodangerous,we’llargue,you’llloseandI’llendupgoinganyway.’‘Itisdangerous,’Ireply,turningsoIcanfaceSarah.‘AndIdon’twantyoutogo.’‘That’smorelikeit.’Shetakesmyhand,lacingherfingersthroughmine.Withmyotherhand,Irunmyfingersthroughher
hair,eventuallylettingthemrestgentlyonthebackofherneck.Ipullherinalittlecloser.‘Butit’snomoredangerousthanstayingherewithme,’Ifinish.‘That’stheoverprotectiveJohnIknowandlove,’shereplies.‘I’mnot–’Istarttoprotest,butcutmyselfoffwhenIseeherteasingsmile.‘Thesegood-byesnevergetanyeasier,dothey?’Ishakemyhead.‘No.Theyreallydon’t.’Wefallsilent,holdingtighttoeachother,watchingtheminutesonthedashboardclockslowlyblink
away.Backatthetextilefactory,wedidn’tneedtohaveahugediscussionaboutSarahgoingtofindMark
James.Everyoneseemedtoagreethatitwastherightthingtodo.IfMarkreallyhadmanagedtoacquiresomecrucialinformationontheMogadorians,andifhewasriskinghislifetohelpus,thenweneededtoreturnthefavor.ButtherestoftheGardewasstillmissing.AndAdam’splantostriketheMogadorianstrongholdinD.C.seemedmoreandmorelikethesmartestplay,anecessarystriketogatherintelligenceandshowthosebastardsthatwewerestillinthisfight.There’stoomuchhappeningforustoputallourresourcesintocatchingupwithMark.Sarahmadeiteasybyvolunteering.Ofcourse,sendingheroffaloneonapotentiallydangerousmissioninvolvinganex-boyfriendisn’t
exactlymyfavoriteidea.ButIcan’tshakethefeelingthatthegrimfutureIsawinElla’sdreamisracing
towardsus.Weneedallthehelpwecanget.Ifthere’seventhetiniestpossibilitythatsendingSarahtoAlabamacouldhelpuswinthiswar,it’sachancewehavetotake,myownselfishfeelingsbedamned.Andanyway,shewon’tbetotallyaloneonthetrip.Inthebackseat,BernieKosarstandswithhispawsbracedagainsttheclosedwindow,tailwagging
furiouslyashewatchesallthepeoplezippinginandoutofthebusstation.MyoldfriendseemedprettywipedoutafterthebattleinChicago,butsomeofhisenergycamebackwhenwegotontheroad.Once,inParadise,he’dbeenmyprotector.NowhewilldothesameforSarah.‘Idon’twantyoutothinkofmeasyourgirlfriendrightnow,’Sarahsaysoutoftheblue,totally
composed.Ileanbackabit,squintingather.‘That’sgoingtobehardforme.’‘Iwantyoutothinkofmeasasoldier,’shepersists.‘Asoldierinthiswarwho’sdoingwhatneedsto
bedone.Idon’tknowexactlywhatI’llfinddownsouth,butIhavethisweirdfeelingthatI’llbeabletohelpyoubetterfromthere.Attheveryleast,whenitcomestobattles,Iwon’tbearoundtoslowyoudown.’‘Youdon’tslowmedown,’Iinsist,butSarahwavesthisobjectionaway.‘It’sokay,John.Iwanttobewithyou.Iwanttoseethatyou’reokay,Iwanttoseeyouwin.Butnot
everysoldiercanbeonthefrontlines,youknow?Somedomoregoodwhenthey’reawayfromtheaction.’‘Sarah…’‘I’vegotmyphone,’shecontinues,motioningtothehastilypackedbackpackatherfeet.Insideitshe
hasadisposablecellphonethatMalcolmbought,alongwithafewchangesofclothesandahandgun.‘I’llcheckineveryeighthours.ButifIdon’t,youhavetokeepgoing,keepfighting.’Igetwhatshe’stryingtodo.Sarahdoesn’twantmerushingofftoAlabamaifshemissesoneofher
check-inphonecalls.Shewantsmyheadinthegame.Maybeshecansenseit,too–thatwe’renearingtheendofthisfight,oratleastcrossingapointofnoreturn.Sarahlooksintomyeyes.‘Thisisbiggerthanus,John.’‘Biggerthanus,’Irepeat,knowingit’sthetruthyetwantingtofightagainstit.Idon’twanttoloseher,
andIdon’twanttosaygood-bye.ButIhaveto.Ilookdownatourinterlinkedhandsandrememberhowsimplethingswere,atleastforalittlewhile,
backwhenIfirstmovedtoParadise.‘Youknow,thefirsttimemytelekinesisstartedworkingwasduringthatThanksgivingatyourhouse.’‘Younevertoldmethat,’Sarahreplies,aneyebrowraised,notsurewhyI’msuddenlygetting
sentimental.‘Didmymom’scookinginspireyou?’Ichuckle.‘Idon’tknow.Maybe.ThatwasthesamenightHenrihadhisrun-inwiththeoriginalThey
WalkAmongUscrew,alongwiththeMogadorianswhowereusingthem.Afterward,hewantedtoleaveParadise,andIrefused.Actually,Ididn’tjustrefuse,Iusedmytelekinesistopinhimtotheceiling.’‘Soundslikeyou,’Sarahsays,shakingherheadandsmiling.‘Stubborn.’‘ItoldhimIcouldn’tgobacktolivingontherun.NotafterParadise.Andyou.’‘Oh,John…’Sarahputsherforeheadagainstmychest.‘Iusedtothinkthiswarwasn’tworthfightingifIcouldn’tbebyyourside,’Itellher,gentlyliftingher
chin.‘Butnow,aftereverythingthat’shappened,aftereverythingI’veseen–IrealizethatI’mfightingfor
thefuture.Ourfuture.’Thedashboardclockloomsimpossiblylargeinthecornerofmyeye.Onlyfiveminutesleft.Ifocuson
Sarah,wishingIhadaLegacywhereIcouldfreezetime,orstorethismomentup.TearsslipdownSarah’scheeksandIwipethemawaywithmythumbs.Sheputsherhandovermine,squeezinghard,andIcantellshe’stryingtosteelherself.Shetakesadeep,shudderingbreathandfightsbackmoretears.‘Ihavetogo,John.’‘Itrustyou,’Iwhisperurgently.‘Idon’tjustmeantofindMark.Ifthingsgetbad,Itrustyoutostay
alive.Itrustyoutocomebacktomeinonepiece.’Sarahgrabsthefrontofmyshirt,pullsmein.Ifeelafewofhertearsagainstmycheek.Itrytolet
everythinggo–mymissingfriends,thewar,herleavingme–andjustliveforawhileinherkiss.IwishIcouldgobacktoParadisewithher,notasitisnow,butthewayitwasmonthsago–sneakilymakingoutinmytemporarybedroomwhileHenriwasgroceryshopping,stealinglooksduringclass,theeasy,normallife.Butthat’sover.We’renotkidsanymore.We’refighters–soldiers–andwehavetoactthepart.Sarahpullsawayfrommeand,inonefluidmotion,notwantingtodragthispainfulmomentoutany
longer,sheopensthedoorandhopsoutofthevan.Sheshouldersherbackpackandwhistles.‘Comeon,BernieKosar!’BKclambersintothefrontseat,headcockedatme,asifwonderingwhyI’mnotgettingoutofthevan,
too.Iscratchhimbehindhisgoodearandheletsoutalittlewhine.Keephersafe,Itellhimtelepathically.BernieKosarputsbothhisfrontpawsonmylegandsloppilylicksthesideofmyface.Sarahlaughs.‘Somanygood-byekisses,’shesaysasBKjumpsdownfromthevan.Sarahclipsonhisleash.‘Thisisn’tgood-bye,’Isay.‘Notreally.’‘You’reright,’Sarahreplies,hersmilegettingshaky,anoteofuncertaintycreepingintohervoice.‘I’ll
seeyousoon,JohnSmith.Staysafe.’‘Seeyousoon.Iloveyou,SarahHart.’‘Iloveyou,too.’Sarahturnsaway,hurryingtowardstheslidingdoorsofthebusstation,BernieKosartrottingalongat
herheels.Shelooksbackatmeonlyonce,rightbeforeshedisappearsthroughthedoors,andIwave.Then,she’sgone–intothebusstationandeventuallyofftosomesecretlocationinAlabama,searchingforawaytohelpuswinthiswar.Ihavetostopmyselffromrunningafterher,soIclutchthesteeringwheeluntilmyknucklesarewhite.
Toowhite–myLumenkicksinunexpectedly,myhandsglowing.Ihaven’tlostcontrolofthatsince…well,sincebackinParadise.Itakeadeepbreathandcalmmyselfdown,glancingaround,makingsurenooneoutsidethebusstationnoticed.Iturnthekeyintheignition,feelthevanrumbletolifeandpullawayfromthebusstation.Imissher.Ialreadymissher.IheadbacktowardsoneofBaltimore’srougherneighborhoods,whereSam,MalcolmandAdamare
waitingforme,planninganassault.IknowwhereI’mgoingandwhatI’mdoing,butIstillfeeladrift.IremembermybriefscufflewithAdaminthedestroyedJohnHancockpenthouse,howIalmostfelloutthewindow.Thatfeelingofemptinessbehindme,ofteeteringrightnexttotheedge,that’showIfeelnow.
ButthenIimagineSarah’shandspullingmeawayfromthatemptyspace.Iimaginewhatitwillbelikewhenwemeetagain,whatitwillbelikewithSetrákusRavanquishedandtheMogadoriansbeatenbackintothecoldemptinessofspace.IimaginethefutureandIsmilegrimly.There’sonlyonewaytomakethathappen.It’stimetofight.
4
Wehikethroughthedarkness,downamuddyroadcarvedoutoftheswampland,therhythmicsuckingnoisesfromourwaterloggedsneakersandtheincessantchirpingofbugstheonlysounds.Wepassbyasolitarywoodenpole,slantedandclosetobeingtotallyuprooted,thestreetlightout,powerlinessaggingundertheovergrowntrees,disappearingintothem.It’sawelcomesignofsocietyaftertwodaysspentintheswamps,hardlysleeping,turninginvisibleattheslightestnoise,ploddingourwaythroughmuck.ItwasFivewholedusintotheswampland.Heknewtheway,ofcourse.Itwashisambush.Wedidn’t
haveaneasytimefindingourwayout.It’snotlikewecould’vegonebacktothecarwedrovedownhere,anyway.TheMogswoulddefinitelybewatchingthat.Afewstepsahead,Nineslapsthebackofhisneck,squashingamosquito.Atthenoise,Marina
flinches,andthefieldofcoldshe’sbeengivingoffsincethefightwithFivemomentarilyintensifies.I’mnotsureifMarina’shavingtroublegettingcontrolofhernewLegacyorifshe’sintentionallycoolingtheairaroundus.ConsideringhowhumidtheFloridaswampshavebeen,Iguessithasn’tbeensobadtrekkingaroundwithaportableairconditioner.‘Youallright?’Iaskherquietly,notwantingNinetooverhearandyetknowingthat’simpossiblewith
hisheightenedhearing.Shehasn’tspokentoNinesinceEightwaskilled,hasbarelysaidanythingtome.Marinalooksoveratme,butinthedarkIcan’tgetareadonher.‘Whatdoyouthink,Six?’sheasks.Isqueezeherarmandfindherskincooltothetouch.‘We’llgetthem,’Itellher.I’mnotmuchfortheseleader-stylespeeches–that’swhatJohndoes–soI
keepitblunt.‘We’llkillthemall.Hewon’thavediedinvain.’‘Heshouldn’thavediedatall,’shereplies.‘Weshouldn’thavelefthimoutthere.Nowtheyhavehim,
doingLordknowswhattohisbody.’‘Wedidn’thaveachoice,’Icounter,knowingit’strue.Afterthebeatingweenduredatthehandsof
Five,wewereinnoshapetofightoffabattalionofMogadoriansbackedupbyoneoftheirships.Marinashakesherheadandfallssilent.‘Youknow,IusedtoalwayswantSandortotakemecamping,’Ninebuttsinoutofnowhere,lookingat
usoverhisshoulder.‘Ihatedlivinginthatcushy-asspenthouse.Butman,afterthis?Isortofmissit.’MarinaandIdon’trespond.That’sthewayNine’sbeentalkingsinceourbattlewithFive–these
forcedanecdotesaboutnothing,weirdlyupbeat,likenothingserioushappenedouthere.Whenhewasn’trambling,Ninemadeitahabittohikeaheadofus,usinghisspeedtoputsomedistancebetweenus.Whenwecaughtup,he’dhavealreadycaughtsomeanimal,usuallysnake,andbecookingitoverasmallfirehebuiltonararedrypatchofland.It’slikehewantedtopretendwewerejustonsomefuncampingtrip.I’mnotsqueamish;I’deatwhateverNinecaught.Marinaneverdid,though.Idon’tthinktheroastedswampcreaturesbotheredhersomuchasthefactitwasNinedoingthehunting.Shemustberunningonemptybynow,evenmoresothanmeandNine.
Afteranothermile,Inoticetheroadgettingalittlemorepackeddownandwelltraveled.Icanseelightupahead.Soon,thenonstopbuzzingofthelocalinsectlifegiveswaytosomethingequallyannoying.Countrymusic.Iwouldn’texactlycallthisplaceatown.I’msureitdoesn’tshowuponeventhemostdetailedmap.It
looksmorelikeacampgroundthatpeopleforgottoleave.Ormaybethisisjustaplacewherethelocalhunterscometobroaroundandescapetheirwives,Ithink,noticinganoverpopulationofpickuptrucksinthenearbygravelparkinglot.Thereareacoupledozencrudehutsscatteredthroughoutthisclearedstretchofswampcoast,allof
themprettymuchindistinguishablefromanold-schoolouthouse.Thehutsbasicallyconsistofsomepiecesofplywoodhastilynailedtogether,andtheylooklikeastrongbreezecouldknockthemover.Iguesswhenyou’rebuildingattheedgeofaFloridaswamp,there’snopointinputtingtoomucheffortin.Hungbetweenthehuts,lightingthisgrimlittlevista,arestringsofblinkingChristmaslightsandafewgas-poweredlanterns.Beyondthehuts,wherethesolidgroundsinksbackintotheswamp,there’saricketydockwithafewtied-uppontoonboats.Thesourceofthemusic–thecenterofthis‘town’–andtheonlysolidstructurebuilthereisTrapper’s,
asleezy-lookingbarhousedinalogcabin,thenameproudlydisplayedalongtheroofinsizzlinggreenneon.Arowofstuffedalligatorslinethebar’swoodenporch,theirjawsopenandsearching.Frominside,abovethemusic,Icanhearmenshoutingandpoolballscracking.‘Allright,’Ninesays,clappinghishands.‘Mykindofplace.’Theplacedoessortofremindmeoftheoff-the-gridspotsIusedtohitupwhenIwasaloneandonthe
run,placeswherethetight-knitandgrittylocalsmadeiteasytospotout-of-placeMogadorians.Evenso,asInoticeascrawnymiddle-agedguywithamulletandatanktopstaringatus,chain-smokingintheshadowsoftheporch,Iwonderifweshouldfindasaferplaceforustopokeourheadsin.ButNineisalreadyhalfwayupthecreakywoodensteps,Marinarightbehindhim,andsoIgoalong.
HopefullythisplacehasaphonesowecanatleastgetintouchwiththeothersbackinChicago.ChecktoseehowJohnandEllaaredoing–hopefullybetter,somehow,especiallynowthatweknowthecure-allFiveclaimedtohaveinhisChestwasabunchofcrap.Wehavetowarntheothersabouthim.Whoknowswhatinformationhemight’vebeenfeedingtotheMogadorians.WhenwepushthroughtheswingingsaloondoorsofTrapper’s,themusicdoesn’tscreechtoastoplike
inthemovies,buteveryoneinthebardoesturntheirheadstostareatus,almostinunison.Theplaceiscramped,notmuchtoitbesidesthebar,apooltableandsomebeat-uplawnfurniture.Itstinksofsweat,keroseneandalcohol.‘Hooboy,’someonesays,thenwhistlesloudly.IquicklyrealizethatMarinaandIaretheonlytwowomenhere.Hell,wemightbethefirstwomento
eversetfootinsideTrapper’s.Thedrunksstaringatusrangefromtremendouslyoverweighttoalarminglyskinny,allofthemdressedinhalfway-openplaidshirtsorsweat-stainedwifebeaters,someofthemflashinggap-toothedleers,otherssmoothingdownunkemptbeardsastheysizeusup.Oneguy,inarippedheavy-metalT-shirtandwithalowerlipstuffedwithchewingtobacco,breaks
awayfromthepooltabletosidleupnexttoMarina.‘Thismustbemyluckynight,’theguydrawls,‘becauseyougi–’
Therestofthepickuplineislosttotheagesbecausethemomentthisguytriestoslidehisarmaroundhershoulders,Marinaroughlysnatcheshiswrist.Icanhearthemoistureonhisarmcrackleasitflashfreezes,andasecondlatertheguyiscryingoutasMarinatwistshisarmbehindhisback.‘Donotcomenearme,’shesaysinameasuredtone,loudenoughsothewholebarknowsthatthe
warningdoesn’tgojustforthedudewhosearmshe’salmostbreaking.Now,theroomtrulydoesgoquiet.Inoticeoneguylethisbeerbottleslipdowninhishandsohe’s
holdingitbytheneck,allthebetterforswinging.Acoupleofburlyguysatabacktableexchangelooksandstandup,eyeballingus.Foramoment,Ithinkthewholebarmighttryrushingus.Thatwouldendbadlyforthem,andItrytocommunicatethatwithmystare.Nine,whowithhistangledblackhairanddirtyfacefitsrightinhere,crackshisknucklesandlollshisheadbackandforth,watchingthecrowd.Finally,oneoftheotherhicksatthepooltablehoots.‘Mike,youdumbass,sayexcusemeandgetover
here!It’syourshot!’‘Sorry,’MikewhimperstoMarina,hisarmturningbluewhereshe’stouchinghim.Sheshoveshim
awayandhegoestorejoinhisfriends,rubbinghisarmandtryingtoavoidlookingatus.Justlikethat,thetensionbreaks.Everyonegoesbacktowhattheyweredoing,whichprettymuch
meansguzzlingbeer.Ifigurescenessimilartothat–littlefights,staredowns,maybeastabbingortwo–musthappeninTrapper’sallthetime.Nobigdeal.LikeIfigured,thisisoneofthoseplaceswherenobodyasksanyquestions.‘Keepitundercontrol,’ItellMarinaaswewalktothebar.‘Iam,’shereplies.‘Didn’tlooklikeit.’Ninereachesthebarastepaheadofus,clearingaspacebetweentwohunchbackeddrunksand
slappingthechippedwoodensurface.Thebartender,wholooksjustatadmorealertandcleanerthanhiscustomers,probablybecausehe’s
wearinganapron,looksusoverwithwearydisapproval.‘YoushouldknowIkeepashotgununderthebar.Idon’twantanymoretrouble,’thebartenderwarns.Ninegrinsathim.‘It’scool,oldman.Yougotanythingtoeatbackthere?We’restarving.’‘Icouldfryyouupsomeburgers,’thebartenderrepliesafteramoment’sthought.‘It’snotpossummeatorsomething,isit?’Nineasks,thenholdsuphishands.‘Nevermind,Idon’t
wanttoknow.Threeofyourfinest,myman.’Ileanacrossthebarbeforethebartendercanretreatintothekitchen.‘Yougotaphone?’Hejerkshisthumbtowardsthebar’sdarkenedbackcorner,whereInoticeapayphonehanging
cockeyedfromthewall.‘Youcouldtrythat.Itworkspartofthetime.’‘Lookslikeeverythinginhereonlyworkspartofthetime,’Ninemutters,glancingattheTVmounted
abovethebar.Thereceptionisbadatthemoment,anewsreportswallowedupbystatic,thecrookedrabbitearsemergingfromthesetnotdoingtheirjob.Asthebartenderdisappearsintothekitchen,Marinasitsdownwithacoupleofstoolsbufferingher
fromNine.Sheavoidseyecontact,engrossedbythepoppingstaticontheTV.Meanwhile,Ninedrumshishandsonthebar,lookingaround,almostdaringoneofthedrunkstosaysomethingtohim.I’veneverfeltsomuchlikeababysitter.‘I’mgoingtotrycallingChicago,’Itellthem.
BeforeIcango,thescrawnychain-smokerfromoutsidesqueezesintothespaceatthebarnexttome.Heflashesasmirkthat’sprobablysupposedtobecharming,excepthe’smissingacoupleofteeth,anditdoesn’tquitereachhiseyes,whichlookwildanddesperate.‘Hey,honey,’hesays,obviouslyhavingmissedMarina’sdemonstrationaboutwhathappenswhen
drunkstryflirtingwithus.‘BuymeadrinkandI’lltellyoumystory.It’sadoozy.’Istareathim.‘Getawayfromme.’Thebartenderreturnsfromthekitchen,thesmellofcookingmeatcomingwithhimandmakingmy
stomachgrowl.Henoticesthescrawnyguynexttomeandimmediatelysnapshisfingersinhisface.‘ThoughtItoldyounottocomeinhereifyoudon’thaveanymoney,Dale,’thebartenderbarks.‘Goon,
now.’Ignoringthebartender,Dalefixesmewithonelastpleadinglook.SeeingthatIwon’tbebudged,he
slinksdownthebartobegoneoftheotherpatronsforadrink.Ishakemyheadandtakeadeepbreath;Ineedtogetoutofthisplace,IneedashowerandIneedtohitsomething.I’mtryingtokeepitcool,toberationalaboutthings,especiallyconsideringmytwocompanionsaren’tactingallthatstable,butI’mangry.Furious,really.Fiveknockedmeout,practicallytookmyheadcleanoff.InthattimeIwasunconscious,thewholeworldchanged.IknowIcouldn’thaveseenitcoming–Ineverexpectedoneofourownwouldturntraitor,evenafreaklikeFive.Still,Ican’thelpbutfeelitwould’vebeendifferentifI’dhadmyguardup.IfI’dbeenfastenoughtododgethatfirstpunch,Eightmightstillbealive.Ididn’tevengetachancetofight,anditmakesmefeelcheatedanduseless.Ibottlethatrageup,savingitforthenexttimeIseeaMogadorian.‘Six,’Marinasays,hervoicesuddenlyfragile,notsodistantandcold.‘Lookatthis.’TheTVoverthebarhasstartedcomingin,arollingbandofstaticdisruptingthepicturenowandthen,
butanewsbroadcastisotherwiseclearlyvisible.Onit,awindblownreporterstandsinfrontofalineofpolicetape,theJohnHancockCenterloominginthebackground.‘Whatthehell?’Isayundermybreath.Theroofshakesfromasuddenpealofthunderoutside.That
wasme,lettingsomeofthatrageslip.ThenewscastswitchesoverfromthereportertotapedfootageofthetopfloorsoftheJohnHancock
Centerinflames.‘Thiscan’tbehappening,’Marinasays,hereyeswide,lookingtomeforconfirmationthatthisisjust
somesickjoke.I’vebeentryingtobethestableone,butIcan’tfindanythingreassuringtosay.Thebartenderclickshistongue,watchingtheTV,too.‘Crazy,right?Freakin’terrorists.’Ilungeacrossthebarandgrabhimbythefrontofhisapronbeforehecaneventhinkofreachingforhis
hiddenshotgun.‘Whendidthishappen?’Isnap.‘Damn,girl,’thebartendersays,sensingsomethinginmyeyesthatmakeshimdecidenottostruggle.‘I
dunno.Like,twodaysago?It’sbeenalloverthenews.Wherethehellyoubeen?’‘Gettingourasseshandedtous,’Imutter,andshovehimaway.Itrytopullmyselftogether,tobeatback
thepanic.Nine’sbeencompletelysilentsincethereportcameon.WhenIlookoverathim,hisexpressioniscompletelyblank.Hestaresatthetelevision,watchingfootageofourpenthouseheadquartersandhisformerhomeburning,hismouthopenjustalittle,hisbodycompletelystill,almostrigid.Helookslikehe’sshuttingdown,asifhisbrainisn’tcapableofprocessingthislatestblow.
‘Nine…,’Istart,andmyvoicebreakshistrance.WithoutawordtomeorMarina,withoutsomuchasalook,hespinsaroundandheadsforthedoor.Oneofthepoolplayersisn’tquickenoughtogetoutofNine’swayandgetsshoulderedtothefloor.TrustingthatMarinawon’tfreezeanyonetodeathinmyabsence,IchaseafterNine.BythetimeI’mout
onTrapper’sporch,Ninehasalreadymadeitintotheparkinglot,stalkingintentlytowardsthegravelroad.‘Whereareyougoing?’Ishoutafterhim,hoppingtheporchrailingandjoggingtocatchup.‘Chicago,’heanswersbluntly.‘You’regoingtowalktoChicago?’Iaskhim.‘That’syourplan?’‘Goodpoint,’hereplies,notslowingdown.‘I’llstealacar.Youguyscomingorwhat?’‘Stopbeinganidiot,’Isnap,andwhenthatdoesn’tslowhimdown,Ireachoutwithmytelekinesisand
grabhim.Iturnhimaroundsohe’sfacingme,hisheelsdiggingdivotsinthegravelashetriestofight.‘Letmego,Six,’Ninegrowls.‘Letmegorightnow.’‘Stopandthinkforasecond,’Iinsist,realizingasIstartthatI’mnotjusttryingtoconvinceNinebut
alsomyself.Myfingernailsdigintomypalms–notsureifthat’sfromtheconcentrationrequiredtoholdNinewithmytelekinesisorfrommestrainingtokeepittogether.BackontheroofoftheJohnHancockCenter,I’dtoldSamthatwewereatwarandthattherewouldbecasualties.I’dthoughtIwaspreparedforthat,butlosingEight–andnowmaybelosingtheothersinChicago–no,Ican’thandlethat.Thatcan’thavebeenmylastconversationwithSam.Itcan’t.‘Theywouldn’tbeinChicagoanymore,’Icontinue.‘They’drun.That’swhatwe’ddo.Andweknow
Johnisstillaliveorwe’dhaveanotherscar.He’sgotthetablet;he’sgothisChest.They’vegotabetterchanceoffindingusthanwehaveoffindingthem.’‘Uh,lasttimeIsawJohnhewascomatose.He’snotupforfindinganyone.’‘Anexplodingbuildingtendstowakeapersonup,’Icounter.‘Hegotout.We’dknowifhedidn’t.’Afteramoment,Ninenodsreluctantly.‘Allright,allright,letmego.’Ilethimloosefrommytelekinetichold.Helooksawayimmediately,peeringdownthedarkenedroad,
hisbroadshouldersslumped.‘Ifeellikewe’rescrewed,Six,’Ninesays,hisvoicehoarse.‘Likewealreadylostandnoone’sgot
aroundtotellingus.’Iwalkupnexttohimandputmyhandonhisshoulder.OurbackstotheneonlightsofTrapper’s,Ican’t
reallyseeNine’sface,butI’mprettysurehiseyesarewetwithtears.‘Bullshit,’Ireply.‘Wedon’tlose.’‘TellthattoEight.’‘Nine,comeon–’Nineshovesbothhishandsthroughhistangledblackhair,almostlikehe’sgoingtopullsomeout.
Then,hebringshishandsdownoverhisface,rubbingit.Whenhedropsthembacktohissides,Icantellhe’stryingtobestoic.‘Itwasmyfault,too,’hecontinues.‘Igothimkilled.’‘That’snottrue.’‘Itis.FivekickedmyassandIcouldn’thelpmyself.Hadtokeeptalking,hadtoshowhim.Itshould’ve
beenme.Youknowit;Iknowit;Marinadamnsureknowsit.’
ItakemyhandoffNine’sshoulderandpunchhiminthejaw.‘Ow!Damnit!’heyelps,staggeringawayfrommeandnearlylosinghisfootinginthegravel.‘Whatthe
hell?’‘Isthatwhatyouwant?’Iask,steppingtowardshim,fistsclenchedandready.‘Wantmetokickyour
assalittlebit?PunishyouforwhathappenedtoEight?’Nineholdsuphishands.‘Cutitout,Six.’‘Itwasn’tyourfault,’Itellhimevenly,unclenchingmyfistsandthenjabbinghimhardinthechestwith
myfingers.‘FivekilledEight,notyou.AndtheMogadoriansaretoblame.Gotit?’‘Yeah,Igotit,’Ninereplies,althoughIcan’tbesureifI’veactuallygottenthroughtohimorifhejust
wantsmetostopassaultinghim.‘Good.Enoughwiththismopeycrap.Weneedtofigureoutwhatwe’redoingnext.’‘I’vealreadyfiguredthatout,’Marinachimesin.IwassointentonbeatingsomesenseintoNinethatIdidn’thearherapproaching.NeitherdidNine,
andIcantellbytheembarrassedlookonhisfacethathe’swonderinghowmuchMarinaoverheard.Atthemoment,Marinadoesn’tseemconcernedwithNine’smeltdown.She’stoobusydraggingalongthescrawnyguyfromthebar,Dale,theonewhowantedtotrademehisawesomestoryforabeer.Marinaleadshimacrosstheparkinglottowardsus,holdinghisearlikeacruelteacherescortingadelinquenttotheprincipal’soffice.InoticetheslightestcoatingoffrostformingonthesideofDale’sface.‘Marina,lethimgo,’Isay.Shecomplies,yankingDaleaheadofhersothathestumblesintothegravel,endinguponhisknees
rightinfrontofme.Igiveheralook–Iunderstandwheretheviolentstreakcomesfrom,butIdon’tlikeit.Marinaignoresme.‘Tellthemwhatyoutoldme,’MarinaordersDale.‘Youramazingstory.’Dalelooksatthethreeofus,eagertopleaseyetobviouslyterrified,probablythinkingwe’regoingto
killhimifhedoesn’tlisten.‘There’sanoldNASAbaseoutintheswamp.Gotdecommissionedintheeightieswhentheswamp
startedrising,’Dalebeginshaltingly,rubbingthesideofhisfacetowarmitup.‘Igoouttheresometimes,lookingforstuffIcansell.Normally,it’sdeserted.Butlastnight,man,IswearIsawUFOsfloatingaroundoutthere.Creepyguyswhodidn’tlookrightwithgunslikeIain’tneverseenguardingtheplace.Youain’twiththem,areyou?’‘No,’Ianswer.‘Wemostdefinitelyarenot.’‘Dale’svolunteeredtoshowustheway,’Marinasays,nudgingDalewiththetoeofhersneaker.He
swallowshardandthennodsenthusiastically.‘It’snotfar,’hesays.‘Couplehoursthroughtheswamp.’‘Wejustspenttwodayshikingoutofthatswamp,’Ninesays.‘Nowyouwanttogobackin?’‘Theyhavehim,’Marinahisses,pointingintothedark.‘YouheardMalcolm’sstoryaboutwhattheydid
toNumberOne.TheystoleherLegacies.’IgiveMarinaasharplook.Evenifmostofitdoesn’tmakeanysensetohim,Dale’sstilllistening
intentlytoourconversation.‘Shouldwereallybetalkingaboutthis?’Marinasnorts.‘You’reworriedaboutDale,Six?They’rekillingusandblowingupourfriends.
Keepingsecretsfromthisdrunkistheleastofourworries.’
Daleraiseshishand.‘IswearIwon’tsaynothingabout…aboutwhateveryou’retalkingabout.’‘WhataboutChicago?’Nineasks.‘Whatabouttheothers?’MarinaaffordsNineonlyaquickglare.Shekeepshereyesonmewhensheanswers.‘YouknowI’m
worriedaboutthem.Butwedon’tknowwhereJohnandtheothersare,Six.WeknowwhereEightis.AndIamnot,underanycircumstances,lettingthosesickbastardskeephim.’Thewayshesaysit,Iknowthere’snowaytoconvinceMarinaotherwise.Ifwedon’tgowithher,
she’llgobyherself.NotthatIevenconsidernotgoing.I’mspoilingforafightalmostasbadassheis.Andifthere’sachanceEight’sbodyisstilloutthere–intheclutchesofMogadoriansstilllingeringinFlorida,maybewithFive–thenwehavetoatleasttryrecoveringit.LeavenoGardebehind.‘Dale,’Isay,‘Ihopeyou’vegotaboatwecanborrow.’
5
Theslabofmeatinfrontofmelookslikeasoggypieceofuncookedfish,exceptit’slackinganytexturewhatsoever.Ipokeitwithmyforkandthepaleslabjiggleslikegelatin.Ormaybeit’sstillaliveandtryingtoescape,thoseunappetizingtremorsitsattempttoslowlywiggleoffmyplate.IfIlookaway,Iwonderifthethingwillpickupthepaceandtrycrawlingintooneoftheairvents.Iwanttovomit.‘Eat,’SetrákusRacommands.Hecalledhimselfmygrandfather.Thatthoughtmakesmemorenauseousthanthefood.Idon’twantto
believehim.Thiscouldbejustlikethevisions,somesickgamemeanttogetundermyskin.Butwhygothroughallthetrouble?Whybringmehere?Whynotjustkillme?SetrákusRasitsacrossfromme,allthewaydownattheoppositeendofaridiculouslylargebanquet
tablethatlooksasifitwascarvedfromlava.Hischairisthronelike,madeofthesamedarkstoneasthetable,butdefinitelynotlargeenoughtoaccommodatethemammothwarlordwefoughtatDulceBase.No,atsomepointwhenIwasn’twatching,SetrákusRashrunkdowntoamorereasonableeightfeettallsothathecouldcomfortablyhunchoverhisownplateofMogadoriancuisine.CouldhissizechangingbeaLegacy?Itworksreallysimilarlytomyabilitytoaltermyage.‘Youhavequestions,’SetrákusRarumbles,observingme.‘Whatareyou?’Iblurtout.Hecockshishead.‘Whatdoyoumean,child?’‘You’reaMogadorian,’Isay,tryingnottosoundtoofrantic.‘I’mLoric.Wecan’tberelated.’‘Ah,suchasimplisticidea.Human,Loric,Mogadorian–thesearejustwords,dearone.Labels.
Centuriesago,myexperimentsprovedthatourgeneticscouldbechanged.Theycouldbeaugmented.Weneedn’twaitforLorientogiftuswithLegacies.Wecouldtakethemasweneededthem,utilizingthemlikeanyotherresource.’‘Whydoyoukeepsayingwe?’Iask,myvoicecracking.‘You’renotoneofus.’SetrákusRasmilesthinly.‘IwasLoriconce.ThetenthElder.UntilthetimecamewhenIwascastout.
Then,Ibecamewhatyouseebeforeyou:thepowersofaGardecombinedwiththestrengthofaMogadorian.Anevolutionaryimprovement.’Mylegsstartshakingunderthetable.IhardlylistenafterhementionsthetenthElder.Irememberthat
fromCrayton’sletter.HesaidmyfatherwasobsessedwiththefactthatourfamilyoncehadanElder.CouldthathavebeenSetrákusRa?‘You’recrazy,’Isay.‘Andyou’realiar.’‘Iamneitherofthosethings,’hereplies,patiently.‘Iamarealist.Afuturist.Ialteredmygeneticsto
becomemorelikethem,sotheywouldacceptme.Inreturnfortheirfealty,Ihelpedtheirpopulationgrow.Ibroughtthembackfromthebrinkofextinction.JoiningtheMogadoriansgavemeachancetocontinuetheexperimentsthatsofrightenedtheLoric.Now,myworkisalmostfinished.Soon,alllifeinthe
universe–Mogadorian,human,evenwhat’sleftoftheLoric–willbeimprovedundermygentlyguidinghand.’‘Youdidn’timprovelifeonLorien,’Isnapback.‘Youkilledthemall.’‘Theyopposedprogress,’SetrákusRastates,likethedeathofawholeplanetisnothing.‘You’resick.’I’mnotafraidtotalkbacktohim.Iknowthathewon’thurtme–notyet,atleast.He’stoovainforthat,
wantstoobadlytoconvertanotherLorictothecause.Hewantsthingstobejustlikeinmynightmare.SinceIwokeuphere,he’shadateamoffemaleMogadoriansattendingtome.Theydressedmeinthislong,blackformalgown,verysimilartotheoneIwaswearinginmyvision.Ititcheslikecrazy,andIhavetokeeptuggingattheneckline.Istareopenlyathishideousface,hatingmyselffortryingtofindsomeresemblance.Hisheadis
bulbousandpale,coveredinintricateMogadoriantattoos;hiseyesareemptyandblack,justliketheMogs;histeetharefileddownandsharp.IfIlookhardenough,IcanalmostseetheLoriccasttohisfeatures,likecrumblingarchitectureburiedbeneaththepalenessandgrossMogartwork.SetrákusRalooksupfromhisfood,meetingmygaze.Facinghimhead-onstillgivesmeachillandI
havetoforcemyselfnottoturnaway.‘Eat,’hesaysagain.‘Youneedyourstrength.’Ihesitateforamoment,notsurehowfarIshouldpushmyinsubordination,butalsoreallynotwanting
tosampletheMogversionofsushi.Imakeapointofdroppingmyforksothatitclattersloudlyagainstthesideofmyplate.Itechoesinthehigh-ceilingedroom–SetrákusRa’sprivatediningarea–whichisonlyslightlymorefurnishedthantheothercoldroomsaboardtheAnubis.ThewallsarecoveredinpaintingsofMogadoriansbravelychargingintocombat.Theceilingisopen,providingabreathtakingviewofEarth,theplanetimperceptiblyrotatingbelowus.‘Donotpushme,girl,’SetrákusRagrowls.‘Doasyou’retold.’Ipushmyplateawayfromme.‘I’mnothungry.’Hestudiesme,acondescendinglookinhiseyes,likeaparenttryingtoshowabrattychildhowpatient
theycanbe.‘Icanputyoubacktosleepandfeedyouthroughatube,ifyou’dprefer.Perhapsyou’dbebetter
manneredwhenInextwokeyou,oncethewarwaswon,’hesays.‘Butthenwewouldn’tbeabletotalk.Youwouldn’tbeabletoenjoyyourgrandfather’svictoryfirsthand.Andyouwouldn’tbeabletoentertainyourfutilenotionsofescape.’Iswallowhard.Iknowwe’llbegoingdowntoEartheventually.SetrákusRaisn’tgoingtohavehis
warshipsorbitEarthforawhileandthenfloatpeacefullyaway.There’sgoingtobeaninvasion.I’vebeentellingmyselfthatoncewelandI’dhaveachancetorunforit.Obviously,SetrákusRaknowsthatI’dratherdiethanbehisprisonerorhisco-rulerorwhateverhe’sgotinmind.But,fromthesmuglookonhisface,hedoesn’tseemtocare.MaybehethinkshecanbrainwashmebeforewereturntoEarth.‘HowamIsupposedtoeatwithyournastyfacerightthere?’Iaskhim,hopingtoseehisself-satisfied
lookfalter.‘It’snotexactlyappetizing.’SetrákusRastaresatmelikehe’stryingtodecidewhethertoleapacrossthetableandthrottleme.
Afteramoment,hereachestothesideofhischairwherehiscaneispropped.Ornatelycarvedfroma
shimmeringgoldenmetalwithanominousblackeyeonthehandle,it’sthesamecaneIsawSetrákusRauseduringthefightatDulceBase.Ibracemyselfforanattack.‘TheEyeofThaloc,’SetrákusRasays,noticingmeeyeingthestaff.‘LikeEarth,itwillonedaybepart
ofyourInheritance.’BeforeIcanaskafollow-upquestion,theobsidianeyeinthecane’shandleflashes.Iflinch,butit
quicklybecomesclearthatI’mnotinanydanger.Instead,it’sSetrákusRawhobeginstoconvulse.BandsofredandpurplelightprojectfromtheEyeofThalocandscanoverhisbody.AlthoughIdon’texactlyknowhow,IcansenseenergymovingfromthecaneintoSetrákusRa.Hewrithesandcontortsashisskinpeelsawayfromhisbody,expandingoutwardandshifting,likeabubbleformingincandlewax.Whenit’sover,SetrákusRalookshuman.Actually,helookslikeamoviestar.He’sassumedtheform
ofahandsomeolderguyinhismid-forties,withimmaculatelyarrangedsalt-and-pepperhair,soulfulblueeyesandjustamodestamountofstubble.He’stall,butnolongerintimidatinglyso,andhe’swearingastylishbluesuitandpresseddressshirt,casuallyopenatthecollar.Ofhispreviousappearance,onlythethreeLoricpendantsremain,theircobaltjewelsmatchinghisshirt.‘Better?’heasks,hisusualscratchyvoicereplacedbythisman’ssmoothbaritone.‘What…?’Ilookathim,dumbfounded.‘Whoareyousupposedtobe?’‘Ichosethisformforthehumans,’heexplains.‘Ourresearchshowsthey’renaturallydrawntomiddle-
agedCaucasianmenofthesespecifications.Apparently,theyfindthemleaderlyandtrustworthy.’‘Why…’Itrytogathermythoughts.‘Whatdoyoumean,it’sforthehumans?’SetrákusRagesturestowardsmyplate.‘EatandIwillansweryourquestions.That’snotunreasonable,
isit?Ibelievethehumanscallitquidproquo.’Ilookdownatmyplateandthepaleblobwaitingformethere.IthinkaboutSixandNineandtherest
oftheGardeandwonderwhattheywoulddoinmysituation.ItseemslikeSetrákusRawantstospillhisguts,soIshouldprobablylethim.Maybewhilehe’stryingtosubtlywinmeover,he’llletslipthesecrettobeatingtheMogadorians.Ifthatevenexists.Eitherway,takingabiteoftheboiledslugonmyplateseemslikeasmallpricetopayifitmeansgatheringsomeimportantinformation.Ishouldn’tthinkofmysituationasbeingheldprisoner;it’smorelikeI’monamissionbehindenemylines.I’mafreakingspy.Ipickupmyknifeandfork,cutasmallsquareofftheedgeofthemeatandplopitintomymouth.
There’shardlyanytasteatall,it’salmostlikechewingawadded-upballofnotebookpaper.It’sthetexturethatreallybothersme–thewaythemeatstartstofizzandmeltassoonasittouchesmytongue,breakingdownsoquicklythatIdon’tevenreallychew.Ican’thelpbutthinkofthewayMogadoriansdisintegratewhenthey’rekilledandhavetostopmyselffromgagging.‘Itisn’twhatyou’reusedto,butit’sthebesttheAnubisisequippedtoproduce,’SetrákusRasays,
almostapologetically.‘Thefoodwillimproveoncewe’vetakenEarth.’Iignorehim,notreallycaringaboutthefinerpointsofMogadoriancuisine.‘Iate,nowanswermy
question.’Heinclineshishead,lookingcharmedbymydirectness.‘Ichosethisformbecausethehumanswill
finditcomforting.It’swhatIwillweartoacceptsurrenderoftheirplanet.’Igapeathim.‘They’renotgoingtosurrendertoyou.’
Hesmiles.‘Ofcoursetheywill.UnliketheLoric,whopointlesslyfightagainstimpossibleodds,thehumanshavearichhistoryofsubjugation.TheyappreciatedemonstrationsofsuperiorforceandwillgladlyacceptthetenetsofMogadorianProgress.Andthosewhodon’twillperish.’‘Mogadorian“Progress.”’Ispitthewords.‘Whatareyoueventalkingabout?You’regoingtomake
everyonelikeyou?Amon–’Idon’tfinishmyquestion.Iwasgoingtocallhimamonster,butthenIthoughtbacktomyvision.I
callouslyorderedSix’sexecutionrightinfrontofJohn,Samandacrowdofpeople.WhatifsomethinglikeSetrákusRaisalreadylurkinginsideme?‘Ibelievetherewasatleastonequestioninallthatvitriol,’SetrákusRasays.Hemaintainshis
infuriatingsmile,madeevenworsenowthathe’swearingahandsomehumanface,andgesturestowardsmyplate.Ishoveldownanotherbiteofthehorriblefood.Heclearshisthroatlikehe’sabouttogiveaspeech.‘Wesharethesameblood,granddaughter,whichiswhyyouwillbesparedthefateofthoseGardewho
foolishlyopposeme.Because,unlikethem,youarecapableofchange,’SetrákusRaexplains.‘ImayhavebeenLoriconce,butoverthecenturiesIhavemademyselfintosomethingbetter.OnceIcontroltheEarth,Iwillhavethepowernecessarytochangethelivesofbillions.AlltheyneeddoisacceptMogadorianProgress.Thenmyworkwillatlastbearfruit.’Isquintathim.‘Power?Fromwhere?’SetrákusRasmilesatme,touchingthependantsthathangaroundhisneck.‘Youwillseewhenthetime
isright,child.Then,youwillunderstand.’‘Ialreadyunderstand,’Ireply.‘Iunderstandthatyou’readisgusting,genocidalfreakwhogavehimself
abadMogadorianmakeover.’SetrákusRa’ssmileflickersandforamomentIwonderifI’vepushedmylucktoofar.Hesighsand
dragshisfingersacrosshisthroat,theskinofhisassumedformpartingtorevealthethickpurplescararoundhisthroat.‘PittacusLoregavemethiswhenhetriedtokillme,’hesays,hisvoicecoldandlevel.‘Iwasoneof
them,butheandtheotherElderscastmeout.BanishedmefromLorienbecauseofmyideas.’‘What?Didtheynotwanttoelectyousupremerulerorsomething?’SetrákusRapasseshishandacrosshisthroatonceagainandthescartissuedisappears.‘Theyalreadyhadaruler,’SetrákusRareplies,hisvoicedroppinglower,asifthememorymakeshim
angry.‘Theyjustrefusedtoadmitit.’‘What’sthatsupposedtomean?’Thistime,hedoesn’tmakemetakeabiteoffood.He’sonarollnow.‘Mydear,theElderswereruled
bytheplanetitself.Lorienmadetheirchoicesforthem.WhowouldbeGardeandwhowouldbeCêpan.Theybelievedweshouldliveascaretakersandletnaturedetermineourfates.Idisagreed.TheLegaciesgrantedbyLorienaresimplyaresource,likeanythingelse.Wouldyouletthefishintheoceandictatewhoisfittoeatthem,orallowtheironinthegroundtodecidewhentobeforged?Ofcoursenot.’ItrytodigestallthisinformationandcompareitwithwhatIlearnedfromCraytonandhisletter.‘Youjustwantedtobeincontrol,’Isayafteramoment.‘Iwantedprogress,’hecounters.‘TheMogadoriansunderstood.UnliketheLoric,theywereapeople
readytobeelevated.’
‘You’reinsane,’Isay,pushingmyplateaway,donewiththiswholequestion-and-answerthing.‘Youareanunenlightenedchild,’hereplies,thatcondescendingpatienceback.‘Whenyourstudies
begin,whenyouseewhatIhaveaccomplishedforyouandwhattheLorichavedeniedyou,thenyouwillunderstand.Youwillcometoloveandrespectme.’Istandup,eventhoughIhavenowheretogo.SetrákusRahasbeengentlewithmesofar,butit’sbeen
madecrystalclearthatIcanonlymovearoundthesterilehallwaysoftheAnubisasheallowsit.Ifhewantstokeepmehereandforcemetofinishmydinner,hewill.ItwouldprobablybesmootherformeifIletallhisdistortionsandhalf-truthsgounchallenged,butIjustcan’tdoit.IthinkofNine,Sixandtheothers–Iknowthey’dneverholdtheirtonguewhenfacedwiththismonster.‘Youdestroyedourplanetandallyou’veeveraccomplishedishurtingpeople,’Isay,tryingtomimic
mygrandfather’smockingpatience.‘You’reamonster.Iwillnevernothateyou.’SetrákusRasighs,hishandsomefeaturescreasingbrieflyinconsternation.‘Angeristhelastrefugeoftheignorant,’hesays,holdinguphishand.‘Letmeshowyousomethingthey
deniedyou,granddaughter.’Acoilofbrightredenergybeginstoswirlaroundhisraisedhand.Nervous,Itakeastepbackwards.‘TheElderschosewhowouldescapefromLorien,andyouwerenotmeanttobeamongthem,’
SetrákusRacontinues.‘YouweredeniedtheadvantagesoftheotherGarde.Iwillrectifythat.’TheenergycoalescesintoacracklingorbinfrontofSetrákusRa’shand,hoversthereforamoment,
andthenzipstowardsme.Idivetothesideandtheorbalterscourse,makingabeelineformelikeithasamindofitsown.Ihitthecoldfloorinarollandtrytoavoidtheenergy,butit’stoofast.Itburnsthroughthehemofmydressandattachestomyankle.Iscream.Thepainisexcruciating;it’sasifalivewireisbeingdraggedacrossmyskin.Ipullmyleg
intowardsmeandtrytoslapatthespotwheretheorbhit,likeI’monfireandneedtopatouttheflames.That’swhenIfirstseeit.Thetwistingredenergyisgone,leavingbehindabandofjagged,pinkscar
tissuearoundmyankle.It’sreminiscentoftheangulartattoosI’veseenetchedondozensofMogadorianskulls,butthere’salsosomethingunsettlinglyfamiliaraboutit.It’sascarverysimilartotheonestheGardehavesignifyingtheLoriccharm.WhenIlookupatSetrákusRa,Ihavetobitemyliptochokeoffascream.Thebottomhalfofhispant
leghasburnedaway,anidenticalcharmfreshlybrandedintohisownankle.‘Now,’hesays,smilingbeatifically,‘justlikethem,wearelinked.’
6
Iguessinawaywe’vekidnappedDale.Hedoesn’tseemtomind.Thescrawnyredneckishavingagrandoldtimeloungingattherearofhisdecades-oldpontoonboat,pullingfromhisflaskofmoonshine,andbrazenlyoglingmeandMarina.Thisboatofhisisliterallyheldtogetherinplacesbyducttapeandshoelaces,andwecan’ttravelthroughthewindingswamplandstreamstooquicklyforfearofoverheatingtheengine.Also,everysooften,Ninehastouseabuckettoscoopdarkbrownswampwateroutoftheboatbeforethefootwellscollecttoomuchandwesink.Notexactlytravelinginstyle,butMarinaremainsconvincedthatDalestumbledonaMogadorianencampment.So,fornow,he’sourguide.Lastnight,Daleinsisteditwastoodarktotrynavigatingtheswampbutpromisedhewouldleadusto
thisdecommissionedNASAbaseinthemorning.ItturnedoutthatthebartenderatTrapper’srentedtheshantiessurroundinghisplacetoanyswamppeoplepassingthrough.Hegaveonetousfornexttonothing,floatedusourmeal,too,probablysensingthatnothelpinguswouldjustcreatemoretrouble.NoonetrustedDalenottorunoffathisfirstopportunity,sowedecidedtotaketurnskeepingwatchon
him.NinedrewfirstshiftandendedupsittingwithDaleoutsideourlittleshack,listeningtostoriesaboutalltheinterestingthingsDalehadscavengedfromtheswamp.MarinaandIlaydownsidebysideontheflea-bittenmattresstossedontheflooroftheshack,theonly
otherfurnishingsahotplate,arusted-outsinkthatIdon’tthinkconnectedtoanypipes,andanoillantern.Consideringwe’dspentthelastcoupleofdayshikingthroughtheswampsandbarelyresting,thiswasaboutthemostcomfortableI’dbeenindays.Aswelaythere,InoticedthatMarinahadstoppedradiatingtheauraofcoldshe’dbeengivingoffsinceEightwaskilled.Ithoughtmaybeshe’dfallenasleep,butthenshestartedwhisperingtomeinthedarkness.‘Ifeelhimoutthere,Six.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’Iwhisperedback,notunderstanding.‘Eightis…’Ihesitated,notabletobring
myselftostatetheobvious.‘Iknowhe’sdead,’shereplied,rollingovertofaceme.‘ButIcanstillfeelhis–Idon’tknow,his
essenceorsomething.He’scallingtome.Idon’tknowwhy,orhow,Ijustknowit’shappeningandthatit’simportant.’Ifellsilent.IrememberedEight’sstoryaboutmeetingamysteriousoldmanwhilehidingoutinIndia.I
thinkhisnamewasDevdan.TheoldguytaughthimaboutHinduismandmartialartsand,eventually,disappearedbacktowhereverhecamefrom.EightreallycherishedwhathelearnedaboutHinduism–IthinkithelpedhimcopewithhisCêpan’sdeath.Hell,maybethere’ssomethingtoallthatreincarnationstuff.Eightwasdefinitelythespiritualoneofus,andifanyonewouldcalloutfrombeyondthegrave,it’dprobablybehim.‘We’llfindhim,’Isaidquietly,althoughIwasn’texactlyconfidentthatwouldbetrue.Ithoughtabout
whatNinesaidduringhisfreak-outearlierthatnight–thatwe’dalreadylostthewarandnoonehadtoldus.‘Ijustdon’tknowwhatwe’regoingtodoafterward.’
‘Itwillrevealitselftouswhenthetimecomes,’Marinarepliedpeacefully,squeezingmyhand,thenurturingMarinaI’dgottentoknowbrieflyresurfacing,replacingtheangryrevengeseekerI’dbeensurvivingwiththelastcoupleofdays.‘Iknowitwill.’So,thismorning,wereturnedtotheswamp.Thetreesarethickonbothsidesofthemurkywaterand
wefrequentlyhavetoslowdowntonavigatearoundgnarledbutambitiousrootsthathavespreadintothewater.Thecanopyofbranchesoverourheadsisdense,lettingsunlightthroughinpatches.Rottenlogsdriftby,theirbarknotalwaysdistinguishablefromthecraggyscalesofthealligatorsroamingthesewaters.Atleastthebugshavestoppedbitingme.OrmaybeI’vejustgottenusedtothem.Marinastandsatthefrontoftheboat,hergazestraightahead,moisturefromtheairdampeningherface
andhair.Istareatherback,wonderingifshe’slostit,orifthissixthsenseaboutEight’sbodyisanothernewLegacymanifesting.It’sattimeslikethesewecouldreallyuseaCêpan;Marina’shavingahellofatimecontrollingherfreezingLegacy.NineandIhaven’tbroughtitupwithher–he’sprobablyscaredshe’llbitehisheadoff,andI’mjustcountingonherlearningtocontrolitatthesametimeshegetsagriponallthatanger.SoeitherthisreturntotheswampishappeningbecauseofapotentiallyhaywirenewLegacy,old-fashionedintuition,grieforlegitimatecontactwiththespiritworld.Maybeacombinationofallfour.Itdoesn’tmatter,really.We’redoingthis.ItwasonlyafewdaysagothatFiveledusthroughwaterssimilartothese.We’dbeenhappierthen–I
rememberMarinaandEightclingingtoeachother,somethingsparkingthere,andNinewhoopingandactingstupideverytimehespottedanalligator.Irunahandthroughmyhair–it’sdampfromthehumidityandknottedfromthedaysspentouthere–andremindmyselfthatthisisnotimeforreminiscing.We’reheadingintodanger,butatleastthistimeweknowit.‘Howmuchfarther?’IaskDale.Heshrugs.He’sgottenalotmorecomfortablearoundussinceMarinahalf-frozehisfacelastnight.
Probablyonaccountofwhatever’sinthatflask.‘’Boutanhour,’hesays.‘Youbetternotbescrewingwithus,’Itellhim.‘Ifthisisbullshit,we’llleaveyououthere.’Thatmakeshimsitupalittlestraighter.‘Iswearit’strue,ma’am.Isawsomeweird-assaliensout
here.Youbet.’Iglareathim.Nine,finisheddumpingwateroverthesideoftheboat,snatchestheflaskfromDale’s
hand.‘What’veyougotinhere,anyway?’Nineasks,sniffingattheflask.‘Smellslikepaintthinner.’‘Imean,itain’tallpaintthinner,’Dalecounters.‘Trysome.’Ninerollshiseyesandhandshimbacktheflask,thenturnstome.‘Seriously?’heasks,loweringhisvoice,moreconcernedthatMarinawilloverhearthanDale,who’s
sittingrightnexttous.‘We’rerelyingonthisguy?’‘Notjusthim,’Ireply,shootingalookatMarina.‘Shesensessomething.’‘Sincewhendoesshe…?’Ninetrailsoff,foroncetakingamomenttoconsiderhiswords.‘Itstill
seemsalittlenutstome,Six.That’sall.’BeforeIcanrespond,Marinawavesherhandatus,gettingourattention.‘Cuttheengine!’shehisses.
Dalessnapstoandturnsofftheengine,stillnotwantingtopissoffMarina.Ourboatdriftsforwardsilently.‘Whatisit?’Iask.‘There’ssomeoneupahead.’Ihearitthen,too.Amotor–onethatdoesalotlesshiccuppingthanDale’s–gettinglouderasitmoves
increasinglycloser.Withthezigzagpatternthistributarytakesthroughthetrees,wecan’tyetseethisotherboat.‘Arethereotherdirtbagswamppeopleoutthisfar?’Nineasks,eyeballingDale.‘Sometimes,’Dalereplies.Helooksaroundatus,asifsomethinghasjustoccurredtohim.‘Now,hold
on.Areweindanger?BecauseIdidn’tsignupforthat.’‘Youdidn’tsignupforanything,’Nineremindshim.‘Hush,’Marinasnaps.‘Heretheycome.’Icouldturnusinvisible.ItoccurstometograbholdofMarinaandNine,usemyLegacyandmakeit
looklikeDale’saloneouthere.ButIdon’t.MarinaandNinedon’tlooklikethey’reinanymoodtoholdhandseither.IfthereareMogadoriansoutthere,wewantthisfight.Iwatchadarkoutlinepassthroughtheclutteroftreesandglideintothewaterinfrontofus.It’sa
pontoonboatjustlikeoursexceptmuchsleekerandprobablywithafewdozenlessleaks.Assoonaswecomeintoview,thesecondboatalsocutsitsengine.Itdriftsaboutthirtyyardsinfrontofus,itswakecausingustobobonagentlewave.TheboatismannedbythreeMogadorians.Becauseoftheheat,they’veremovedtheirstupidblack
leathertrenchcoatsandstrippeddowntotanktops,theirarmsshiningpastywhite,theirblastersanddaggersclearlyvisiblealongtheirbelts.Iwonderwhatthey’redoingouthere,brazenlyoutintheopen,andthenrealizethatthey’reprobablylookingforus.Afterall,theswampsareourlastknownlocation.TheseunluckyMogscoutsmust’vedrawnswampduty.Everyoneisverystill.WestareattheMogs,andIwonderifthey’llevenrecognizeusinthestate
we’rein.TheMogsstareback,notmakinganymovetorestarttheirboatandgetoutofourway.‘Friendsofyours?’Daleslurs.Hisvoicebreaksthestandoff.Inunison,twooftheMogsreachfortheirblasters,thethirdspinning
aroundtorestarttheirengine.Ishoveforwardwithmytelekinesis,hittingthefrontoftheirboatwithasmuchforceasIcanmuster,causingtheship’sbowtoriseupfromthewater.TheMoggoingfortheenginefallsoverboard,andtheothertwogostaggeringbackwards.Asplitsecondaftermytelekineticattack,Marinaleansoverthesideandplungesherhandintothe
swampwater.AsheetoficespreadsoutfromhertowardstheMogs’boat,thewatercrackingandpoppingasitflashfreezes.Theirboatisstuckonatilt,halfoutofthewater,astheicefloecoalescesaroundit.Nineboundsoutofourboat,gracefullyrunsacrossMarina’sicefloeandhurdlesoverthesideofthe
Mogs’boat.HegrabsthenearestMogaroundtheneck,hismomentumandtheboat’sslopeddeckcausingthemtostumbletowardstheboat’srear.ThesecondMoggetshisblasterupandaimsatNine,butbeforehecanfire,NineplantshisfeetandtossesthefirstMogathisbuddy.
ThescoutwhofelloverboardtriestoclimboutofthewaterandontoMarina’spatchofice.That’samistake.Ajaggediciclerisesfromthefloe’sedge,impalingtheMogadorian.BeforethatMoghaseventurnedtoash,IusemytelekinesistoteartheiciclethroughhimandsenditplungingintooneoftheMogsontheboat.ThefinalMog,daggerdrawn,chargesatNine,buthegrabstheMogbythewrist,twistsbackwardsandstabshimthroughtheeyewithhisownblade.Justlikethat,it’sover.Thewholefightlastedlessthanaminute.Evenasdysfunctionalasweseem
rightnow,wecanstillkillthehelloutofsomeMogs.‘Nowthatwasrefreshing!’Nineyells,grinningatmefromtheotherboat.IhearsplashingfromovermyshoulderandturnaroundjustintimetoseeDaleswimmingfrantically
throughtheswampwater.Hemusthavejumpedoverboard,andnowhe’sdog-paddlingawayfromusasfastashisscrawnyarmsanddrunkennesswillallow.‘Whereareyougoing,idiot?’Ishoutafterhim.Dalereachesamuddyoutcroppingofrootsandpullshimselfontoit,gaspingforbreath.Hestaresat
meandtheotherswithwide,wildeyes.‘Youpeoplearefreaks!’hescreams.‘That’snotverynice,’Ninesays,laughing,ashecarefullymakeshiswaybackontoDale’sboat,the
icefloeMarinacreatedalreadybeginningtomeltintheFloridaheat.‘Whataboutyourboat?’IshouttoDale.‘YougonnaswimbacktoTrapper’s?’Hesquintsatme.‘I’llfiguresomethingoutthatdon’tinvolvemutantpowers,thankyouverymuch.’Isighandraisemyhand,intendingtotelekineticallydragDale’sstupidassbackontohisboat,but
Marinatouchesmyshoulderandstopsme.‘Lethimgo,’shesays.‘Butweneedhimtofindthebase,’Ireply.‘We’recloseenough,’Marinasays,shakingherhead.‘Andbesides–’‘Uh,holyshit,’Nineinterrupts,shieldinghiseyesandstaringupatthesky.‘Ithinkwecanjustfollowthatthing,’Marinafinishes.Thedaysuddenlygetsverydark.Ilookupasashadowpassesoverhead,cuttingoffthelimitedlight
thatwassqueezingthroughtheswamp’scanopy.Throughtheleaves,allIcanseeisthearmor-platedhideofaMogadorianshipasitbeginstodescend.It’snothinglikethedinkysaucer-stylecraftsthatIwasabletoknockoutoftheskywithafewwell-placedlightningbolts.Thisshipisenormous,thesizeofanaircraftcarrier,ferociousgunturretsprotrudingfromitsbelly.Thelocalbirdssquawkandtakeflight,dartingawayfromthisterrifyinggiant.Instinctively,IreachoutandgrabNineandMarina,turningthethreeofusinvisible.Aboatof
Mogadoriansisonething.Idon’tthinkwe’rereadyforsomethingthisbig.Thewarshipaboveusdoesn’tcare,though.Itdoesn’tnoticeus.Toashipthatsize,we’reasinsignificantasthemosquitoes.Asitpasses,glidingabovetheswamplandandgraduallyallowinglighttore-enter,IfeellikeI’veshrunk,likeI’msmallagain.LikeI’machild.AndthenIrememberthatlastdayonLorien.ThenineofusandourCêpansrunningfortheshipthat
wouldtakeustoEarth.Thescreamsallaroundus,theheatoffirefromthecity,blasterfirehissingthroughtheair.Irememberlookingupintothenightskyandseeingshipsjustliketheonepassingoverus,
blottingoutthestars,theirturretsblazing,theircargodoorsfallingopentoletloosehordesofblood-hungryPiken.Aboveus,Irealize,isaMogadorianwarship.It’swhattheywillusetotakeEarthonceandforall.‘They’rehere,’Isay,thebreathnearlysuckedoutofme.‘It’sstarting.’
7
Gradually,thesuburbsoutsideWashington,D.C.starttochange.Thehousesbecomebiggerandfartherapart,untileventuallytheyaren’tvisiblefromtheroadatall.Outsidethevanwindowsareimmaculatelymaintainedmeadowsorminiatureparkswherethetreesarespacedatobsessivelyequalintervals,designedtokeepthehousesbehindthemhiddenfrompryingeyes.Thesidestreetsbranchingofffromthemainroadallhaveprestigious-soundingnameslikeOakenCrestWayorGoldtreeBoulevard,allofthemprotectedbyseverePRIVATEPROPERTYsigns.Inthebackseat,Samwhistles.‘Ican’tbelievetheyliveouthere.Likerichpeople.’‘Nokidding,’Ireply,myhandssweatingonthesteeringwheel.IwasthinkingthesamethingasSam
butdon’treallyfeelliketalkingaboutit,worriedthatIwon’tbeabletokeepthejealousyoutofmyvoice.I’vespentmyentirelifeontherun,dreamingaboutlivinginplaceslikethis–stable,quietplaces.AndherearetheMogs,carvingoutanormallifefortheirtruebornupperclass,livingthehighlifeonaplanetthey’reonlylookingtoexploitanddestroy.‘Thegrassisalwaysgreener,’Malcolmsays.‘Theydonotappreciateit,ifthat’sanyconsolation,’Adamsaysquietly,thefirstwordshe’sspoken
sincewestartedontheselastfewmilestoAshwoodEstates,hisformerhome.‘Theyaretaughtnottoenjoysomethingunlesstheycanpossessit.’‘What’sthatmean,exactly?’Samasks.‘Like,ifaMogadorianwenttothepark…?’‘“Onetakesnosatisfactionfromthatwhichonecannothold,”’Adamrecites,suppressingasneer
whenhefinishesthequotation.‘ThatisfromSetrákusRa’sGreatBook.AMogadorianwouldn’tcareaboutyourpark,Sam,notunlessthetreeswerehistochopdown.’‘Soundslikeagreatbook,’Isaydryly.IglanceoveratAdam,nexttomeinthepassengerseat.He’sstaringoutthewindow,adistantlookon
hisface.Iwonderifthisisstrangeforhim–it’sbasicallyahomecoming,eventhoughhe’snotactuallyfromEarth.Adamturnshishead,noticesmelookingathimandseemsalmostembarrassed.HisexpressionquicklychangestooneI’mfamiliarwith–coldMogadoriancomposure.‘Pulloverhere,’heinstructs.‘It’sonlyamilefartheron.’Ipullthevanovertothesideoftheroadandkilltheengine.Withoutthenoisefromthevan,the
constantchirpingfrombehindmeseemsevenlouder.‘Jeez,guys,calmdown,’SamsaystotheboxofexcitedChimæraesittingonthebenchbetweenhimand
Malcolm.IturnaroundtolookdownattheChimærae,alloftheminbirdform.Regal,whoserestingformisa
statelyhawk,perchesnexttoatrioofmorecommonbirds–apigeon,adoveandarobin.Thenthere’sasleekgrayfalconthatmustbeDustandanoverweightowlthathastobeStanley.Allofthemhavelightweightleathercollarsstrappedgentlyaroundtheirnecks.Thisissteponeofourplan.
‘Iseverythingworking?’IaskSam,wholooksupfromthelaptoprestingonhislegsandgrinsatme.‘Checkitout,’Samsaysproudly,turningthelaptoptofaceme.UsingtheChimæraeinthiswaywashis
idea.Tiledonthelaptopscreenarehalfadozengrainyvideofeeds,eachofthemshowingmyfacefroma
slightlydifferentangle.Thecamerasareworking.OnourwayfromBaltimoretoWashingtonwestoppedatadarklittlestorefrontcalledSpyGuysthat
specializesincamerasandhome-securitygear.Theclerkdidn’taskMalcolmwhyheneededtopurchasemorethanadozenoftheirsmallestwirelesscameras;heseemedgratefulforthebusinessandevenshowedushowtoinstallthenecessarysoftwareononeofourlaptops.Afterthat,wepickedupthecollarsatapetstore.TheotherscarefullyattachedthecamerastothemwhileIdrovesouthtowardsWashington.TheMogadorianshavespentsomucheffortrunningsurveillanceonus,stalkingus.Nowwe’regoing
toturnthetables.‘SpreadoutaroundAshwoodEstates,’ItelltheChimærae,punctuatingmycommandwithamental
pictureofthesatellitephotosofAshwoodthatI’vebeenstudyingsinceyesterdayandsendingthatontotheflocktelepathically.‘Trytocovereveryangle.FocusespeciallyonwheretheMogadoriansare.’TheChimæraerespondwithenthusiasticcawingandaflutteringofwings.InodtoSamandhethrowsopenthevan’ssidedoor.Whatfollowsisawildflurryofactivity,ourhalf
dozenshape-shiftingspybirdstakingoffallatonce,afunnelofsquawkingandflappingwingsastheyflyoutofthevan.Asseriousasoursituationis,there’ssomethingawesomeaboutthesight;SamisgrinningandevenAdamallowshimselfasmallsmile.‘Thisisgoingtowork,’Malcolmsays,pattingSamontheback.Sam’ssmileincreasesjustalittlebit
more.Theviewonthelaptopscreenisdisorienting,theChimæraeallswoopingandglidingindifferent
directions.Thefirsttosettleintosometreespositionthemselvesrightabovethewrought-irongatesofAshwoodEstates.Agateisbuiltintoabrickwallthere;thewallstretchesforafewyardsandthen,presumablyonceit’snolongervisiblefromtheroad,turnsintoamoresinister-lookingbarbed-wirefence.‘Guards,’Isay,pointingoutthetrioofMogadorians,twoofthemsittinginthegatehouse,oneofthem
pacinginfrontofthegateitself.‘That’sit?’Samasks.‘Onlythreeofthem?That’snothing.’‘Theydonotexpectafrontalattack.Oranyattack,really,’Adamexplains.‘Theirpurposeismainlyto
scareoffanydriverswhomightmakeawrongturn.’AstheremainingChimæraesettleontorooftopsandtreebranches,thevideofeedssnappingintofocus,
IstarttogetaclearerideaofAshwoodEstates’layout.Beyondthefrontgateisashortbutwindingentranceroadwithverylittlecover.Thatroadleadstowhatisessentiallyaverylargecul-de-sac,abouttwentywell-appointedhousesarrangedaroundacentralrecreationarea.Apparently,theMogadorianshavepicnictables,basketballhoopsandapool.Allinall,it’sanidyllicswathofsuburbia,exceptthere’snoonearound.‘Seemsquiet,’Isay,scanningthefeeds.‘Isitalwayslikethis?’‘No,’Adamadmits.‘Somethingisn’tright.’
OneoftheChimæraetakesflightandrepositionsitself,gettinganangleononeofthehousesthatwecouldn’tseebefore.Atrashtruckisparkedatthecurb,itsengineoff.‘There’ssomeone,’Samsays,enlargingthefeed.AsolitaryMogadorianholdingatabletcomputerstandsnexttothetruck.Helooksboredashethumbs
somethingintothetablet.AdamsquintsatthetattoosontheMogadorian’sscalp.‘Anengineer,’hesays.‘Youcantellthat?’Iask.‘It’sinthetattoos.Fortrueborn,thosearesymbolsofhonorandwhatthey’veaccomplished.The
vatborngetjobtitles,’Adamexplains.‘Makesiteasytoorderthemaround.’‘There’smore,’Sampointsout.WewatchasfourMogadorianwarriorscarryarefrigerator-sizedpieceofcomputerequipmentoutof
thehouse.Theytakeittowardsthecurbandsetitdowninfrontoftheengineer,thenwaitaroundwhilehecirclesthemachineandinspectsit.‘Lookslikeaserver,’Malcolmobserves.HeturnstoAdam.‘Couldtheybereplacingtheequipment
youdestroyed?’‘Possibly,’Adamreplies,buthedoesn’tsoundcertain.Hepointsoutatwo-levelhousewithaporcha
fewdoorsdownfromwheretheMogadoriansareworking.‘That’smyoldhome.Iknowforcertainthere’sanaccesspointtothetunnelsthroughthere,buttheotherhouseslikelyhaveaccess,too.’WhileAdam’stalking,theengineerfinisheshisinspectionoftheserver.Heshakeshishead,andthe
otherMogspicktheequipmentbackup.Theytossitintothetrashtruck,thenreturntothehouse.‘Iguesstheyaren’tbigonrecycling,huh?’Samsays.BeforethefirstgroupofMogscanheadbackintothehouse,asecondgroupemerges.They’recarrying
whatlookslikeabarber’schairfromabadsci-fimovie,thethingequalpartsfuturisticandfrightening,wiresandnodesdanglingfromit.Theengineerhustlesforwardtomeetthissecondgroup,helpingthemtoeasetheequipmentgentlyontothegrassofthefrontyard.‘Irecognizethat,’Malcolmsays,anedgetohisvoice.‘DrAnu’smachine,’Adamsays,turningtome.‘That’swhattheyusedonMalcolm.Andonme.’‘What’retheygoingtodowithitnow?’Iask,watchingtheengineerbeginhisinspection.‘Thislookslikeasalvageteam,’Adamexplains.‘IdidsomedamagetothetunnelsthelasttimeIwas
here.Now,they’resavingwhatequipmenttheycanandgettingridoftherest.’‘Whataboutallthetruebornswhoweresupposedtobehere?’Adamgrimaces.‘Theymighthavebeenevacuateduntilthisplacecanbebroughtuptospec.’IwidenmyeyesatAdam.‘Sowedroveoutherefornothing?Thetruebornarealreadygoneandthe
machineisbusted.’‘No,’hesays,andIcanseethegearsturningbehindhiseyes.‘Ifwecantakeoutthissalvageteam
beforetheygetoffadistresscall,we’dhavecompleteaccesstowhat’sleftofAshwood.Fromthere,wecangetontotheirnetwork–’‘Andthatgetsuswhat?’‘It’slikeifoneofmypeoplecouldopenoneofyourChests,John.We’llknowtheirsecrets.What
they’replanning.’‘We’llbeonestepahead,’Isay.
‘Yes.’Adamnods,watchingtheengineerasheevaluatesDrAnu’smachine.‘Butweshouldgetinthere.Whatthesalvageteamdecidestodestroycouldstillbeusefultous.’‘Allright,’Isay,watchingtheMogsalvageteamheadbackintothehouse.‘So,isthereasecret
entranceorsomething?’‘Atthispoint,Ithinkadirectassaultisourbestbet.’Helooksatme.‘Thatallrightwithyou?’‘Hellyes,’Ireply.Originally,we’dplannedtouseournetworkofChimæraesurveillancetoobserve
theMogsforawhile,figureoutthemoststrategicapproachtoattacking.But,nowthatwe’rehere,Ifindmyselfitchingtogointobattle.Ineedsomepaybackforeverythingthey’vedone–fortakingElla,destroyingNine’shome,killingoneofmyfriends.IfAdamsaysweneedtorushin,I’mreadytogo.Malcolmgrabsaboxfromundertheseat.Fromwithin,heproducestwoearbuds,oneformeandone
forAdam.Thedevicesareconnectedtothepairofwalkie-talkiesSamandMalcolmwillbeusing.IslipmineintomyearandAdamdoesthesame.‘Areweatallconcernedwiththelocalauthorities?’Malcolmasks.‘Afirefightinbroaddaylightmight
attractsomeattention.’Adamshakeshishead.‘They’reboughtoff,’hesays,thenlooksatme.‘Wewillwanttobequick,
though.Killthembeforetheycancallforreinforcements.IfIcangetpastthemintomyoldhouse,Ishouldbeabletocutofftheircommunications.’‘Icandoquick,’Ireply.IstrapmyLoricdaggertomycalf,hiddenundermytrouserleg.Next,Iclipmyredbraceletaroundmy
wrist.Theamberjewelinitscenterthatexpandstoformashieldshimmersinthemiddaysun.Immediately,thebraceletjoltsmewithicypinpricks,warningmethereareMogsinthearea.Ofcourseitwould–there’sonesittingrightnexttome.Adam’spresenceisgoingtoreallywreakhavoconmydangersense.‘Ready?’Iaskhim.Nexttome,Adampullsonanover-the-shoulderholster,asilencedhandgunnowhangingundereachof
hisarmpits.Henods.‘Whoa,holdon,’Samsays.‘Checkoutthisguy.’AdamandIturnbacktothelaptop,watchingasanotherMogadorianemergesfromthehousethe
salvageteamiscurrentlyunloading.He’stallandbroadshouldered,biggerthantheothers,andwithamoreregalbearing.Unliketheothers,hehasahugeswordstrappedacrosshisback.Whilewewatch,hebarkssomeordersattheengineer,thendisappearsbackintothehouse.WhenIglanceoveratAdam,hisfaceissomehowmorepalethanusual.‘Whatisit?’‘Nothing,’hesays,tooquickly.‘Justwatchoutforthatone.He’satrueborngeneral,oneofSetrákus
Ra’smosttrustedmen.He…’Adamhesitates,watchingthespotonthemonitorthisgeneraljustoccupied.‘HehaskilledGardebefore.’Ifeelheatrushingtomyhands.IfIwasn’treadyforafightalready,Idefinitelyamnow.‘He’sdead,’Isay,andAdammerelynods,openshisdoorandgetsoutofthevan.IlooktoSamand
Malcolm.‘We’llapproachonfoot,takeouttheguardsandthenyoupulluptocoverourback.’‘Iknow,Iknow,’Samsays.‘I’llwatchthemonitorandshoutinyourearwhenIseetrouble.’
Malcolmhasalreadystartedunpackinghissniperriflefromitscase.IsawhimusethatthinginArkansas–hesavedmyass.There’snooneI’dratherhavewatchingmybackthantheGoodes.‘Becareful,’Malcolmsays,raisinghisvoicesoAdamcanhear.‘Bothofyou.’SamandIslaphands.‘Givethemhell,’hesays.AndthenI’moutofthevan,movingatabriskjogtowardstheMogadorianstronghold.Adamkeepsup
alongsideme.‘John,’hesays,ourfeetcrunchinginthegravelonthesideoftheroad.‘Thereissomethingelseyou
shouldknow.’Ofcourse.JustwhenIwasbeginningtoletmyguarddownaroundthisguy,rightwhenwe’regoinginto
battletogether,he’sgoingtospringsomethingonme.‘Whatisit?’‘TheGeneralismyfather.’
8
Ialmostskidtoastop,butAdamdoesn’tseemtobeslowingdownany,soIkeeppacewithhim.‘You’rekiddingme.’‘No.’Adamfrowns,focusingontheroadahead.‘Wedon’texactlygetalong.’‘Areyougoingto…’Idon’tevenknowhowtophrasethis.‘Willyoubeableto…?’‘Fight?Kill?’Adamreplies.‘Yes.Showhimnomercy,becausehewon’tshowanytous.’‘Yourownfather,man?Imean,evenforaMogadorian,that’sprettycold.’‘Atthispoint,defeatinghiminbattleislikelytheonlywayhe’lleverfeelprideforme,’Adamreplies,
addingweakly,‘notthatIcare.’Ishakemyhead.‘Youguysaresoscrewedup.’WefallsilentastheentrancetoAshwoodEstatescomesintoview.TheMogadorianinfrontofthe
gatesspotsusandshieldshiseyesfromthesun,tryingtogetabetterlook.Wekeepupasteadypaceanddon’tmakeanyattempttoconcealourselves.We’reseparatedfromthegatesbyaboutfiftyyardsandclosingfast,buttotheMogwemightlooklikejustacoupleofjoggers.Hewon’tnoticethegunsstrappedtoAdamjustyet.‘Waituntilwe’realittlecloser,’Isaythroughgrittedteeth,andAdamnods.Atthirtyyards,theMogturnshishead,sayingsomethingtohistwobuddiesinthegatehouse.Warning
themthatsomethingmightbeup.Iseethemstandup,silhouettedinthewindow,peeringoutatus.TheMoginfrontedgesbackabit,hisfingersinchingtowardstheblastersurelyhiddenunderhiscoat.Buthehesitates,probablystillthinkshe’sbeingparanoid.Theyreallyneverthoughtwe’dcomeforthem.Theyaren’tprepared.Withtwentyyardstogo,IfireupmyLumen,flamesroaringacrossmyhands.Nexttome,instride,
Adamdrawsbothhisgunsandtakesaim.TheclosestMogtriestopullhisblaster,buthe’swaytooslow.Adamfirestwoshots,onefromeach
gun,bothofthemmuffledbysilencers.Strucktwiceinthechest,theMogteetersforamomentandthenexplodesintoacloudofash.Ilaunchafireballatthegatehouse.TheMogadoriansinsidearescramblingaroundbut,liketheir
friend,arealsotooslow.Thefireballexplodesthroughthewindow,sendingglasseverywhere,andcausingoneoftheMogstogoupinflames.Theotheronemanagestothrowhimselfoutthedoor,flamesdancinguphisback.He’sstandingrightinfrontofAshwood’slockedentrance,soIreachoutwithmytelekinesisandtearthewrought-irongateoffitshinges,crushingtheMog.‘Thinktheothersheardus?’IaskAdam,aswesteparoundthebentmetalgateandintoAshwood
Estates.‘Ourentrancedidlacksubtlety,’Adamobserves.Sam’svoicecracklesinmyear.‘Fourofthemrunninguptheaccessroad,’hewarns.‘Blastersready.’
Theaccessroadisuphillwithaslightbendatthetopafterwhichwe’llbeatthehousingdevelopment.Thereisn’tawholelotofcoverontheway.‘Staybehindme,’ItellAdam.Justthen,theMogscomearoundthebend.Theydon’taskanyquestionsbeforeunleashingavolleyof
blasterfire.Adamleapsbehindmejustasmyshielddeploys–it’slikeaparachuteexplodingoutofmyarm,theripplingcrimsonmaterialspreadingtoabsorbtheblasts.Adamgrabsholdofthebackofmyshirt.‘Goforward,’hesays.Ido,theshieldabsorbingmoreblasterfireasIpresstowardstheMogs.Thebraceletisnowasteady,
numbinglypainfulbuzzagainstmywrist.Carefullyfollowingmystepstokeepfromgettingshot,Adampopsaroundtheedgeoftheshield,gunningdowntwooftheMogsinonego.Realizingthey’renotmakinganyprogress,theothertwotrytoretreat.Ilowermyshieldandlaunchafireballthatexplodesbetweenthem,knockingthembothtotheground.Adamfinishesthemoffwithsomewell-aimedgunfire.Outofdangerfornow,myshieldretractsbackintomybracelet.‘Notbad,’Itellhim.‘We’rejustgettingstarted,’hereplies.Werundowntheaccessroadaroundthebend,andtheopulenthomesofAshwoodEstatesfinallycome
intoview.There’snooneoutandallthewindowsaredark;thewholeplacefeelslikeaghosttown.Toourright,IseeAdam’soldhouse,andafewhousesdownfromthatisthetrashtruckandthehigh-techchairtheengineerwasinspecting.Thesalvageteams,theengineerandtheGeneralarenowheretobeseen.‘They’recomingfromthebackyard!’Samyells.BothAdamandIspinaroundintimetoseeasquadronofMogwarriorssneakingtowardsusbetween
twoofthehouses.Itwould’vebeenaprettygoodambushifwedidn’thavescoutsperchedintheirtrees.Astheyraisetheirblasters,Adamisready.Hestompsthegroundandaconcussivewaveofforcerollsintheirdirection,pavementandchunksofgrassripplingupward.TheclosestMogsarecompletelythrownofftheirfeet,othersstaggerandoneofthemaccidentallydischargeshisblasterintoanother’sback.‘I’llfinishthemoff!’ItellAdam.‘Yougomakesuretheyaren’tcallingreinforcements.’Adamnods,thensprintsacrossthelawntowardshisoldhouse.Meanwhile,nexttothestunned
Mogadorians,Inoticeametaltankthathadcomeunmooredfromwhereitwasattachedtoahouse.Withmyhearingfocused,Icanhearafainthissemanatingfromthetank.Ialmostlaughatmyluck.It’sagasline.IlaunchafireballattheMogsbeforetheycancollectthemselves.ItwhizzesrightbytheleadMog,
whoIthinkactuallysmirksatme,thinkingthatI’vemissedinthosetwosecondsbeforethepropanetankexplodes,incineratingthelotofthem.Thewindowsofthetwoadjacenthousesareallblowninwardfromtheforce,largeblacksingemarksformingontheoutside,grassburning.Ihavetostopmyselffromappreciatingthedestruction–itfeelsalmostcathartictodestroythisplace,toteardownwhattheMogshavebuilt,afterhowmanytimesthey’vetorndownmyattemptsatanormallife.‘Damn,dude,’Samsaysinmyear.‘Wefeltthatoverhere.’Iyankmywalkie-talkieoffthebackofmyjeans.‘What’sitlooklike,Sam?’‘You’reclear,’hesays.‘It’sweird.Ithoughtthere’dbemoreofthem.’
‘Theycouldbedowninthetunnels,’Ireply,startingtowardsthehouseAdamrushedinto.IscantheemptywindowsasIgo,waryofanyMogswhomightbelyinginwait.It’sjusttoodamnquiet.‘Andthathuge-assgeneralguy,’Samsays.‘Hewasn’twiththeonesyoublewup.’I’mcrossingthelawntowardsAdam’shousewhenthefrontwindowshattersandAdam’sbodycomes
flyingout.Hislegssmackhardagainsttheporchrailingandhe’sturnedheadoverheels,flippedlikearagdollintothefrontyard.Iruntohimasheshakilytriestopickhimselfup.‘Whathappened?’Ishout.‘Father…isn’thappy,’hegroans,lookingupatmeasIcrouchdownoverhim.There’sahugepieceof
glassstickingoutofhischeek,atrickleofdarkbloodrunningdownhisneck.Heyanksitoutandtossesitaside.‘Canyougetup?’Iask,grabbinghisshoulder.BeforeAdamcananswer,aboomingvoiceinterrupts.‘NumberFour!’TheGeneralstridesconfidentlythroughthefrontdoor,lookingdownatmefromtheporch.He’shuge
andmuscular.ThetattoossplashedacrosshispaleskullarewaymoreintricatethananyMogI’veseenoutsideofSetrákusRa.Isensemotionbehindhim–otherMogadorians,Ican’tbesurehowmany.Theydon’tcomeoutofthehouse.It’salmostliketheGeneralwantstodothisalone.Istandupandfacehim,myhandsglowingandhot,afireballfloatinginmypalm.‘YouknowwhoIam,huh?’Iaskhim.‘Indeed.Ihavelonghopedwewouldmeet.’‘Uh-huh.Ifyouknowme,thenyouknowyoudon’tstandachanceagainstme.’Icranemynecktolook
pasthim.‘Noneofyoudo.’TheGeneralactuallysmiles.‘Verygood.Bravado.Awelcomechangeofpace.ThelastLoricI
encounteredran.Ihadtostabhimintheback.’IdecideI’vehadenoughtalkandwhipthefireballathim.TheGeneralseesitcoming,hunkerslowand
inonesurprisinglyfluidmotiondrawshisswordfromitssheath.Heslicestheairinfrontofhimjustasthefireballgetsclose,andtheglowingMogadorianbladeabsorbsmyattack.Notgood.TheGeneralleapsofftheporch,swordraisedabovehishead,andbringsitdowninaviciousarc
towardsme.He’sfast–wayfasterthantheotherMogsI’vebeenfighting–andmyshieldbarelyhastimetodeploybeforehisswordwouldcleavemeintwo.Theshieldrebuffsthebladewithaloudclang,buttheforceisstillenoughtoknockmebackwardsandoffmyfeet.‘John!’Adamshouts,andtheGeneral,havinglandedrightnexttohim,takesamomenttokickhisson
hardacrosstheface.Adamscreams,rollingaway.‘Youareaperpetualdisappointment,’theGeneralseethesatAdam,solowIcanbarelyhearhiswords.
‘StaydownandImayyetshowyoumercy.’Ipopontomykneesquickly,channelinganotherfireball.TheGeneralpointshisswordatmeandIfeel
somethinglikearushofair,almostlikethebladeissuckingintheenergyaroundit.Myfireballguttersandshrinks,forcingmetofocushardertobuilditbigger.Meanwhile,thegrassaroundtheGeneralgoesfromgreentobrown,thebladedrainingthelifefromit.Ihaven’tseenoneoftheMogsarmedwithaweaponlikethissincethatfightinthewoodsoutsideParadiseHigh.‘Don’tletithityou!’Adamwarns,spittingblood.
Buthiswarningistoolate.Adagger-shapedboltofenergytearsloosefromtheGeneral’sbladeandscreamstowardsme;theenergyisblack,ormorelikedevoidofanycoloratall,andchangestheverytextureoftheairthatitpassesthrough,suckinguplifeandoxygen,likeaminiblackhole.Idon’thaveachancetododgeit.Myshielddeploys,expandingintheusualumbrella-likeway,but
immediatelyturnsblackandbrittlewhentheGeneral’sblasthits.Frozenlikethat,myshieldslowlybeginstocrumble,blownawaylikesomuchMogadorianash.Dark,rustlikeveinsbegintospreadthroughthebraceletitself,andIhurriedlysnapitoffbeforetheymakecontactwithmyskin.Whenithitstheground,mybraceletbreaksinhalf.TheGeneralsmilesatmeagainandasks,‘Nowwillyourun?’
9
TheMogadorianswhoweretakingcoverinsidethehousestarttolaugh.Onebyone,theyfilterontotheporch,eagertogetacloserlookastheirgreatgeneraldispatchesoneoftheGarde.There’sacoupledozenofthem,thesalvageteamplussomewarriorsandscouts,allofthemvatborn.Notexactlythehigh-prioritytargetswewerehopingfor,butthatdoesn’tmatternow.ThereareonlytwotruebornMogsinAshwoodEstates–oneofthemisAdam,andhe’slaidoutinthegrassjustafewyardsfromme,darkblooddrippingfromhisface.Theotherischargingrightatme.AstheGeneralbearsdownonme,swordleveledatmythroat,there’samomentwhereIthinkwemight
havebittenoffmorethanwecanchew,AdamandmetryingtotakeonanentireMogadoriantown.ButthenIrememberitisn’tjustthetwoofus.Withashriek,Dust,stillinfalconform,dive-bombstheGeneral.Histalonssinkdeepintothe
General’sface,thehugeMogadoriangruntinginpainbeforehemanagestobackhandDustaway.It’sexactlythedistractionIneed.Quickly,IformanotherfireballandpitchitattheGeneral.Thistime,
hedoesn’thaveachancetogethisswordup,andthefirehitshimrightinthechest.Iexpecthimtoatleastbeknockedoffhisfeet,buttheGeneralmerelystumblesbackafewsteps.Thefrontofhisuniformburnsaway,revealingacarapaceofobsidianMogadorianarmorbeneath.Dust,stunnedbytheblow,flopsintothegrassattheGeneral’sfeet.Hebringshissworddownhardat
theChimæra,butDusttransformsintoasnakeatthelastsecondandmanagestoslitherthroughthegrassawayfromtheblade.TheGeneral,freshclawmarksacrosshisface,swingshisgazebacktome.‘Hidingbehindyourpets!’theGeneralbellows.‘Disgraceful.Fightmewithhonor,boy.Nomore
tricks.’IholdupmyhandandsmileattheGeneral,noticingthebirdsflutteringinfromallsides.‘Holdon.Just
onemoretrick.’Andthat’swhentherhinocerosdropsfromthesky.OnemomenttheChimæra–I’mnotevensurewhichone–isarobinflyinginnocentlyabovetheheads
oftheMogadorians;thenextit’sahalf-tonAfricanrhinobelly-floppingontopofthem.AcoupleoftheMogsontheporcharecrushedoutright,thewoodbreakingandsplintering,thefrontofthehouseevensinkingalittleatthebeast’sweight.AnotherMogisgoredbytherhinoasitstartstorampagearound.TheotherMogsspillintotheyard,blastersfiring.Theyaren’tlaughinganymore.ThiswholenobleexecutiontheGeneralhadthemwatchinghasbeenruinedbyoursmallarmyofChimærae.It’schaos.Allaroundus,birdsaremorphingintomorelethalforms–abear,acoupleofjunglecats
andalumberinglizardthingthatIthinkisaKomododragon–andrunningdowntheMogadorians.IseesomeoftheChimæraesustainblasterburnsastheMogsfiremadlyatthem,tryingdesperatelytoregroup.Theywon’tbeabletoholdoutlong.Foronce,we’vegottheelementofsurprise.
‘Lookslikeyoushouldbetheonerunning,’IyellattheGeneralasIsquareupwithhim.Truthbetold,I’mnotsurewhattodowithhim.HeisAdam’sfather,afterall.Adamtoldmetoshownomercy,butitstillfeelswrongtokillafatherinfrontofhisson,eveniftheyareMogadorians.IglanceovertoAdam,hopinghe’llatleastgivemeathumbs-uporthumbs-down,buthe’sstillcrumpledinthegrass,strugglingtopickhimselfup.Dustisnexttohiminwolfform,alsolookingalittlebeatenup,gentlylickingAdam’sface.‘MynameisalreadywritteninthehistoriesasakillerofGarde!’theGeneralroarsbackatme,not
evencaringaboutthedecimationofhismengoingonbehindhim.‘IftodayisthedayIdie,Iwilltakeyouwithme.’Hechargesme,swordstabbingrightformysternum.Iholdupmyarm,expectingmyshieldtodeploy
anddeflecttheblow.Ittakesmeasplitsecondtoremembermywristisbare,myshielddestroyed.TheGeneralalmostskewersmeformyover-relianceonmybracelet.IhavetospintothesideatthelastsecondandcanfeelhowcloseIcame,hisbladetearingthroughthebackofmyshirt.TheGeneral’sswordmightmiss,buthiselbowdoesn’t.Usinghismomentumtoswingaround,he
catchesmerightinthetemple.HemustbewearingthatMogadorianarmoralloverhisbody,becausetheelbowfeelsmorelikeahammer.Istumbletotheside,seeingstars.TheGeneralslashesatmeagain,andIjustbarelymanagetolashoutwithmytelekinesis,shovinghimbackwards.Hisheelsdiguptuftsinthegrassasherefusestoleavehisfeet.Insteadofchargingbackatme,theGenerallevelshissword,anotherminivortexdevelopingatthe
blade’stip.I’mcaughtout–noshield,nocover–andIknowIcan’tletthatlife-drainingenergyhitme.Ibracemyself,readytodiveaside.Beforetheswordcandischarge,theGeneral’srighthandexplodes.Heroarsanddropshisblade,
holdinguphishandtolookatthenickel-sizedholethroughthepalmthatwasn’tthereasecondago.‘Dadsays,“You’rewelcome,”’Sam’svoicechirpsinmyear.Iglanceovermyshouldertoseeourvanparkedontheaccessroad.MalcolmGoodestandsnexttothe
driver-sidedoor,usingitforcoverashepeersthroughthescopeofhisrifle.‘Interlopers,’theGeneralgrowls.BeforeMalcolmcanfireanothershot,theGeneraltakesoffata
sprint,usingthetrashtruckforcover.He’ssurprisinglyfastconsideringhisbulkandthatfullsuitofarmor.Well,I’dwantedhimtorun.Ichaseafterhim,thoughtsofhowhehuntedandkilledGardefuelingme.Outofthecornerofmyeye,I
seeaMogwarriordrawabeadonmewithhisblaster.Ashefires,aChimæraintheshapeofablackpantherleapsontohisback.TheblastsailswideandendsupshearinginhalfthechairDrAnuusedinhisexperiments.IknowourgoalwastokeepthisMogtechnologyintact,butthatdoesn’tmattertomenow.I’mseeingred.TheGeneral–soproudofkillingGarde.Killingchildren.I’mgoingtowritethelastchapterinhisprecioushistory.Rightnow.AsIcomearoundthetrashtruck,IseetheGeneralhasmadeittothebasketballcourtsandstopped.He
beckonsmeonward,waitingformeatcentercourt.Ichargein,ignoringthepartofmethatknowshe’ssettingmeupforsomekindoftrap.Whateveritis,itwon’tstopme.TheGeneralgrowlssomethinginMogadorian.Itsoundslikeacommand.Undermyfeet,beneaththe
asphalt,ageneratorofsomekindvibratestolife.
Ifeelastaticchargeasadome-shapedforcefieldrisesupoverthebasketballcourt,trappingmewiththeGeneral.Everythingissuddenlyveryquiet,thenoiseoftheChimæraemaulingtheMogadoriansblockedoutbytheforcefield.Itakeastepawayfromthenearestwall,sensingthesametypeofelectricjoltthatweencounteredat
thebaseinWestVirginia.IrememberhowsickIwasafterthat–ittookmedaystorecover–andknowthatIcan’tgettooclose.EvenasI’mthinkingthis,anover-eagerChimæraintheshapeofatigerflingsherselfattheGeneral.
TheblueenergyrepulsesthepouncingChimæra,shocksherandleavesherinaconvulsingheapontheground,stillverymuchoutsidetheforcefield.‘WeusedtofightPikenagainsteachotherinthisplace,’theGeneralmuses,wavinghishandatthe
enclosedspace.‘Itwasarewardforthevatborn.Pitymoreofthemaren’theretowitnesstoday’scontest.’‘Youwantsomealonetimewithme,isthatit?’ItaunttheGeneral,makingsuretoputsomedistance
betweenmeandtheforcefield.‘Iwanttokillyouinpeace,’hereplies.‘Withyourmanyfriendswatchinghelplessly.’‘Goodluckwiththat.’Withouthesitation,IchargetowardstheGeneral,pitchingfireballsathimasIgo.Heabsorbseachof
them.Hugechunksofhisuniformburnaway,butIdon’tseemtobedoinganydamagetothearmorunderneath.Notlettinganypainregisteronhisface,theGeneralrushesrightforme,likehe’sgoingtobarrelintome.Heprobablyweighsasolidtwohundredpoundsmorethanmewiththatarmor.Butscrewit.Wecrashtogetherandthewindgoesoutofme,butImanagetostayupright.Ipressmyhand,still
engulfedbytheflamesofmyLumen,againstthesideoftheGeneral’sface.Heletsoutagruntofpain,butthat’shisonlyreactiontomeburninghisface,hispaleskinsearingblackandpopping.Bothofhishandswraparoundmythroat,bigenoughthathisfingersoverlapatthebackofmyneck.Hesqueezesmyneckandimmediatelydarkspotsforminmyvision.Ican’tbreathe.Withthehandnot
burningthesideoftheGeneral’sface,Ipryathisfingers.ItfeelslikemythroatwillcompletelycollapseifIlethisgripgetanytighter.It’shardtoconcentratewithhimchokingme,butImanagetokeepuptheintensityofmyLumenwhile
simultaneouslyusingmytelekinesis.Imaneuvermydaggeroutfrombeneathmytrouserleg.Withoutafreehand,IgatherasmuchtelekineticforceasIcanmusterandsendthebladelancingtowardstheGeneral’sheart.Mydaggerdeflectsoffhisarmor.BeforeIcanstabathimagain,hetightenshisgriponmythroatandI
losecontrolofmytelekinesis.Feelingfaint,it’sallIcandotokeepmyLumenburningagainstthesideofhisface.‘Whodoyouthinkwilldiefirst,boy?’theGeneralsneers,smokefromhisownburnedfacespillingout
ofhismouthwhenhespeaks.Itrytobackpedal,tobreakawayfromhim,butheputsallhisweightdown,forcingmetomyknees.Suddenly,aMogadorianswordisthrusttowardsmyface.Unabletomovemyhead,Icanonlyflinch
backwards.Thetipoftheglowingbladestopsjustshortofmyeye.TheGeneral’sgripslackensandthendropsawayentirely.Ifallontomyside,gaspingforbreath,tryingtofigureoutwhatjusthappened.
‘Throughtheback.Isn’tthathowyoudoit,Father?’AdamholdstheGeneral’sbroadswordintwohands–it’salmosttooheavyforhim–andyanksitout
ofhisfather’sback.HedroveitstraightthroughtheGeneral’schest,theglowingbladepiercingthatMogadorianarmorasifitweremadeoftinfoil.Iwastoobusyfightingformylifetonoticetheforcefieldcomedown.Luckily,theGeneralwas,too.HestaresatAdam,stunned.TheGeneralmustrealizehismistake–alltheMogsknowthevoicecommandtobringdowntheforcefield,butoneofthemwasn’tfightingonhisside.TheGeneralgropesatthewoundonhischestandforamomentIthinkhe’sgoingtokeepcoming.But
thenhestaggers,reachingouttograspatAdam,almostasifhewantstohughim.Ormaybestranglehim.It’shardtotell.Adamstepsaside,adetachedlookonhisface,andallowstheGeneraltofallface-firstontothe
pavement.Beyondthecourt,thefightingisover,theMogadoriansalldead.BackinAdam’sfrontyard,SamkneelsoverawoundedChimæra.Malcolmstandsafewfeetofffromus,onthesideline,watchingthescenewiththeGeneral,alookofconcernonhisface.IpickmyselfupandstandnexttoAdam.‘Adam,areyou…?’Myvoiceishoarse,throatrawandsore.Adamholdsupahand,cuttingmeoff.‘Look,’hesaysflatly.Atourfeet,theGeneralbeginstodisintegrate.Itdoesn’thappenquicklylikeI’veseenwiththemany
vatbornscoutsandwarriorsI’vekilled.TheGeneraldecomposesslowly,partsofhimflatteningoutfasterthanothers.Insomespots,hisfleshmeltsawaybutnotthebonebeneath,leavingaskeletalelbowjuttingupfromthegroundnexttoaribcage,allattachedtoahalf-disintegratedskull.‘YoucanseewhereSetrákusRaaugmentedhim,’Adamsays,hisvoicealmostclinicalasheexplains.
‘Healedwounds,cureddiseases,improvedhisstrengthandspeed.Hepromisedimmortality.Buttheunnaturalpartsdisintegrate,likethevatborn.Therest,what’sleft,thatistrueborn,realflesh.’‘Wedon’thavetogetintothisnow,’Imanagetosay,stilltryingtocatchmybreath.It’snotthatIdon’t
appreciatetheinformation.It’sjustthatAdam’sdadislyingdeadatourfeetandhe’sgivingalessoninMogadoriangeneticslikenothinghappened.‘They’retoofargonetorealizeit,butthisisthefateSetrákusRaoffersmypeople.Ashesandspare
parts,’Adamsays,staringathisfather’sremains.‘IwonderhowmuchmorewouldbeleftiftheGreatLeaderhadneverpoisonedhisbodyandmind.’Adamletsgooftheswordanditthunksheavilytotheground.Iputmyhandonhisshoulder,the
revulsionIfeltforhimoverthelastcoupleofdaysforgotten.Hejustsavedmylifeandkilledhisownfathertodoit.‘Adam,it’sokay,’Istart,notreallysurewhattosayinthiscrazysituation.‘Ihatedhim,’hereplies,notlookingatme.Hestaresattheburneduniform,pilesofashandrandom
bonesthatusedtobetheGeneral.‘Buthewasmyfather.Iwishthingscouldhaveendeddifferently.Forallofus.’IcrouchdownovertheGeneral’sremainsandcarefullyremovethesimpleblackleathersheaththathe
woreacrosshisback.It’salittlesingedbutstillholdingtogether.IpickuptheswordfromwhereAdamdroppedit,sheathitandholditouttohim.‘Idon’twantthat,’Adamsays,staringattheswordwithalookofdisgust.
‘Thingscanenddifferently,’Itellhim.‘Usethisinawaythatyourfatherneverdid.Helpuswinthiswarandchangethefateofbothourpeople.’Adamhesitatesforamomentbeforeacceptingtheswordfromme.Heholdsthebladeinbothhands
andstaresdownatit.Afteralongmomentofcontemplation,Adamslingsthesheathoverhisshoulder.Hegruntsattheweightbutmanagestostandupstraight.‘Thankyou,John,’hesaysquietly.‘Isweartoyou,thisbladewillneveragainbeusedagainstaLoric.’Samwalksovertous.‘Youguysallright?’Adamnods.Itouchtheskinofmythroat,whichalreadyfeelsswollenandpuffyfromwherethe
Generalstrangledme.‘Yeah,I’mgood,’Ireply,thenlooktoAdam.‘Arewedone,though?Oraretheremorecoming?’Heshakeshishead.‘Ishutdowncommunicationsrightbeforemy–rightbeforetheGeneralcaughtup
withme.Therewon’tbeanyreinforcements.’‘Nice,’Samreplies,lookingoutattheemptywindowsofAshwoodEstates.‘Sowejusttookovera
Mogadorianbase.’BeforeIcanbaskinanysenseofaccomplishment,InoticeadarklookonAdam’sface.He’snolonger
staringdownathisfather.Instead,hiseyesareturnedtowardsthehorizon,likehe’sexpectingtoseesomethingbadheadedourwayatanymoment.‘Whatisit?’Iaskhim.‘Therewassomethingelse,’hesaysslowly,choosinghiswordscarefully.‘Iwasonlyonthe
communicationsnetworkforafewmoments,butIpickedupsomechatter.Troopmovements.MassrelocationsoftrueborntotheWestVirginiafortress.Deploymentsofwarriorgroupstopopulationcenters.’‘Whoa,whoa,’Isay,holdingupmyhands.‘Whatdoesallthatmean?’‘Invasion,’Adamreplies.‘Invasionisimminent.’
10
SetrákusRahassomeofhisminionsstickmeinacoldroomwithoutanywindows.Nomorepoliteconversationsovernastydinners,Iguess.It’ssosmallinherethatIcanstandatthecenter,stretchoutmyarmsandalmostbrushtheopposingwallswithmyfingertips.There’salittledome-shapedprotrusioninthemiddleoftheceiling.Ibetit’sacamera.Againstonewallisasmallmetaldeskwithachairthatlookslikeit’sdesignedformaximumdiscomfort.OnthedeskisacopyofTheGreatBookofMogadorianProgress.I’msupposedtosithereandstudymygrandfather’smasterwork.Readthreesectionsandspendatleast
twentyminutesindeepcontemplationofeach.Nothanks.I’mnotsureifit’sthesamecopyIusedtohitthatMogadorianladyonmyfirstdayhere.Therearealot
ofthesebookslyingaroundtheAnubis.It’sliketheonlythingtheMogsread.Anyway,they’vechainedthisonetothedesktomakesureIdon’tturnitintoaweapon.Insteadofstudying,IleanagainstthewallfarthestfromthedeskandwaitfortheMogstorunoutof
patience.ItrytoignoretheitchingsensationcomingfromtheMogadoriancharmfreshlyburnedintomyankle.Ifthey’rewatchingme–andI’malmostcertainthatthey’realwayswatchingme–Idon’twantthemtoseemelookinguncomfortable.Idefinitelydon’twantthemtoknowhowdisgustedIamattheideaofbeingconnectedtoSetrákusRa.
TheMogshatetheLoric,buttheyfalloverthemselvestopleasetheir‘BelovedLeader,’eventhoughheusedtobeoneofus.Basedonwhathetoldmeatdinner,SetrákusRaturnedhimselfintosomefreakishhybridspeciesmadefromthepowerfulLegaciesofanElderandthetechnologicaladvancementsoftheMogs.Orsohesays.It’shardtofigureoutwhat’sfactandfictionwithhim.Whateverheisnow–Loric,Mogorsomethinginbetween–SetrákusRahasspentcenturiesmakingtheMogsviewhimasasavior.Asagod.Wherehecamefromdoesn’tmattertothemanymore.AndeventhoughIgetafewsidewayslooksfromsomeofthesoldiersaboardtheAnubis,tomostofthecrew,I’monSetrákusRa’slevel.I’mthegranddaughterofaself-proclaimedgod.Sofar,that’skeepingmesafe.Asifbeingbloodrelativeswasn’tenough,nowwe’rebondedbyhisversionofaLoriccharm.I
rememberfeelingleftoutwhenIdiscoveredalltheotherGardewereconnectedinthesameway,allofthemonceprotectedbythesameforce.Iwantedtobepartofthat.NowI’vegottwothickandjaggedbandsofscartissuearoundmyankle.Becarefulwhatyouwishfor,Ella.I’mzoningout,tryingtothinkupawaytotestwhatthecharmdoeswithouthurtingmyself,whena
noisestartsplayingintheroom.Itsoundsalmostexactlylikeasmokealarm.Atfirstit’slikearinginginmyears,butsecondslaterit’samplifiedenoughthatitdrownsoutmythoughts.Icovermyears,butthesoundonlygetslouder.It’scomingthroughthewallsfromeverydirectionatonce.
‘Turnitoff!’IyelltotheMogsI’msurearewatchingme.Inresponse,thevolumeincreases.Myheadfeelslikeitmightsplitopen.Istumbleawayfromthewallandthevolumeimmediatelylowersfromadeafeningshriektoapiercing
whistle.WhenItakeanothersteptowardstheGreatBook,thevolumedropsanotherfraction.Igetthehint.WhenIfinallyopenupthebook,thenoisedropstoanannoyingbuzz.Sothat’showSetrákusRaintendsto‘educate’me–bymakingitsotheonlypeaceIcanfindisliterally
inthepagesofhisMogadorianencyclopedia.MaybeIshouldtrytomakethemostofthis.TheremightbesomeinformationIcanuseagainsthimin
SetrákusRa’spainfullyboringbook.Itcan’thurttoskimalittle.There’snowayI’lleverbelieveanyoftheliesonthesepages.TheringingcutsoffentirelywhenIstarttoreadthefirstpage.EventhoughIresentit,Ican’thelpbut
letoutalittlesighofrelief.Thereisnogreaterachievementforaspeciesthantheshoulderingofone’sowngeneticdestiny.ItisforthatreasonthattheMogadorianracemustbeconsideredthemostelevatedofalllifethroughouttheuniverse.
Ugh.Ican’tbelievethisthinggoesonforlikefivehundredpages,orthatit’sbecomerequiredreadingforanentirespecies.I’mnotgoingtofindanythingusefulinhere.Assoonasmyeyesdriftawayfromthepage,theheinousbuzzingresumes,moreintensethanbefore.I
gritmyteethandlookbackatthebook,skimmingoveracouplemoresentencesuntilsomethingoccurstome.Igrabthetopofthefirstthirtypagesorsoandtearthemoutofthebindings.Thepiercingnoiseinmy
earsreachessirenlevel,myeyeswatering,butIforcemyselftogoon.IholdupthepagessothatwhicheverMogadorianiswatchingcansee,andthenItearthemdownthemiddle.ThenItearthemintofourths,smallerandsmaller,untilI’vegottwohandfulsofGreatBookconfettitotossintotheair.‘HowamIsupposedtoreaditnow?’Ishout.Thewailinggoesonforanothercoupleofminutes.Itgetstothepointwheremyneckandbackstartto
achefromthewaymyshouldersarebunchedup,likethey’retryingtocovermyears.Icontinuetearingmorepagesoutofthebook.Ican’tevenhearthepaperripping.Andthen,allofasudden,thenoisestops.Thebonesinmyface,myteeth–everythinghurts.ButI’ve
beatenthem,andthesilenceinthattiny,uncomfortableroomisthebestI’veeverexperienced.Myrewardisacoupleofhoursofalonetime.NotthatIcanevenreallytellhowmuchtimeispassing.
Isitontheedgeoftheuncomfortablechair,restmyheadonthedeskandtrytonap.Mythoughtssoundlouderinmyheadthantheyshould,andtheringinginmyearswon’tletmesleep.That,andthefeelingthatI’mbeingwatched.WhenIopenmyeyes,itfeelsliketheroomhasactuallygottensmaller.Iknowit’sjustmyimagination,butI’mstartingtofreakoutalittle.Myankleisitchinglikecrazy.IpullupthehemofmydarkMogadoriangown–afreshone,nottheone
SetrákusRaburned–andstareattherawfleshonmyleg.I’mfailingatmygoalofgivingnothingaway,butIcan’thelpmyself.Ireachdownandmassagemyankle,lettingoutadeepsighasIdo.IpressmypalmagainstthebrandandwishthatthescarwillbegonewhenIliftmyhand.Ofcourseit’sstillthere,butatleasttheclammysweatonmypalmactuallyfeelssortofgoodagainstthesearedflesh.Somethingoccurstomethen.WhatifIusemyAeternustoreturntoayoungerage?Wouldtheskinon
myankleheal?
Idecidetotryit.IclosemyeyesandpicturemyselfasIwastwoyearsago.Thefeelingofgettingsmallerislikelettingoutaheldbreath.AtleastthistimewhenIopenmyeyestheroomseemstohavegottenbigger.Ilookdownatmyself.I’veshrunkdownafewinches,mademyselfskinnier,themusclesI’dstarted
developingoverthelastfewmonthssmoothedaway.Andyet,thejaggedMogadoriansymbolonmylegremains,pinkandachyasever.‘Aeternus.Wehavethatincommon.’It’sSetrákusRa.Hestandsinthenowopendoorwayofmylittlestudyroom.Stillinthatinfuriatingly
plastichumanform.Heobservesmewithacasualsmile,leaningagainstthedoor,hisarmsfoldedacrosshischest.‘It’suseless,’Ireplybitterly,coveringupmyankle.Iclosemyeyesandeasebackintomytrueage.‘WhatIgetforbeingrelatedtoyou.ThedumbestLegacyofall.’‘Youwon’tfeelthatwaywhenyou’remyage,’Setrákussays,ignoringmyinsult.‘Youwillbeyoung
andbeautifulforever,ifyouwish.Itwillbeaninspirationtoyoursubjectstoseetheirleaderradiantandageless.’‘Idon’thaveanysubjects.’‘Notyet.Butsoon.’IknowexactlywhoSetrákusRameansformetolordover,butIrefusetoacknowledgeit.Iregret
usingmyAeternus.Nowheknowssomethingelseaboutme,anotherwayforhimtotryfindingcommongroundwithme,likewe’rethesame.‘Isthecharmbotheringyou?’heasksgently.‘It’sfine,’Ireplyquickly.‘It’slikeit’snoteventhere.’‘Hmm.Theirritationshouldpassinadayorso.’Hepauses,hishandonhischininreflection.‘Iknow
ithurtsnow,Ella.Butintimeyouwillcometoappreciatethelessonsyouarelearning.Youwillthankmeformybenevolence.’Ifrownathim,surethathe’sgoingtoramblenomatterwhatIsay.SoIdon’tsayanythingatall.Iglareupathim.‘Sowhat?You’re,like,protectingmewiththisthing?Isthatthepoint?’‘Iwouldseenoharmcometoyou,child,’SetrákusRareplies.‘DoesthischarmworkliketheonetheGardehad?’Itakeasteptowardshimandthedoorway.‘IfIrun
outofhereandoneofyourminionstriestostopme,willanythinghedoestohurtmebereflectedbackathim?’‘No.Ourcharmdoesnotworklikethat,’SetrákusRaanswerspatiently.‘AndIwouldstopyou,
granddaughter.Notoneofmyminions.’Itakeanothersteptowardshim,wonderingifhe’llbackaway.Hedoesn’t.‘IfIgettooclose,willthe
charmbreak?’SetrákusRadoesn’tmove.‘Justaseachcharmworksdifferently,sodoeseachonehaveaunique
weakness.IfonlyI’ddiscoveredthatbringingtheGardetogetherwouldhavebrokentheElders’cravencharmsooner,IwouldhavealreadyobliteratedtheGarde.’HetouchesthethreeglowingLoricpendantsdanglingfromaroundhisneck.‘Although,Imustadmit,Ihaveenjoyedthehunt.’Itrymybesttosoundcasualandsincere.‘Shouldn’tIknowwhatthatweaknessis?Idon’twantto
accidentallygobreakingourconnection,Grandfather.’
SetrákusRaactuallygrinsatme.I’mbeginningtorealizethatheappreciatesitwhenI’mduplicitous.Then,hiseyesdrifttowardstheshreddedpagesofhisbookandhisgrinfalters.‘Perhapssoon,whenyouareready,whenyoutrustthepurityofmymotives,’hereplies,thenabruptly
changesthesubject.‘Tellme,granddaughter,besidestheAeternus,whatotherLegacieshaveyoudeveloped?’‘OnlywhateverIusedtohurtyouatDulceBase,’Ilie,figuringit’sagoodideatokeepmytelepathya
secret.I’vetriedusingittoreachouttotheGarde,butthedistancefromtheAnubistoEarthmustbetoogreat.Onceweland,I’lltryagain.Untilthen,thelessSetrákusRaknowsaboutme,thebetter.‘AndIcan’tcontrolthatone.Idon’tevenknowwhatitis.’‘Iwashardlyhurt,’SetrákusRascoffs.‘YourotherLegacieswilldevelopsoon,dear.Inthemeantime,
wouldyoulikemetoshowyoutheextentofyourpower?’‘Yes,’Ireply,almostsurprisedatmyowneagerness.Itellmyselfthatit’ssmarttolearnhowtousemy
Legacies,evenifmyteacheristhebiggestmonsterintheuniverse.Inresponse,SetrákusRasmiles.Almostlikehethinkshe’sgottenthroughtome.Hehasn’t,butlethim
goonthinkingthatI’mbecominganeagerpupil.HewaveshishandatthemessI’vemadeofhisbook.‘First,cleanthisup,’hecommands.‘IwillseeyouhaveachancetopractiseyourLegaciesonceyour
betrothedarrives.’Mywhat?
11
SunsetintheevergladeswouldbeprettyifnotforthemassiveMogadorianwarshipblottingoutthehorizon.Whateveralienmetalthewarshipismadefrom,itreflectsnothing,thepinkandorangelightofthedyingdaysimplyabsorbedintothehull.Thebehemothdoesn’tland–there’snotenoughclearedspaceintheswamplandforittosetdown,unlessitwantstocrushthesmallerMogadorianshipsparkedonthenarrowrunwaybelow.Instead,thewarshiphovers,metalgangwaysunfurlingfromtheship’sundersideandconnectingtotheground.Mogadoriansscurryupanddowntheramps,loadingequipmentintotheship.‘Weshouldwipethemout,’Marinasaysmatter-of-factly.Nineblinksather.‘Areyouserious?IcountatleastahundredMogsandthebiggestgoddamnshipI’ve
everseen.’‘Sowhat?’Marinacounters.‘Don’tyoulovetofight?’‘FightsIcanwin,yeah,’Ninereplies.‘Andifyoucan’twin,youjustrunyourmouth,right?’‘Enough,’IhissbeforeNinecansayanythingmore.Idon’tknowhowlongMarina’sgoingtoholdthis
grudgeagainstNineorwhatit’lltaketoeasethetension,butnowisdefinitelynotthetimetodealwithit.‘Bickeringisn’tgettingusanywhere.’We’reonourstomachsinthemud,shieldedfromthebusyMogadoriansbyovergrowntallgrass,rightat
theedgeofwheretheswampbeginstoencroachonthemanmadeclearing.Therearetwobuildingsinfrontofus;oneisaglass-and-steelone-storeythatlooksalmostlikeagreenhouse,andtheotherisanaircrafthangarwithanarrowlandingstrip,perfectforsmallpropellerplanesorthesaucer-shapedMogadoriancrafts,nowherenearlargeenoughforthewarshipfloatingaboveus.JustlikeDaletoldusbeforehefled,thewholeplacelookslikeitwasabandoneduntilrecently.Theswampisbeginningtocreepbackinandcracktheasphalt,themetalstrutsofthegreenhousearerustedover,andtheNASAlogohasalmostcompletelyfadedfromthesideofthehangar.Ofcourse,theseconditionsdon’tappeartohavedeterredtheMogsfromsettingupasmallbasehere.Butnow,itlookslikethey’repackingup.‘Marina,doyousenseanything?’Iask.Atthispoint,we’vegotnothingelsetogoonexceptthis
intuitionofhers.It’sgottenusthisfar–rightintoaswarmingnestofMogadorians.Mightaswellletittakeusalittlefurther.‘He’shere,’shesays.‘Idon’tknowhowIknow,buthe’shere.’‘Thenwe’regoingin,’Isay.‘Butwe’redoingitthesmartway.’Ireachoutandgrabbothoftheirhands,turningthethreeofusinvisible.IfaMogadorianwastolook
overherenow,we’dbenothingmorethanthreestrangeindentationsinthemud.Asagroup,westandup,confidentthatthehordeofMogswon’tbeabletoseeus.‘Marina,youleadtheway,’Iwhisper.
Aswestepoutoftheswamp,Ninetripsoverarootandnearlytopplesover,ourchainalmostbreaking.Thatwould’vebeentheshortestcovertmissioninhistory.Isqueezehishandhard.‘Sorry,’hesaysquietly.‘It’sjustweirdnotbeingabletoseemylegs.’‘Thatcan’thappenagain,’Iwarnhim.‘I’mreconsideringthatwholerushing-in-and-killing-them-allthing,’Ninereplies.‘Beingsneakyisn’t
exactlymystrongsuit.’Marinamakesanannoyednoise,soIsqueezeherhandhard,too.‘Weneedtomoveasaunit,’Isaythroughgrittedteeth,hopingwecanregainsomeofthatinstinctual
teamworkwemanagedduringtheearlierfightwithMogscouts.‘Takeitslow,bequietanddon’tbumpintoanything.’Withthat,westartslowlyforward.I’mnottooworriedaboutthenoiseourfootfallsmakeonthe
unevenpavement;theMogadoriansarebusyloadingheavygearfromthegreenhousetothewarship,thewheelsontheirdolliessqueakingandgrinding.I’musedtomovingaroundwhileinvisible,trustingmyinstincts,butIknowthatitcanbehardfortheothers.Weapproachslowly,graspingontoeachother,keepingasquietaspossible.Marinatakesustowardsthegreenhousefirst.TheMogsareconcentratedaroundthatarea,wheeling
outcartsloadedupwithbizarre,madscientist–lookingdevices.IwatchasoneMogpushesawheeledshelvingunitclutteredwithpottedplants–flowers,patchesofgrass,saplings–allofthemthingsfoundonEarth,andyetallofthemveinedwithastrangegrayfluid.Theylookdroopy,onthevergeofdying,andIwonderwhatkindofexperimentstheMogswererunningonthem.There’satallMogadorianatthebaseoftherampleadingtothewarship.Hisuniformisdifferentfrom
theusualwarriorgarb–thoseMogsareatleastsortoftryingtofitinonEarth,evenifthey’redressedlikegothicweirdos.Thisguyisdefinitelysomekindofmilitaryofficer,hisattireformalandsevere,allblack,coveredinshiningmedalsandstuddedepaulets.ThetattoosacrosshisscalparemuchmoreelaboratethananyI’veseen.Heholdsacomputertabletinhishands,checkingitemsoffwithaswipeofhisfingerastheMogsloadthemontotheship.HebarkstheoccasionalorderattheothersinharshMogadorian.Marinatriestomoveusclosertothegreenhouse,butItightenmygripandplantmyfeet.Ninebumps
intomyback,lettingoutanannoyedgruntthatwe’restopped.ThepathinfrontofusislikeaMogadorianobstaclecourse–they’reeverywhere.AnycloserandweruntheriskofastrayMogwalkingrightintous.IfEightisinthatgreenhousewiththeirexperimentsandcargo,ouronlychancetogethimwouldbeafull-onassault.I’mnotreadytogodownthatroadyet.Sensingmyreluctance,Marina’shandgrowsalittlecolderinmine.‘Notyet,’Ihissather,mywordsbarelylouderthanasoftbreath.‘Wecheckthehangarfirst.’Wemakeitabouttenmorestepsbeforeananimalgroanstopsusinourtracks.Fromthegreenhouse,a
teamofMogswheeloutalargecage.Insideisacreaturethatmighthavebeenacowatonepointbuthassincebeentransformedintosomethingseriouslynasty.Theanimal’seyesarewetandjaundiced,painful-lookinghornsjutoutofitsskull,anditsudderisimmenselyswollenandcoveredinthesamegrayishveinsInoticedontheplants.Thecreaturelookslethargicanddepressed,barelyalive.WhateverexperimentstheMogswererunningdownherearetrulydisgustingand,likeNine,I’mstartingtoreconsiderMarina’sideaofjustwipingoutallthesebastards,massivewarshipornomassivewarship.
‘Holdup,’Ninewhispersinmyear.‘I’vegotanidea.’Exposedasweare,I’mnotsureit’sagreattimeforoneofNine’scrazyideas.But,amomentafterhe
stopsus,thecow-beastinthecagegroansagainandlumbersawkwardlytoitsfeet.Itstaggerstothesideandpushesallitsweightagainstonesideofthecage,causingtheMogspushingittoyellforassistanceasthewholethingthreatenstotopple.Then,themonstermule-kicksoneofitshugeclovenhoovesatthebars,nearlysmashingthefaceofaMog.‘Iaskedittogiveusadistraction,’Ninewhispers,moreMogsclosinginonthecagetotrysedating
theirexperiment.‘Poorthingwashappytohelp.’Nine’sanimaltelepathyworkslikeacharm.Asifit’satlastdiscoveredapurposeinlife,thecow
thrashesabout,bullingtowardsthesidesofitscage,evencatchingoneMogintheshoulderwithitshorn.Thechaoscreatesanopeningforustoslipthroughthemassinfrontofthegreenhouseandmakeourwaytowardsthehangar.WeallstopatthesoundofaMogblasterbeingfired.Turningaround,Iseetheofficerholsteringhis
blaster,asmokingholeinthesideofthecow’shead.Itslumpsinthecage,unmoving.Heyellssomeorders,andtheMogadoriansbeginloadingthecorpseontothewarship.AsItenseup,Ninewhisperstome,‘Betterthisway.Itwasinatonofpain.’WithsomedistancebetweenusandthehighestconcentrationofMogs,Ifeelcomfortableenoughto
whisperback.‘Whatweretheydoingtoit?’Ninepausesbeforeanswering.‘Icouldn’t,like,haveaheart-to-heartwiththething.ButIthinkthey
weretryingtofigureouthowtheycouldmakeitmoreefficient.They’re,uh,experimentingwiththeecology.’‘Demented,’Marinamutters.Wepickupsomespeedaswemovetowardsthehangar.Onourright,attheedgeoftherunway,area
trioofthesmaller,saucer-shapedMogadorianships.AmaintenancecrewoffiveMogadorianshuddlesaroundoneofthem,pullingcircuitboardsoutoftheship’sunderbellyandgenerallylookingbefuddled.IguessMogadorianscanhavetechnicaldifficulties,too.Otherthanthoseguys,thecoastisclear.Thehuge,sheet-metaldoorsofthehangar,wideenoughforasmallplanetopassinandout,areonly
openafewfeet,justenoughtoletapersonpassthrough.Therearelightsoninsidethehangar,butallIcanseethroughthegapisemptyspace.Marinaslowsdownaswereachthedoorsandthenstopsfullytopeekinside.Whileshe’sdoingthat,I
lookovermyshoulder.Nothing’schanged–theMogsarestillloadingmaterialsontothewarship,completelyunawarethatwejustsnuckthroughtheirranks.‘Anything?’Ninewhispers,andIcansensehimcraninghisneck,tryingtoseethroughthecrackinthe
hangardoors.BeforeIcananswer,IhearMarina’sbreathcatchinherthroat.Myhandstings,shotthroughwithcold,likeI’msuddenlyclutchingablockofice.‘Shit,Marina!’Ihiss,butshe’snotlistening.Instead,she’slungingthroughthedoors.Consideringmy
handisnumb,ittakesallmywillpowertokeepholdofher.ItugNinealongbehindmeandhisshoulderstrikesthesteeldoor,hisgruntcoveredbytheechoingmetallicrattling.Thehangarisalmostcompletelyempty,theMogadorianshavingalreadyclearedalltheirgearout.
Largefloodlightsshinedownfromtherafters,illuminatingthemetaltableandchairinthecenterofthe
room.They’retheonlythingsleftinthehangar,andthelightsfromabovecastlongshadowsacrosstheconcretefloor.Eight’sbodyisonthetable.Heiswrappedinablackbodybag,unzippedtothewaist.He’sshirtless,thequarter-sizedwound
whereFivestabbedhimthroughtheheartplainlyvisibleonhischest.Hisbrownskinisashen,butEightstilllooksverymuchlikehimself,likeatanymomenthe’llteleportoffthetableandplaysomeannoyingjokeonme.Thereareblackelectrodeswithshort,fragile-lookingantennaeattachedtoEight’stemplesandafewmorerunningdownhissternum.Theelectrodesgeneratesomekindoffieldthat’sbarelyvisibletotheeye,likealowandsteadycurrentofelectricityispassingoverEight’sbody.Ithinkit’ssomethingtheMogsattachedtoEighttokeephisbodyintactfortheirexperiments.Inadditiontotheelectrodes,someonehascleanedthebloodoffhimand,surprisingly,they’velefthisLoricpendantaroundhisneck,thejewelshimmeringdullyagainsthischest.Itkillsmetoseehimlikethis,butEightlooksalmostpeaceful.Ofcourse,Eightisn’tthereasonMarinashovedthroughthehangardoors,orthereasonthatshe’s
currentlygivingmyhandawickedcaseoffrostbite.SeatednexttoEight,headinhishands,isFive.Fivesitscrouchedforward,almostlikehewisheshecouldfoldinonhimself.There’sathickpadof
gauzeovertheeyeMarinastabbedbackintheswamp,averyfaintpinkstainbeginningtosoakthrough.Hisgoodeyeisred-rimmed;itlooksasifhe’sbeencryingorhasn’tbeensleeping–orboth.Five’sheadisfreshlyshavensincewelastsawhim,andIwonderhowfaroffheisfromgettingasetofhisownMogadoriantattoos.He’sdressedinMogadorianformalattiresimilartotheofficerdirectingtrafficatthewarship.However,hisuniformisseverelywrinkled,thebuttonsaroundtheneckundone,everythinglookingalittletootight.There’snowaytheone-eyedtraitordidn’thearusenter.ThankstoMarina,wemadeatonofnoise
comingthroughthedoor,andtheemptinessofthehangaramplifieseverythingtothepointwhereI’msuddenlyextremelyconsciousofmybreathing.Evenworse,IcanhearalowgrowlcomingfromMarina,likeshe’sfightingbackanintensescream,readytothrowherselfatFive.Behindme,IcansenseNinebasicallyholdinghisbreath.Five’sgoodeyeflicksbrieflyinourdirection.Hedefinitelyheardus,buthecan’tseeus.Maybe
there’shopehe’lljustwriteitoffasnoisefromtheMogsoutside.IwantanothergoattherenegadeGarde,too–onewherehedoesn’tsuckerpunchmeintounconsciousnessbeforethefightevenstarts–butwehavetopickourbattles.FacingoffagainstFiveinanenclosedspacewithaMogadorianwarshipatourbackisdefinitelynotthebattlewewant.We’llneedtofigureoutanotherwaytorecoverEight’sbody.IpullatMarina’sarm,theicypinpricksinmyhandnowreplacedbyfull-onnumbness,tryingto
communicatetoherjusthowterribleanideacharginginwouldbe.Shetugsagainstmeforamoment,butthenIstarttofeelhercalmdown,whichIcantellbecausemyhandstartstowarmup.ButasMarinaslowlyandquietlyreleasesadeepbreath,Iseeitmistinfrontofher,theairaroundher
toocold.Acloudofbreathfromaninvisiblegirl,floatinginthebrightlightsofthehangar.Fiveseesit,hiseyenarrowing.Hestandsupfromhischairandlooksrightatthespotwherewe’re
standing.‘Ididn’tmeantodoit,’hesays.
12
IclenchMarina’sandNine’shands,hopingthatwillbeenoughtokeepthemfromsayinganythingbacktoFiveandtotallygivingawayourposition.I’mnotreadytoloseouroneadvantage–invisibility–justyet.Thankfully,theybothmanagetocontrolthemselves,Five’swordshangingoutthereunanswered.‘Iknowyouwon’tbelieveme,’Fivecontinues.‘Butnoonewassupposedtogetkilled.’Five’sbeseechinggazeisstillaimedrightatus,soslowly,quietly,Ibeginleadingtheotherstothe
side.Wemovejustinchesatatime,carefulofeachother,notmakinganynoise.Gradually,weslipoutfromunderFive’sgaze,flankinghim.Now,he’sstaringattrulyemptyspace,stupidlywaitingforaresponse.Withagrunt,Fiveturnsaway.It’slikehewasnevertalkingtousatall.Instead,hestartsspeaking
directlytoEight’sbody.‘Youshouldn’thavedonewhatyoudid,divinginfrontofNine,’Fivelectures,hisvoicealmost
wistful.‘Itwasheroic,Iguess.Ikindaadmireyouforit.Butitwasn’tworthit.TheMogadoriansaregoingtowinanyway,youknow?Alevelheadedguylikeyouwould’velearnedhisplace.Youcould’vehelpedwiththerebuildingandunification.Nine,though…he’stoobrain-deadtoknowwhenhe’sbeat.He’snogoodtoanyone.’IfeelmusclestenseinNine’sarm,butfornowheresiststheurgetothrowhimselfatFive.That’sgood
–he’slearning.Ormaybe,likeme,he’sstunnedthisishappeningatall,Fivejustramblingawaylikethis,pretendingwe’renothere.FiveputshishandgentlyonEight’sshoulder.ThesleeveofhisuniformridesupandInoticetheleather
sheathstrappedtohisarm,theonethatholdstheneedle-shapedspring-loadeddaggerthatheusedtokillourfriend.‘Hetoldme–’Five’svoicebreaksalittleashecontinuesaddressingEight.‘HetoldmeI’dhavea
chancetotalkyouguysintojoining.NoonewouldhavetogethurtifyoujustacceptedMogadorianProgress.Hekepthiswordbefore,Imean,I’mlivingproof,right?Whenthecharmbroke,hecould’vekilledme,buthedidn’t.’FivemustbetalkingaboutSetrákusRa,aboutadealhestruckwiththeMogadorianleader.Hewalks
aroundthetable,turninghisbackonus.Marinatakesasteptowardshim,butIdon’tlethergoanyfarther.Idon’tknowwhyFiveistalkingsomuch,buthehastoknowwe’rehere.I’mnotsureifthisisatrap,ifhe’sbaitingus,orwhatisgoingon.ButIwanttolisten.‘Ididn’texpectyoutobesobrainwashed,’Fivesays,standingoverEight,hishunchedbackpresenting
aperfecttarget.‘Thinkingabouteverythinginblackandwhite,heroesandvillains.’FivereachesdownandliftsEight’spendant,squeezingthejewelinhisfist.HisLegacy–Externa,he
calledit,wherehisskintakesonthequalityofwhateverhetouches–kicksin,Five’sskinbrieflyflashingtheshimmeringcobaltofLoralite.Afteramoment,heletsthependantgowithasigh,andhisfleshreturnstonormal.
‘Butthen,maybeI’mthebrainwashedone,right?Isn’tthatwhatyouguyssaidtome?’Fiveletsloosealowlaugh,thenreachesuptocarefullyadjustthegauzeoverhisdestroyedeye.‘Theyfillyourheadwithallthisshit–theElders,theGreatBook.Alltheserulesaboutwhowe’resupposedtobe.ButIdon’tcareaboutanyofit.I’mjusttryingtosurvive.’IfeelNine’shandsweatinginmine;hemustbestrugglingtoholdhimselfbackfromattacking.Marina,
meanwhile,isn’tradiatingthefuriouscoldshewasmomentsago,probablybecausethesceneunfoldingbeforeusissomisguidedandpathetic.IfFive’sspeech–clearlyforourbenefit–hasrevealedanything,it’sthathe’sprettymuchlosthismind.FivebrushesaspeckofsomethinggentlyfromEight’sforehead,thenshakeshishead.‘Anyway,thepointis,I’msorry,Eight,’Fivesays,thatknow-it-alltonestillinhisvoicebutmixed
withanundercurrentofsincerity.‘Iknowitdoesn’tmeananything.I’llbeacoward,atraitor,amurdererfortherestofmylife.Thatwon’tchange.ButIwantyoutoknowthatIwishthingscould’veturnedoutdifferently.’Behindus,someoneclearshisthroat.AllofusweresowrappedupinFive’sunhingedmonologue–
Fiveincluded–thatwedidn’tnoticetheMogadorianofficerenter.HeeyesFivewarily,hisposturestiffandformal.Lookingathim,standingtherelikeasoldierreadytodeliverareport,itoccurstomethatthisMogadorianmightactuallytakeordersfromFive.Ifthat’sthecase,heseemswaydisgustedbyit.‘Wearefinishedloadingtheship,’theofficersays.TheMogwaitsforFivetoacknowledgehim,butFivestayssilentforalong,awkwardmoment.He
stayshunchedoverEight’sbody,breathingslowly.Itenseupandwonderifhisstrangegameisoverandifnowhe’sthinkingaboutsoundingthealarm.TheMogadorianofficerdoesabadjobofhidinghowmuchFive’ssilenceperturbshim.‘Oneofthe
huntingpartieshasn’treportedback,’hecontinues.‘Andthemechanicsarehavingdifficultiesgettingoneofthescoutvesselstowork.’Fivesighs.‘That’sfine,’hesays.‘We’llleavethembehind.’‘Yes,thoseweremyorders,’theofficerreplies,notsosubtlyassertinghispower.‘Areyoureadyto
leave?’Fiveturnstotheofficer,amalicioustwinkleinhisremainingeye.‘Yeah.Let’sgetoutofhere.’Fivewalkstowardsthehangardoors,hismovementsmockinglysluggish.Westandtotheside,
watchingallthistranspire,stayingquiet.Theofficerarchesaneyebrow,notsteppingoutofFive’sway.‘Aren’tyouforgettingsomething?’theofficerasksFivewhenthetwoarenearlyface-to-face.Fivescratcheshishead.‘Huh?’‘Thebody,’theofficersays,annoyed.‘YourinstructionsaretobringtheLoric’sbody.Andthe
pendant.’‘Oh,that,’Fivereplies,andglancesbackatthemetaltablewhereEightrests.‘Thebody’sgone,
Captain.TheGardemusthaveslippedinhereandtakenit.Onlyexplanation.’TheMogadoriancaptaindoesn’tknowwhattosay.Hemakesashowofcraninghisneck,lookingpast
FivetowhereEightisstillverymuchonthetable.Then,hestudiesFive’sface,hiseyesnarrowedimpatiently.‘Isthissomekindofgame,Loric?’thecaptainhisses.‘Orareyoublindinbotheyesnow?TheGarde
isrightthere.’
FiveignorestheinsultandshakeshisheadattheCaptain,clickinghistongue.‘Happenedonyourwatch,too,’Fivesays.‘Youletthemstealawarassetfromrightunderyournose.
That’sbasicallytreason,myman.Youknowwhatthepunishmentforthatis.’TheMogadorianopenshismouthforanotherdisbelievingprotest.He’scutoffbyascrapeofmetal,
Five’sbladepoppingoutfrombeneathhissleeve.Withouthesitation,hedrivesthepointintotheundersideoftheofficer’sjawandstraightupintohisbrain.Beforehestartstodisintegrate,there’salookoftotalsurpriseontheMog’sface.Fivedoesn’tmoveastheMogturnstoash.HedisintegratesslowerthanthemanyotherdyingMogs
I’veseen,andwhenit’sfinishedtherearejaggedbonespokingoutofhiscrumpleduniform.Fivepusheshisbladebackintothemechanismonhisforearmandkickstheofficer’sremainsawayfromthedoors.Then,hecarefullybrusheshimselfoffandstraightenshiscoat.Fromwherewe’restanding,Fiveisinprofile,andtheeyethat’svisibleistheonecoveredbythe
gauzebandage.Becauseofthat,it’snoteasytogetareadonhisexpression.‘Goodluck,’Fivesays,thenstepsthroughthehangardoors,easingthemclosedbehindhim.Noonesaysanythingorevenmovesforaboutaminute,allofusalittleworriedthatasquadronof
Mogswillbestorminginhereatanysecond.Finally,Nineshakesoffmygrip,poppingbackintothevisibleworld.‘Okay.Whattheholyhellwasthatabout?’heexclaims.‘Isthatkidtryingtobuddyupnoworishejust
totallyloonytunes?’‘Itdoesn’tmatter,’Ireply.‘We’vegotEight,that’swhat’simportant.WecandealwithFiveanother
time.’‘He’saloneandlost,’Marinasayssoftly,lettinggoofmyhandaswell.Shenoticesmerubbingsome
warmthbackintoit,thechilledfeelingstilllingering,andfrowns.‘Sorry,Six.Hebroughtitoutofme.’Iwaveitoff,notwantingtogetintoMarina’sLegacycontrolatthemoment.Itiptoetothehangardoors
andedgethemopenjustacrack.I’mjustintimetoseeFivedisappearinguptherampandontothewarship,thelastoneaboard.Oncehe’sinside,therampcurlsbackintothewarship’sunderbellyandthehugeshipbeginstoriseup,itsenginespurringwithasoftnessthatseemsalmostimpossibleforavesselthatsize.Onceitreachesacertainheight,thewarshipstartstoflickerandIbeginhavingtroubledistinguishingitsoutlinefromthepurpleclouds.Hulking,virtuallysilent,andequippedwithsomekindofcloakingdevice–howarewesupposedtofightsomethinglikethat?‘Yousoundlikeyoufeelsorryforhim,’NinesaystoMarina.‘Idon’t,’shesnapsatNine,butIcanhearsomedoubtcreepingintoMarina’svoice,thattoughexterior
she’sbeenputtingonshowingsomefaults.‘I…didyouseehiseye?’‘IsawaholeinhisheadcoveredbyaBand-Aid,’Ninereplies.‘Dudehasthatandmorecomingto
him.’‘DoyouthinkEightwouldwantthat?’Iask,honestlywondering.‘Hediedtryingtokeepusfrom
killingeachother.’Thewarshiprisenoutofsight,Iturnaroundtofacetheothers.Ninechewshislipandstaresatthe
floor,consideringwhatIjustsaid.MarinahastakenaseatinFive’sformerchairatEight’sside.Shetentativelytouchestheelectrodesandwavesherfingersthroughtheenergyfield.Whennothinghappens,
Marinagentlybrushesherfingersthroughhiscurlyhair.Hereyesshinewithfreshtears,butsheholdsthemback.‘IknewI’dfindyou,’shewhispers.‘I’msorryIeverleftyou.’IwalkovertojoinMarinaatthetable,gazingdownatEight.Maybeit’smyimagination,butitseems
likehehasthefaintestsmileonhislips.‘IwishI’dknownyoubetter,’IsaytoEight,reachingouttoplacemyhandlightlyonhisshoulder.‘I
wishourliveshadbeendifferent.’Ninehesitatesbuteventuallyjoinsusatthetable,standingnexttoMarina.Atfirst,heavoidslooking
directlyatEight’sbody,hislipspursed,themusclesinhisnecktwitchinglikehe’stryingtoliftsomethingheavy.He’sashamed,Irealize.Itseemstotakeagreateffortonhispart,butafteramomentNinemanagestolookatEight.Immediately,hereachesouttozipupthebodybagalittlemore,enoughsothatEight’swoundishiddenfromview.‘Ohman,’hesaysquietly.‘I’msorryfor…’Nineshakeshishead,runningahandthroughhishair.‘I
mean,thankyouforsavingmylife.Fivewasright,uh,youprobablyshouldn’thave.IfI’djustshutmymouthyou’dprobablystillbe…shit,I’msorry,Eight.I’msosorry.’Ninetakesashudderingbreath,obviouslyholdingbacktears.Marinaputsherhandsoftlyonhisback
andleansagainsthim.‘Hewouldforgiveyou,’shesayssoftly,adding,‘Iforgiveyou.’NineputshisarmaroundMarinaandpullsherintoahugthat’stightenoughtomakehersqueak.He
burieshisfaceinherhair,hidinghistears.Mymindisandhasalwaysbeenracing–wonderingaboutJohn,Samandtheothers,worryingabouthowwe’regoingtofindourwaybacktothem,ifthey’reevenstillaliveanduncaptured–butseeingMarinaandNinelikethis,comingtogether,startingtoheal,itgivesmehope.We’reastrongpeople.Wecangetthroughanything.‘Weneedtogetmoving,’Isaygently,reluctanttoendthismomentbutknowingthatIhaveto.NinefinallyreleasesMarina,andIcarefullyzipupEight’sbodybag.Ninereachesdownand,withan
equalamountofcare,liftsEight’sbodyintohisarms.Justasweturntowardsthehangardoors,theyrumbleopen.ThegroupofMogadorianswhowereworkingonthescoutship.Iforgotallaboutthem.Theystandin
thedoorway,caughtinthemiddleofpushingtheirbrokenshipintothehangar.Theylookaboutassurprisedtoseeusaswearetoseethem.Beforewecandoanything,amechanicalgrindingemanatesfromtheship.Thefront–oratleastthe
sideofthesauceraimeddirectlyatus–opensup,ablasterturretclankingintoviewandwhirringtolifewithanelectricsizzle.TheremustbeaMoginside.‘Getdown!’Nineshouts.There’snocoverinthisemptyhangarexceptthemetaltable,andit’swaytoolatetogoinvisible.
Marinaflipsoverthetable,NinecroucheswithEight’sbodystillinhisarms,andIdivetotheside,hopingthatwe’refastenoughastheturretopensfire.
13
‘DoesthenameGrahishSharmameananythingtoyou?’Sarahasks.Ithinkforamoment,tryingtopluckthenameoutofmymemory.‘Soundskindoffamiliar.Why?’I’mstandingintheyardoutsideAdam’soldhouse,Sarah’svoicearrivinglong-distanceoverthe
disposablecellphone.Beyondtheemptybasketballcourts,thesunisjustbeginningtodipbelowthehorizon.AlargebirdcutsacrosstheorangeskyandIwonderifit’soneofours–we’vesettheChimæraeupassentriesallaroundthegroundsofAshwoodEstateswithorderstofindusifanyintrudersshouldappear.Sofar,it’sbeenquiet.IfIdidn’tknowbetter,it’dseemlikeIwashangingoutinapeculiarlyquietsuburb,onewhereeveryone’sstillatwork.‘He’sfromIndia,’Sarahexplains.‘He’sthecommanderofsomethingcalledtheVishnuNationalist
Eight.’ThenameclicksatthementionofEightandIsnapmyfingers.‘Oh,right.That’sthearmyguywhowas
protectingEightintheHimalayas.’‘Hmm,’Sarahsays.‘Sohisstorychecksout.’Ipaceacrossthelawn,picturingSarahwithherblondhairpulledupinastudiousbun,pensand
pencilsstuckthroughit,poringoversomedocumentsinthenewofficesofTheyWalkAmongUs.NevermindthatthoseofficesarelocatedinanabandonedranchfiftymilesoutsideofHuntsville,Alabama.NevermindthatSarahwasescortedtherebyherex-boyfriendMark,who’sactuallyturnedouttobesurprisinglycapableatthiscloak-and-daggerstuff.It’stheimageofSarahthatIfocuson.‘Whatstoryisthat?’‘Well,it’salotofrumorandinternetweirdnessthatwe’retryingtocutthrough.ButthisSharmaguyis
claimingtohaveshotdownanalienspacecraftandcaptureditscrew.’‘SomeoftheMogswhowereafterEight,probably,’Ireply.‘Right.Tookthemaliveandeverything.EventhoughithappenedinIndia,itshouldstillbenational
news,butit’snot.Someone’skeepingalidonit.Mark’stryingtomakecontactwithSharma.HewantstorunthestoryonTheyWalkAmongUs,hopefullyexposetheMogstothegeneralpublic.’‘Huh,’Isay,rubbingthebackofmyneckandthinkingoutloud.‘Mighthelprallysomesupportifthings
getbad.’‘Howbadarethingsgoingtoget,John?’Iswallowhard.EventhoughIusedmyhealingLegacyshortlyafterbattle,IcanstillfeeltheGeneral’s
fingersclenchedaroundmythroat.‘Idon’tknow,’Isay,notsurewhyI’mhidingAdam’stheoryonimminentinvasionfromSarah.Iguess
maybeI’mstilltryingtoprotecther.Iquicklychangethesubject.‘How’sMarkdoing,anyway?’‘He’sdoingfine,’Sarahreplies.‘He’schangedalot.’‘Howso?’Sarahhesitates.‘I…it’shardtoexplain.’
Idon’tdwellforverylongonthepresentstateofMarkJames.Itisn’twhatIwanttotalkabout.Really,afternearlydyingthisafternoon,allIwantistohearSarah’svoice.‘Imissyou,’Isay.‘Imissyou,too,’Sarahreplies.‘Afteralongdayoffightingalieninvadersandunravelinginternational
conspiracies,Iwishwecouldjustsnuggleuponthatoldcouchinmybasementandwatchamovie.’Thatmakesmelaugh,thefeelingbittersweetasIpicturethekindofnormallifeSarahandImightbe
leadingifweweren’ttryingtosavetheworld.‘Soon,’Itellher,tryingtosoundconfident.‘Ihopeso,’shereplies.IsensemovementbehindmeandturnaroundtofindSamstandingontheruinedporchofAdam’shouse.
Hemotionsformetocomeinside.‘Sarah,I’vegottago,’Isay,feelingreluctanttohangupthephone.We’vebeencheckinginwitheach
othereveryeighthourslikeweplanned,andIfeelasenseofreliefeverytimeIhearhervoice.EverytimeIdisconnect,Istartthinkingaboutthenexttime…thetimewhenshewon’tcall.‘Becareful,okay?Thingsmightbegettingprettyheavysoon.’‘Thingsaren’talreadyheavy?’sheasks.‘Youbecareful,too.Iloveyou.’Isaygood-byetoSarahandtiltmyheadatSam.Helooksalmostexcited,likehe’sgottensomegood
newsinthelastfiveminutes.‘What’sup?’‘Comedown,’hesays.‘Wefiguredsomethingout.’Iclimbontowhat’sleftoftheporchafterthisafternoon’sskirmishandfollowSamthroughthehalf-
sunkendoorwayintothelivingroom.Theinteriorofthehousematchestheexterior–theperfectideaofhumansuburbia–exceptthefurniturelookslikeitwasarrangedexactlyasseenonthepagesofacatalogue.There’sabsolutelynosenseofitbeinglivedin.ItrytoimaginewhatitwaslikeforAdamgrowinguphere,trytopicturehimbashinglittlePikenactionfigurestogetheronthefloor,andjustcan’tdoit.Atthebackofthelivingroomisamassivemetaldoorsecuredbyaseriesoflocksoperatedbya
keypadcoveredinMogadoriansymbols.Thedooristheonethingthatbreaksthesuburbanillusionandit’sactuallykindofsurprisingtomethattheMogsdidn’ttryhidingitbehindabookcaseorsomething.Iguesstheyneverthoughttheirenemieswouldmakeitthisfar.Thedoorisalreadyopen,unlockedbyAdamearlier,andit’sthroughtherethatSamandIdescendintothetunnelsbeneathAshwoodEstates.Wewalkdownalongmetalstaircase,thephonyhomelinessaboveimmediatelyreplacedbysterile
stainlesssteelandbuzzinghalogenlights.ThelabyrinthinenetworkoftunnelsbeneathAshwoodismuchmoreinkeepingwithmyideaoftheMogadorians–functionalandcold.It’snotquiteassprawlingdownhereasthehollowed-outmountaininWestVirginia,butitdefinitelyputsDulceBasetoshame.Iwonderhowlongittookthemtocarveallthisout,theMogstunnelingintotheEarthduringthoseyearsIwasontherunwithHenri,expandingtheirreachwithoutusevenrealizingit.There’sajaggedandlongcrackinthewallthatstartsabouthalfwaydownthestepsandrunsahead
deeperintothetunnels.Samreachesouttodraghishandalongit,coatinghisfingerswithconcretedust.‘We’resurethisplaceisn’tgoingtocollapse,right?’
‘Adamdoesn’tthinkso,’Samreplies,clappinghishandsclean,thenoiseechoing.‘Itcreepsmeoutdownhere,though.Seriouslyclaustrophobic.’‘Don’tworry.Wewon’tbestayinglong.’Wepassothercracksaswenavigatethetwistinghallways,placeswherethefoundationshifted,broken
sectionsofconcretegrindingagainsteachother.ThedamagewascausedthelasttimeAdamwashere,whenheunleashedhisearthquakeLegacytorescueMalcolm.Therearesomehallwayswheretheceilingshaveoutrightcollapsed.Downthehall,wepassbyalarge,well-litroomthatlookslikeitmighthavebeenalaboratoryatone
point,lotsofnozzlesandleversandworktables,butnoequipment.EverythingmusthavegottendestroyedinAdam’sattack,andtheMogsalvageteamnevergotthechancetoreplaceit.Nexttothelab,wepassarowofoppressiveeight-by-eightroomswiththickdoorsmadefrombulletproofglass.Cells.Allofthemcurrentlyunoccupied.‘Thearchivesareuphere,’Samtellsme.‘Dad’sbeenintherenonstop.TheMogsrecorded
everything.’Westopbyasmallroom–almostlikeanoffice–withahugebankofmonitors.Malcolmsitsbehind
theroom’ssinglecomputerterminal,bleary-eyedfromwatchingwhoknowshowmanyhoursoffootage.On-screen,aMogadorianscoutspeaksdirectlyintothecamera.‘IthasbeenthreedayssinceweleakedrumorsofaLoricpresenceinBuenosAires,’thescoutreports.
‘TherehasyettobeanysignofGarde,butsurveillancecontinues–’Malcolmpausesthevideowhenhenoticesus,rubbinghiseyes.‘Findanythinguseful?’Iask.Malcolmshakeshisheadandpullsupalistoffilesonthecomputer.Hebrushesafingerdownthe
touchscreen,andthefilesbeginanendlessscroll.Therearethousandsofthem,andalltheirtitlesareinMogadorian.‘FromwhatIcangather,thisisalmostfiveyears’worthofMogadorianintelligence,’Malcolm
explains.‘I’dneedanentireteamtogothroughitall.EvenwithAdamtranslatingthesetitles,whicharebasicallyjustdatesandtimes,it’shardtofigureoutwheretobegin.’‘Maybewecanhiresomeinterns,’Samsuggests,thentugsmyarm.‘Comeon,wegottaseeAdam.’‘Dowhatyoucan,’ItellMalcolmbeforeSamdragsmeaway.‘Eventhesmallestbitofinformation
mighthelp.’AfewmorestepsdownthehallandwereachtheroomAdamdescribedasthecontrolcenter.The
roomisprettymuchundamaged,soit’swherewesetupshop.Thewallsarecoveredinmonitors,security-camerafootagefromAshwoodstreamingoversome,butalsovideofeedsfromotherplaces,includingonehackedsecuritycameraoutsidethebarricadedJohnHancockCenter.Beneaththemonitorsarearowofcomputers,notexactlyuser-friendlysinceallthekeysareinMogadorian.Iputmyhandsonmyhipsandsurveythisplace,watchingthecamerafeedsthatnottoolongago
would’vebeentrainedonme.Itfeelsstrangetobeontheotherside.LikeSam,thisplacemakesmeuneasy.‘Arewesafehere?’Iask.‘Allthesecameras…therearen’tanypointedbackatus?’‘I’vedisabledthem,’Adamreplies.He’sinaswivelchairatoneofthecomputers,typingoutastring
ofcommands.Heturnsaroundtofaceme.‘UsingtheGeneral’sauthorization,I’vesentacodebacktothe
MogadoriancommandinWestVirginiareportingthatthesalvageteamuncoveredatoxicchemicalleak.It’lltakesometimetocleanup.They’llassumethefailedcamerashavesomethingtodowiththesalvageteam’swork.’‘Howmuchtimedoesthatbuyus?’‘Acoupleofdays?Aweek?’Adamreplies.‘They’llbecomesuspiciouswhentheGeneraldoesn’t
checkin,butweshouldslipthroughthecracksforawhile.’‘Whatdowelookforinthemeantime?’‘Yourfriends,’Adamreplies.‘Infact,IbelieveI’vealreadyfoundthem.’‘Yeah,Florida,’Isay.‘Wealreadyknewthat.’‘No,hefoundthem.Like,exactly,’Samreplies,grinningatme.‘That’swhyIcametogetyou.Check
thisout.’Sampointsatoneofthescreens,thisonedisplayingamapoftheUnitedStates.Themapiscoveredin
trianglesofvarioussizes.There’sasmalltriangleoverourlocationalongwithafewsimilar-sizedindicatorsscatteredthroughoutthecountry.Therearebiggertrianglesglowingontopofpopulationcenters.NewYork,Chicago,LosAngeles,Houston–allthesecitiesaremarkedonthemap.Thebiggesttriangleofallistothewestofus,rightaroundwheretheMogs’mountainbaseishiddeninWestVirginia.‘Thisisa,uh…’SamlooksoveratAdam.‘What’dyoucallthisthing?’‘Tacticalassetoverview,’Adamreplies.‘Itshowswheremypeoplehaveongoingoperations.’‘They’remassinginthemajorcities,’Isay,studyingthemap.‘Yeah,’Adamreplies,grimly.‘Inpreparationfortheinvasion.’‘Let’snotfocusonthei-wordrightnow,okay?’Samsays.‘Lookatthis.’SamhaspluggedthetabletdisplayingthelocationoftheotherGardeintooneofthecomputers.He
handsittomeandmyeyesimmediatelyshoottoFlorida.Myheartskipsabeat;there’sonlyoneblinkingdotonthemap.IttakesmeamomenttorealizethatthefourdotssymbolizingeachoftheremainingGardehaveactuallygottensoclosetogetherthattheyperfectlyoverlap.‘They’realmostontopofeachother,’Isay.‘Allfourofthem.’‘Yep,’Samreplies,takingbackthetablet.‘Andlookatthis.’HeholdsthetabletupnexttothemapofMogadorianactivity.Thefourdotsperfectlylineupwithone
ofthesmallerorangetrianglesinFlorida.‘TheMogshavethem,’Isay,grittingmyteeth.‘Adam,isthatabaseofsomekind?’‘Aresearchstation,’hereplies.‘Therecordsshowtherewassomegeneticexperimentationbeingdone
there.Itisn’tthekindofplacewe’dnormallykeepprisoners,especiallynotGarde.’‘Whyeventakeprisonersatthispoint?’Samasks.‘Imean,IgetSetrákusRahassomeweirdthingfor
Ella.Buttheothers…’‘Theyaren’tprisoners,’Isay,hittingSamonthearminexcitementasthisdawnsonme.‘Theothersare
uptosomething.They’reontheattack.’‘I’mworkingongettingusavisualofthebase,’Adamsays,hisfingersracingacrossthekeyboard.‘How’reyougoingtodothat?’Iask.IsitdownintheswivelchairnexttoAdamandwatchhishandsflickacrosstheMogadoriankeyboard.
Whateverhe’sdoingseemsalmostlikesecondnature.
‘I’velockeddownascoutshipsotheywon’tbeabletooperateit.Thatwastheeasypart.Accessingandisolatingitsonboardsurveillancewhilestillkeepingthecraftinoperableisprovingtrickier.’‘You’rehackingintoaship?’Samasks,leaningoverthebackofAdam’schair.IwatchthemonitordirectlyinfrontofAdamcracklewithstatic.‘Howdoesthathelpus?’‘Thiscontrolroomisanervecenter,John,’Adamexplains,takingamomentawayfromtypingto
gesturearound.‘Informationfromalltheotherbasesfeedstohere.Itisjustamatterofaccessingit.’‘Accessingithow?’‘HuntingtheLoricforsomanyyearshasmademypeopleparanoidtoevermissapotentiallead.Every
operationisrecorded.There’ssurveillanceeverywhere.’Adamstrikesakeywithatriumphantflair.‘Evenaboardourownships.’Themonitorsaboveflickerbrieflyandthendisplaygrainyfootageofarunwayinthemiddleofa
swamp.‘IftheGardearenearby,wemightbeabletoseethem,’Adamexplains.‘Ifthey’renotinvisible,’Isay,squintingatthemonitor.Beneaththecamera,ahandfulofMogadorianslookfrustratedastheyyankenginepartsfromthescout
ship’shull.Theycleantheseparts,reattachthemand,whennothinghappens,starttakingapartsomethingelse.‘What’retheydoing?’Samasks.‘TryingtofixwhatI’vedone,’Adamrepliesexcitedly,seemingpleasedthathe’soutsmartedhis
people.‘Theyassumeenginefailure,notautomatedsystemsoverride.Itwilltakethemawhiletocatchon.’AnotherMogadorian,thisonewearinganimpressive-lookinguniformsimilartotheGeneral’s,
approachesthem.Heyellsatthemechanics,thenwalksoffscreeninahuff.‘Doesthecameramove?’Iask.‘Ofcourse.’Adamhitsabuttonandthecamerabeginstoscantotheside,followingthedressed-upMogadorian.At
first,thereisn’tmuchtoseeexceptpavementand,inthedistance,someswampland.However,afterashortwalk,thedressed-upMogadoriandisappearsintoanairplanehangar.‘Doyouthinkthey’reinthere?’Iask.‘Thiscamerashouldbeequippedwithheatvision,ifIcanfigureouthowtoaccessit,’Adamreplies,
tentativelytappingafewofthekeysinfrontofhim.BeforeAdamcanfigureitout,Fivewalksthroughthehangardoors.EventhoughI’dguessedhewasa
traitorfromElla’svision,I’dbeenholdingontoafoolishhopethatitwasn’ttrue.Or,darkasitmightseem,thatFivewastheonekilledinbattle.Butthereheis,inarumpledMogadorianuniform,andwithabandagecoveringhisrighteye.IcanhearSamsuckinabreath;he’sstunned.TheonlypartofmyvisionsthatIhadn’ttoldanyone
aboutwasseeingFive,notwantingtosmearhisnameifIwaswrong.‘He’s…’Samshakeshishead.‘Thatsonofabitchtraitor.Itmust’vebeenhimwhotoldtheMogs
aboutChicago.’‘Oneofyourown,’Adamsaysquietly.‘Thatisunexpected.’
IhavetolookawayfromFive’simagebeforemybloodboils.‘Youdidn’tknowaboutthis?’IaskAdamthroughclenchedteeth.‘No,’hesays,shakinghishead.‘Iwould’vetoldyou.SetrákusRahimselfmusthavebeenkeepinghim
asecret.’Iforcemyselftolookbackatthescreen.Ikeepcalm,studyingmynewenemy.Hisslumpedshoulders,
hisfreshlyshavedhead,thedarklookinhisremainingeye.Whatcouldhavebroughtoneofourowntosuchaterribleplace?‘Iknewtherewassomethingoffaboutthatjerk,’Samsays,pacingnow.‘John,man,whatarewegoing
todoabouthim?’Idon’treply,mainlybecausetheonlysolutionIcanthinkofatthatmoment,seeingFiveintheenemy’s
uniform,istokillhim.‘Where’shegoing?Followhim,’ItellAdam.Adamdoes.ThecamerafollowsFiveacrosstherunwayuntilhereachesarampthatleadsontothe
biggestspaceshipI’veeverseen,somassivethatitsentirebulkisn’tevenpickeduponcamera.‘Damn,’Ibreathe,myeyeswidening.‘Whatthehellisthatthing?’‘Warship,’Adamanswers,anoteofawesneakingintohisvoiceashesquintsatthescreen.‘Ican’ttell
whichone.’‘Whichone?’Samexclaims.‘Howmanyofthosethingsdotheyhave?’‘Dozens?Maybemore,maybeless.TheyrunontheoldfuelofMogadoreandwhatevermypeople
managedtominefromLorien.Notthemostefficientthings.Andslow.WhenIgotintroubleasaboy,mymotherwouldthreatentogroundmeuntilthefleet’sarrival…’Herealizeshe’sramblingandtrailsoff,lookingupatus.‘Youdon’tcareaboutthis,doyou?’‘Maybenotthebesttimeforreminiscing,’Ireply,watchingasFiveboardstheship.‘Butwhatelsecan
youtellusaboutthefleet?’‘They’vebeentravelingsincethefallofLorien,’Adamcontinues.‘Mogstrategistsbelievethey’vegot
enoughfirepowerleftforonelastsiege.’‘Earth,’Isay.‘Yeah,’Adamreplies.‘Then,mypeoplewillsettlehere.MayberebuildthefleetifSetrákusRafindsa
reason.’‘Youmeanifthere’sanylifeintheuniverseleftforhimtoconquer,’Isay.Samshakeshishead,stillmarvelingatthehulkingwarship.‘Sotheyhaveasecretweakness,right?
LikehowyoucanshootthatonespotontheDeathStarandthewholethingblowsup?’Adam’sbrowfurrows.‘What’saDeathStar?’Samthrowsuphishands.‘We’rescrewed.’‘Ifthey’vebeentakenprisonerandareaboardthatthing…’Idon’tfinishthethought,mainlybecausea
courseofactionjustisn’tcomingtome.TakingoveramostlyabandonedMogadorianbaseisonething;findingawayaboardamassivewarshipisanotherentirely.Especiallywhenthatmassivewarshipisslowlyrisingintothesky.MaybeSam’srightandweare
screwed.Thethreeofuswatchinsilenceasthewarshipclimbs.Beforeit’sentirelyoffscreen,theship’s
carapaceflickersandthewholethingdisappearsfromview.Well,notentirely–theship’soutlineisstill
vaguelyvisible,asifthelightarounditisbendinginstrangeways.Thedistortionisalmostliketryingtofocusonanobjectthat’sunderwater.‘Cloaking,’Adamsays.‘Allofthewarshipshaveit.’‘Hey,lookatthetablet,’Samsays.‘Maybeeverythingisn’ttotallydepressing.’Asthenowinvisiblewarshipfloatsupward,oneofthedotsonthetabletslowlypullsawayfromthe
others.Five’sdot.Afterafewseconds,itbeginstoflickererraticallyacrossthescreen.We’venowgottwoGardeindicatorsbouncingspasticallyoverthemap.‘JustlikeElla,’Samsays,furrowinghisbrow.‘Thewarshipmustbereturningtoorbit,’Adamsays.‘Whichmeans…’‘Ellaisalreadyaboardoneofthosethings,’Ifinishthethought.‘Theybroughtheruptothefleet.’‘Howarewegoingtogetupthere?’Samasks.‘Wewon’thaveto,’Adamresponds.‘Thefleetwillcometous.’‘Oh,right,’Samsays.‘Worldwideinvasion.Sowe’replanningtojustwaitforthat?’Itapmyfingeronthetablet,pointingoutthethreedotsstillinFlorida.‘Theplanistogettheothers.
They’restillthere.Wejusthaveto–’IstopmyselfwhenIlookbackatthescreen.Therunwayisstartingtomove.‘Ithoughtyoudisabledtheship.Whyaretheymoving?’Withahurriedseriesofkeystrokes,Adamcranesthecameradown.Fromthisangle,wecanseethe
crewofMogadoriansgrimacingastheypushthescoutvesselmanuallytowardsthehangar.‘Iguesstheygaveupongettingitstarted,’Samobserves.OneoftheMogsrunsaheadtoslideopenthemetaldoorsandthere,caughtoutinthemiddleofthe
emptyhangar,areNine,MarinaandSix.Samletslooseanexcitedshoutthathecutsoffquickly,theharshmathsinkingin,thattherearethreeGardewherethereshouldbefour,andthatNineiscarryinginhisarmswhatisobviouslyabodybag.‘Eight,’Samsays,swallowing.‘Shit.’IturntoAdam,notreadytogrieveyet.‘Doesthisshipyou’vehackedhaveanyguns?’
14
Afterabarrageofnear-deafeningblasterfireinthewide-openspaceofthehangar,thescoutshipgoeseerilysilent.MarinaandIcrouchnexttoeachother,bothofushuddledbehindtheflipped-overmetaltable.Weexchangealook–thetabledidn’tsustainevenasingleshotofblasterfire.Infact,itdoesn’tseemliketheship’sturretcameevenclosetohittingus.‘Niceaim,dipshit!’Nineshouts,laughing.He’sofftothesideofthetable,flatontheground,half
shieldingEight’sbodywithhisown.Ipokemyheadoutfrombehindthetable.Betweenusandthescoutvesselareadozenpilesofash,
formerlytheMogadorianmechanics.Theship’sgunturretisstillsmokingbuthangsdormantnow,nottheleastbitinterestedinus.Cautiously,Istandup.Marinajoinsme.‘Whatthehellisgoingon?’Iask.‘Whocares?’Ninesays,heftingEight’sbody.‘Let’sgetoutofhere.’‘Perhapssomekindofmalfunction?’Marinaproposes,inchingclosertotheship,whichstillblocksour
wayout.Thethreeofusspreadout,makingsurenottostanddirectlyinthepathoftheblaster.‘ItonlyshottheMogs,’Isay.‘That’soneconvenientmalfunction.’Allthreeofusjumpwhentheship’scockpitopensupwithahydraulichiss.There’saburstofstatic
fromaspeakerinthecockpit,andthenafamiliarvoiceringsout.‘Guys?Canyouhearme?’‘John?’Iexclaim,notbelievingmyears.ThelastIsawhim,hewasinacomaalongwithElla.Isprint
totheshipandjumpontoitsfrontend,standingovertheopencockpittobetterhearhisvoice.‘It’sme,Six,’Johnsays.‘It’sgoodtoseeyou.’‘Seeme?’Iask,thennoticethesmallcameramountedoverthecockpitentrance.Itwigglesbackand
forth,almostnoddingingreeting.‘Dude,whathappened?’Nineasks,eyeingthecockpitskeptically.‘Isyourbrain,like,trappedina
Mogadorianshipnow?’‘What?No,don’tbeanidiot,’Johnreplies,andIcanpicturethelookofannoyedamusementonhis
face.‘We’vetakenoveraMogadorianbaseandusedtheirtechtohackintothisship.’‘Nice,’Ninereplies,likethat’sallheneededtohear.Hejumpseffortlesslyontotheship’shood,still
holdingEight,andlandsrightbesideme.Oursideofthesaucer-shapedvesseldipsalittleathisweightbeforerightingitself,thelandinggearwhining.Ninekicksthemetalhullwithhisheel,testingitout.‘Sothisisourride?’Inanswer,theship’senginebeginstovibratebeneathourfeet.Ilookdownintothecockpit–thereare
sixhardplasticseatsinthere,alongwithablinkingdashboardcoveredinrandomMogadoriansymbolsandasetofcontrolsthatlooksimilartowhatyou’dfindonanairplane.NotthatI’veeverflownoneofthosebefore,muchlessonemadebyMogadorians.‘WesawwhathappenedinChicago,’Marinasays,alsoclimbingontotheship.
‘Iseveryoneallright?’‘Yeah,’Johnrepliesquickly,thenseemstoreconsider.‘TheytookElla,butIdon’tthinkshe’sindanger
yet.’Marina’seyebrowsshootupinalarm,andIcanfeelthecoldstarttorolloffher.‘Whatdoyoumean
theytookher?’‘I’llexplaineverythingwhenyougetintheair,’Johnsays.‘First,let’sgetyououtofthere.’‘Soundsgood,’Ninereplies,andhopsdownintothecockpit,gentlyplacingEight’sbodyacrossa
coupleoftheseats.‘Uh,John,oneproblem,’Isay,followingNineintotheantiseptic-smellingMogship.‘Howarewe
supposedtoflythisthing?’There’sapauseonJohn’sendandthenadifferentvoiceresponds,thisonewithaharshaccentthat
makesmyshoulderstense.‘Icouldflyyouremotely,butI’mworriedhackingintotheship’scomputermighthavedamagedsome
oftheauto-navigationprotocols.It’llbesaferifyoudoitmanuallywithmewalkingyouthroughit,’theMogadorianexplainsquickly.Then,asifrealizingwemightbefreakedout,theguyadds,‘Hey.I’mAdam.’‘TheguyMalcolmtoldusabout,’Isay,rememberingthatdinnerconversation.‘Don’tworry,Six,’Sam’svoiceinterjects,andIcan’thelpbutgrinatthesoundofit.‘He’stotallynot
evil.’‘Oh,well,inthatcase,let’sfly,’Ninesayssarcastically,butsettlesintooneofthehard-backedplastic
seatsallthesame.Ihopintothepilot’schair.Marinahesitatesforamoment,givingtheconsolewheretheMog’svoicecamefromalookofdistrust.‘Howdoweknowthat’sreallyJohn?’sheasks.‘SetrákusRacanchangeforms.Thismightbesome
kindoftrap.’InmyexcitementtohearJohnandSam,Ihadn’tevenconsideredthepossibilitythatthiscouldbeaploy.Behindme,Nineshoutstowardsthecommunicator.‘Hey,Johnny,rememberbackinChicago?WhenyouwereclaimingtobePittacusLoreandwehada
debateaboutwhethertogotoNewMexico?’‘Yeah,’John’svoicesoundslikeit’scomingthroughclenchedteeth.‘How’dwesettlethat?’Johnsighs.‘Youdangledmeofftheedgeoftheroof.’Ninegrinslikethat’sthebestthingever.‘It’sdefinitelyhim.’‘Marina,’Johnsays,probablythinkingNine’slittletestwasn’tgoodenough.‘Thefirsttimewemet,
youhealedtwobulletwoundsinmyankle.Andthenwealmostgothitbyamissile.’AsmallsmileformsonMarina’sface,thefirstI’veseenindays.‘Ithoughtyouwereaboutthecoolest
guyI’devermet,JohnSmith.’Ninebarksoutalaughatthat,shakinghishead.Marinaclimbsaboard,takingaseatnexttoEight’s
body.Shedrapesahandprotectivelyonthebodybagandsettlesin.‘Watchyourheads,’Adamwarnsasthecockpithissesclosedaboveus.There’samomentwhereIfeel
asenseofpanicatbeingsealedinsideaMogadorianship,butIshovethatfeelingdownandtightlyclutchthesteeringapparatus.It’sdiminthecockpit,theglasshavingatintedsunglasses-likelook.Streamsof
dataincompressedMogadoriansymbolsareprojecteddirectlyontotheglass,thereadoutssomethingonlyaMogpilotcouldmakesenseof.‘Allright,’Isay.‘Whatnow?’‘Holdup,’Nineinterjects,leaningforward.‘Howcomeyougettodrive?’Adam’svoicecomesthroughclear,patientbutauthoritative.‘Turnthewheelinfrontofyou.Thatwill
rotatetheship.’Idoasheinstructs,thewheelturningeasily,thesaucerportionoftheshipdoinga180withoutthe
wheelsmovingatall.Istopturningwhenwe’repointedtowardsthehangar’sexit.‘Good,’Adamsays.‘Now,theleveronyourleftmovesthewheels.’Igriptheleverandpushitjustatad.Theshipjerksforwardalmostimmediately.Thecontrolsare
sensitive,anditdoesn’ttakemuchpressuretogetusslowlyrollingoutontotherunway.‘Giveitsomegas,Six,damn,’Ninecomplains.‘Driveitlikewestoleit.’‘Don’tlistentohim,’Marinasays,huggingherself.‘Ifyou’reoutfromunderthehangar,youcanstop,’Adaminstructs.Ilookupthroughtheglassofthecockpit,seeonlyskyandsoletgoofthelever.Theshipcreakstoa
stop.‘Okay,’Adamsays.‘Now,graspthewheelinfrontofyouatthreeandnine.Doyoufeelthetriggers?’Itakethewheelagainandfeelaroundforthetwobuttonsindentedinitsunderside.‘Got’em,’Ireply,
testingoutthetriggerontheleftbysqueezingit.AssoonasIdo,thevibrationfromtheship’senginereachesabone-rattlingcrescendoandweriseintotheair.‘Ho,shit!’Nineyells.Nexttome,Marinasqueezesherselfalittletighter,closinghereyes.‘Becareful,Six,’shewhispers.Iletgoofthebuttonandtheshipeffortlesslymaintainsitselevation.We’rehoveringabouttwenty
yardsofftheground.‘Youweren’tsupposedtodothatyet,’Adamadmonishes.‘Uh,yeah,sorry.Firsttimeflyingaspaceship,’Ireply.‘Nobigdeal,’Adamreplies.‘Thetriggeronyourleftincreasesyourelevation.Theoneonyourright
decreasesit.’‘Leftup,rightdown.Gotit.’‘Also,’Adamsays.‘you’reinwhatmypeoplecallaSkimmer.Itisn’tbuiltforinterplanetarytravel,so
itisn’tquiteaspaceship.’Ninemakesaloudsnoringnoise.‘IsthisdudeabouttogiveusalessoninMogadorianaviationor
something?Thehell?’‘YouknowIcanhearyou,right?’Adamrepliesoverthemic.‘Andno,Iamnot.’‘SorryaboutNine,’Isay,givinghimadirtylookovermyshoulder.‘Doesthisthingcomewithejector
seats?’‘Yes,actually,’Adamreplies.‘Whoa,now,’Ninesays,edgingforwardsohisbuttisn’tentirelyontheseat.‘Don’tgetanyideas,Six.’IshushNinewhenIhearaseriesofclankingnoisesemanatingfromtheship’sunderbelly.‘Whatisthat?’Iask.‘Don’tworry,’Adamreplies.‘Ijustremotelyputupyourlandinggear.’
Whentheclankingfinishes,twosmallpanelsonthesteeringwheelslideaside,revealingthumb-sizedbuttonspositionedsotheycanbepressedatthesametimeastheelevationtriggers.‘Youshouldseeacoupleofbuttons,’Adamcontinues.‘Depressthemtoaccelerate.Simplyletthemgo
tobrake.’Igripthesteeringwheelmoretentativelythanbeforeandgentlysqueezethebuttons,carefulnottohit
thetriggersonthewheel’sunderside.TheSkimmerzipsforward,thenlurchestoastopwhenIletthebuttongo.‘It’slikeavideogame,’Ninesays,leaningoverthebackofmychair.‘Anyidiotcouldworkthisthing.
Nooffense,Mogguy.’‘Nonetaken.’Ipressdowntheacceleratoralittlemoreforcefullyandtheshipshootsforward.Adiagnosticonthe
screenstartsflashing–awarninginanylanguage–rightbeforeIscrapethebottomoftheSkimmeragainstthetopofatree.Ihearbranchesbreakingand,craningmyneck,seethemhitthegroundbelow.‘Oops,’Isay,andglancesidelongatMarina.‘Six,Iswear,’shesays,flashingmeahalf-panickedlook.‘You’llwanttogetsomemoreelevation,’Adamsays.‘And,um,considersteering.’Ninelaughsandleansback.Ipullthetriggerforverticalandweriseuphigher.Asweclearthedense
treesoftheswampland,thehorizonbecomesvisible.Alaser-finedottedlineappearsonthecockpitglass,superimposedovertheview,likeatrail.‘I’veplottedyourcourse,’Adamsays.‘Justfollowtheline.’Inodandgivetheshipsomejuice,followingthelaser-pathnorth.‘Allright,boys,’Isay.‘Herewecome.’
TheflightfromFloridatoWashingtontakesabouttwohours.OnAdam’sinstructions,Ikeepouraltitudelowenoughthatwewon’tbepickeduponsatellitesoraccidentallycrosspathswithanyairplanes,buthighenoughthattherewon’tbearashofUFOsightingsalongtheEasternSeaboard.Although,consideringhowseriousthethreatofall-outMogadorianinvasionseems,maybeweshouldletourstolenshipbeseen,shootoffsomefireworks,warnthelocals.AftertheinitialrushofelationathearingJohnandSam,atknowingourfriendsarealive,the
conversationturnsgrim.Overtheradio,theydescribewhatwentdownattheJohnHancockCenter.Afterthat,JohntellsusaboutwhathesawinthenightmarevisionhesharedwithEllaandwhyhethinksSetrákusRadoesn’twanttohurther.John’spiecedtogetheratheorythatEllacouldberelatedtoSetrákusRaandthattheMogadorianrulercouldactuallybesomekindoftwistedLoric,thebanishedEldermentionedinCrayton’sletter.I’mnotreadytograpplewiththatyet.OnceJohn’scaughtusup,it’sourturntofillintheothersonwhathappenedinFlorida.Evenoverthe
radio,IcantellJohn’stryingnottopressustoomuch.IthinkaboutthedaysthatJohn’sbeenlivingwithafreshscaronhisankle,wonderingwhichoneofuswouldn’tbemakingitback–asmuchasithurtstotalkabout,hedeservestoknowwhathappenedtoEight.However,neitherMarinanorNineareveryforthcoming,soitfallstometodescribehowFivebetrayedus,howhemurderedEighttechnicallybyaccident,butonlybecausehewasactuallytryingtomurderNine.Iwasunconsciousformostofthefight,soIkeepthedescriptionbarebones,justthefacts,notsugarcoatinganything.Then,IgivethemthedetailsofrescuingEight’sbodyfromtheMogadorianencampmentandtellthemaboutwhatFivedidtohis
Mogadorianpal.WhenI’mfinished,agrimmoodsettlesinsidethecockpitandwerideinsilenceuntilwereachsuburbanD.C.Ilandtheshipinthemiddleofabasketballcourt.We’reinafancy-asssuburbandevelopment,one
madeextraordinarilyeeriebyallitsdarkenedwindowsandgeneralemptiness.ThecockpitopensforusandMarinaflashesmearelievedlookasshestandsup.Carefully,NinepicksupEight’sbodyandclimbsoutoftheship.Marinastaysclosetohim,herhandonNine’selbow,makingsurethatEightdoesn’tgetjostledtoomuch.It’sstillhardtobelievethat’sourfriendinthatbodybag,anditfeelswrongtobecarryinghimaroundsomuch.‘Yourtravelsarealmostover,’IoverhearMarinawhispertoEight’sbody.ShemustfeelthesameasI
do.MarinaandIhopdowntothegroundandturnaroundtohelpNinelowerEight’sbody.Insteadof
passingEightdown,Ninesquintsintothedarknessaroundus.‘Whoa,’hesays.‘Thereare,like,somerandomcreatureswatchingusrightnow.’‘Creatures?’Ireply,lookingupathim.Nine’sexpressionhasgoneblank–well,blankerthanusual–
thewayhegetswhenhe’susinghisanimaltelepathy.‘Oh,Iforgottomentionwefoundsomenewfriends!’It’sJohn,joggingtowardsusfromthecrookeddoorwayofahousethatlookshalfsmashed,likethe
groundtriedtoswallowitupbutcouldn’tquitefinish.Samisafewstepsbehindhim,beamingatme,althoughwhenhenoticesmenoticinghim,hequicklytonesdownthewattageofhissmile,goingforsomethingalittlelesseager.BehindJohnandSam,pushingagurney,areMalcolmandapale,lankyguythatIassumemustbeAdam,thedarkhairhanginginhisfacemakinghimlookhalf-Mogandhalf-emorockstar.‘SomanyChimærae,’Ninesays,noddingexcitedlyashegazesoutintothedarkness.‘That’s
awesome.’‘Wenamedthechubby,lazyoneafteryou,’Samreplies.‘Lessawesome.’Uponreachingus,JohnwrapsMarinainatighthug.It’sdarkout,butIcanseedaysofworryetchedin
thedarkbagsunderhiseyes.Irememberthatwide-eyedkidIfoundfightingMogadoriansathishighschoolandwonderifJohnfeltlikethatagain,likehewasbacktobeingaloneagainsttheworld.Itshouldbeareliefthatwe’rereunited,butwe’reoneless,andIknowJohnwellenoughtoknowthathe’sbeenbeatinghimselfupoverourlossfordays.‘Youmadeit,’JohnsaysasheletsMarinagoandhugsmenext.Hisvoiceisquiet,formeonly.‘I
didn’tknowwhatIwasgoingtodoif–’‘Youdon’thavetosayanything,’Ireply,squeezinghimback.‘We’reherenow.We’regoingtofight.
We’regoingtowin.’Johntakesastepbackfromme,arelievedlookbrieflypassingacrosshisface,likeheneededsomeone
totellhimthat.Henodstomeandthenwalksovertotheship,takingEight’sbodyinhisarmssothatNinecanjumpdown.EveryonefallssilentasMalcolmwheelsthegurneyforwardsothatJohncansetdownthebody.‘TheMogsputsomethingonhim,’Marinasays.Shetakesalurchingsteptowardsthegurney.‘Some
electricalfield.’
Adamtakesatentativestepforwardandclearshisthroat.‘Electrodes?Overtheheart?Onthetemples?’‘Yes,’MarinareplieswithoutlookingatAdam,hereyesfixedonEight’sbodybag.‘TheMogsusethatto,uh…’Adampauses,thenfinishesawkwardly.‘Tokeepspecimensfresh.It
won’tharmtheremains,justpreservethem.’‘Specimens,’Ninerepeatsdryly.‘I’msorryaboutyourfriend,’Adamsaysquietly,pushingahandthroughhishair.‘Ijustthoughtyou
shouldknow…’‘It’sallright.Thanks,Adam,’Johnsays.HeputsahandonMarina’sshoulder.‘Comeon.Let’sgethim
inside.’‘What–’Marinachokesupandhastotakeadeepbreath.‘What’reyougoingtodowithhim?’‘We’vesetasideaquietroominside,’Malcolmrepliesgently.‘I’mnotsurewhatcustomstheLoric
haveforburials…’IlookfirstatJohn,whosefaceisscrunchedupinthought,thenatNine,wholooksabsolutelybaffled.‘Wedon’tknowthemeither,’Isay.‘Imean,whenwasthelasttimewehadachancetoproperlyhonor
oneofourfallen?’‘Wecan’tburyhimhere,though,’Marinasays.‘ThisisaMogplace.’Malcolmnods,understanding,andtouchesMarinasoftlyontheshoulder.‘Doyouwanttohelpme
bringhiminside?’Marinanods.Together,sheandMalcolmwheelEight’sbodybacktowardsthesunkenhouse.Adam
followsthematarespectfuldistance,hishandsclaspedawkwardlybehindhisback.Afteramoment,NineclapsJohnhardontheback,breakingthetension.‘SodidImishearoverthecommunicator,ordidyousendyourgirlfriendoffonasuper-sexysecret
missionwithherex-boyfriend?’‘We’refightingawarhere,Nine,it’snotajoke,’Johnrepliessternly.Afteramoment’sawkward
pause,abegrudgingsmilebreaksonhisface.‘Also,shutup.It’snotsupersexy.Whatdoesthatevenmean?’‘Wow,youreallyneedmyguidance,’Ninesays.HethrowshisarmaroundJohn’sshouldersandleads
himtowardsthehouse.‘Comeon.I’llexplainwhatsexyis.’‘Iknowwhatit–ugh,whyamIevendiscussingthiswithyou?’JohnshovesNineinfrustration,but
Ninejustholdsontighter.‘Getoffme,idiot.’‘Comeon,Johnny,youneedmyaffectionnowmorethanever.’Irollmyeyesastheguyswalktowardsthehouse,havingtheirlittlebromoment.Thatleavesmealone
withSam,standingafewfeetaway,lookingatmeintently.Icanseehimtryingtofigureoutwhattosay,ormorelikelyworkingupthenervetosayit.Theguy’sprobablybeenchewingonthismomentforhours,workingonhisamazingspeechtothegirlhewasn’tsurehe’deverseeagain.‘Hey,’iswhathesettlesonatlast.‘Heyback,’Ireply,andbeforehecangetanotherwordout,Iwrapmyarmsaroundhimandkisshim
hardenoughthatIprobablyknockthewindoutofhim.Samseemsstunnedatfirstbutkissesbackafteramoment,tryingtomatchmyintensity.Igrabhimbythefrontoftheshirtandpullhimsothatwe’repressedupagainstthesideoftheSkimmer–notexactlythemostromanticplaceintheworld,butI’lltakeit.I
grabSam’shandsandputthemonmyhips,thenclutchthesidesofhisfaceandrunmyfingersupthroughhishair,allthisdesperateenergypouringoutofmeandintothiskiss.Afteracoupleofminutes,Sambreaksawayfromme,breathless.‘Six,whoa,whatisgoingon?’ThelookonSam’sfaceisn’twhatIwasexpecting.Yes,there’sflushedbewilderment,butmixedin
withthatsurpriseisanundercurrentofconcern.Itmakesmelookaway.‘Ijustreallywantedtodothat,’Ireply,tellinghimthetruth.‘Ididn’tknowifI’dgetanotherchance.’IpressmyfaceagainstthesideofSam’sneckandfeelhisheartbeatagainstmycheek.I’vespentthe
lastfewdaysputtingonastrongfront,tryingtokeepittogetherwithMarinaandNinebothonthevergeoffallingapart.Finally,atleastwhilewe’reouthereinthedark,Icanletmyselfgoalittlebit.Samhasmearoundthewaist,soIsinkagainsthim,lethimholdmeupandtakeashudderingbreathagainsthisneck.‘Itcanjustendsoquickly…,’Iwhisper,leaningbacktogetalookathim.‘Ididn’twanttonothave
donethat,youknow?Idon’tcareifitcomplicatesthings.’‘Meneither,’Samsays.‘Obviously.’Westarttokissagain,thistimealotgentler,Sam’shandsslowlymovingupmysides.Whenthewolf
howls–loud,echoing,nearby–myfirstinstinctisthatit’sNinespyingonusfromthehouseandmakingstupidnoises.ButthenasecondandthirdwolfmakeahowlingchorusandIleanbacktopeeratSam.‘Whatthehellisthat?’Iask.‘Wolvesinthesuburbs?’‘Idon’tknow–’hestartstoreply,butthenhiseyeswiden.‘TheChimærae.They’rewarningus.’Amomentafterhesaysit,Ihearthewhup-whup-whupofatleastthreehelicoptersbearingdownonus.
IfIsquint,Icanseetheiroutlinesapproachinginthenightsky.Andthentherearetheblueflashinglightscomingfromthehousingdevelopment’sonlyaccessroad;thelightsareattachedtoacaravanofblackSUVs,allofthemspeedinginourdirection.
15
Atthesoundofscreechingtiresandhelicopterrotors,NineandIburstbackoutside,leapingoverthehouse’sbrokenporchandontothelawn.We’rejustintimetoseealightningstrikeslicedownfromthesky,courtesyofSix.It’sawarningshot;thebolteruptsapieceofasphaltrightinfrontofablackSUVthat’scareeninguptheaccessroad,causingittoswerve.‘Thehellisthis?’Ninegrowls.‘Ithoughtweweredonewiththefeds.’‘Adamsaidthey’resupposedtoleavethisplacealone,’Ireply.‘SomedealwiththeMogs.’‘Iguessthatendedwhenyoukilledthemall,huh?’Therearethreechoppersoverhead,circlinglikevultures.Somesignalmustpassbetweenthem,
becausetheyallturnonspotlightsatthesametime.OneofthemtrainsonmeandNine,anotherontheentranceofthehousebehindusandathirdonSixandSam.Inthebrightlight,InoticeSam,unarmed,quicklyclimbingintotheSkimmerforcover.Six,herhandssplayedintheair,intheprocessofsummoningsomenastyweatherforouruninvitedguests,goesinvisiblebeforethespotlightcanreallygetafixonher.Meanwhile,undeterredbythelightningstrike,aparadeofblackSUVsfilesuptheaccessroad,blue
lightsflashingbeneaththeirwindshields.Theyskidtoastopnexttoeachotherinatightformation,eventuallycreatingablockadeofbulletproofglassandshiny,dent-resistantpaneling.Theirdoorsflingopenandabunchofagentsinidenticalnavy-bluewindbreakersleapout.Theoneswhoaren’tyellingintowalkie-talkieshavegunstrainedonus,allofthemhunkeredbehindtheircardoorsforcover.Ittakesthemlessthanaminutetohaveuspinneddowninthecul-de-sac.‘Dotheyreallythinkthiswillstopus?’Nineasksashetakesastepawayfromthehouse,almostdaring
theagentstotryshootinghim.‘Idon’tknowwhatthey’rethinking,’Ireply.‘Buttheydon’tknowabouttheChimærae.’Icansensethemlurkingintheshadowsjustofftheaccessroad.Thesegovernmentguysmightthink
they’vegotussurrounded,buttheglowingeyesinthedarknesswouldargueotherwise.TheChimæraeholdtheirposition,waitingforasignal.IhearacreakbehindmeandhalfturntofindMarinaontheporch,jaggediciclesextendingfromher
handsliketwindaggers.That’snew.Nexttoher,usingthedoorwayforcover,isAdam,holdingaMogadorianblaster.‘Whatdowedo?’Marinaasks.Inoticestormcloudsgatheringoverhead.Sixisreadytothrowdownifweneedto.Butsofar,the
governmentguyshaven’tdoneanythingexceptmakealotofnoise.Theydidn’tcomeinshooting,whichistheonlyreasonIhaven’tfiredupmyLumen.‘Idon’twanttohurtthemifwedon’thaveto,’Isay.‘Butwedon’thavetimeforanybullshit.I’mdamn
surenotbeingtakeninforquestioning.’
Apparently,Nineinterpretsmywordsasencouragementtodosomethingcrazy.HestridesforwardandpicksupthebaseofDrAnu’schair,whichgotshearedinhalfbyblasterfireduringthisafternoon’sbattle.Thethingmustweighclosetotwohundredpounds,butNineheftsiteasilywithonehand,swingingitbackandforthasademonstration.‘Youguysareonprivateproperty!’Nineshouts.‘AndIdon’tseeanywarrants!’BeforeIcanstophim,Nineflingstheentirechunkintotheair,puttingitjustinchesfromthenoseofthe
nearesthelicopter.It’sprettyobviousfrommyvantagepointthatthechopperisn’tinanyrealdanger,butIguessthehumanpilotisn’tusedtohavingsuperstrongGardechuckingscrapmetalathim.Thepilotpullsbackonhiscontrolsandthechoppershakilygainsaltitude,itsspotlightmakingerratictrailsacrossthelawn.Thechairpiececomesdownwithaloudcrashinthemiddleofthestreet.‘Thatwasunnecessary,’Adamobservesfromthedoorway.‘Eh,agreetodisagree,’Ninesays.Ashebendsdowntopickupanotherpieceofthechair,Ihearthetelltalecockingofgunsfromtheline
ofSUVs.Sixmusthearthemtoofromwherevershe’slurking,becauseawaveoffogsuddenlyrollsacrossthelawnsofAshwoodEstates,makingusmuchhardertotarget.IlightmyLumenandstepforward,puttingmyselfbetweenNineandtheSUVs.Iholdupmyhandsso
theagentscanclearlyseethatthey’reenvelopedinfire.‘Idon’tknowwhyyou’rehere,’Iyelltowardsthelineofcars,‘butyou’remakingamistake.Thisisa
fightyouseriouslycannotwin.Smartestthingyoucandoisgobacktoyourbossesandtellthemtherewasnothinghere.’Topunctuatethespeech,IsendatelepathiccommandtoourChimærae.Howlsringsoutfromthe
darknessontheSUVs’flanks.Suddenlypanicked,someoftheagentsstartaimingtheirgunsintotheshadows,andoneofthechoppersusesitsspotlighttobegincombingthefieldsalongsidetheaccessroad.We’vegotthemscared.‘Lastwarning!’Ishout,lettingabasketball-sizedfireballfloatupfrommypalm.‘JesusChrist!’awoman’svoiceshoutsfromthelineofcars.‘Everybodystanddown!’Onebyone,theagentsatthecarslowertheirweapons.Astheydo,oneofthemsqueezesbetweena
pairofSUVsandwalkstowardsus,herhandsraisedinsurrender.Throughthefog,Irecognizeherrigidpostureandsevereponytail.‘AgentWalker?Isthatyou?’Nexttome,Ninelaughs.‘Oh,comeon.Yougoingtotryarrestingusagain?’Walkergrimacesasshegetscloser,hersharpfeaturesmorelinedthanIremember.She’spale,an
alarmingstreakofgrayrunningthroughherredhair.ItrytorememberhowbadlyshewashurtbackatDulceBase.Couldshestillbefeelingtheeffectsofthat?Beforeshecangettooclose,SixmanifestsbehindWalkerandgrabsherbytheponytail.‘Notanother
step,’shesnarls.Walker,eyeswide,obedientlystops.Sixreachesdownandtakesthegunoffherhip,droppingitinto
thegrass.‘I’msorryforthecommotion,’Walkersays,hervoiceslightlystrangledthankstotheangleSixhasher
headat.‘MyagentssawthatMogadorianshiplandandwethoughtyoumightbeunderattack.’
IlettheLumeninmyhandsgoout,tiltingmyheadather.‘Wait.Youcamerushinginherebecauseyouthoughtwewereunderattack?’‘Iknowyouhavenoreasontobelieveme,’Walkersays,hervoicehoarse.‘Butwe’reheretohelp.’Nexttome,Ninescoffs.IstarehardatWalker,waitingforthepunchline,orthesecretsignalforher
mentoopenfire.‘Please,’shesays.‘Justhearmeout.’Isighandmotiontowardsthehouse.‘Bringherin,’ItellSix,thenturntoNine.‘Iftherestofthemtry
anythingevenalittlesuspicious–’Ninecrackshisknuckles.‘Oh,Iknowwhattodo.’SixshovesWalkerupthebrokenstepsofAdam’shouseandthroughthefrontdoor.Ifollowafewsteps
behind,leavingtherestofourfriendstokeepaneyeonthesmallarmyofgovernmentagents.‘IsthataMogadorianIsawoutthere?’WalkerasksasSixpushesherintothelivingroom.‘Youhave
oneofthemprisoner?’‘He’sanally,’Isay.‘Rightnow,you’retheprisoner.’‘Understood,’Walkersays,soundingmoretiredthananything.WithoutSixhavingtopushher,Walker
sitsdownheavilyononeofthesofas.Inthelightofthelivingroom,Icanseethatthere’sdefinitelysomethingoffabouther.Maybeit’sowingtotheoddstreakofgrayinherhair,butWalkerlooksdrained.ShenoticestheentrancetotheMogadoriantunnelsbutdoesn’tlookparticularlyinterestedorsurprised.‘Ah,aguest,’Malcolmsaysasheappearsinthedoorwaybetweenthelivingroomandthekitchen,his
rifleslungoverhisshoulder.‘Andshebroughtlotsoffriends.Iseverythingallright?’‘I’mnotsureyet,’Ireply,anedgetomyvoice,keepingmyguardup.Sixcirclesaroundthecouchso
shecanstandwhereWalkercan’tseeher.‘Hm,’Malcolmsays.‘Iwasabouttoputapotofcoffeeon.Wouldanyoneelselikesome?IthinkIsaw
someteainthekitchen,too.’AshakysmileformsonWalker’sface.‘Isthissomekindofgood-cop,bad-coproutine?’Shelooks
fromMalcolmtome.‘Isheoneofyour…whatdoyoucallthem?Cêpans?’SixraisesherhandtoMalcolm.‘I’lltakeacup,actually.’WhenIflashheranannoyedlook,she
shrugs.‘What?Trustme,Icandrinksomecoffeeandtakedownthisladyatthesametime,ifIneedto.’AgentWalkerglancesoverhershoulderatSix.‘Ibelieveher.’IstrideforwardsoI’mstandingrightinfrontofWalkerandsnapmyfingersinherface.‘Allright,stop
wastingtime.Saywhatyoucameheretosay.’‘AgentPurdyisdead,’Walkerstates,lookingupatme.‘HadaheartattackatDulceBase.’‘Aw,Irememberhim,’Sixsays.‘Whatashame.’IrememberAgentWalker’spartner,too–anolderguy,whitehair,crookednose.Ishrug,notseeing
whatthishastodowithus.‘Condolences,Iguess.Sowhat?’‘Guywasaprick,’Walkerreplies.‘Itisn’tsomuchthathecroaked,it’swhathappenedafter.’Walkershowsmeherhands,thenveryslowlyreachesintothefrontpocketofherFBI-issue
windbreaker.SheremovesastuffedManilafolder,rolled-upandrubber-banded.Sheopensitup,reachesinsideandpullsoutaPolaroidphotograph.WalkerhandsittomeandIfindmyselfexaminingaclose-upofadeadAgentPurdy–orwhat’sleftofhim.Halfhisfaceismeltedaway,disintegratedintoashontheconcreteunderneathhim.
‘Ithoughtyousaiditwasaheartattack,’Isay.‘Itwas,’Walkerreplies.‘Thingis,afterward,Purdystartedtodissolveaway.Justlikeoneofthe
Mogadorians.’Ishakemyhead.‘Whatdoesthatmean?Why?’‘He’dbeengettingtreatments,’Walkersays.‘Augmentations,theMogscallthem.Mostofthesenior
MogPropeoplehavebeengettingthemforyears.’Theterm‘MogPro’ringsabellfromTheyWalkAmongUs,butIdon’tknowhowthisalladdsupwith
theaugmentationsAdamtoldusabout.‘Backup,’Itellher.‘Startatthebeginning.’Walkerself-consciouslytouchesherstreakofgrayhairandforamomentIwonderifshe’shaving
secondthoughtsaboutthisconfession.Butthenshehandsmethefoldershe’sbeenclutching,meetingmyeyes.‘Firstcontactwastenyearsago,’shesays.‘TheMogadoriansclaimedtheywerehuntingfugitives.
Theywantedtouseourlaw-enforcementnetwork,havefreereintomovearoundthecountry,andinexchangethey’dprovideuswithweaponsandtechnology.IwasjustoutoftheacademywhenallthishappenedsoIobviouslywasn’tinvitedtoanymeetingswiththealiens.Iguessnoonewantedtopissthemofforturndownweaponsmorepowerfulthananywe’deverseen,becauseourgovernmentcavedrealquick.Thedirectorofthebureauhimselfwasinonthenegotiations.Thiswasbeforehegotpromoted.Might’vebeenwhyhegotpromoted,infact.’‘Letmeguess,’Isay,rememberingthenamefromMark’swebsite.‘TheolddirectorwasBud
Sanderson.Nowsecretaryofdefense.’Walkerlooksmomentarilyimpressed.‘Right.Youconnectthedots,you’llfindalotofpeoplewho
negotiatedwiththeMogstenyearsagohavedonerealwellforthemselvessince.’‘Whataboutthepresident?’Sixasks.‘Thatguy?’Walkersnorts.‘Smallfish.Theoneswhogetelected,whogivespeechesonTV–they’re
justglorifiedcelebrities.Therealpower’swiththepeoplewhogetappointed,whoworkbehindthescenes.Theonesyou’veneverheardof.They’rewhotheMogswantedandthat’swhothey’vekeptaround.’‘He’sstillthepresident,’Sixcounters.‘Whydoesn’thedosomething?’‘Becausehe’skeptinthedark,’Walkersays.‘Andanyway,theVPisaMogProguy.Whenthetime
comes,thepresidentwilleithergoalongwiththeMogs,orhe’llgetremoved.’‘I’msorry,’Isay,holdingupmyhands.‘WhatthehellisMogPro?’‘MogadorianProgress,’Walkerexplains.‘It’swhatthey’recallingthe,quote,intersectionofourtwo
species,unquote.’‘Youknow,ifyoueverwantasecondcareer,Iknowawebsiteyoucouldwritefor,’ItellWalkerasI
startpagingthroughthedocumentsinherfile.TherearespecificationsforMogadorianblasters,transcriptsofconversationsbetweenpoliticians,picturesofimportant-lookinggovernmentguysshakinghandswithMogsinofficeruniforms.It’sthekindofdocumentdumpasitelikeTheyWalkAmongUswouldkillfor.Actually,alotofthisstuffwasalreadyonMark’swebsite.CouldWalkerhavebeentheonefeeding
himinformation?
‘Soyourbosssoldouthumanityforsomeupgradedweapons?’Sixasks,leaningoverthebackofthecouchtoglareatWalker.‘Thatsumsitup.Weweren’ttheonlycountrytosignupeither,’Walkercontinues,hertonebitter.‘And
theyknewhowtokeepusonthehook,too.Aftertheweapons,theystartedpromisingmedicaladvances.Geneticaugmentation,theycalledit.Claimedtheycouldcureeverythingfromtheflutocancer.Theywerebasicallypromisingimmortality.’Ilookupfromthefile,stoppingatapictureofasoldierwitharolled-upsleeve,theveinsonhis
forearmblackenedasifhisbloodhadturnedtosoot.‘How’sthatworkingout?’Iask,tappingthephoto.Walkercraneshernecktolookatthepicture,thenlockseyeswithme.‘Whatyou’relookingatisone
week’swithdrawalfromMogadoriangeneticinjections.That’showit’sworkingout.’IshowthephototoSixandsheshakesherheadindisgust.‘Sobasicallythey’rekillingyouslowly,’Sixsays.‘OrturningyouintoMogs.’‘Wedidn’tknowwhatweweregettinginto,’Walkersays.‘SeeingPurdydisintegratelikethat,though
…itopenedsomeeyes.TheMogsaren’tsaviors.They’returningusintosomethinginhuman.’‘Andyetyouguysarestilldealingwiththem,aren’tyou?’Ireply.‘Iheardthere’speopletryingtogo
publiconsomecapturedMogadorians,butsomeone’ssquashingthestory.’Walkernods.‘TheMogsclaimtheirgeneticaugmentationswillonlygetbetterwithtime.Alotofthe
goodoldboysinWashingtonwanttostickitoutandstaythecourse.They’veneverseenahumanbeingdisintegrate,Iguess.GuyslikeSandersonandsomeoftheotherhigh-rankingMogProcronies,they’vealreadystartedreceivingmoreadvancedtreatments.AlltheMogswantinexchangeisourcontinuedcooperation.’‘Cooperatehow?’Walkerraisesaneyebrowatme.‘Ifyouhaven’tfiguredthatoutyet,thenI’vedefinitelypickedthe
wrongsideandwearewellandtrulyscrewed.’‘Maybeifyou’dpickedtherightsideyearsagoinsteadofhelpingtohuntdownchildren–’Icatcha
lookfromSixandcheckmyanger.‘Whatever.Weknowthey’recoming.Nomorehidingintheshadowsorthesuburbs.They’recominginforce,right?’‘Right,’Walkerconfirms.‘Andtheyexpectustohandoverthekeystotheplanet.’Malcolmreturnsfromthekitchenwithtwocupsofcoffee.HehandsonetoSixandonetoWalker,the
agentlookingsurprisedbutgrateful.‘Excuseme,buthowwillthatwork?’Malcolmsays.‘Inafirst-contactsituation,there’scertaintobe
widespreadpanic.’‘Plus,theylooklikepasty-facedfreaks,’Sixadds.‘Peoplearegonnalosetheirshit.’‘Don’tbesosureaboutthat,’Walkerreplies,andgestureswithhermugtothefolderI’mstillholding.
Afterflippingthroughacouplemorepages,Icometoasetofphotographs.Twoguysinsuitsareeatinglunchinafancyrestaurant.ThefirstisaguyinhislatesixtieswiththinninggrayhairandafacelikeanowlIrecognizefromMark’swebsite;he’sBudSanderson,thesecretaryofdefense.Theother,ahandsomemiddle-agedguywholooksvaguelylikeamoviestar,I’veneverseenbefore.There’ssomethinghangingaroundhisneck,mostlyhiddenbyhissuitandthebadcameraangle.Itstirssomerecognitioninme,soIholdthepictureouttoWalker.
‘IknowSanderson,’Isay.‘Who’sthisotherguy?’Walkerraisesaneyebrowatme.‘What?Youdon’trecognizehim?I’mnotsurprised.Guyhasacouple
ofdifferentlooks,apparently.Me,Ididn’trecognizehimwhenhewasdestroyingyoukidsatDulceBase,bigasagoddamnhouse,withsomeflamingwhip.Actually,IguessthatwasaboutthetimeIdecidedMogProwasn’tforme.’MyeyeswidenandItakeanotherlookatthepicture.Theactualpendantsarehiddenbeneathhissuit
coat,butthemanclearlywearsthreechainsaroundhisneck.‘You’rekiddingme.’‘SetrákusRa,’Walkersays,shakingherhead.‘SealingthedealforMogadorian-humanpeace.’Sixcomesaroundthecouchtotakethepicturefromme.‘Damnshapeshifter,’shesays.‘He’sbeen
doingallthiswhilewe’vebeenontherun.Settingallthisupwhilewescrambledaround.’‘Hemightbeahead,butitisn’tover,’Malcolmsays.‘Well,that’ssomehearteningoptimism,’Walkersays,andsipshercoffee.‘Butitwillbeoverintwo
days.’‘Whathappensthen?’Iask.‘TheUNconvenes,’Walkerexplains.‘Conveniently,thepresidentwon’tbeabletomakeit,so
Sandersonwillappearinhisstead.He’llbetheretointroduceSetrákusRatotheworld.Anicebitofpoliticaltheaterabouthowthesweetlittlealiensmeanusnoharm.TherewillbeamotiontoallowtheMogadorianfleetsafepassageontoEarth,letthemdockhere,begoodneighborsintheintergalacticcommunity.Theworldleadershe’sboughtoffalreadywillsupportit.Believeme,they’vegotamajority.Andoncethey’rehere,onceweletthemin…’‘WesawoneofthosewarshipsinFlorida,’Sixsays,givingmeagrimlook.‘They’dbehardenoughto
takedownevenwithanarmythat’sreadyforbattle.’‘Buttherewon’tbeabattle.’Isay,finishingherthought.‘Earthwon’tevenputupafight.Andbythe
timetheydorealizethey’veletinamonster,it’llbetoolate.’‘Exactly,’Walkersays.‘NoteveryoneinthegovernmentisonboardwithSanderson.OftheFBI,CIA,
NSA,themilitary–aboutfifteenpercentareforMogPro.Lotsofpowerfulfriends,theymadesureofthat,butmostpeoplearestillentirelyinthedark.IfiguretheMogsestablishedthesameratioinothercountries.Theyknowhowmanyhumanstheyneedtocontroltogetthisdone.’‘Andyou’rewhat?Theonepercentthat’sfightingback?’Iask.‘Lessthanone,’Walkerreplies.‘It’salottogoupagainstifyoudon’thavesuperpowersand–what
wasthatoutthere?Anarmyofwolves?Anyway,mycrewhavebeenstakingoutAshwood,waitingforachancetostrikeor,Idon’tknow,dosomething.Whenwesawyoutaketheplaceover–’‘Allright,Walker,Igetit,’Isay,cuttingheroffandsettingasidethefile.‘Ibelieveyou,evenifIdon’t
reallytrustyou.Butwhatarewesupposedtodo?Howdowestopthis?’‘Gettothepresident?’Sixsuggests.‘Hehastobeabletodosomething.’‘That’soneidea,’Walkersays.‘Buthe’soneman,andseriouslywellguarded.Andevenifyoucould
gettohim,explaintohimaboutaliensandbringhimaroundtoyourside?There’sstillplentyofMogProprickswaitingtostageacoup.’IstareatWalker,knowingshealreadyhasaplanandisjuststringingusalong.‘Spititout.Whatdoyou
wantustodo?’
‘Weneedtowinoverthepeoplewho’restillinthedark.Todothat,weneedsomethingbig,’Walkersays,totallycavalier,likeshe’stalkingabouttakingoutthetrash.‘I’dlikeyoutocomewithmetoNewYork,assassinatethesecretaryofdefenseandexposeSetrákusRa.’
16
Iwatchfromtheobservationdeckasthewarshipapproaches,atfirstjustadarkspeckagainsttheblueEarthbutsteadilygrowinglargeruntilitblotsouttheplanetbelow.Thewarshipslowsonceit’srelativelyclosetotheAnubis–relativelybecausewecouldbemilesapartuphere,thevastnessofspacemakingdepthanddistancehardtofigure.I’mfarawayfromEarth.Farfrommyfriends.That’stheonlydistancethatmatters.Aportontheotherwarshipopensandasmalltransportshippopsintoview.It’swhite,perfectly
spherical,likeapearlfloatingthroughspace’sdarkocean.ThelittleshipbobsalonginmydirectionandIcanhearagrindingofgearsandawhooshofdecompressedair,theAnubis’sowndockingbay,rightbeneathmyfeet,preparingtoacceptthevisitor.‘Atlast,’SetrákusRasays,andsqueezesmyshoulder.Hesoundsexcitedaboutthisnewarrival,a
widesmileonhisstolen,humanface.Westandsidebysideontheobservationdeckrightabovethedockingbay,rowsofscoutshipsandasmallercollectionoftheorb-shapedtransportsanchoredbelowus.We’reawaitingmy‘betrothed.’Eventhinkingthewordmakesmewanttovomit.SetrákusRa’shand
restingallfatherlyonmyshouldermakesitalltheworse.Ikeepmyfacecompletelyneutral.I’mgettingbetterathidingmyemotions.I’mdeterminednottogive
anythingmoreawaytothismonster.IpretendlikeI’mexcited,too,maybejustalittlenervous.Lethimthinkthathe’swornmedownorthatI’vecheckedout.LethimthinkmylessonsinMogadorianProgressaretakingeffect,thatI’mbecomingtheghostlyversionofmyselfthatIwasinmyvisionofthefuture.Soonerorlater,Iknow,I’llbeabletoescape.OrI’lldietrying.Iturnawayfromthewindowandgazedownfromtheobservatory’sbalcony,watchingastheship
arrivesatourdockingbaydoors.Lightsflashbelow,warninganyMogsthatthey’llbesuckedintospaceiftheydon’tclearthearea.SetrákusRaalreadytookcareofthem,sendingtheMogtechniciansawaysothatwecouldgreetthisnewarrivalinprivate.TheheavydoorsopenandIcanfeelthepullofspaceeventhroughtheobservatory’sclosedairlock;thepressurechanges,likewatercominguncloggedfrommyear.Then,thetransportshipglidesaboard,thedoorssealbehinditandeverythingisquietagain.‘Come,’SetrákusRacommands,stridingoutfromtheobservatory,throughthenow-openairlockand
downthespiralstaircasethatleadstothedockingbay.Ifollowalongobedientlyathisheels,footstepsechoingonthemetaldeckaswepassbetweentherowsofscoutships.Cautiously,notwantingtolooktoointerested,IpeeraroundSetrákusRatocatchaglimpseoftheshipasitopensup.I’mexpectingoneoftheyoungerMogadoriantrueborn,somehigh-rankingup-and-comerhandselectedbySetrákusRa,liketheonesI’veseennervouslydeliveringstatusreportstotheir‘BelovedLeader.’TryasImighttokeepcool,Istillcan’thelpemittingalittlegaspwhenFivestepsoutoftheship.SetrákusRalooksbackatme.‘Youtwoarealreadyacquainted,yes?’
OneofFive’seyesishiddenbeneathagross-lookinggauzebandage,asmudgeofdarkbrownbloodinthecenter,theedgessweatstained.Helooksraggedandexhausted,andwhenhisgoodeyeflickstowardsme,histhickshouldersbecomeevenmoreslumped.HestopsrightinfrontofSetrákusRa,hisgazedowncast.‘Whatisshedoinghere?’Fiveasksquietly.‘Wearealltogethernow,’SetrákusRaanswers,andgraspsFivebytheshoulders.‘Theliberatedand
theenlightened,poisedonthebrinkofabsoluteMogadorianProgress.Innosmallpartthankstoyou,myboy.’‘Okay,’Fivegrunts.IrememberFivebeinginmyvision–hewastheretoescortSixandSamtowardstheirexecution.Six
spatrightinhisface–butIguessI’dglossedoverthatpart,moreconcernedwithmydisturbingconnectiontoSetrákusRa.Nowhereheis,receivingapatonthebackfromtheMogadorianleader,thefuturealreadytakingshape.AndapparentlyI’vebeenpromisedtohimforwhatevercreepyritualpassesforaMogadorianmarriage.Rightnow,though,that’snotmymostpressingconcern.BecauseifFiveishere,lookinglikehejustgotoutofafight…‘What–whatdidyoudo?’Iask,myvoicesqueakierthanI’dlike.‘Whathappenedtotheothers?’Fivelooksatmeagainandhislipsscrewup.Hedoesn’treply.‘Yougavethemachance,didyounot?’SetrákusRaasksFive,butIcantellhe’sspeakingformy
benefit.‘Youtriedtoshowthemthelight.’‘Theywouldn’tlisten,’Fiverepliesquietly.‘Theygavemenochoice.’‘Andlookhowtheyrepaidyouforyourattemptatmercy,’SetrákusRasays,brushinghisfingers
againstthebandageonFive’sface.‘Wewillhavethatrepairedimmediately.’ItakeasurprisedstepbackwardswhenFiveslapsawaySetrákusRa’shand.It’sastingingblow,the
impactechoingofftheshipsaroundus.Ican’tseehisface,butIcanseethemusclesinSetrákusRa’sbacktighten,hisalreadyrigidposturestiffeningthatmuchmore.Igetthesenseofanimmensebulkhidinginsidethathumanform,justwaitingtoexplodeoutward.‘Leaveit,’Fivesays,voiceshakyandquiet.‘Iwanttokeepitthisway.’WhateverrebukeSetrákusRamighthavebeenreadywithdoesn’tcome.Heseemsalmosttakenaback
byFive’sfervortoremainhalfblind.‘You’retired,’SetrákusRasays,finally.‘Wewilldiscussitfurtheronceyou’verested.’FivenodsandtakesacautioussteparoundSetrákusRa,asifhe’suncertainwhethertheMogadorian
overlordwillactuallylethimpass.WhenSetrákusRadoesn’ttrytostophim,Fivegruntsandsloucheshiswaytowardstheexit.HemakesitabouthalfwaytherebeforeSetrákusRacallsafterhim.‘Whereisthebody?’heasks,stoppingFiveinhistracks.‘Whereisthependant?’Fiveclearshisthroat,andInoticehishandsstarttoshake,atleastbeforehemakesaconsciouseffort
tosteadyhimself.HeturnsbackaroundtofaceSetrákusRa,whoislookingtowardstheopenship,obviouslyexpectingsomethingtobewaitingforhim.‘Whatbody?’Iask,feelingatightnessinmychest.Whentheyignoreme,Iraisemyvoicehigher.‘What
body?Whosependant?’‘Gone,’Fivesayssimply,answeringSetrákusRa.
‘Iaskedyouaquestion,Five!’Ishout.‘Whatbo–’Withoutlookingatme,SetrákusRawavesahandinmydirection.Myteethclicktogetherashe
telekineticallyshutsmymouth.It’slikebeingslapped,andmycheeksgrowhotwithanger.Someoneisdead,Iknowit.Oneofmyfriendsisdead,andthesetwobastardsareignoringme.‘Elaborate,’SetrákusRagrowlsatFive,andeveninhishandsomehumanform,Icantellhispatience
isbeginningtowane.Fivesighslikethiswholeexchangeisawasteofhistime.‘CommanderDeltochdecidedhewould
watchoverthebodypersonally,andIdidn’twanttoquestionhisorders.IfoundDeltoch’sremainsrightbeforeweleft.TheGardemusthavesnuckinandescapedwiththeirfriend.’‘Youweresupposedtobringhimtome,’SetrákusRahisses,hiseyesburningholesintoFive.‘Not
Deltoch.You.’‘Iknow,’Fivereplies.‘Hewouldn’tlistenwhenItoldhimthosewereyourorders.Atleasthediedfor
hisinsubordination.’IwatchadarkcloudpassoverSetrákusRa’sface,wheelsturningbehindhisstolenblueeyes,asifhe
knowsFiveisplayinghimsomehow,theragebuildingup.Ifeelhistelekineticgriponmyjawloosen.He’sdistracted,nowfocusedentirelyonFive.Beforehecansayordoanythingmore,Istepbetweenthetwoofthem,raisingmyvoicealittlehigher.Thistime,theyhavetopayattentiontome.‘Whatbody?Whoareyoutalkingabout?’Finally,Five’sgoodeyelandsonme.‘Eight.He’sdead.’‘No,’Isay,thewordpracticallyawhisperasItry,toolate,tostopmyselffromreacting.Mykneesfeel
weak,andFive’simpassivefacebecomesblurryasmyeyesfillwithtears.‘Yes,’SetrákusRachimesin,andalltheragehasbeendrainedfromhisvoice,replacedbysomething
morecoiledandsinister–histoneshowyandoverlycongenial.‘Fiveheresawtothat,didn’tyou,myboy?AllintheserviceofMogadorianProgress.’ItakeasteptowardsFive,myfistsclenched.‘You?Youkilledhim?’‘Itwas–’Foramoment,itlookslikeFivemightdenyit.ButthenheglancesquicklyatSetrákusRaand
simplynods.‘Yes.’Justlikethat,allmyefforttoshownoemotionaroundSetrákusRaslipsaway.Ifeelascreambuilding
upinsideme.IwanttoattackFive.Iwanttothrowmyselfathimandtearhimapart.IknowthatIwouldn’tstandachance–IsawthewayhehandledhimselfintheLectureHall,thewayhecanturnhisskintometaloranythingelsehetouches–butI’lldoasmuchdamageasIcan.I’llbreakmyhandsonhismetalskinifitmeansgettingjustonepunchin.SetrákusRaputshishandonmyshoulder,stoppingme.‘Ibelievenowwouldbeanexcellenttimeforthatlessonwediscussed,’hesaystomeinthatsame
phonytone.‘Alessoninwhat?’Ispit,glaringatFive.FivelooksalmostrelievedthatSetrákusRa’sattentionnowseemsfocusedonme.‘MayIbeexcused?’
heasks.‘Youmaynot,’SetrákusRareplies.Fromnexttooneoftheships,SetrákusRagrabsacartcoveredintools–wrenches,pliers,
screwdriversallmadeforservicingtheMogadorianships,butnotsodifferentfromtheonesonEarth–
andwheelsitovernexttous.Helooksdownatmeandsmiles.‘YourLegacy,Ella,iscalledDreynen.ItgivesyoutheabilitytotemporarilycanceltheLegacyof
anotherGarde,’SetrákusRalectures,hishandsclaspedbehindhisback.‘ItwasoneoftherarestonLorien.’Iwipemyforearmacrossmyeyesandtrytostandupalittlestraighter.I’mstillglaringatFive,butmy
wordsareforSetrákusRa.‘Whyareyoutellingmethisnow?Idon’tcare.’‘It’simportanttoknowone’shistory,’hereplies,undeterred.‘IfyoubelievetheElders,Legaciesarose
fromLorientosuittheneedsofLoricsociety.Iwonder,then,whatbenefitisderivedfromapoweronlyusefulagainstotherGarde?’Fiveremainsperfectlystill,refusingtomeetmyeyes.Distractedbymyanger,Iforgettomoderatemy
words,tokeepitcool.‘Idon’tknow,’Isnapsarcastically.‘MaybeLoriensawfreakslikeyoutwocomingandknewsomeone
wouldhavetostopyou.’‘Ah,’SetrákusRareplies,hisvoiceoverloadedwithprofessorialsmugness,likeI’vesteppedrightinto
histrap.‘Butifthatisthecase,whydidtheEldersnotselectyoutobeamongtheyoungGardesaved?And,ifLoriendoessomehowshapeLegaciestosuittheneedsoftheLoric,whywoulditbestowLegaciestothoseillsuitedtousethem?ThemereexistenceofDreynensuggestsafallibilityinLorienthattheElderswouldseektodeny.Itischaosthatneedstobetamed,notworshipped.’ItrytotakeasteptowardsFive,butSetrákusRauseshistelekinesistokeepmeinplace.Ichokeback
myangerandremindmyselfI’maprisonerhere.IhavetoplayalongwithSetrákusRa’sstupidgameuntilthetimeisright.Revengewillhavetowait.‘Ella,’SetrákusRasays.‘DoyouunderstandwhatI’mtellingyou?’IsighandturnawayfromFivetostaredullyatSetrákusRa.Obviously,healreadyhasthiswhole
philosophicallecturemappedout.It’sprobablyoneofthelongersectionsinhisbook.There’snopointintryingtoarguewithhim.‘Soeverything’srandomandweshouldexploititandblahblahblah,’Isay.‘Maybeyou’reright,
maybeyou’rewrong.We’llneverknowsinceyouwentanddestroyedtheplanet.’‘WhatdidIdestroy,exactly?Aplanet,perhaps.ButnotLorienitself.’SetrákusRatoyswithoneofthe
pendantsdanglingfromhisneck.‘Itismorecomplicatedthanyouknow,mydear.Soon,yourmindwillopenandyouwillunderstand.Untilthen–’Hereachesovertothecart,plucksupaMogadorianwrenchandtossesittome,‘wepractise.’Isnagthewrenchoutoftheairandholditinfrontofme.SetrákusRaturnshisattentiontoFive,still
standingtheresilently,waitingtobedismissed.‘Fly,’SetrákusRaorders.Fivelooksup,confused.‘What?’‘Fly,’SetrákusRarepeats,wavingtothehighceilingofthedockingbay.‘Ashighasyoucan.’Fivegruntsandslowlylevitatesuntilhe’saboutfortyfeetintheair,hisheadnearlybrushingtherafters
ofthedockingbay.‘Nowwhat?’heasks.Insteadofreplying,SetrákusRaturnstome.I’vealreadygotanideawhathewantsmetodo.Mypalm
issweatingagainstthecoldmetalofthewrench.Hekneelsdownbesidemeandlowershisvoice.‘IwantyoutodowhatyoudidattheDulceBase,’SetrákusRasays.
‘Itoldyou,Idon’tknowhowIdidthat,’Iprotest.‘Iknowyouareafraid.Afraidofme,ofyourdestiny,ofthisplaceyoufindyourself,’SetrákusRasays
patiently,andforaterrifyingmomenthisvoicesoundsalmostlikeCrayton.‘Butforyou,thatfearisaweapon.Closeyoureyesandletitflowthroughyou.YourDreynenwillfollow.Itisahungrything,thisLegacythatliveswithinyou,anditwillfeedonwhatyoufear.’Isqueezemyeyesshut.Partofmewantstoresistthislesson,myskincrawlingatthesoundofSetrákus
Ra’svoice.ButanotherpartofmewantstolearntousemyLegacy,nomatterthecost.Itdoesn’tseemsounnatural–there’sanenergyinsidemethatwantstogetout.MyDreynenwantstobeused.WhenIopenmyeyes,thewrenchglowswithredenergy.I’vedoneit.JustlikeatDulceBase.‘Verygood,Ella.YoucanusetheDreynenbytouchor,asyouhavejustaccomplished,chargeobjects
withitforlong-rangeattacks,’SetrákusRaexplains.HetakesaquickstepbackwhenIthrustthewrenchtowardshim.‘Easynow,mydear.’IstareatSetrákusRa,unblinking,holdingthewrenchlikeImightholdatorchifIwastryingtoscare
offawildanimal.IwonderifIcouldhithimwithit,drainhisLegaciesandthenbashhisheadin.WouldFivetrytostopme?WouldIevenbeabletopullitoff?I’mnotyetsureofthefullextentofSetrákusRa’sLegacies,orwhatothertrickshemighthaveuphissleeve,orwhatmighthappenwiththecharmthatnowbindsustogether.Butmaybeitwouldbeworthit.AslowsmilespreadsacrossSetrákusRa’sface,asifhecantellI’mmakingthesementalcalculations
andheappreciatesthem.‘Goon,’hesays,andhiseyesflicktowardstheceiling.‘Youknowwhattodonext.Hefailedme.And
hekilledyourfriend,didn’the?’IknowthatIshouldresist,thatIshouldn’tdoanythingSetrákusRawantsmetodo.Butthewrench,
chargedwithmyDreynen,feelsalmosteagerinmyhand,likeit’shungryandneedsrelease.AndthenIthinkofEight,deadsomewheredownonEarth,killedbythechubbyboycurrentlyinamidairsulkrightaboveme,whomygrandfatherapparentlyhasdesignsaboutmarryingmeoffto.IturnaroundandhurlthewrenchatFive.I’mnotsuremythrowhastheaccuracyorthedistance,soIgiveitaboostwithmytelekinesis.Five
mustseeitcoming,buthedoesn’ttrytomoveoutoftheway.That’swhatmakesmestarttoregretmydecision–hisresignationandwillingnesstoreceivethispunishment.ThewrenchhitsFiverightinthesternumbutwithoutmuchforce.Evenso,itstickstohischestlikeit’s
magnetized.Hesucksinasharpbreath,hisboredlookfailinghimasheclawsatthewrench.Thatonlylastsforasecond,though,untiltheglowbrieflyintensifiesandFiveplummetsoutoftheair.Five’slandingisugly;hislegscrumplebeneathhim,hishandsfailtobracetheimpactandhisshoulder
cracksagainstthefloor.Heendsuplyingonhisface,breathinghard.Hetriestopickhimselfup,buthisarmisn’tquiteworkingright,andheonlymanagestopushhimselfaninchoffthefloorbeforesaggingbackdown.Thewrenchfallsfromhischest,thedamagedone,hisLegaciescanceled.SetrákusRapatsmeapprovinglyontheback.That’swhenIreallystarttofeelsomeguilt,seeingFivelikethat,evenknowingwhathedidtoEight.Itoccurstomethatmaybehe’sjustasmuchaprisonerasIam.‘Getyourselftotheinfirmary,’SetrákusRaordersFive.‘Idonotcarewhatyoudoaboutyoureye,but
Ineedyouable-bodiedwhenwedescendtoEarth.’‘Yes,BelovedLeader,’Fivecroaks,straininghisnecktolookupatus.
‘Thatwaswelldone,’SetrákusRasaystomeasheshepherdsmetowardstheexit.‘Come.WewillreturntoyourstudiesoftheGreatBook.’EventhoughI’mstillfuriousaboutwhathedidtoEight,aswepassFive’spronebody,Ireachoutto
himtelepathically.IrefusetolosemysenseofrightandwrongwhileI’mstuckhere.I’msorry,Itellhim.Idon’tthinkhe’llanswer,consideringhowhecouldbarelyevenlookatmebefore.JustasI’maboutto
cutoffourtelepathiclink,hisresponsecomes.I’mfine,hereplies.Ideservedit.Youdeserveworsethanthat,Ireply,althoughIcan’tquitemanagethemaliceIwant.It’shardwhile
I’mmentallypicturingEight,laughing,jokingaroundwithmeandMarina.Iknow,Fiveresponds.Ididn’t–I’msorry,Ella.Ipickupsomethingelsefromhismind.That’sneverhappenedbefore–maybemyLegacyisgetting
stronger.Idon’tthinktoomuchaboutit,becausethroughmymind’seyeI’mseeingEight’sbody,leftbehindonpurposeinanemptyhangar.Itrytomakesenseoftheimage,butFive’sthoughtsareaconfusedjumble.Therearesomanyconflictingimpulsesinhisbrain,andI’mnotaskilledenoughtelepathtomakesenseofthemall.I’vealreadywalkedpasthim,butafterourtelepathicconversation,Ihazardaglanceovermyshoulder.
Fivehasmanagedtoprophimselfup.Heworksametalballbearingacrosshisknuckles,overandunder,waitingforhisLegaciestoreturn.Helooksrightatme.Wehavetogetoutofhere,hethinks.
17
AshwoodEstatesisquietjustbeforesunrise,alightfoggreetingthegrayday.Icouldhardlysleep,whichisn’texactlyanewdevelopment.Isitnexttotheliving-roomwindowinAdam’soldhouseandtakecell-phonephotographsofthedocumentsAgentWalkerturnedover,sendingthemontoSarah.We’regoingtoleakthemonlineviaTheyWalkAmongUs,becauseatleastthatwaywecanensuretheinformationgetsoutthere.Walkerhasalistofjournalistsandothermediapeoplewhoshebelievestobetrustworthy,butshe’sgotalistthesamelengthofreportersinthepocketofMogPro.There’snosurefirewaytogetthisinteloutthereexceptonourown.It’sgoingtobeanuphillbattle.Intheyearswe’vespentontherun,theMogadorianshavegottentoofarahead,becometooentrenchedinthemilitary,governmentandeventhemedia.Thesmartestthingtheyeverdidwaschaseusintohiding.AccordingtoWalker,it’sgoingtotakesomethingbigtoturnthetide.Shewantsustocuttheheadoff
MogPro,meaningtakeoutthesecretaryofdefense.I’mnotsurehowthat’ssupposedtogetusanysupportfromhumanity.Walkersayswecancarryouttheassassinationcovertly.Ihaven’tdecidedifwe’regoingalongwiththatpartoftheplan,butit’sokaytoletWalkerthinkwe’redownwithdoingherdirtywork.Fornow.MoreimportantthanSanderson,we’resupposedtoexposeSetrákusRa,usingwhateverhuman-Mog
photoophe’sgotplannedfortheUnitedNationsagainsthim.TheplanistomakeabigenoughscenethathumanitywillseetheMogsforwhattheyreallyareandrallyagainsttheinvasion.Apopulationthat’sbeendupedforadecadewillfinallybeoutofthedark.Oncethehumansseealiensfirsthand,we’rehopingpeoplewilltakeanichesitelikeTheyWalkAmongUsseriously.Ijusthopewefigureoutawaytopullallthisoff.Withoutdying.Darkthoughtsstillgnawatme.Evenifwemanagetoformaresistancebiggerandstrongerthanthe
ragtagbunchwe’veassembledatAshwoodEstates,there’snoguaranteewecanturnbacktheMogadorians.ForaslongasI’vebeenonEarth,ourwarwiththeMogadorianshasbeenfoughtintheshadows.Now,we’reabouttoinvolvemillionsofinnocentpeople.Itseemslikeallwe’restrugglingforistogivehumanityandusremainingLorictheopportunitytofightalongandbloodywar.IwonderifthisiswhattheEldershadplannedforus.WerewesupposedtohavealreadydefeatedtheMogswithhumanitynonethewiser?OrwastheirplanwhentheysentustoEarthjustasdesperateasoursisnow?NowonderIcan’tsleep.Throughthewindow,IwatchacoupleofFBIagentsshareacigaretteontheporchacrossthestreet.I
guessI’mnottheonlyonesufferingfromimpendinginvasioninsomnia.WeletWalker’speoplecampoutintheemptyhousesaroundAshwood.Theysecuredtheperimeter,guardspostedatthegateAdamandIwreckedearlierintheday,prettymuchmakingthisplacethehomebaseofthebrand-newHuman-LoricResistance.Istilldon’tentirelytrustAgentWalkerorherpeople,buttheloomingwarhasforcedmetotakeona
lotofstrangeallies.Sofar,they’vepannedout.Ifmyluckwithtrustingoldenemiesdoesn’thold,well,
we’reprettymuchalldoomedanyway.Desperatetimescallfordesperatemeasuresandallthat.ThefloorboardscreakbehindmeandIturnaroundtofindMalcolmstandinginthedoorwayleadingup
fromtheMogadoriantunnels.Hiseyesaredroopywithexhaustionandhe’sintheprocessofstiflingayawn.‘Morning,’Isay,closingupthefolderofWalker’sdocuments.‘Already?’Malcolmreplies,shakinghisheadindisbelief.‘Ilosttrackoftimedownthere.Samand
Adamwerehelpingmeearlier.IthoughtIjustforcedthemtotakeabreakalittlewhileago.’‘Thatwashoursago,’Ireply.‘DidyouspendyourentirenightgoingthroughthoseMogadorian
recordings?’Malcolmnodshisheadmutely,andIrealizethathe’smorethanjustovertired.He’sgotthepunch-drunk
lookofamanwho’sjustwitnessedsomethingshocking.‘Whatdidyoufind?’Iask.‘Me,’heanswersafteramoment’spause.‘Ifoundmyself.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Ithinkyou’dbettergathertheothers’ishisonlyreplybeforehedisappearsbackintothetunnels.Marinaisasleepinoneoftheupstairsbedrooms,soIwakeherupfirst.Assheheadsdownstairs,she
pausesinfrontofthemasterbedroom;onceuponatimeitwasoccupiedbytheGeneralandAdam’smother,butnowit’sthetemporaryrestingplaceforEight.Marinalaysherhandgentlyonthedoorframeasshepasses.InoticedwhenIwokeherthatshe’stakentowearingEight’spendant.Iwishtherewasmoretimeformetogrievewithher.Adamisasleepintheremainingupstairsbedroom,hisswordproppedagainstthesideofthebed
withinarm’sreach.Ihesitateforonlyamomentbeforewakinghim,too.He’soneofusnow.HeprovedthatyesterdaywhenhesavedmylifefromtheGeneral.WhateverMalcolm’sdiscoveredonthoseMogadorianrecordings,Adam’sinsightcouldbeinvaluable.SamandtherestoftheGardesleptelsewhereinAshwoodEstates,soIdispatchsomeChimæraeto
trackthemdown.Nineshowsupafterafewminutes,hislonghairallunkemptandwild,lookingaboutasfatiguedasIfeel.‘Isleptontheroof,’heexplainswhenIshoothimaweirdlook.‘Uh,why?’‘Somebodyhadtokeepaneyeonthosegovernmentdorksyou’vegotcampingout.’Ishakemyheadandfollowhimdownthestepsintothetunnels.MalcolmandtheothersI’dgottenhold
ofarealreadyassembledintheMogadorianarchives,silentanduneasy,MarinasittingaboutasfarfromAdamaspossible.‘SamandSix?’MalcolmasksmewhenIenter.Ishrugmyshoulders.‘TheChimæraearelookingforthem.’‘Isawthemgointooneoftheabandonedhouses,’Ninesays,aslysmileonhisface.Igivehima
questioninglookandhewiggleshiseyebrowsatme.‘Endoftheworld,youknow,Johnny.’I’mnotsureexactlywhatNinemeansuntilSixandSamcomehustlingthroughthedoor.Sixisall
business,herhairpulledback,lookinglikeshe’scleanedupandgottensomegoodrestsinceherordealintheswamp.Sam,ontheotherhand,isflushed,hishairstickingupatoddangles,andhisshirtisbuttonedallwrong.Samcatchesmestudyinghimandturnsadarkershadeofred,givingmeasheepishsmile.I
shakemyheadindisbelief,fightingbackagrininspiteofthedourmood.NinewhistlesbetweenhisteethandasmileevenflitsbrieflyacrossMarina’sface.AllthisonlycausesSamtoblushmore,andforSixtoincreasethedefiantlookshe’sskeweringuswith.Malcolm,ofcourse,isoblivioustoallthis.He’sfocusedinsteadonthecomputer,queuinguponeof
theMogadorianvideos.‘Good.We’reallhere,’Malcolmsays,glancingupfromthekeyboard.Helooksaroundtheroom,
almostnervously.‘Ifeellikeafailure,havingtoshowyouthis.’Sam’spost-hookupblushturnsintoalookofconcern.‘Whatdoyoumean,Dad?’‘I–’Malcolmshakeshishead.‘Theytorethisinformationoutofmeandevennow,havingseenwhat
I’mabouttoshowyou,Idon’tactuallyrememberit.Iletyoualldown.’‘Malcolm,comeon,’Isay.‘We’veallmademistakes,’Marinasays,andInoticehergazedrifttowardsNine.‘Donethingswe
regret.’Malcolmnods.‘Regardless.Lateinthegameasitis,Istillhopethisvideowillshowanotherway
forward.’Sixtiltsherhead.‘Anotherwayinsteadofwhat?’‘Insteadoftotalwar,’Malcolmanswers.‘Watch.’Malcolmpressesabuttononthekeyboardandthevideoscreenonthewallcomestolife.Thefaceofa
gaunt,olderMogadorianappears.Hisnarrowheadfillsmostofthescreen,butinthebackgroundaroomsimilartothisoneisvisible.TheMogadorianbeginsspeakinginhisharshlanguage,histonesoundingformalandacademic,eventhoughIcan’tunderstandhim.‘AmIsupposedtobeabletounderstandthiscreep?’Nineasks.‘He’sDrLockramAnu,’Adamsays,translating.‘Hecreatedthememorymachinethat…well,you
know.Youchuckedapieceofitatahelicopterlastnight,actually.’‘Oh,that,’Ninesays,grinning.‘Thatwasfun.’Adamcontinues.‘Thisisold,tapedduringthemachine’sfirsttrials.He’sintroducingatestsubject,
onehesayswasmentallytougherthantheothershe’sworkedon.He’llbedemonstratinghowhismachinecanbeutilizedforinterrogation…’AdamtrailsoffasDrAnustepsaside,revealingayoungerMalcolmGoodestrappedintoaninsanely
complicatedmetalchair.Malcolmisthinandpale,themusclesinhisneckstandingout,largelythankstotheawkwardanglehisheadisforcedtoreclineat.Hiswristsarebuckledtothetitaniumarmsofthechair;anIVcordrunsintothebackofhishand,nutrientsarrivingviaanearbybag.Anassortmentofelectrodesarestucktohisfaceandchest,theircordsattachedtothecircuitboardsofDrAnu’smachine.Hiseyesstaredirectlyintothecamera,butthey’reunfocusedandunblinking.‘Dad,ohmyGod,’Samsaysquietly.It’sdifficulttolookattheMalcolmon-screen,anditgetsevenworsewhenAnustartsaskinghim
questions.‘Goodmorning,Malcolm,’Anusays,nowinEnglish,histonethekindusuallyreservedforchildren.
‘Areyoureadytoresumeourconversation?’‘Yes,Doctor,’theMalcolmon-screenanswers,hismouthsaggingthroughthewords,aglimmerof
droolappearingatthecornerofhismouth.
‘Verygood,’Anureplies,andglancesdownataclipboardonhislap.‘IwantyoutothinkaboutyourencounterwithPittacusLore.IwanttoknowwhathewasdoingonEarth.’‘Hewaspreparingforwhatistocome,’Malcolmreplies,hisvoicedistantandrobotic.‘Bespecific,Malcolm,’Anuinsists.‘HewaspreparingfortheMogadorianinvasionandtherebirthofLorien.’Onthescreen,Malcolm
lookssuddenlyalarmed.Hejerkshisarmsagainsthisbonds.‘They’realreadyhere.Huntingus.’‘Indeed,butyou’resafenow,’Anusays,andwaitsforMalcolmtocalmdown.‘Howlonghavethe
LoricbeenvisitingEarth?’‘Centuries.Pittacushopedthathumanitywouldbereadywhenthetimecame.’‘Whenthetimecameforwhat?’‘Tofight.TorestartLorien.’Anudrumstheclipboardwithhispen,growingannoyedbyMalcolm’shypnotizedvagueness.‘How
willtheyrestartLorienfromhere,Malcolm?Theplanetislight-yearsaway.Areyoulyingtome?’‘Notlying,’Malcolmmumbles.‘Lorienisnotsimplyaplanet.Itismorethanthat.Itcanexistinany
placewherethepeopleareworthy.PittacusandtheEldershavealreadymadethepreparations.Loraliterunsbeneathourfeetevennow,circulatingthroughtheEarth.Likebloodcoursingthroughveins,itonlyneedsaheartbeattogiveitpurpose.Allitneedsistobeawoken.’Anuleansforward,suddenlyveryinterested.Ifindmyselfdoingthesamething,bendingtowardsthe
screen,myheadtilted.‘Howwilltheyaccomplishthis?’Anuasks,clearlytryingtokeeptheexcitementoutofhisvoice.‘EachoftheGardepossesseswhatPittacuscalledPhoenixStones,’Malcolmreplies.‘WhentheGarde
comeofage,theStonescanbeusedtore-createthefeaturesofLorien–theplantlife,Loralite,theChimærae.’‘ButwhatoftheLegacies?WhatofLorien’struegifts?’‘Those,too,willcomeonceLorienisawoken,’Malcolmanswers.‘ThePhoenixStones,thependants,
everythinghasapurpose.WhentheyarecommittedtotheEarthintheElders’Sanctuary,Lorienwillliveonceagain.’Anuglancesbackatthecamera,hiseyeswide.Hecomposeshimselfandpresseson.‘WhereisthisSanctuary,Malcolm?’‘Calakmul.OnlytheGardemayenter.’Here,Malcolmpausestherecording.Helooksaroundtheroom;hislipsaresqueezedintoasomber
line,butthere’sahopefulglimmerinhiseyes.Everyone’sstunnedfacespeerbackathim,noneofusquitedonedigestingwhatwe’vejustseen.Nineraiseshishand,frowning.‘Idon’tgetit.WhatthehellisCalakmul?’‘It’sanancientMayancitylocatedinsoutheastMexico,’Malcolmreplies,arippleofexcitement
stirringhisvoice.‘Whydidn’tweknowanyofthis?’Sixasks,stillstaringatthepausedscreen.‘Whydidn’ttheElders
tellus?OrourCêpans?Ifthisisallsoimportant,whykeepusinthedark?’Malcolmpinchesthebridgeofhisnose.‘Idon’thaveagoodanswerforthat,Six.TheMogadorian
invasioncaughttheEldersoffguard.YouwererushedtoEarth,yourCêpanscompletelyunpreparedaswell.Yoursurvivalwastoppriority.Icanonlyassumeallthis–thePhoenixStones,yourpendants,the
Sanctuary–wasmeanttoberevealedwhenyoucameofage,onceyouhadLegaciesandwerereadytofight.Totellyoubeforethatwould’vemadeyoursecretstoovulnerable.Although’–Malcolmlooksforlornlyathisimageonthescreen–‘wecanseehowpoorlysecrecyservedus.’‘Maybethat’swhyHenricametoParadiselookingforyou,Dad,’Samsuggests,glancingbetweenhis
fatherandme.‘Maybeitwastime.’Mymindisracing.Withoutevenrealizingit,I’vestartedtopacebackandforth.Ittakesalookfrom
Sixtogetmetostop.‘Ialwaysthoughtwe’dwinthiswarandreturntoLorien,’Isayslowly,tryingtocatchholdofmy
thoughts.‘Ithoughtthat’swhatHenrimeantaboutrestartingit.’‘Maybehemeanthere,’Sixsuggests.‘Maybewe’resupposedtorestartLorienhere.’‘Whatwouldthatevenmean?’Samasks.‘WhatwouldhappentoEarth?’‘Can’tbeworsethanwhat’llhappenwhentheMogsgethere,’Ninereplies.‘Imean,Iremember
Lorienbeingprettysweet.We’dbedoingEarthafavor.’‘Onthetapeyoumadeitsoundlikeanentityofsomekind,’Marinasays,lookingatMalcolm.‘I–’Malcolmshakeshishead.‘IwishIcouldremembermore,Marina.Idon’thavetheanswers.’‘Itcouldbelikeagod,’Marinasays,ahushedreverenceinhervoice.‘ItcouldbelikeaweaponthatcomesbustingoutoftheEarthtokillalltheMogs,’Ninesuggests.Adamclearshisthroatuncomfortably.‘Whateveritis,MalcolmsaidweneedthePhoenixStonestowakeit,’Isay,tryingnottoletthegroup
getsidetracked.‘Andthependants,’Sixsays,thentiltsherheadassomethingoccurstoher.‘Maybethat’swhySetrákus
Rakeepsthem.Theycouldbemorethantrophiestohim.’‘WewentthroughourChestsbackinChicago,’Ninegroans,probablyrememberinghowboredhewas
catalogingourInheritance.‘I’vegotmorerocksandshitthanIknowwhattodowith.’‘Weshouldbringitall,’Marinasays,certaintyinhervoice.‘OurInheritances.Ourpendants.Bringit
totheSanctuaryandcommitittotheEarth,likeMalcolmsaid.’Malcolmnods.‘Iknowit’svague,butit’ssomething.’‘Itcouldbetheadvantagewe’relookingfor,’Isay,thinkingitover.‘Hell,itcouldbewhatwewere
sentheretodointhefirstplace.’Ninecrosseshisarms,lookingskeptical.‘YesterdayIwasstaringatthebiggestgoddamnMogadorian
shipI’veeverseen.Buryingourstuffinsomedusty-asstemplemight’vebeenacoolidealikemonthsago,butwe’rethisclosetofull-onwarandI’mprettysurewe’vegotsomebadguystokill.’BeforeIcanreply,Malcolmstepsforward.‘TheSanctuarymightbeourbesthope,’hesays.‘Butit’s
bestnottoputalloureggsinonebasket.’‘Nine’ssortofright.AsmuchasIhatetheideaofsplittingupagain,’Sixsays,‘someofusshouldstick
withWalker’splantotakethefighttotheMogsandtheirpeople.’Ninepumpsafist.‘Thisguy.’‘AndsomeofusshouldheadtoMexico,’Isay,finishingSix’sthought.‘Iwanttogo,’Marinasaysimmediately.‘IwanttoseethisSanctuary.Ifit’saplaceforLoric,aplace
wherewelived,maybethat’swhereweshouldburyEight’sbody.’InodandlookoveratSix,waitingforherdecision.‘Well?NewYorkorMexico?’
‘Mexico,’shesays,afteramoment.‘You’rebetteratdealingwiththesegovernmenttypesthanIam.AndifweneedaLoricrepresentativeattheUN,you’retheobviouschoice.’‘Thanks.Ithink.’‘She’ssayingthatbecauseyou’resuchaboyscout,’Nineaddsinaloudwhisper.IglanceoveratSam,whoseemslikehe’sabouttospeak,hismouthhalfopen.He’scutoffbySix,who
subtlyshakesherheadathim.‘I’llstayhere,too,Iguess,’Samsaysafteranawkwardmoment,soundingmorethanalittledeflated.
Heforcesasmileforme.‘SomeonehastokeepyouandNineinline.’ThatleavesonlyAdam.OurMogadorianallyhasmaintainedarespectfulsilencethiswholetime,
probablytryingnottosteponanytoesasthesecretsofourracearerevealed.WhenIturntohim,he’sstillgazingatthescreen.Helookslostinmemory,mayberememberingDrAnuandhismachine.Hefrownswhenhenoticestherestofuswatchinghim.‘They’llbewaitingforyouinMexico,’Adamsays.‘Ifthere’sasourceofLoricpowerthere,youknow
mypeoplewillhavespentthelastfewyearstryingtoaccessit.’‘OnlytheGardecangetin,though,right?’Samasks,lookingfromAdamtohisdad.‘It’swhatIsaid,’Malcolmreplies,lipspursedinuncertainty.‘JustlikeonlywecanhaveLegacies?’Ninereplies,eyeballingAdam.‘You’resayingthiscouldbe
anothertrap,Mog?’‘It’snotatrapwhenyouknowit’sthere,’Adamsays,sparingaquickglanceforNinebeforeturninghis
eyestowardsSix.‘Idon’tknowexactlywhatyou’llfinddownthere,butIcanguaranteeaMogadorianpresence.IcanpilottheSkimmerbetterthanyou,maybeoutmanoeuvrethemifthey’vegotshipsintheair.’‘Well,Isureashellwasn’tgoingtowalktoMexico,’Sixreplies,dryly.Shelooksatme.‘Youtrustthis
guy,right?’‘Ido.’Sheshrugs.‘ThenwelcometoTeamCalakmul,Adam.’IhearMarinasuckherteeth,butshedoesn’tmakeanyotherprotest.‘Great.We’resendingaMogadoriantoinvestigateaLoricholyplace,’Ninecomplains,shakinghis
head.‘Doesn’tanyoneelsethinkthat’ssortadisrespectful?’‘Didn’tyoujustrefertoitasdusty-ass?’Samasks.‘Statementoffact,’Ninesays.‘Justlikethiswholegood-Mogthingisstillhellaweird.Nooffense.’IsilencethebanterwhenIreachundermyshirtandpullmyLoricpendantovermyhead.Ifeelanodd
coldnessagainstmyheartwhenit’sgone.Ican’trememberthelasttimethatIwaswithoutit.Withtheroomsuddenlygonequietagain,IholdoutthependanttoSix.‘Takeit,’Isay.‘MakesureitgetstotheSanctuary.’‘Nopressure,’Sixsays,smirking,assheacceptsthependant.‘Now,’Isay,lookingaround.‘Let’swinthiswarandchangetheworld.’
18
Wesaygood-byelaterthatmorning,allofusgatheredaroundtheSkimmerontheAshwoodEstatesbasketballcourt.ItfeelsstrangetobewearingaLoricpendantaroundmyneckagain.AndIdon’tmeanliteralphysical
weight–thependantsthemselvesaren’theavyatall.TheyjustcontainalltheLegaciesofLorien,apparently.Allthepowerofournearlyextinctpeople,imbuedintoafewglisteningLoralitestones.Yeah.Nobigdeal.‘Isthateverything?’Marinaasks.She’sonherkneesinfrontofheropenChest,gentlyrearrangingits
contents.We’vegotEight’sChestaswell.Itscontentsareforeverlockedup,possiblydestroyed,butwefigureditcouldn’thurttobringittotheSanctuarywiththerest.Idon’thaveaChestofmyown,soMarinahastoputallofourcollectedInheritanceintohers.After
ourmeetingearlier,JohnandNinewentthroughtheirChestsandgatheredtogetheranythingthatwasn’taweapon,ahealingstone,orotherwisecombatrelated.BesidesthehandfulofLoricgemstonesyettobetradedforpenthousesorcomputerequipment,Johnhandedoverabundleofdriedleavestiedwithayellowedpieceoftwinethatmakethesoundofthewindwhenmyfingersbrushagainstthem,andNinegivesupapouchofsoft,coffee-darksoil.MarinacarefullyputtheseitemsintoherChest,alongsideavialofcrystalclearwater,astraypieceofLoraliteandatreebranchwiththebarkparedaway.‘So,becausewedon’tknowwhatexactlythesePhoenixStonesare,we’lljustdumpanythingthat’s
close,right?’Isay,thenhastilycorrectmyself.‘Imean,notdump.CommittotheEarth.WhatbrainwashedMalcolmsaid.’Johnlaughsalittle.‘Ifwecomeupwithabetterplan,I’llletyouknow.’‘Dad’sstilldowntherewatchingmoretapes,’Samoffers.‘Maybehe’llfindsomethingelse.’‘Rightnow,wingingitseemsliketheonlyoption.Onprettymucheveryfront,’Johnsays.‘There’s
somethingelseIwantyoutotaketotheSanctuary,Six.’JohncrouchesdowntoreachintohisChest.Iwaswonderingwhyhe’dbroughtitwithhimtothe
basketballcourtafterwealreadywentthroughitinside.IunderstandwhenheholdsoutasmallcanthatIimmediatelyrecognize.Henri’sashes.‘John…,’Isay,notacceptingthecanrightaway.‘Takehim,’Johnreplies,gently.‘HebelongsattheSanctuary.’‘Butdon’tyouwanttobethere?Tosaygood-bye?’‘OfcourseIdo.Butwitheverythingthat’shappening,Idon’tknowifI’llhaveachance.’WhenIstart
toprotestagain,Johncutsmeoff.‘It’sokay,Six.I’llfeelbetterknowinghe’swithyou,headedtotheSanctuary.’‘Ifit’swhatyouwant,’Isay,acceptingtheashes.‘I’lltakecareofhim.Ipromise.’
IcarefullyplacethecanofHenri’sashesinMarina’sChestwiththerestofourstuff.Weallfallsilent,themoodturningsomber.It’shardtohavethiskindofmomentwhenyou’rebeingwatched,though.Thegovernmentagentskeeptheirdistance,althoughIcanseesomeofthem,includingWalkerherself,watchingusfromanearbyporch.‘Yougoingtobeallrightwiththem?’IaskJohn.Helooksaround,notingallthepryingeyes.‘They’reonoursidenow,remember?’‘Ihavetokeepremindingmyself,’Ireply,mygazeinvoluntarilyturningtowardstheSkimmer.‘Seems
likeI’mdoingthatalot.’AdamisalreadyonboardtheSkimmer,alongwithDust,theChimærathat’sbondedwithhim.I’m
takingJohnathiswordthatwecantrustthewiryMogadoriancurrentlyrunningdiagnosticsinthecockpit.I’mnotsureMarinafeelsthesame;shehasn’tsaidanythingoutright,butIcanfeelcoldradiatingfromherwheneverAdam’snear.Aftereverythingthat’shappened,Ican’tblameherforbeingsuspicious.I’veresignedmyselftoaverychillyflighttoMexico.‘Checkinoften,’Johnremindsme,tappingthephonethathe’sclippedtothehipofhisjeanslikeatotal
dork.BothMarinaandIarenowinpossessionofsatellitephones,toobulkytowearasfashionaccessories,sothey’restoredwiththerestofoursupplies.ThegeararrivedcourtesyoftheU.S.Government,oratleasttherebel-factionthatWalkerhastieswith.BothAdamandMalcolmlookedoverthephonesandassuredustheyaren’tbugged.‘Yeah,yeah,’Ireply.‘You,too,John.Stayintouch.Stayalive.’‘Andtakecareofallourstuff,’Ninegrumbles.He’sstandingafewpacesoff,watchingMarinamess
withherChest,hiseyebrowsfurrowed.‘Iwantsomeofthosegemsback,ifpossible.Youknow,forafter.Needtobuyanewplacetolivethankstomyshittyhouse-sitteroverhere.’IshootNinealook.‘Areyouseriousrightnow?’Heshrugs.‘What?Gottaplanforthefuture!’MarinalooksupfromherChestand,withasigh,tossesNineapairofdarkgloves.‘Here.Inever
figuredoutwhattodowiththese.’‘Sweet,’Ninesays,andpullsthemonimmediately.Heflexeshisfingersinsidetheleatherlikematerial,
thenviolentlythrustshispalmsouttowardsJohn.‘Didyoufeelanything,dude?’JohnignoresNine,lookingatMarina.‘Canwebesurethosearen’timportant?Whatifthey’rea
PhoenixStone?’‘They’regloves,Johnny,’Ninesays,nottakingthemoff.‘Youeverheardofanancientritualthat
involvesburyingapairofstylish-assgloves?Comeon.’Johnshakeshishead,givingup.HiseyeslingeronHenri’sashesuntilMarinaclosesherChest,and
thenhisgazedriftstowardstheSkimmer.‘IwishIcouldcomewithyou.I’dliketobetherefor…forbothofthem.’Eight’sbodyisalreadyonboardtheSkimmer,strappedsecurelytooneoftheseats.‘After,’Marinasays,andshereachesouttosqueezeJohn’shand.She’sstillwalkingaroundwithalot
ofsadness–weallare–butI’mslowlyseeingsignsthattheold,gentleMarinaismeltingallthatice.‘Eightwouldunderstand.Oncewe’vewon,therewillbetimeforustopayourrespectsproperly.Allofus,together.’
Ninestopsscrewingwithhisnewglovesandgetsseriousforamoment,lookingatMarina.‘I’dlikethat,’hesays.‘Ready?’IaskMarina.ShenodsanduseshertelekinesistofloatherChestintotheSkimmer’sentrance.‘Besafe,allofyou.’Onebyone,Marinahugstheboys,andIdothesame.Samislastforme,andwhenhewrapsmeupina
bighug,IgetthesamefeelingthatIdidbeforewhenwewereallassembledintheMogadoriantunnels,thateveryoneiswatchingusandtitteringabouthowpreciousweare.Ibristlealittlebit,butbeforeIknowitthehughaslastedwaylongerthantheothers’,andourfriendshavedriftedafewstepsawayasiftoletushaveadiscreetmoment.‘Six–,’Samsaysquietlyagainstmyear,andIpullbackenoughtolookathim,cuttinghimoff.‘Don’tmakethisweird,Sam,’Iwhisper,andtuckaloosestrandofhairbehindmyear,glancing
surreptitiouslytowardstheothers.So,wespentlastnighttogether.Maybethatwasn’tthewisestmoveonmypart.IloveSam,inmyway,
andIdon’twanttostringhimalongorhurthisfeelings.I’mjuststillnotsoldonhavinganykindofrelationshipuntilthisisallover,especiallywithhowstupidandcomplicatedthingsgotwithJohnafterjustsomeflirting.But,aftereverythingthathappenedinFlorida,Ineededsomethinggoodforachange–somethingwarmandsafeandapproachingnormal–andthatwasSam.IthoughtheunderstoodthatIdidn’twanttogetintosomedopeyJohn/Sarah-style,star-crossed-loversthingwithhim.Buthereweare,havingamoment,andbluntasI’mtryingtobe,I’mnotexactlypullingawayeither.‘I’mnotmakingitanything,’Samsays,screwinguphisfaceatme.‘Ijust–Idon’tgetwhyyoudidn’t
wantmecomingwithyou.’‘You’lldomoregoodhere,withyourdad,’Itellhim.‘Andyou’llneedtokeepJohnandNineinline.’‘ThelasttimeIwentonamissionwithJohn,heleftmeinsideamountain,’Samsays,notbuyingit.
‘Comeon,Six.Whatisitreally?’Isigh,simultaneouslywantingtostranglehimandkisshim.Forasecond,I’mnotsurewhichinstinct
willwinout.IwantsomethingmorewithSam,Ithink.Eventually.Ijustdon’twanttothinkaboutitrightnow.Lastnightwasonething,butnowI’mbacktofightingawar.‘Idon’twantthedistraction,Sam.Allright?’‘Oh,’hesays,lookinglikeI’vejustmurderedhispride.‘Youmean,likeyou’dhavetokeepsavingme
fromMogsorstopmefromsteppingonsomeancientMayanspiketraporwhatever.BecauseIthoughtwewerepastthat.Icanhandlemyself,Six.AndIonlyaccidentallyshotyouthatonetimeinpracticeand–’Ikisshim.Mostlyjusttoshuthimupandillustratemypoint,butalsobecauseIjustcan’thelpmyself.I
hearNinemakeanoohingnoiseofftothesideandmakeamentalnotetodestroyhimthenextchanceIget.‘That’sthedistractionI’mtalkingabout,’Isayquietly,myfacestillclosetohis.Samisblushingagain,andhismouthisstillworkinglikehewantstosaysomethingmore.He’s
probablytryingtocomeupwithsomesmoothwaytosaygood-bye,butI’msickofthesedrawn-outmoments,soItakeonelastlookathissweet,dumbstruckfaceandturnaway.Afewsecondslater,I’mstrappedintotheSkimmer’sseatnexttoAdam,ignoringtheraisedeyebrowandsmirkMarina’sfixingmewith.‘Shallwe?’Adamasks.
WenodandAdamthrowssomeswitches,handlingtheSkimmer’scontrolswithmuchmoreconfidencethanIdid.Asweslowlyriseup,IlookoutthewindowtoseeSamandtheothersbelow,wavinggood-byetous.Iwonderifmylifewilleverbewithoutthesemoments–thepainfulgood-byesbeforeweallgoofftoriskourlives.Johnalwaystalksabouthowmuchhecan’twaitforsomeboringnormallife,butwouldIbehappylikethat?Wegainaltitude,treeszippingbybeneathus,andIthinkaboutSam.Ifitwasn’tforthiswar,theconstantchaos,we’dhaveneverevengottentogether.WhatwoulditbelikeforuswithouttheloomingthreatofMogadoriandestruction?I’dliketofindout.
19
NineleansacrossmesothathecangetagoodlookatSam,sayingtohiminastagewhisper,‘Allright,dude.What’sthedealwithyouandSix?’Sampointedlylooksoutthewindowofthevan.‘What?Nothing.’‘Psshh,’Ninesnorts.‘Comeon,man.It’slikeafour-hourdrivetoNewYork.Yougottagiveupsome
details.’Infrontofus,inthepassengerseat,AgentWalkerclearsherthroat.‘FascinatingasIfindthesexlivesofteenageboys,maybewecouldusethistimetogooverour
operationalparameters,’shesaysdryly.‘Agreed,’Isay,shovingNinebackinhisseatsohecan’tleeratSamanymore.‘Weneedtofocusonthe
mission.’Ninefrownsatme.‘Allright,John.I’mgonnafocusmyassofffortherestofthiscarride.’‘Good.’SamflashesmeagratefulsmileandInod.Partofmereallydoesthinkweshouldbethinkingaboutthe
impossibleoddswe’refacing,butanotherpartofmejustdoesn’twanttohearanydetailsaboutSamandSix.I’mhappyforthem,Iguess.Gladtheycouldfindsomecomforttogether.ButIcan’tgetoverthefeelingthatSamisgoingtoendupwithhisheartbroken.Iremembermyvisionofthefuture,thewaySamscreamedrightbeforetheMogadoriansexecutedSix.Maybethat’swhyIgetthesinkingfeelingthisisgoingtoendbadly.OrmaybeI’mjustjealous.NotbecauseSamhookedupwithSix,butmorebecausetheloveofmylife
ismilesaway.Ofcourse,there’snowayI’mexpressinganyofthatinfrontofNine,orWalkerandthesilentFBI-guydrivingthecar.Yeah,let’sfocusonthemission.We’redrivingupI-95,fromWashingtontoNewYork.MalcolmstayedbehindatAshwoodEstatesto
finishgoingthroughtheMogadorianarchives,hopingtoturnupsomethingelsethatmightbeuseful.ThevastmajorityofWalker’srenegadeagentsstayedback,too.They’reholdingdownthefort,usingitasabaseofoperationstocoordinatetheireffortstoundermineMogPro.Istilldon’tentirelytrustWalker’speople,andIprobablywon’teverreachthatlevelaftereverythingthegovernmentputusthrough,soIleftbehindourfiveremainingChimæraewithorderstoprotectMalcolmatallcosts.BesidesWalkerandourdriver,there’sanotherSUVfilledwithagentsfollowingalongbehindus.That
makesagrandtotalofsixagents,plusme,NineandSam.Notmuchofanarmy.Butthen,thewarhasn’tstartedyet.Maybe,ifeverythinggoesaccordingtomyplan,itwon’tstartatall.‘SecretaryofDefenseSandersonisstayingatahotelinmidtownManhattan,closetotheUN,’Walker
says.Sheglancesdownatherphone,whichshe’sbeentypingawayonallmorning.‘Ihadamoleonhissecurityteam,but…’‘Butwhat?’
‘Theywerepulledthismorning,’Walkerreplies.‘Allhisbodyguards,replacedbyanewteam.Paleguysindarktrenchcoats.Soundfamiliar?’‘Mogadorians,’Ninesays,grindinghisfistintohispalm.‘Keepingtheirpetpoliticiansafebeforehis
bigselloutspeech.’‘Ithinkitactuallyworkstoouradvantage,’Walkersays,lookingatme.‘Mypeopleweren’tlooking
forwardtofightingthroughtheirownonthewaytoSanderson.Imean,someoftheseguysarejustdoingtheirjobs.’‘Yeah,wearen’tinthehabitoffightinghumanseither,’Isay,givingWalkerapointedlook.‘Unless
theymakeus.’‘So,that’sthewholeplan?’Samasks,skeptical.‘Wegotohishotel,fightourwaythroughabunchof
MogsandthenkillthisSandersonguy?’‘Yes,’Walkeranswers.‘No,’Isay.Everyonelooksatme.Evenourstoicdriverisstaringatmeintherearviewmirror.‘Whatdoyoumean,no?’Walkerasks,hereyebrowsraised.‘Ithoughtwewereclearonthis.’‘We’renotkillingSanderson,’Isay.‘Wedon’tfighthumans.Wesureashelldon’tkillthem.’‘Kid,I’llpullthetriggerifyougetmeinfrontofhim,’Walkerreplies.‘Youcanarresthim,ifyouwant,’Isay.‘Chargehimwithtreason.’‘Thepenaltyfortreasonisdeath,’Walkerexclaims,soundingexasperated.‘Anyway,hisMogPro
cronieswon’tletanarrestgothrough.AndyouthinkanythinginthecourtsisgoingtomatteronceSetrákusRaishere?’‘Yousaidit,’Ireply.‘SetrákusRaiswho’simportant.’‘Right.InsteadofSanderson,it’llbeyouguystheretogreethimattheUN.We’llshowtheworldthe
differencebetweengoodaliensandbadaliens.Meanwhile,behindthescenes,mypeoplewilldismantleMogPro.’Walkerrubshertemples.‘I’vegototheragentsalreadyinposition.AroundthetimewetakeoutSanderson,adozenotherMogProtraitorswill–’Icutheroff.‘Ifyou’reabouttotellmeaboutmoreassassinations,Idon’twanttoknow.’Nineraiseshishand.‘Iwanttoknow.’‘That’snotwhatwedo,Walker,’Icontinue.‘It’snotwhatwe’reabout.’‘Kid,youwanttogetthewordoutabouttheMogs,soonerorlateryou’regonnahavetogetyourhands
dirty.’‘AndwhatifSandersongetsthewordoutforus?’Walkersquintsatme.‘What’reyoutalkingabout?’‘He’sgivingaspeechattheUN,right?GoingtotalkupSetrákusRa,tellhumanityhowit’ssafeto
welcometheMogadorianfleet.’Ishrug,tryingtoseemnonchalantaboutthis,confidentinmyplan.‘Maybehegivesadifferentspeech.Maybehedeliversawarning.’‘You’retalkingaboutturninghim?’Walkerexclaims.‘Thislateinthegame?You’reoutofyourmind.’‘Idon’tthinkso,’Ireply,glancingleftandrightatNineandSam.‘MyfriendsandIarepretty
persuasive.’‘Yeah,’Ninejumpsin,grinningfiercelyatWalker.‘I’mconvincingasallhell.’
Walkerstaresatmeforalongmoment,thenturnsaroundandgoesbacktotypingcodedmessagesintoherphone.‘Ididn’trealizeIwasteamingupwithsomehippy-dippypeacenikaliens,’shesighs.‘Fine.IfyoucantalkSandersonintoflippingsidesinfrontoftheUN,goforit.ButifI’mnotconvinced,I’mshootinghim.’‘Sure,’IreplytoWalker.‘You’reincharge.’
WestopatagasstationinNewJerseytofilluptheSUVs.SinceI’vegotafewminutesalone,Idecideit’sagoodtimetocheckinwithSarah.Itakeoutmyphoneandwanderacrosstheparkinglot.AsIdo,IcanfeelWalker’seyesboringintomyback.‘Whereareyougoing?’shecallsafterme.‘Tocallmygirlfriend,’Isay,raisingthephone.‘Remember?Youillegallydetainedherthatonetime.’‘Oh,great,’Walkerreplies.Icanhearhermuttertothedriver.‘We’redependingonabunchofhorny
teenagerstosavetheworld.’BetterusthanpeoplelikeWalker,Ithink,butpretendnottohaveheardhersnideremark.Thephoneringsfivetimes,eachonecausingmyhearttobeatalittlefaster,beforeSarahanswers,
narrowlyevadingthedumptovoicemail.‘Beforeyousayanything,’shebegins,notevensayinghello,hervoiceshaky,‘Ijustwantyoutoknow
thatI’mokay.’‘Whathappened?’Iask,tryingtokeepthatfirstrushofpanicoutofmyvoice.Icanhearthesoundof
trafficinthebackground.Sarah’sinamovingcar.‘Wewentintotownforsuppliesandhadarun-inwithsomeMogs,’Sarahsays,stillcatchingher
breath.‘Iguesstheytrackedusdownsomehow,nottoohappyabouttheTheyWalkAmongUsthing.Don’tworry,we’reallfine.BernieKosarhandledthem.’‘Areyousomewheresafe?’‘Wewillbesoon,’shereplies.‘Mark’shackerbuddyGUARDgaveusdirectionstohishomebasein
Atlanta.’MarkhadsomedetailsaboutGUARDinoneofhisemailstoSarah.He’sanotherconspiracyjunkie,
likeoneofthoseguysfromtheoldversionofTheyWalkAmongUs.Buthe’salsoanexcellenthackerand,accordingtoMark,hasaccesstoasurprisingamountofinformation.ItmakesmealittlenervousthatSarahandMarkareheadedtomeethimwithoutusknowinghisidentity.‘WhatdoesMarkknowaboutthisguy?’Iask.SarahrepeatsmyquestiontoMark.Ican’tquitemakeouthisreplyoverallthenoisefromtheroad.‘Marksayshe’sprobablysomenerdhidingoutinhismom’sbasement,’Sarahrepeatsdryly.‘Butthat
he’sa“soliddude”andthatwecantrusthim.’IrollmyeyesatMark’sscoutingreport.‘That’sheartening.Justincase,I’mgoingtotextyouthe
locationofsomewheresafe.It’sabaseinWashingtonthatwetookover,loadedwithgovernmentguyswhoareonourside.Ifyouneedsomewheretorunto,youcouldheadthere.’Iheartwoenginesrumbletolifebehindme.IturnaroundtoseeallofWalker’sagentspiledintothe
cars.NineandSamstillstandoutsideourSUV,waitingforme.Ninemakesanimpatientwrap-it-upmotion.‘What’sgoingonthere?’Sarahasksme.‘Onyourwaytodosomethingstupidbutpossiblyworld
saving?’
‘Prettymuch,’Ireply,allowingmyselfafaintsmile.‘DidyougetthosedocumentsIsentyou?’‘Yeah,’Sarahreplies.‘We’llhaveachancetouploadthemoncewe’reinAtlanta.’‘Perfect.I’vegotafeelingTheyWalkAmongUsisabouttogetalotmorehits.’Ipause,reluctanttoget
offthephone.‘Theothersarewaitingforme.I’vegottago.’‘Marksaystogokicksomeass.AndIloveyou.’Sarahcatchesherself,laughing.‘Markdidn’tsaythat
lastpart.Thatwasfromme.’Wesayourgood-byesandI’mleftwiththatsamefeelingoflongingmixedwithdreadthatIgetafter
everyoneofthesephoneconversations.ItrudgebacktotheSUV.EveryoneelseisalreadyinsideexceptforSam.‘Soyou’reputtingallofWalker’sdocumentsonTheyWalkAmongUs?’Samasks.‘It’sagoodidea.
Likeanti-Mogadorianpropaganda.’‘It’sadesperateidea,iswhatitis,’Isayglumly.‘Noone’sgoingtobediggingthroughsearchresults
whiletheircitiesaregettingbombarded.’‘There’sacomfortingthought,’Samreplies,frowning.‘Butseriously,that’salotofheavyreading.If
you’retryingtogetpeopleonourside,itshouldn’tjustbeabouttheMogadorians.Youshouldn’tjustbetryingtoscarepeople.They’llbescaredenoughasitis.You’vegottagivethemsomehope.’‘Whatdoyousuggest?’Samthinksaboutitforasecond,thenshrugs.‘Idon’tknowyet.I’llcomeupwithsomething.’InodandpatSamontheshoulder,thetwoofusclimbingbackintothecar.Iknowhe’sjusttryingto
help,andthat’swhyIdon’ttellhimthatwhateverhecomesupwith…itmightbetoolate.
WemakeittoNewYorkaboutanhourlater.I’veneverbeenherebeforeandneitherhaveNineorSam.Iwishourvisitcouldbeunderdifferentcircumstances.Asweinchalonginheavytrafficthroughacanyonofskyscrapers,Ifindmyselfcraningmynecktolookoutthewindow.Chicagoisahugecity,butthefreneticjostleofpedestriansonthesidewalkshereissomethingelseentirely.ThereareflashingsignsadvertisingBroadwayshows,yellowcabsdartinginandoutoftraffic,ahumofactivityallaroundus.Andthesepeoplehavenoideawhat’sheadingtheirway.AswedrivefartheruptowntowardsSanderson’shotel,wepassadudewearingacowboyhatand
underwear,strumminganacousticguitarforacrowdoftourists.Ninesnorts.‘Lookatthis,’hesays,shakinghishead.‘Thatshitwouldn’tflyinChicago.’IleanforwardtogetWalker’sattention.‘Areweclose?’‘Afewmoreblocks,’shereplies.IreachdowntomakesuremyLoricdaggerisstillfastenedsecurelytomyleg.Ialsotouchmywrist,
reflextellingmetocheckformyshieldbracelet,exceptthatit’sgone,destroyedbytheGeneral.‘DidyourguyonthescenetellyouhowmanyMogsweshouldbeexpecting?’IaskWalker.‘Adozen.Maybemore.’‘That’snothing,’Ninesays,pullingontheglovesthatMarinagavehim.HeclencheshisfistsandIinch
awayfromhim,warythathe’sgoingtoaccidentallytriggersomekindofweapon.Thankfully,nothinghappens.‘You’rewearingthoseintoafight?’Samasks,eyeingNineincredulously.‘Youdon’tevenknowwhat
theydo.’
‘Whatbetterwaytofindout?’Ninereplies.‘TheseLoricthings,man,theyhaveawayofnothelpingyouuntilyou’vegivenuponthem.’‘Ormaybethey’rejustforkeepingyourhandswarm,’Samsuggests.‘Justdon’tdoanythingstupid,’ItellNine,andhestaresatme,hisexpressiongettingdeathlyserious.‘John,Iwon’t,’hesays.‘Forreal.Youcantrustmeoutthere.’IcantellNineisstillcarryingaroundwhathappeneddowninFloridaandiseagertoprovehimself.I
justnodathim,knowinghewouldn’twantmetomakeabigdealoutofit.I’mgladhe’sgotmyback.WalkerturnsaroundtolookatSam.‘Theseguysshootfireballsandhavemagicgloves,apparently.But
whatdoyoudo?’Samlooksmomentarilytakenaback,andInoticehimreachdowntotouchthescarsburnedintohis
wrists.Afteramoment’sconsideration,helooksWalkerintheeye.‘I’veprobablykilledmoreMogsthanyouhave,lady,’Samreplies.Nineelbowsme,andIcan’thelpbutgrin.Tohercredit,thatactuallylooksliketheanswerWalkerwas
hopingfor.Sheopenstheglovecompartment,pullsoutaholsteredhandgunandholdsitouttoSam.‘Well,I’mofficiallyarmingaminor,’shesays.‘Doyourcountryproud,Samuel.’Aminutelater,ourdriverpullsovertothesideofoneofManhattan’squieterblocks,double-parking.
TheotherSUVrollsupbehindus.Acrossthestreetanddowntheblockabitistheentrancetoaposhhotel.There’sawideawningoutfrontandaredcarpet,aplaceforgueststoturnovertheircarkeystoavaletanddroptheirbagsontooneofthewaitingluggagecarts.Exceptthere’snoactivityoutsidethehotel.Notouristsstrollingthesidewalk,novaletswaitingfor
tips.Nothing.Everything’sbeenclearedawayorscaredoffbythetrioofMogadoriansstandingguardatthedoor,theircoatsbrazenlyopentorevealtheblastershangingfromtheirbelts.It’slikethey’renotevenbotheringtohideanymore.‘Wewanttodothisquickandclean,’Walkersaystous,hunchinglowinherseatsoshecanlookatthe
Mogsinherside-viewmirror.‘TakedowntheMogsandgettoSandersonbeforetheycansendupanalarm,radioforbackup,orwhatevertheydo.’‘Yeah,gotit,’Ireplyquickly.Ipullupthehoodonmysweatshirtsothatithidesmyface.‘We’vedone
thisbefore.’‘Letmypeoplelead,’Walkersays.‘We’llflashsomebadges,maybeconfusethem.Thenyouhitthem
hard.’‘Sure,youdistract’em,’Ninesays.‘Butthengetthehelloutofourway.’Walkerpicksupawalkie-talkieandradiostotheagentsinthesecondcar.‘Youguysready?’‘Affirmative,’amalevoiceanswers.‘Let’sdothis.’‘Herewego,’saysanexcitedNine,andclapshisglovedhandstogether.TheconcussionofsoundthatdetonatesfromNine’shandswhenheclapsisn’tquitesonic-boomloud,
butit’sdefinitelyclose.It’slikeathunderclapintheback-seat;alloftheSUV’swindowsexplodeoutward,andthecarevenbouncesafewinchesintotheair.TheSUVbehindusdoesn’tfaremuchbetter–itswindowsalsoshatter,butinward,sprayingtheagentshuddledinside.Thewindowsofnearbystorefrontsbreak,too,andapedestrianwalkingbyisknockedclearoffherfeet.Nexttome,Samissqueezingthesidesofhishead,lookingdazed.Forthefirstfewseconds,Ican’thearmuchexceptalowchirpingthatIsoonrealizeiscaralarmsgoingoffupanddowntheblock.
IturntoNine,wide-eyed,andcatchhimstaringathisglovedhands,alsowide-eyed.Ican’thearwhathesays,andI’mnotmuchofalipreader.ButI’mprettysureit’s‘Oops.’Attheentranceofthehotel,oneMogadorianisdownonhisknees,clutchinghishead.Theothertwo
arepointingrightatourSUVandraisingtheirblasters.Somuchfortheelementofsurprise.
20
Withthewaymyearsareringing,Idon’treallyhearthefirstvolleyofMogadorianblasterfire.ButIfeelit.TheSUVisrockedtothesideasthejaggedenergyboltsshearacrossthecar’sbulletproofpaneling.Walkerhuddlesforcoverbehindherdoor,keepingherheaddown.Ourdriverisn’tsolucky;ablastcomessizzlingthroughthewindowandhitshiminthesideoftheneck.Hisfleshisburnedbadlyandheimmediatelystartsconvulsing.‘Go!’Ishout,unabletohearmyselfandnotsureifanyoneelsecaneither.‘Go!’NineripsopenthebackdooroftheSUV,literally.Ashegetsoutofthecar,heholdsthedoorinfrontof
him,usingitasashieldtoabsorbtheMogs’fire.IlungeintothefrontseatandpressmyhandsontotheFBIagent’sblasterwound,lettingmywarm
healingenergyflowintohim.Slowly,theinjurybeginstoknititselfclosed,andhisconvulsionsstop.Theagentlooksupatmewithwide,gratefuleyes.Isensemovementtomyleftandturnmyhead.Outsidethedriver-sidewindowisthepedestrianwho
gotknockeddownwhenNine’sthunderclapwentoff.She’sapretty,college-agedgirlwithbigbrowneyes.Shelooksshell-shockedandseemstoberootedinplace–exceptshe’snotsostunnedthatshefailedtogetherphoneoutofherpurse.She’sjustfinishedrecordingmehealingourdriverandisfilmingmyfaceasIshoutathertorun.AnothervolleyofMogblasterfirebouncesoverthehoodofourSUV,nearlyhittingthegirl.Sam
springsoutofthebackseatandgrabsher.Hedragsherfartherdownthesidewalkandputsherincoverbehindsomeparkedcars.Monthsago,myfaceonvideoafterusingmyLegacieswould’vebeenadisaster.Butnow,Idon’teven
care.However,wecan’tletanymoreinnocentpeoplewanderintoourwarzone.‘Turnthecar!’Ishoutinourdriver’sear.I’mnotsurehecanhearme,soImakeasteeringwheel
motionwithmyhands.‘Blockthestreetoff!’Hegetsitandpeelsout–Icansmelltheburnedrubberbutdon’tquitehearit.Hegetsthecarparked
perpendicularacrossthemiddleoftheroad,blockinganytraffic.IhopoutoftheSUVandturntowardsthehoteljustintimetoseeaMogadorianwarriorshearedinhalf
andturnedtodustbyourcardoor,whichNineflungthroughtheairdiscusstyle.Meanwhile,theagentsinthesecondcarhavemanagedtocollectthemselves.Seeingourmaneuver,theirdriverthrowshisSUVintoreverseandtheyquicklyblockaccesstotheroadfromtheotherdirection.Then,theyjumpout,usingtheirSUVascover,andreturnfireontheremainingMogadorians.Theirgunfireisbarelyaudiblepoppinginmydamagedears.OneoftheMogskeelsoverfromawell-placedbullettotheforehead.Outnumbered,theremaining
Mogducksintothehoteldoorwayforcover.Ireachoutwithmytelekinesis,grabaluggagecartparkedbehindtheMogandjerkitforwardsothatittakesoutthebackofhislegs.Ashestumblesoutofthedoorway,Walker’sagentslighthimup.
NineglancesbacktomeandInod.Together,werushtowardstheentrance.IlookovermyshouldertocheckonSamandseehimstilltalkingtothatbystander,gesturingemphaticallyathercellphone.Notimetoworryaboutthatnow.Inside,theposhhotellobbyiscompletelydesertedexceptforafrightenedclerkcoweringbehindthe
frontdesk.Beyondthemarblecolumnsandleathercouchesofthewaitingareaistheelevatorbank.Oddly,twoofthethreeelevatorsareoutofservice,andthethirdisstuckupatthepenthouselevel.TheMogsmightnothaveexpectedanassault,buttheydefinitelytookprecautions.Withamomenttocatchmybreath,Ipressmyhandstothesidesofmyheadandletsomeofthathealing
energyflowintomyears.Theypopandcrackle,butsoundslowlyreturns,likeavolumedialinmyheadbeinggraduallyturnedup.Fromoutside,Icanhearsirens,screechingtires,andWalker’speopleyellingatlocalcopstostayback.Ourplantodothiscovertlyisalreadyshot;nowwejusthavetobequick.IgrabNinebeforehecanmakeittotheelevatorsandclapmyhandstothesideofhishead,healinghim
aswell.WhenI’mdone,heshakeshisheadbackandforth,likehe’stryingtodislodgewaterfromhisinnerear.‘You’reanidiot,’Itellhim.Nineshakesthesonicglovesatmebeforestuffingtheminhisbackpocket.‘Atleastnowweknow
whattheydo.’Seeingthatwearen’tgun-totingMogadorians,theguyatthefrontdeskslowlycomesoutofhiding.
He’sskinnyandmiddle-aged,andfromthebagsunderhiseyes,helooksasifhe’shavingoneterribleday.‘What–whatisgoingon?’theclerkasksus.Beforewecananswer,Walkerstridesthroughthedoor.Sheflashestheclerkherbadgeandthenshouts,
‘WhatfloorisSandersonon?’Thewide-eyedclerkglancesfromWalkertousandthenback.‘Pent-penthouse,’hestammers.‘Those-
thosethingsyoukilledarewithhim.Theyclearedouttheentirehotelthismorningexceptformeandsomeofthestaff.AndI’mnotevenamanager.’Ninestaresattheclerk,tryingtomakesenseofhim.‘Whywouldtheykeepyouaround?’‘They’vebeenorderingroomservice,’herespondsincredulously,hisvoicesqueaky.‘Actinglikethey
owntheplaceandwe’retheirservants.’‘That’ssomeballsyshit,’Ninesays,shakinghishead.‘Likethey’vealreadytakenoverorsomething.’Walkersquintsattheclerklikeshecouldstranglehim,thenturnstome,hervoicestillincrediblyloud.
‘Goddamnit.Ican’thearthisguy.’Iwaveheroverandpressmyhandstoherears.WhileI’mhealingWalker,Ilookoverattheclerk.
‘Youshouldgetoutofhere.Gooutsideveryslowly,withyourhandsup.We’llsendoutanyoneelsewecomeacross.’Theclerknodsmutely,thenbeginstakingbabystepstowardstheexit,hishandsraisedabovehishead.Walkershakesoffmyhandsassoonasherhearingisback.‘Whatdidhesay?’‘Hesaidwe’regoingup,’Ireply,pointingtotheelevator.‘Actually,’Ninesays,‘they’recomingdown.’Thehotel’soneworkingelevatorhasbeguntodescend,thelittlelightsabovetickingoffthefloors.I
lightmyLumen,thewhooshofflamesfeelinggood.Walkeradjustshergriponherpistol.
‘Easy,guys,’Ninesays.‘I’vegotthis.’Ninepicksuponeoftheleathersofasandholdsitlikeabatteringram.WalkerandIbothstepaside,
givinghimroom.Whentheelevatordingsandthedoorsslideapart,thefourMogadorianssentdownstairstoreinforcetheoneswe’vealreadydispatchedaregreetedbyNinescreamingandshovingasofaintothem.Oneofthemmanagestogetaburstofblasterfireoff,butitsizzlesharmlesslyagainstthefloor.Theentireunitispinnedinsidetheelevator,thecentermostMogcrushedoutrightbehindNine’sweight.WalkereasilydartsaroundNineandpickstheMogsoffwithherhandgun.‘Thatstilldoesn’tmakeupforthewholeglovething,’ItellNineasheeffortlesslytossesthesofaback
intothelobby.‘Comeon,’Ninecomplains,grinning.‘Itwasanaccident.’‘ArethereanyotheraliengadgetsIneedtobeawareof?’Walkerasksaswepileintotheelevatorand
hitthebuttonforthetopfloor.‘Well,there’sthis,’Ninereplies,andpullsastringofthreeemerald-greenstonesoutofhispocket.I
rememberthatthingfrombefore–whenNinethrowsit,thestringcreatesaminiaturevacuum,sucksupwhatever’scloseandthenspitsitviolentlybackout.HemusthavetakenitoutofhisChestbeforeturningovertherestofhisInheritancetoMarinaandSix.‘Whatdoesthatdo?’Walkerasks.‘You’llsee,’Ireply,lookingatNine.‘Youknowtherewillbemorewaitingforusoutsidetheelevator,
right?’‘Mythoughtsexactly,’hereplies,grinning.IpullWalkerclosesothatwe’repressedagainstthesideoftheelevator,rightupagainstthebuttons.
Ninetakescoveragainsttheoppositewall,lazilyswinginghisstringofstoneslikeabolo.‘Youmightneedtoholdontome,’ItellWalker.‘You’veseenhowNinedoeswithgadgets.’‘Hey,’Ninesays,wounded.‘ThisoneIactuallyknowhowtowork.’Secondslater,theelevatordoorsopenandabarrageofblasterfirehammerstheelevator’sbackwall,
theMogsuphereadoptingastrategyofshootfirstandaskquestionslater.Withoutpokinghisheadoutofcover,Ninetossesthestrandofstonesoutsidetheelevator.IimagineNine’sweaponworkinglikeitdidbackatthecabin–thebeadshoveringinaperfectcircle,
spinningslowlyforward,suckingupanythingintheirpath.Icanhearthewhooshofair,followedbyMogadorianscreams,andalotoffutileshooting.Glassbreaksasframedpicturesaretornfromthehallwaywalls,thepiecessuckedintotheminiaturevacuum.Ninesnapshisfingersandeverythingthevacuumcollectedexplodesoutward.Violentlyexpelledfrom
thesuction,oneMogadoriancomesflyingintotheelevator.Hisheadsmasheshardagainstthebackwall,hisneckbroken.Outside,everythingisquiet.Whenit’sover,Istickmyheadoutsidethedoors.Theairisfilledwithswirlingdustparticlesthat
mightbeMogadorianremains.Ablasterthatsomehowbecamewedgedagainsttheceilingclatterstothefloor.Asidefromthat,theonlythinginthehallwayisaroom-servicecartthatlookslikeit’sgonethroughagrinder,itslegsbentandtwisted.There’sonlyonedoorattheendoftheshorthallway,theoneforthepenthouse,andit’snowhalfbrokenoffitshinges.‘Whatthehellwasthatthing?’Walkerasks,incredulous.
‘TheMogsaren’ttheonlyoneswithkick-assweaponry,’Ninesays,pickinguptheharmless-lookingstonestrandfromwhereitlandedonthefloor.‘Don’tgetanyideas,’IsaytoWalkerwhenIcatchhercraninghernecktogetalookatthestones.‘Our
technologyisn’tforsale.’Walkerfrownsatme.‘Yeah,well,judgingbythatbullshitwiththegloves,youdon’tknowhowtowork
itanyway.’Fromthebrokendoorwayupahead,Ihearthedroningofatelevision.It’sturnedtocablenews,Ithink,
sometalkingheadramblingonaboutstockprices.Otherthanthat,thehallwayistotallyquiet.Thereisn’tanysignofmoreMogadorians.Evenso,weadvancecautiouslytowardsthepenthousedoor.Waryofanambush,Inudgethedoorwithmytelekinesisbeforewegettooclose.Itcomesoffthe
hingeseasilyandfallsintothepenthousewithathud.Thelivingroominsideisdark,allthecurtainsdrawn,andlitonlybytheblueglowofthetelevision.‘Comeonin,’agravellyvoicecallsfrominside.‘There’snooneinherewhocanhurtyou.’‘That’sSanderson,’Walkerwhispers.IexchangeaquicklookwithNine.Heshrugsandwavestowardsthedoor.Igofirst,Ninerightbehind
meandWalkerbringinguptherear.ThefirstthingInoticeisadamp,moldysmellinthehotelroom.Itsmellslikerotwithanundercurrent
ofminty,old-manjointcream.AmapofNewYorkCityisspreadacrossthetableinthesuite’sdiningarea,notesinMogadorianscribbledatvariouslocations.Nexttothetableisaknocked-overchair,asifsomeonegotupinahurry.TherearealsoMogadoriancannonsproppedupagainstonewallalongwithsomedarkcanvasbackpacksofgear–Inoticealaptop,afewcellphonesandathickleather-boundbook.Noneofthatinterestsmeasmuchastheoldmanseatedattheedgeofthesuite’sslept-inking-sizebed.
HewatchestheTVthroughtheopenbedroomdoorway,maybetooweaktowalkhimselfintothepenthouse’slivingroom.‘Goddamn,dude,’Nineexclaims,uponseeingSanderson.‘Whatiswrongwithyou?’I’veseenalotofpicturesofBudSandersonoverthelastfewdays.ThefirstwasonTheyWalkAmong
Us,Sandersonasanoldmanwiththinningwhitehair,jowlsandapaunch.Onthewebsite,inatabloid-stylestoryIdidn’tthinktoomuchabout,MarkJamesaccusedSandersonofusingsomekindofMogadoriananti-agingtreatment.ThenexttimeIsawSandersonwasinAgentWalker’sfile,havinglunchwithadisguisedSetrákusRa,haleandhearty,silverhairfullandslickedback,lookinglikehemightjogafewmilesafterhisCobbsalad.TheSandersoninfrontofmedoesn’tlooklikeeitherofthosepictures.NineandIwalkintothe
bedroomtogetacloserlook,Walkerlingeringbehind.Thesecretaryofdefenseisafrailoldman,hishunchedbodywrappedupinapuffyhotelrobe.Therightsideofhisfacelookssaggyandcollapsed–hiseyesocketdroops,andhisjawlinedisappearsbeneathfoldsoflooseskin.Hiswhitehairisbadlythinned,acomb-overbarelymanagingtohideasmatteringofagespots.Hesmilesatus–ormaybeit’sagrimace–histeethyellow,gumsreceding.Intheopenneckofhisrobeandalonghisforearms,Inoticesomeprominentveinsthatarediscoloredblack.‘NumberFourandNumberNine,’Sandersonsays,pointingashakyfingeratmeandthenNine.He
doesn’tseemoffendedatallbyNine’sgrossed-outreaction,doesn’tevenseemtohavenoticed.‘Your
pictureshavebeencrossingmydeskforyears.Furtiveshotsfromsecuritycamerasandthelike.Ipracticallywatchedyouboysgrowup.’Sandersonsoundslikeareminiscent,dodderinggrandfather.I’mcompletelytakenaback.I’dbeen
expectingaselloutpoliticiantotryhittingmewithtalkingpointsonMogadorianProgress.Thisguybarelylookscapableofgettingupfromhisbed,muchlessgivingaspeechinfrontoftheUN.‘Andyou…’SandersontiltshisheadtogetalookatWalker.‘You’reoneofmine,aren’tyou?’‘SpecialAgentKarenWalker,’shereplies,steppingintothedoorway.‘Notoneofyours.Iserve
humanitynow,sir.’‘Well,that’snice,’Sandersonsaysdismissively.Hedoesn’tseematallinterestedinher.Thewayhis
beady,blackeyessettleonNineandme,likewe’rehislong-lostrelativesgatheredaroundhisdeathbed,makesmeseriouslyuncomfortable.EvenNinehasslippedintoanawkwardsilence.InoticeasmallkitonthebednexttoSanderson.Itcontainsafewsleeksyringesfilledwithadark
liquidthatremindsmevaguelyofPikenblood.Itakeasteptowardshim,myvoicelow.‘Whatdidtheydotoyou?’‘NothingIdidn’taskfor,’Sandersonreplies,sadly.‘Iwishyouboyswouldhavefoundmesooner.
Nowit’stoolate.’‘Likehell,’Ninesays.‘Evenifyoukillme,itwon’tmakeanydifference,’Sandersonrasps,resignedly.‘We’renotheretokillyou,’Ireply.‘Idon’tknowwhatthey’vetoldyou,whatthey’vefilledyourmind
andbodywith,butwe’renotdonefighting.’‘Oh,butIam,’Sandersonreplies,andpullsasmallhandgunoutofhisrobe’sfrontpocket.BeforeIcan
stophim,heholdsthepistolnexttohistempleandpullsthetrigger.
21
IfI’dhadtimetothinkaboutit,Iprobablywouldn’thavebeenabletodoit.There’saboutamillimeterofspacebetweenBudSanderson’stempleandthebarrelofhisgun.It’sin
thatspacethatImanagetostopthebullet,holdingittherewithmytelekinesis.Theprecisionrequiredmakesmegruntfromexertion.Everymuscleinmybodyistensed,myfistsclenchedandtoescurled.It’slikeIflungmyentirebodyintostoppingthatbullet.Ican’tbelieveIjustdidthat.I’veneverdoneanythingsoprecisebefore.Aring-shapedburnfromthepistol’sbarrelformsonSanderson’stemple,butotherwisehisheadis
totallyintact.Ittakesuntilthepistol’sreportstopsechoingforthesecretaryofdefensetorealizehissuicideattempt
didn’twork.Heblinkshiswateryeyesatme¸notquiteunderstandingwhyhe’sstillalive.‘How–?’BeforeSandersoncanpullthetriggeragain,Ninelungesforwardandslapsthegunoutofhishand.I
exhaleveryslowlyandallowmybodytouncoil.‘That’snotright,’Sandersonsaystomeaccusingly,hislowerlipshakingasherubshiswristwhere
Ninestruckhim.‘Justletmedie.’‘Seriously,’Walkerinterjects,herhandstighteningaroundherowngun.‘Why’dyoustophim?
Could’vesolvedallourproblemsrightthere.’‘Itwouldn’thavesolvedanything,’Isay,shootingheralookasIletthebulletdropharmlesslyonto
Sanderson’sunmadebed.‘He’sright,’SandersonsaystoWalker,hisshouldersslumping.‘Killingmewon’tchangeanything.But
keepingmealiveissimplycruel.’‘Youdon’tgettodecidewhenyoucheckout,oldman,’ItellSanderson.‘Whenwewinthiswar,we’ll
letthepeopleofEarthdecidehowtheydealwithtraitors.’Sandersonchucklesdryly.‘Theoptimismofyouth.’Icrouchdowntolookhimintheface.‘There’sstilltimetoredeemyourself,’Isay.‘Todosomething
ofvalue.’Sandersonraisesaneyebrow,andhiseyesseemtofocusupabit.Butthentherightsideofhismouth
droopsandhehastowipeawayablobofdroolwiththecuffofhisrobe.Lookingutterlydefeated,Sandersonavertshiseyes.‘No,’hesaysquietly.‘Ithinknot.’NinesighsfromboredomandpicksupthekitofsyringeslaidoutnexttoSanderson.Hestudiesthetar-
coloredsludgeinsidetheinjectorforamoment,thenwavesitinSanderson’sface.‘Whatisthisshitthey’regivingyou,huh?’Nineasks.‘Thiswhatyoutradedtheplanetfor?’Sandersonpeerslonginglyatthevialsbutthenweaklyshovesthemaway.‘Theyhealedme,’Sandersonexplains.‘Morethanthat.Theymademeyoungagain.’
‘Andlookatyounow,’Ninegrunts.‘Freshasadaisy,right?’‘Youknowtheirleaderhaslivedforcenturies,’Sandersoncounters,hiseyesswingingwildlybetween
meandNine.‘Ofcourseyoudo.Hepromisedusthat.Hepromisedimmortalityandpower.’‘Helied,’Isay.Sandersonlooksdownatthefloor.‘Yes.’‘Pathetic,’Walkersays,butthevenom’sgoneoutofher.Likeme,Idon’tthinkSandersonhasturnedout
tobethevillainWalkerexpected.MaybehewasoncethepuppetmasterofaninternationalconspiracyinsupportofMogs,butatthispointhe’sbeenentirelychewedupandspitoutbyMogadorianProgress.Thisisn’tthegamechangerWalkerwashopingfor.I’mworriedthatwe’vewastedwhatpreciouslittletimewehaveleft.SandersonignoresNineandWalker.Forsomereason,maybebecauseIforcedhimtokeeponliving,
heappealsdirectlytome.‘Thewonderstheyhadtooffer…can’tyouunderstand?IthoughtIwasusheringinagoldenageforhumanity.HowcouldIsaynotothem?Tohim?’‘Andnowyouhavetokeeptakingthisstuff,isthatit?’Iask,glancingtothesyringesthatIbetcontain
somethingliketheunnaturalgeneticbrewtheMogsusetogrowtheirdisposablesoldiers.‘Ifyoustop,you’llbreakdownlikeoneofthem.’‘Oldenoughtoturntodust,anyway,’Ninegrumbles.‘It’sbeentwodays,andlookatme…’Sandersonwavesahandathimself,athisbodythatlookslikea
slugwithsaltpouredonit.‘Theyusedme.Keptgivingmetreatmentsinexchangeforfavors.Butyoufreedme.NowIcanfinallydie.’Ninethrowsuphishandsandlooksatme.‘Dude,screwthis.Thisguy’salostcause.Weneedtofigure
somethingelseout.’AsenseofdesperationbeginstosinkinnowthatWalker’sleadonthesecretaryofdefensehasturned
uponlyabrokenoldmanandgottenusnoclosertothwartingtheimminentMogadorianinvasion.ButI’mnotwillingtogiveupjustyet.Thislumpsittinginfrontofmeusedtobeapowerfulman–hell,theMogshadaprotectiondetailonhim,sohestillis.Therehastobeawaytofixhim,tomakehimwillingtofight.Ineedhimtoseethelight.SomecombinationofdesperationandintuitioncausesmetoturnonmyLumen.Idon’tcrankitupto
firelevel;instead,Iproducejustenoughjuicesothatabeamofpurelightshootsfrommyhand.Sanderson’seyeswidenandheinchesbackonthebedawayfromme.‘Ialreadytoldyou,I’mnotgoingtohurtyou,’Isay,asIleanintowardshim.IshinemyLumenonthepalsied,saggypartofhisface,wantingtogetagoodlookatwhatI’mdealing
with.Theskinisgrayedandalmostdeadlooking,fine,ash-coloredveinsrunningthroughit.ThedarkparticlesunderSanderson’sskinactuallyseemtofloatawayfrommyLumen,almostlikethey’retryingtoburrowdeeper.‘Icanhealthis,’Isay,resolutely.I’mnotsureifit’sactuallytrue,butIhavetotry.‘You–youcanfixwhattheydid?’Sandersonasks,anoteofhopeinhisgravellyvoice.‘Icanmakeyoulikeyouwere,’Ireply.‘Notbetter,inthewaytheypromised.Notyounger.Just…as
youshouldbe.’‘Oldpeoplegetold,’Nineputsin.‘Yougottadealwithit.’
Sandersonlooksatmeskeptically.ImustsoundjustliketheMogadoriansdidyearsago,whentheyfirstconvincedhimtojointheirside.‘Whatdoyouwantinexchange?’heasks,likeahighpriceisaforegoneconclusion.‘Nothing,’Ireply.‘YoucantrykillingyourselfagainforallIcare.Ormaybeyoucanfindwhat’sleftof
yourconscienceanddowhat’sright.It’llbeuptoyou.’Andwiththat,IpressmypalmagainstthesideofSanderson’sface.SandersonshuddersasthewarmhealingenergyofmyLegacypassesintohim.Normally,whenusing
myhealingpowers,Igetasensationthattheinjuryisknittingitselfbacktogether,ofcellsrearrangingthemselvesbeneathmyfingertips.WithSanderson,itfeelsasifaforceispushingbackagainstmyLegacy,asiftherearedark,cellularpitsintowhichmyhealinglightplungesdownandguttersout.IstillfeelSandersonhealing,butit’sslowgoing,andIhavetoconcentratemuchharderthanusual.Atonepoint,somethingactuallysizzlesandpopsbeneathhisskin,oneofhisdiscoloredveinsburningup.Sandersonflinchesawayfromme.‘Areyouhurt?’Iask,shortofbreath,myhandstillpoisednexttohisface.Hehesitates.‘No–no,itactuallyfeelsbetter.Somehow…cleaner.Keepgoing.’Ikeepgoing.IcanfeeltheMogadoriansludgeburrowingdeeperintoSanderson,retreatingfrommy
Legacy.Iintensifymyhealing,chasingitthroughhisveins.IfindthatI’msquintingfromtheexertionandacoldsweatdampensmyback.I’msofocusedonbeatingbackthedarknessIdetectinsideSandersonthatImustlosetrackoftimeorentersomekindoftrancestate.WhenI’mfinishedatlast,Istumblebackwards,mylegswobbly,andrunrightintoSam.Iwasn’teven
awarehe’dcomeupstairs.He’sholdingoutaphone–didhestealitfromthatbystanderweknockedover?–andrecordingmyhealingofSanderson.HestopswhenIbumpintohimand,foramoment,Samistheonlythingholdingmeup.‘Thatwasawesome,’Samsays.‘Youwere,like,glowing.Areyouokay?’Idrawmyselfupwithsomeeffort,notwantingtoshowanysignofweaknessinfrontofWalkeror
Sanderson,eventhoughIfeeldrained.‘Yeah.I’mgood.’IcatchWalkerstaringatmewiththatsamelookofaweherdriverhadafterIhealedhisneck.
Sanderson,stillsittinginfrontofme,looksclosetotears.Theblackspiderwebsthatcrisscrossedbeneathhisskinhavedisappeared;hisfacenolongerdroops,hismusclesaren’tatrophied.He’sstillanoldman,deep-setwrinkleslininghisface,buthelookslikearealoldman,notonewho’sslowlyhadthelifedrainedoutofhim.Helookshuman.‘Thankyou,’Sandersonsaystome,hiswordsbarelyaboveawhisper.Ninelooksatme,checkingtoseehowI’mholdingup,thenturnstoSandersonandsnortsderisively.
‘It’sallfornothing,Grandpa,ifyouletthosepasty-facedasshatslandonEarth.’‘I’mashamedofwhatI’vedone,whatIbecame…’Sandersonsays,hisgazepleadingandconfused.
‘ButIdon’tunderstandwhatyouexpectmetodo.Letthem?HowcanIstopthem?’‘Wedon’texpectyoutostopthem,’Isay,‘justslowthemdown.Youneedtorallypeopleagainstthem.
WhenyougiveyourspeechtomorrowattheUN,youneedtomakeitclearthattheMogadorianfleetcan’tbeallowedtolandonEarth.’
Sandersonstaresatme,confused,thenslowlyswivelshisgazetowardsWalker.‘Isthatwhatyourmoletoldyou?Isthatwhatyouthinkwillbehappeningtomorrow?’‘Iknowwhat’shappening,’Walkerreplies,nolesscausticnowthatSandersonseemstobecoming
aroundtoourside.‘YouandtheotherleaderswhotheMogshaveboughtoffwillgetuponstageandconvincetheworldweshouldcoexistpeacefully.’‘Whichisreallyjustcodeforsurrender,’Nineadds.‘Yes,that’splannedfortomorrow,’Sandersonsays,withadark,hopelesslaugh.‘Butyou’vegotthe
orderconfused.YouthinkIgivesomespeechandthentheirBelovedLeaderlandshisships?Youthinkhecaresabouttheslow-turningwheelsofhumanpolitics?He’snotwaitingforpermission.TheUNwillconvenetosavelives,tocalmafrightenedpopulation,becauseamilitaryresistanceisdoomedagainstthat–’Sandersongestureswildlythroughthedoor,atthetelevisionstillbuzzingintheotherroom.Slowly,we
eachturn,leavingSanderson’sbedroomforthepenthouselivingroom,drawninbytheashenfaceofacablenewsanchor.Shestumblesoverherwordsasshetriestoexplaintheunidentifiedflyingobjectsmanifestingintheairoverdozensofmajorcities.Thereceptiongoesinandout,theburstsofstaticgettingmoreandmorefrequent,assomethinginterfereswiththesignal.‘…reportscominginthattheshipshavebeensightedoverseasaswell,inplaceslikeLondon,Paris
andShanghai,’thenewscastersays,eyeswideasshereadsfromherteleprompter.‘Ifyou’rejustjoiningus,somethingliterallyoutofthisworldishappening,asshipsofalienoriginhaveappearedoverLosAngeles,Washington…’‘It’shappening,’Samsays,stunned,lookingatmeforsomekindofguidance.‘Thewarshipsarecoming
down.They’remakingtheirmove.’Idon’tknowwhattotellhim.GrainyfootageofamassiveMogadorianwarshipslidingoutofthe
cloudsintheskyoverLosAngelesappearson-screen.It’severythingIdreaded,comingtopass.TheMogadorianfleetisglidingslowlytowardsawoefullyunpreparedEarth.It’sLorien,alloveragain.‘Itriedtotellyou,’Sandersoncallstous.‘It’salreadytoolate.They’vealreadywon.Allthat’sleftis
surrender.’
22
‘I’mdonedoingwhattheytellme.Whatanyofthemtellme.’Myeyessnapopen.I’dbeeninadeepsleep,onethatIdidn’tthinkwouldbepossibleinmygiant
Mogadorianbedwithitsstrange,slipperysheets.I’mbecominguncomfortablyadjustedtolifeaboardtheAnubis.IthoughtIheardavoiceinmysleep,butmaybeitwasjustmyimagination,ortheremnantofsomedream.Nottakinganychances,Istayverystillandkeepmybreathingeven,likeI’mstillasleep.Ifthereisanintruder,Idon’twantthemtoknowI’mawake.Afterafewsecondsofsilencefilledonlybytheever-presenthumofthewarship’sengines,avoice
resumesspeaking.‘Onesidedropsusonthisstrangeplanetandbasicallyforcesustofightforourlives.Theotherside,
theytalkaboutpeacethroughprogress,butthat’salljustfancytalkforkillinganyonewhostandsintheirway.’It’sFive.He’sinmyroomsomewhere.Ican’tlocatehimintheneardarkness.Icanonlyhearhis
mumbledunder-the-breathrambling.I’mnotevensureifhe’stalkingtome.‘Theyalljustwantedtouseus,’Fivehisses.‘ButI’mnotgoingtoletthem.I’mnotgoingtofightin
theirstupidwar.’Heshiftsthen,andIcanfinallymakeoutFive’soutline.He’ssittingontheedgeofmybed,hisskinthe
dark,slicktextureofmysheets.Heblendsrightintomycovers,anditmustbebecausehe’stouchingthem,usinghisExterna.ThatmeanshisLegaciesareback.Italsomeansthathe’sseriouslycreepingmeout,likeamonstercamecrawlingoutfromundermybed.‘Iknowyou’reawake,’Fivesaystomewithoutturninghishead.‘Theshipisdescending,wearen’tin
orbitanymore.Ifyouwanttogo,nowisthetime.’Iscootupinbed,keepingthecoversclose.Forasecond,IconsidermakingFivepowerlessagainby
chargingthesheetswithmyDreynen.Butwhatgoodwouldthatdo?Idecidenottoattackhim.Fornow.‘Ithoughtyouwereontheirside,’Isay.‘Whywouldyouhelpme?’‘I’mnotonanybody’sside.I’mdonewiththiswholething.’‘Whatdoyoumean,done?’‘Forawhile,aftermyCêpandied,Iwasalone.Itwasn’tsobad.I’dliketogobacktothat,’Fivesays.
‘Youknowhowmanylittleislandsthereareintheoceans?I’mgoingtopickoneoutandstaythereuntilthisisover.Idon’tgiveashitwhowins,solongastheystayfarawayfromme.’‘That’scowardly,’Ireply,shakingmyhead.‘I’mnotgoingtosomedesertedislandwithyou.’Fivesnorts.‘Ididn’tinviteyou,Ella.I’mgettingoffthisshipandIthoughtyoumightwanttocome
along.That’sasfaraswego.’IconsiderthepossibilitythatthiscouldbesomekindoftestorchestratedbySetrákusRa.But
rememberingthewayFiveactedearlier,Idecidetotakemychancesthathe’sforreal.Ihopoutofbedandpullonmythin-soledMogadorianslippers.
‘Okay,what’syourplan?’Fivestandsupandhisskinrevertstonormal.Astheautomaticlightscomeoninmyroom,Icanfinally
seehisface.He’schangedthebandageoverhiseyesothatitisn’tcrustywithbloodanymore,buthestillhasn’tgottenithealed.Hisremainingeyetwinkleslikehe’sexcitedtogetintosometrouble.Seeinghimmakesmesecond-guessmydecisiontojoinforces.‘I’mgoingtoopenuponeoftheairlocksandjumpout,’Fivesays,illustratinghisbrilliantplan.‘That’sniceforyou.Youcanfly.WhatamIsupposedtodo?’Fivereachesintohisbackpocketandcasuallytossesmearoundobject.Icatchthestoneinmyhands
andcradleit.IrecognizeitasoneoftheobjectsfromJohn’sChest.‘Xitharisstone,’Fiveexplains.‘I,uh,borroweditfromourfriends.’‘Youstoleit.’Heshrugs.‘IchargeditwithmyflightLegacy.Useittoflyoffandsavetheplanet.’Ihidethestoneinsidemydress,thenlookupatFive.‘Sothat’sit?Youthinkwe’rejustgoingtowalk
offthisship?’Fiveraisesaneyebrowatme.Inoticethathe’snotwearinganyshoesorsocks,probablysohisbare
feetareinconstantcontactwiththemetalpanelingoftheAnubis.Also,attachedtohisforearmissomekindofcontraptionthatlookslikeitmightbeaweapon.‘Theywon’tbeabletostopme,’Fivesays,adarkconfidenceinhisvoice.Itisn’texactlyinspiring,but
it’sthebesthopeI’vegot.‘Okay,leadtheway.’ThedoortomyroomslidesopenforFive.Hepokeshisheadout,checkingtoseethatthecoastis
clear.Whenhe’ssatisfied,Fivehustlesintothehallway,motioningformetofollow.WenavigatethelabyrinthinehallsoftheAnubisatabriskwalk.‘Justactnormal,’Fivetellsme,keepinghisvoicelow.‘He’sgotscoutswatchingus,always.But
they’realsoafraidofus.You,inparticular,aresupposedtobetreatedlikeroyalty.Theywon’tinterfereifwedon’tlooksuspicious.And,eveniftheydothinksomething’swrong,bythetimeoneofthemactuallyworksupthegutstotellBelovedLeader,we’llbegone…’He’stalkingalot.Thattellsmethathe’snervous.Withoutthinkingaboutit–becauseifIactually
thoughtaboutit,Imightgettoorepulsed–IreachoutandtakeFive’shand.‘We’rejustanewlybetrothedcouple,gettingtoknoweachother,’Isay.‘Enjoyinganicewalkthrough
thecozyhallsofamassivewarship.’Five’shandissweatyandcold.Hetriestojerkawayfromme,hisinitialinstinctnottobetouched,but
afteramomenthecalmsdownandletshisdead-fishhandbeheld.‘Betrothed?’hegrunts.‘Hewantsustogetmarried?’‘That’swhatSetrákusRasaid.’‘Hesaysalotofthings.’Five’sfaceisred,theblushtravelingallthewayupintohisscalp.I’mnot
sureifhe’sembarrassedorangryorsomecombinationofthetwo.‘Ididn’tagreetothat.You’reachild.’‘Um,obviouslyIdidn’tagreeeither.You’reagross,murdering,weirdo–’‘Shutup,’Fivehisses,andforasecondIthinkthatI’veactuallyoffendedhim.ButthenIrealizewe’re
passingbytheopenentrancewayoftheobservationdeck.
Ican’thelpbutslowmystepsaswesneakby.TheemptydarknessofspaceI’dgottenusedtohasbeenreplacedbythefamiliar,bright-blueatmosphereofEarth.TheAnubisisstillmakingitsdescent,butalreadytheoutlineofcivilizationisvisible,roadsboxingupgreenfields,tinyhousesarrangedintoperfectsuburbs.DozensofMogadorianshavegatheredtowatchEarthapproach,anexcitedenergyintheairastheywhispertooneanother,probablytalkingaboutwhichswathoflandthey’llpillagefirst.FiveleadsmearoundthenextcornerandcrashesrightintotwoMogwarriorswhowerejogging
towardstheobservationdeck.Thenearestoneliftsacornerofhismouthinadisdainfulsneer,eyeingus.‘Whatareyoutwodoing?’theMogasks.Inresponse,Idrawmyselfup,tryingtolookasregalaspossible.IfixtheovercuriousMogwithacold
stare.TheMog’ssneerquicklyfadesasheremembershimself–or,morelikely,remembersthatI’mnotjustsomeLorienbutthebloodofhisBelovedLeader–andhelooksdownatthefloor.Hebeginstomuttersomethingapologeticwhenametallicshinkcutshimoff.AneedlelikebladeextendsfromtheleathercontraptiononFive’sforearm.Inablur,Fivedrivesthe
bladerightthroughthefirstMog’sforehead,instantlyturninghimtoash.TheotherMog’seyeswideninpanicandhetriestorun.AdelightedgrinspreadsacrossFive’sface.BeforetheMogcangetevenafewstepsdownthehall,Five’snon-bladearmtakesonarubberyconsistencyandstretchesafterhim.Five’sarmsnakesaroundtheMog’sneckandthenyankshimbackwardssoFivecanfinishhimoffwithhisblade.Thewholethingisoverinabouttenseconds.‘Weweresupposedtobeactingnormal,’IsaytoFiveinaloudwhisper,mindfulthatwe’renotallthat
farfromthecrowdedobservationroom.Fiveblinksatme,almostlikehe’snotsurewhatjustcameoverhim.Carefully,hepressestheblade
backintoitsholster.‘Ilostmycool,okay?’Fiveanxiouslyrubshishandacrossthestubbleontopofhishead.‘Itdoesn’t
matternow.We’realmostthere.’Istareatthisunhingedmonsterstandinginfrontofme.Hegulpsdownafewdeepbreaths,his
shouldersshaking,fistsballedfromtheexcitement.Minutesago,hesoundedalmostfragile,ramblinginthedarknessofmyroom.He’sbroken,atotalmess–IhavetoremindmyselfthathemurderedEightinordertosquelchtheswellingofsympathyIfeelforhim.Sympathy,yes,butalsofear.Heflewoffthehandlewithzeroprovocation,andalmostseemedhappykillingthoseMogs.Thisscrewed-up,violent,cowardlytraitorismyonlyrealhopeofgettingofftheAnubis.Ishakemyhead.‘Let’sgo,’Isigh.Fivenodsandwejogon,tossingoutthewholehand-holdingthing,andjustcareeningtowardsour
destination.Aswerun,InoticeFiveclenchingandunclenchinghishands.They’rebothempty.‘How’dyoudothatwithyourarm?’Iaskhim,thinkingaboutthoserubberandsteelballsheusedto
changehisskinintheLectureHall.‘Ithoughtyouneededtobetouchingsomething…’Fiveturnshisheadsohisgoodeyeisonme.Hetouchesthefreshbandageoverhisface.‘Losinganeyegavemesomenew,uh…storagepossibilities,’hesays.‘Ugh,’Ireply,grossedoutasIpicturetherubberballshovedintoFive’seyesocket.‘How’dyoulose
it,anyway?’‘Marina,’heanswers,simply,nomaliceinhisvoice.‘Ihaditcoming.’
‘I’msure.’Weroundthenextcorner,andthehallwayopensup,theceilingrisingasweenterthehugedockingbay.
Icanseecrisp,blueskythroughtheportholes,sunlightpouringacrossthedozensofdockedMogadorianscoutvessels.Otherthantheships,thedockingbayisempty.Themechanicsandcrewmustbeontheobservatorydeck,gazingoutupontheworldtheyplantoconquer.We’resoclose.‘Holdon,’Isay.‘Ifweopentheairlock,arewegoingtobesuckedoutrightaway?’‘We’reintheatmospherenow,notspace,’Fivesaysimpatiently.Heleansoveranearbyconsole,
studyingtheinterface.‘It’llbewindy.You’renotgoingtochickenout,areyou?’‘No,’Isay,lookingaroundthedockingbay.‘Doyouthinkwecouldblowsomeofthisstuffup?Maybe
bringdowntheAnubisbeforeithasachancetodoanything?’Fiveturnstome,lookingslightlyimpressed.‘YouhaveanyexplosiveLegacies?’‘No.’‘Meneither.Knowhowtomakeabomb?’‘Uh,no.’‘Thenwe’regoingtohavetosettleforescaping,’Fivesays.Fivehitsabuttonontheconsoleanda
thickmetaldoorthudsintoplacebehindus.It’stheairlock–sturdyenoughtokeeptheshipsafefromthevacuumofspace.Iteffectivelysealsusofffromtherestoftheship.‘That’llslowthemdown,’Fivesays,referringtopursuerswedon’tyethave.‘Goodthinking,’IadmitasIpeerthroughthesmallwindowontheairlock,expectingtoseeMogs
chasingusdownatanymoment.Fivetapsoutafewmorekeystrokesand,withahydraulicwhineandagustofchilledair,thedocking-
baydoorsatthefarendoftheroomopenup.ThewindpullsatmeandIletoutadeep,relievedsigh.IreachintomydressandremovetheXitharisstone,clutchingit.Slowly,Iwalktowardstheopendock,wonderingwhatit’llbeliketopitchmyselfintothatopenbluesky.WaybetterthanlifeontheAnubis,that’sforsure.‘So,Ijustholdthisstoneandfly?’Iask,lookingovermyshoulderatFive.‘Supposedtobehowitworks,’heanswers.‘Justimagineyourbodylightasafeather,floatingonair.
That’showIlearnedtousemyLegacy,anyway.’Iglancetowardstheopenair,thecloudlessskywaitingforme.‘Whatifitdoesn’twork?’Fivestartstowardsme,sighing.‘Comeon.We’llgotogether.’‘Youwon’tbegoinganywhere.’SetrákusRastepsoutfrombetweentwooftheships.I’mnotsureifhe’sbeentherethewholetime,
waitingforus,orifhejustteleportedintotheroomsomehow.Eitherway–itdoesn’tmatter.We’recaught.Stillinhishumanform,SetrákusRastandsbetweenusandtheopendockingbay,thewindgentlyblowingthroughhisperfectbrownhair,pluckingatthelapelsofhissuit.Heholdshisgoldenstaff–theEyeofThaloc–inonehand.Fiveputsahandonmyshoulderandtriestopushmebehindhim.Ishakehimoff.WefaceSetrákusRa
sidebyside.
‘Getoutofourway,oldman,’Fivegrowls.He’stryingtosoundtough,buthecanbarelymanagetomeetSetrákusRa’seyes.‘Iwillnot,’SetrákusRareplies,hisvoicefullofscornanddisappointment.‘Iexpectedthiskindof
behaviorfromyou,Ella.YouhaveonlyrecentlyjoinedusanditwilltaketimetoundothebrainwashingyouenduredatthehandsoftheGarde.But,Five,myboy,aftereverythingIhavedoneforyou–’‘Shutup,’Fivesaysquietly,almostpleading.‘Youtalkandtalkandtalk,butnoneofit’strue!’‘Mineistheonlytruth,’SetrákusRacounterssternly.‘Youwillbepunishedforyourinsolence.’Fivestillcan’tbringhimselftolookdirectlyatSetrákusRa,buthisshouldersriseupanddown
rapidly,justlikeinthehallwaywiththeMogwarriors.Insidehischest,alowrumblestartstobuild.Itremindsmeofateakettlecomingtoaboil.Itakeasubtlesteptotheside,worriedthatFivemightliterallyexplode.‘Enoughofthisinanity,children,’SetrákusRasays,buthislatestrebukeispartlydrownedoutbythe
rabidscreamthattearsloosefromFive’slungs.Andthenhecharges.Atfirst,Five’sbarefeetmakeslappingsoundsacrossthemetaldeck.ButashenearsSetrákusRa,his
footfallsbecomemetalclangingagainstmetal,hisExternachanginghisskintomatchthefloor.SetrákusRamerelyraisesaneyebrowatFive,notimpressedorintimidatedintheleast.Idon’tjuststandaroundandwatch.WhileFivechargesin,Imakeabreakforoneofthenearbytool
carts.IfIcangrabawrenchoranyotherobjecttochargewithmyDreynen,maybeIcanre-createyesterday’slesson.Onlythistime,mytargetwillbeSetrákusRa.Thatplan,alongwithwhateverFiveintendedtodo,getsscrappedwhenSetrákusRasweepshisarm
fromsidetoside.Awaveoftelekineticforceblastsacrossus,knockingmecompletelyoffmyfeetandscatteringthenearbytoolstothefarwall.Histelekinesisissopowerfulthatsomeoftheshipsevenrocktotheside,theirshocksgrindingandcreaking.Ilandhardonmystomachandimmediatelyrollovertoreorientmyself.Fivewasknockedintotheair,
too,butcaughthimselfwithhisflightLegacy.HefloatsjustafewyardsfromSetrákusRa.Five’sskinisnolongerthedullgrayofthedocking-bayfloor.Ithaschangedtoaglisteningchrome,liketheballbearingIknowhecarriesaround.Sothatmustbejammedintohiseyesocketaswell.‘Stopatonce,’SetrákusRawarns,butFiveiswaypastthepointoflistening.FivesoarsintowardsSetrákusRa,throwingbig,loopingpuncheswiththeintentionofsmashinghis
prettyhumanface.SetrákusRadeflectstheblowseasilywithhiscane,althoughFive’ssheeranimalisticfuryisenoughtodriveSetrákusRabacktowardstheopendocking-baydoors.Theirscuffleopensupapathforme.Letthesetwocraziesdukeitout.AllIhavetodoismakeabreak
forit,diveintotheopenbluesky,andhopetheXitharisstonedoeswhatFivesaid.JustwhenIstarttomakemymove,InoticeSetrákusRa’seyesflash.Ifeelaninvisiblefieldofenergy
passoverme,almostlikethepressureintheroomhaschanged.Ashe’sinthemiddleofthrowingapunch,Five’sskinturnsbacktonormal.HisfistcrunchesagainstSetrákusRa’supraisedcane.Atthesamemoment,Fivefallsoutoftheairwithashout.It’sjustlikeatDulceBase.SetrákusRahascreatedsomekindoffieldthatcancelsLegacies.He’san
Aeturnuslikeme,andnowIknowthatSetrákusRaandIalsoshareDreynen.Histechniqueisdifferent
fromanythingI’vebeenabletolearn.It’slikehe’schargedthemoleculesintheairaroundhim,creatingaradiuswhereLegaciesareuseless.Exceptitdoesn’tworkonme.IcanstillfeelmyDreynenlurkingwithinme,andIknowthatIcoulduse
myAeturnusifIwanted.Somehow,I’mimmunetoSetrákusRa’sversionofDreynen.Isitbecausewe’rerelated?OrisoneofmyLegaciesanimmunitytoSetrákusRa?HesaidallthatcrapaboutourLegaciescomingrandomlyandLorienbeingnothingbutchaos.Butwhatifhe’swrongandmyLegacieshavebeenspecificallychosentodestroyhim?Moreimportant–doesSetrákusRaknowthathispowerdoesn’taffectme?Inthatmoment,SetrákusRaisn’tpayingmeanyattentionatall.He’scompletelyfocusedonFive.I
knowIshouldmakeabreakforit,butIfindmyselfrootedinplace.Evenaftereverythinghe’sdone,canIreallyleaveFivebehind?FiveisonhiskneesinfrontofSetrákusRa,clutchinghisinjuredhandtohisbelly.SetrákusRa’s
unimposinghumanformhasgrownbyafewfeet–he’stallerandbroadernow,inflatedinawaythatisvaguelygrotesque.HereachesdownandpalmsFive’sheadinoneunnaturallylargehand.‘Allyouneededtodowasfolloworders,’SetrákusRaseethesatFive.HejerksFive’sheadbackso
hecanlookhimintheface.‘WecouldhavewalkedintotheSanctuarytogether,ifyou’donlybroughtmethatdamnedpendant.Andnow,this–youdareraiseahandagainstyourBelovedLeader.Youdisgustme,boy.’Idon’tknowwhatSetrákusRameansbySanctuary,butImakeamentalnoteofit.Ialsotakeastep
towardshimandFive,stilltornbetweenfleeingandhelping,anduncertainofwhatIcouldevendoinafightagainsttheMogadorianruler.Five’sheadiscockedatanawkwardangle,sohecanonlygurgleinresponsetoSetrákusRa’sranting.‘IshouldhaveknownthatnomemberoftheGardecouldtrulybesalvaged,’SetrákusRacontinues.
‘Youaremygreatestfailure,Five.Butyouwillbemylast.’FivecriesoutasRa’shandtightensonhisskull.MystomachturnsoverasIrealizehe’sliterallygoing
tocrushFive’shead.Ican’tletthathappen.WithallthetelekineticforceIcanmuster,IshoveSetrákusRatowardstheopendocking-baydoors.Hiseyeswideninsurpriseashestumblesbackwards,theopenairtuggingathisfancysuit,whichis
nowbulgingattheseamsfromhisinhumangrowthspurt.SetrákusRaloseshisgriponFive’shead,hisnailsscratchingdivotsintohisscalp.HemanagestostophimselfbeforeIpushhimofftheAnubis,andIcanfeelhistelekinesisbattlebackagainstmine.‘Ella,how–’hestartstoask,surprisemixingwithfrustration.ButthenFiveischargingathim,hisforearmbladeextended.‘Die!’Fivebellows.SetrákusRatriestostepasidebutcan’tentirelyavoidFive.Thebladeplunges
intohisshoulder.Iscreamasapiercingjoltofpaincoursesthroughme.Aholeinmyshoulderopensup,warmbloodpouringdownmyfront.Istaggeragainstoneofthenearby
ships,clutchingthewound,tryingtostopthebleedingwithmyfingers.FiverecoilsfromSetrákusRa,hiseyeswide.TheMogadorianlooksunharmed.SetrákusRasmilesas
Fiveturnstogapeatme.I’mrunthroughrightwhereheshould’vestabbedSetrákusRa.‘Nowlookwhatyoudid,’SetrákusRachides.
TheMogadoriancharm,Irealize,evenasIstarttofeelfaint.AnydamagedonetoSetrákusRaisinsteaddonetome.Fivelookshorrifiedbywhathe’sdone.Beforehecanreact,SetrákusRapickshimupbythethroatand
slamsthebackofhisheadviolentlyagainstthehullofthenearestship.Hedoesthisagainandagain,untilFive’sbodyislimp.Then,callously,SetrákusRatosseshisunconsciousbodyouttheopendoorsoftheAnubis.Itryto
reachFivewithmytelekinesis,butI’mtooweak.Hisbodyplummetsoutofsight,towardstheEarthbelow.Icollapsetothefloor,bloodseepingthroughmyfingers.Allthestrengthhasgoneoutofme.Iwon’tbe
escapingfromtheAnubistoday.Mygrandfatherhaswon.SetrákusRastandsoverme,hishumanformreturnedtonormal,althoughhissuitisruined.Heshakes
hishead,hissmilelikeadisappointedteacher.‘Comenow,Ella,’hesays.‘Wemustputthisepisodebehindus.’Iholdupmyblood-coveredhandforhimtosee.‘Why?Whydidyoudothistome?’‘ItwastheonlywayforyoutolearnthatMogadorianProgressismoreimportantthanevenyourown
life,’hereplies.SetrákusRagathersmeupinhisarms.AsIstarttoloseconsciousness,hewhispersgently,‘Youwon’tdisobeyBelovedLeaderagain,willyou?’
23
Adam’sflightplanistotakeusdowntheAtlanticcoastuntilwehitFlorida,thendipbackwestoverthegulfandfinallyarriveatthesoutheasterntipofMexico.WiththeSkimmerflyingatmaximumspeedandstayinglowenoughtoavoidanyotheraircraft,thetripshouldtakeaboutfourhours.It’saquietride.Ileanbackinmyseatandwatchthecoastebbandflowbeneathus.Adamdoesn’tsay
muchofanything;hekeepshiseyesstraightahead,occasionallyadjustingourcoursewhenhissystemspickupanotheraircraft.Dustnapsonthefloorathisfeet.AsforMarina,sheremainstypicallyrigid,herwholefear-of-flyingthingnotgettinganybetterwithaMogadorianatthecontrols.‘Youknow,youcanrestforafewhours,’Adamsuggestseventually,histonecautious.I’dalreadybeen
closetodozingoff,sohemustbetalkingtoMarina.She’ssittingstraightbacked,aslightchillcomingoffher.ShemustbeloomingrightinthecornerofAdam’seye.Marinaseemstoconsiderthisforamoment,thenleansforwardsothatherheadisnearlyonAdam’s
shoulder.Heraisesaneyebrow,butotherwisekeepshishandsonthecontrols.‘ThelasttripSixandImadesouthwaslessthanaweekago,’Marinasays,hervoicemeasured.‘We
foundouttoolatethatwehadatraitortravelingwithus.Iendedupstabbinghimintheeye.Thatwasmebeingmerciful.’‘IknowwhathappenedinFlorida,’Adamsays.‘Whyareyoutellingmethis?’‘BecauseIwantyoutoknowwhatwillhappenifyoubetrayus,’Marinareplies,leaningback.‘And
don’ttellmetorest.’Adamlooksoveratmeforhelp,butIshrugmyshouldersandturnaway.Marina’sstillfiguringoutjust
howangryshewantstobe,andI’mnotgoingtogetinherway.Besides,Idon’tthinkputtingalittlefearinourMogadoriancompanionissuchabadthing.Iassumehe’sjustgoingtolettheconversationdie,butafterafewminutesAdamspeaksup.
‘Yesterday,forthefirsttimeIpickedupaswordthat’sbeeninmyfamilyforgenerations.I’dneverbeenallowedtotouchitbefore,onlyadmireitfromafar.Itbelongedtomyfather,GeneralAndrakkusSutekh.HewasfightingNumberFour–John.Idrovethatswordthroughmyfather’sbackandkilledhim.’Adamdeliversthisspeechmatter-of-factly,likehe’sreadingthenews.Iblinkathim,thenglanceover
myshoulderatMarina.She’slookingdownatthefloor,deepinthought.Asthechillrisingoffherbeginstodiedown,Dustpickshimselfupandgoesovertoher.ThewolfrestshisheadinMarina’slap.‘Coolstory,’IsaytoAdamwhenitbecomespainfullyclearthatsomeoneneedstobreakthesilence.
‘I’veneverknownanyonewhocarriedaroundaswordbefore.’‘Cool,’Adamrepeats,frowning.‘Mypointis,youdon’tneedtodoubtmyloyalty.’‘I’msorryyouhadtodothattoyourfather,’Marinasaysafteramoment.‘Ididn’tknow.’‘I’mnot,’Adamrepliesbrusquely.‘Butthanksforthesympathy.’Tobreakthetension,IstartmessingwithsomeofthedialsontheSkimmer’sconsole.‘Doesthisthing
haveafreakingradio,orwhat?Arewejustgoingtotelldeathstoriesthewholeway?’
Adamisquicktoreadjustthedialsrightafterme.IthinkIcatchhimsmilingalittle,probablyrelievedthatthedeath-threatportionofthetripisover.‘There’snoradio,’hesays.‘IcanhumsomeMogadorianstandards,ifyou’dlike.’‘Oh,barf,’Ireply,andMarinasnickersinthebackseat.IrealizeAdamisgivingmeafunnylook,hisangularfacemoreopenthanI’veseen,thatdefensive
stoicismhewearsstrippedaway.Foramoment,healmostlookscomfortablebeingupherewithtwoofhismortalenemies.‘What?’Iask,andhehurriedlylooksaway.Irealizehismindwaselsewhere.‘Nothing,’hesays,almostwistful.‘Forasecondthere,youjustremindedmeofsomeoneIusedto
know.’Therestoftheflightsouthisuneventful.Imanagetodozeoffonceortwice,althoughneverforlong.
WithDustsnuggledupagainsther,itseemslikeMarinaisfinallyabletorelax.AdamrefrainsfromhumminganyMogadoriananthems.We’reflyingoverthetropicalforestofCampeche,Mexico,justanotherhourawayfromtheLoric
SanctuarysupposedlyhiddenamidtheruinsofanancientMayancity,whenaredwarninglightbeginstoflashontheSkimmer’stranslucentwindshield.IonlynoticeitwhenAdamtensesup.‘Damnit,’hesays,andimmediatelystartsflickingswitchesontheSkimmer’scontrolpanel.‘Whatisit?’‘Someone’slockedontous.’ThecamerasmountedontheSkimmersendimagestoourscreen,viewsfromtheundersideoftheship
andbehindusbecomingvisible.Idon’tseeanythingbutcloudlessblueskyandthedensecanopyoftheforestbeneathus.‘Wherearetheycomingfrom?’Marinaasks,squintingasshepeersthroughthewindow.‘There,’Adamsays,jabbinghisfingeratthescreen.Onit,aMogadorianscoutshipjustlikeoursdrifts
slowlytowardsusfrombelow.Itsroofispaintedinoverlappingshadesofgreens,camouflagedtomatchtheforestitdetachedfrom.‘Canweoutrunit?’Marinaasks.‘Icantry,’Adamreplies,pullingdownthelevertogiveourSkimmersomemorejuice.‘Orwecanjustshootitdown,’Isuggest.Aswepickupalittlespeed,theblinkingredlightontheconsolemultipliesintofourblinkingred
lights.Therearemoreofthem.TwoidenticalSkimmersriseupfromthejunglerightinfrontofus,anotheralongourside.Thefirststillsitsrightonourtail.Hemmedin,Adamhasnochoicebuttostop.TheotherSkimmerssurroundus.‘Theyallhaveguns,too,right?’Marinaasks.‘Yes,’Adamreplies.‘We’reatadistinctdisadvantage.’‘Notquite,’Isay,andfocusontheskyoutside.Whatwascloudlessamomentagoslowlybeginsto
darken,cloudsrollinginatmybeckoning.‘Holdon,’Adamwarns.‘Wedon’twanttogiveawayyou’reallonboard.’‘You’resuretheywon’tshootusdown?’‘Ninetypercent,’Adamsays.
IletgoofthestormIwaswhippingup,allowingthecloudstodriftthroughtheskyalongtheirnaturalcourse.Asecondlater,ashrillbeepemanatesfromourdashboard.‘They’rehailingus,’Adamsays.‘Theywanttotalk.’Anotherplanhasoccurredtome,onethatdoesn’tinvolvefightingamidairbattleagainstbadodds.‘Yousaidyou’resomegeneral’skid,right?’IsaytoAdam.‘Socan’tyou,like,throwyourweight
aroundorsomething?’AsAdamconsidersthis,thedashboardcommunicatorbleatsagain.‘Ishouldtellyou,I’mnotexactlywelllikedamongmypeople,’hesays.‘Theymightnotlistentome.’‘Yeah,well,that’sarisk,’Iadmit.‘Worst-casescenario,theytakeyouprisoner,right?’Adamgrimaces.‘Yeah.’‘So,weletthemtakeuswherewe’regoing.Don’tworry.We’llrescueyou.’‘Uh,youneedtodosomething,’Marinasays,wavingtowardsthewindshield.Theshipdirectlyin
frontofus,gettingimpatientorsuspicious,hasbroughtitsblasterturretaroundtoaimatus.‘Allright,goinvisible,’Adamsays.IreacharoundmyseatandgraspMarina’shand,disappearingthe
bothofus.Sensingthesituation,DustshrinksdownintoatinygraymouseandskittersunderAdam’sseat.Adamhitsabuttonontheconsole,andavideofeedcracklestolifeonourscreen.Anasty-looking
Mogadorianscout,hisemptyeyestooclosetogether,histeethshortandsharp,staresatAdamwithalookoffierceannoyance.HebarkssomethinginharshMogadorian.‘ImmersionprotocoldictateswespeakEnglishwhileonEarth,youvatborncretin,’Adamreplies
coldly.Hedrawshimselfupinhischair,suddenlysoregalthatIkindawanttoslaphim.‘YouareaddressingAdamusSutekh,truebornsonofGeneralAndrakkusSutekh.Iamonurgentbusinessfrommyfather.LeadmetotheLoricsiteimmediately.’IhavetogiveittoAdam,he’sanexcellentbullshitter.Thescout’sexpressiongoesfromannoyanceto
confusionandfinallytooutrightfear.‘Yes,sir,rightaway,’thescoutreplies,andinresponseAdamimmediatelycutsofftheconversation.
Onebyone,theSkimmersbreakuptheringtheyhadustrappedinsideandletusgetbackoncourse.‘Thatworked,’Marinasays,soundingalittlestunnedassheletsgoofmyhand.‘Fornow,’Adamreplies,frowninguncertainly.‘Hewaslowranking.Whoever’sincommandwillbe
adifferentstory.’‘Can’tyoujusttellthemyourdadsentyoudownheretochecktheirprogress?’Iask.‘Assumingtheydon’tknowIbetrayedourpeopleandthatmyfatheressentiallysentencedmetodie?
Yeah,thatmightwork.’‘Youonlyneedtodistractthemforalittlebit,’Isay.‘LongenoughforMarinaandmetofigureaway
intotheSanctuary.’‘Thereitis,’Marinasays,watchingthroughthewindowastheSkimmersbegintodescendtowards
Calakmul.Thereareabunchofancientlittlebuildingsbelow,allofthemconstructedfromlimestonethat’sbeen
erodingforcenturies,thejunglecreepingintoreclaimthem.Myeyesaredrawntothehugepyramid-shapedtemplethattowersoverthemall;builtonalowhill,thetempleisblocky,coveredinsteepandcrumblingstaircasesthatarechiseledrightintothestone.Ican’tquitemakeitoutfromthisdistance,butthereappearstobesomekindofdooratthetopofthepyramid.
‘Howmuchyouwanttobetweneedtoclimbuptothatthing?’Isay.‘It’stheSanctuary,’Marinareplies.‘I’mcertainofit.’‘Soaremypeople,obviously,’Adamsays.TheMogadorianshaveclearedthejunglearoundtheSanctuaryinaperfectring,thetreesallchopped
down,anentirefleetofMogadorianscoutshipsparkedonthenakedsoil.BesidesthedozensofSkimmers,IcanmakeoutanarrayoftentswheretheMogsmustbecamping.There’salsowhatlookstobeacoupleofheavy-dutymissilelaunchersandblasterturrets,alloftheseweaponsaimedatthetemple,andyetthestructurelookscompletelyuntouched.Oddly,atthebaseofthetempleandcreepingupthesides,therearestillovergrowntreesandvines,untendedforyears.It’sastarkcontrasttothesevereneatnessoftheMogadorianperimeter,whereeverythingnaturalhasbeenclearedaway.‘It’slikesomethingkeptthemfromgettingtooclose,’Marinasays,noticingthesamethingasme.‘MalcolmdidsaythatonlytheGardecouldenter,’Ireply.OurescortofMogshipsfloatdowntothemakeshiftairfieldandAdamlandsafewyardsawayfrom
them.TheSanctuaryloomsinthedistance.TheonlythingstandingbetweenusandtheLorictempleisastripofwide-openlandandasmallarmyofMogadorians,manyofwhomhavebegungatheringintheairfield,allofthemarmedwithblasters.‘Somewelcomingcommittee,’Isay,glancingatAdam.Hewatcheshispeoplemassonthemonitor,
swallowshardandunbuckleshimselffromthepilot’sseat.‘Allright,I’llgofirst.Leadthemawaysomehow.YouguysgetintotheSanctuary.’‘Idon’tlikethis,’Marinasays.‘There’salotofthem.’‘It’llbefine,’Adamsays.‘Justgetinsideanddowhatyouhavetodo.’Withthat,AdamopensthecockpitandhopsontotheSkimmer’shull.Thereareaboutthirty
Mogadoriansdownbelow,waitingonhim,withmorewalkingoverfromthetents.MarinaandIhunkerdowninsidetheSkimmer,myhandclosetohersincaseweneedtogoinvisible.‘Who’sinchargehere?’Adamyells,standingtallandrigid,againputtingonhistruebornairs.Atallfemalewarriordressedinasleevelessblackovercoatstepsforward.Shehastwothickbraids
thatstartonthesidesofherheadandwraparoundit,encirclingthetraditionalMogadoriantattoosonherscalp.Herhandsarewrappedindustywhitebandages,likethey’verecentlybeeninjuredorburned.‘IamPhiriDun-Ra,trueborndaughterofthehonorableMagothDun-Ra,’thewarriorshoutstoAdam.
Herpostureisnearlyasimposingandrigidashis.‘Whyhaveyoucomehere,Sutekh?’Adamhopsdownfromourship,tossinghisheadtofliphishairoutofhiseyes.‘OrdersfromBelovedLeaderhimself.Iamtoinspectthissitetoprepareforhisarrival.’AtremorpassesthroughthecrowdwhenAdammentionsSetrákusRa.ManyoftheMogsexchange
nervousglances.PhiriDun-Ra,however,appearsnonplussed.Shestridesforward,lettingherblasterdangleidlynexttoherhip.Somethingtightensupinmystomachatthesightofher.Thepredatorywayshemoves,theglintinhereyeliketroublecouldsparkatanymoment.She’swaysharperthantheotherMogwarriorsI’veencountered.‘Ah,BelovedLeader.Ofcourse,’Phirisays.Shewavestothetempleinthedistance.‘Whatwouldyou
liketoseefirst,sir?’AdamtakesasteptowardstheMogcampandopenshismouthtospeak.Smoothly,withoutwarning,
PhiriliftsherblasterandcracksAdamacrossthemouthwiththehandle.Ashefallstotheground,therest
oftheMogadoriansleveltheirblastersathiminunison.‘Howabouttheinsideofacell,traitor?’Phirisnarls,standingoverAdam,herblasterpointedathis
face.
24
IextendmyhandtoMarinaandshegraspsitimmediately.Invisible,wecarefullyclimboutoftheship,synchronizingourmovements.Behindus,Ihearasuddenflappingofwings.Dusttakesflightintheshapeofatropicalbird,hiswingsfleckedwithgray.NoneoftheMogsnoticehimsoaroutofthecockpit,andtheydon’thearMarinaandmeleapdowntotheground.They’retoodistractedbytheshowPhiriDun-RaisputtingonwithAdam.‘Iknowyourfather,Sutekh,’Phiriissaying,projectinghervoicesothattheMogsgatheredina
semicirclearoundherandAdamcanallhear.‘He’sabastard,butatleasthe’snoble.HebelievesinMogadorianProgress.’IfAdammanagesareply,Ican’thearitoverthemurmurofagreementthatcomesfromtheotherMogs.
Icatchaglimpseofhimthroughthecrowd–he’scrumpledatPhiri’sfeet,scrabblinginthedirt,tryingtoregainhisfeetbutprobablystillseeingstars.‘Infact,yourfathergavemethisassignment,’Phiricontinues.‘Iwasresponsibleforateamthat
allowedaGardetoescapefromtheWestVirginiastronghold.Thepunishmentwaseitherdeathorajourneyhere.Notmuchofachoice,really.Yousee,ifwefail,we’llallbeexecutedanyway.TheonlywaytoliveisforustodelivertheSanctuary.’Attheword‘Sanctuary,’Phirimakesasarcasticallydramaticgesturewithhertwobandagedhandsthat
encompassesthewholeofthetemple.Ihesitateforamomenttolistentowhatelseshehastosay.‘There’snotadaygoesbythatIdon’twonderifImadethewrongdecision.Maybeaquickdeath
wouldhavebeenbetter.Yousee,Sutekh,allofusweresenthereaspunishment,’Phiriexplains.Itoccurstomethatshe’snotjusttalkingtoAdam–she’salsotryingtofireuphertroops.Maybemoralegetslowinthejungle.‘WeweresenttothisforsakenplacetobringdowntheimpenetrableshieldthatsurroundswhateverspoilstheLorichavehiddenwithin.Forallofus,itisourlastchancetoimpressBelovedLeader.It’stheperfectplaceforatraitorlikeyou.’PhiricrouchesdowninfrontofAdam.‘SodoyouknowthesecrettotheSanctuary?Haveyoucomeheretoredeemyourselfatlast?’‘Yeah,’comesAdam’sgroggyreply.‘Ifit’saforcefield,trythrowingyourselfatit.’PhiriactuallylaughsatAdam’squip.It’sthatlaughthatgetsmemovingagain–ithasanairofmenace
toit,likeherlittlesideshowisabouttowrapup.Thatmeanswehavetohurry.ItugMarinaandweslipbehindthegatheredMogadorians.Adam’screatedonehellofadiversion–if
wewerestickingtotheplan,wecouldmakeitinsidetheperimeteroftheSanctuaryeasily.ButI’mnotwillingtoleaveAdamtohisfate,andIdon’tthinkMarinaiseither.Insteadofheadingforthetemple,wemoveswiftlytowardsoneofthemountedblasterturretsthattheMogshavebeenusingtofruitlesslyfireatwhateverforceprotectstheSanctuary.‘Throwmyselfatit,’Phiriisrepeating,herlaughterdyingdown.‘Thatisn’tsuchabadidea,Sutekh.
Whydon’tyougofirst?’
Outofthecornerofmyeye,InoticePhirisignaltoacoupleofthewarriorsinhercommand.TheyhustleforwardandwrestleAdamtohisfeet.WithPhirileadingtheway,theMogsdragAdamtowardstheinvisiblelinethatdividestheclearedMogadoriansectionofjunglewiththeuntouchedportionsurroundingthetemple.‘We’vetriedeverythingshortofatomicbombardmenttocrossintotheSanctuary,’Phirisays,
conversationally.‘It’ssaidBelovedLeaderknowsawayin.ItinvolvestheGardeandtheirlittlependants.Asyouknow,they’veproventobe…elusive.ButifyoubelievetheGreatBook–andIdo–thenyouknownothingcanstandinthewayofMogadorianProgress.Whichmeansthisdamnedforcefieldwillcomedown.IintendtotramplewhateverLoricmagiciskeepingusout,inthenameofBelovedLeader.’‘Thenwhyhaven’tyoudoneitalready?’Adamreplies.‘IfnothingcanstandinthewayofMogadorian
Progress,whyaren’tyoumakingany?’‘MaybebecauseIneverhadaprettytruebornboy’sfacetouseasabatteringram.’MarinaandIreachthenearestturret.Together,weclimbupthestepsonthebackoftheblaster.The
thinglookslikeamountedjackhammer.Thereisawindshieldwithacrosshairsplacedoverthebarrel.Therearetwohandlesforturningthegun,withtriggersthatlooklikethebrakesofabicyclesetnexttothem.‘Willyoubeabletofirethisthing?’IwhispertoMarina.‘Aim,squeeze,shoot,’Marinawhispersback.‘It’sprettyintuitive,Six.’‘Allright,’Ireply.‘Holdon.’Thegunturretrequirestwohandstooperate.EventhoughalltheMogsarefacingawayfromus,Idon’t
wanttogovisibleandchanceoneofthemglancingbackandruiningourambush.IcarefullyplacemyhandonthebackofMarina’sneckbeforelettinggoofherhand.Thisway,she’sabletooperatetheturretwhilethetwoofusstillremaininvisible.Slowly,Marinastartsmovingtheturretsothatit’spointedattheMogs.Thegunneedsoiling–itmakesametallicwhinewhenshemovesit.Iwavemyfreehandintheairandquicklysummonastronggustofwindtocoverthesound.‘Letmegiveyouapreviewofwhatyou’reinfor,’Phiriissaying.She’sgotAdamrightinfrontofthe
invisiblebarriernow,hergoonsforcinghimontohisknees.Sheunwrapsthebandagesaroundoneofherhands,revealinghorriblycharredflesh.‘ThisiswhattheLoricshielddoeswhenwemistakenlyrunupagainstit.’‘Youshouldbemorecareful,’Adamreplies.AtanodfromPhiri,thetwowarriorsgrappleAdamintoahalf-bentposition,securinghisarmsothat
theycanpressitagainsttheforcefield.PhirileersdownatAdam.‘Therearerumorsaboutyou,Sutekh.Theysayyou’repartGardenow.
Maybeyou’rejustwhatweneedtogetintotheSanctuary.Maybeafreaklikeyouwillshort-circuittheforcefieldandtodaywillbethedayweentertheSanctuaryinthenameofBelovedLeader.’‘Onewayoranother,today’syourlastdayattheSanctuary,’Adamrepliesthroughgrittedteeth.‘I
promiseyouthat.’Adam’swordsmakePhirihesitate.Sheglancesbacktowardsourship,suddenlyrealizingthatmaybe
Adamdidn’tcomealone.She’stoolate.MarinahastheturretlineduponthecrowdofMogs.
‘Ready?’shewhisperstome.‘Light’emup.’Marina’sinvisiblehandssqueezedowntheturret’striggers.Thegunroarstolifewithsuchforcethat
I’mnearlyknockedofftheback.ImanagetoclingtoMarinasothatshedoesn’tturnvisible.TheclosestgroupofMogsdon’tevenhaveachancetoturnaroundasglowingcolumnsofsizzlingblasterfirepummeltheirbacks,turningthemimmediatelytoash.AssoonasMarinaopensfire,Dustcomesscreechingdownfromthesky.Nowintheshapeofagray-
wingedfalcon,theChimærarakesitstalonsacrossthefaceofoneofthewarriorsholdingAdam.TheMogsshoutandscatter.They’retotallyconfused–itmustlookliketheirturrethasbeenpossessed
byaghost.PhiriDun-Rahasthepresenceofmindtosqueezeoffsomeblasterfirethatdeflectsofftheturret’swindshield,butthensheducksforcover.Marinacontinuestostrafethem,althoughshe’scarefultoavoidtheareaaroundAdam.WithDusttakingdownoneofthewarriors,Adamelbowshissecondcaptorinthestomach.Whenhe
doublesover,Adamshoveshimbackwards,rightintotheinvisibleborderaroundtheSanctuary.Withaflareofcold,blueenergy,theshieldsurroundingthetemplerevealsitself–it’slikeagiantelectricalwebstretchedintotheshapeofadome.TheMogflaresuplikethetipofamatchstickwhenhehitstheforcefield.Hisbodyleavesacoatingofashthatseemstofloatintheaironcetheshielddisappearsagain,untilagentlegustofwindblowsitaway.Freedfromhiscaptors,Adamthrowshimselfontohisstomach.Rightaway,Marinaswingstheturret
aroundtotakeouttheMogsclutteredaroundhim.Afewofthem,includingPhiriDun-Ra,havemadeittothecoverofoneoftheparkedships.Eventhoughtheycan’tseeus,theyreturnfireontheturret.Ourgunsoonbeginstobelchsmokeandrattledangerously.‘It’soverheating!’Iyell.‘Jump!’MarinaandIdiveinoppositedirectionsastheturretexplodesinacloudofacridblacksmoke.We’re
visibleandwithoutanycovertospeakof.BeforethesurvivingMogscantakeaim,Adampoundshisfistagainsttheground.Atremorripplesin
theirdirectionandknockstheMogsofftheirfeet.Iusethedistractiontorollbeneathoneoftheotherships,alreadychannelingmyLegacytocalldownastorm.Theskydarkensanditbeginstorain.Outhereinthejungle,it’sacinchtocallupthiskindofweather,
butI’mstillafewsecondsawayfromchannelinglightningandI’mnotsureI’llbequickenough.Phiriandhertroopsarealreadydrawingabeadonme,theirblasterfirescoringthewetdirtinfrontofmyposition.That’swhenafist-sizedhailstonestrikesPhirirightinherbaldhead.Shefallsback,shieldingherself.InoticeMarinahidingbehindastackofcrates.She’sfocusingintentlyontheraindrops,turningthemto
icearoundtheMogsandknockingthemsenselesswithhail.Ifeelthestormabovereachaboilingpointandletloosewithajaggedstripeoflightning.Phirimanagestodiveasideatthelastsecond,butherlasttwowarriorsareelectrocutedintodust.Andthen,tomysurprise,PhiriDun-Raruns.Withoutevenalookoverhershoulder,theMogtrueborn
boltsintothenearbyjungle.Adamleapstohisfeet.BothhislipsaresplitopenwherePhiriclubbedhim,bloodtricklingdownhis
chin.Otherwise,helooksunharmedandalert.HestartstorunafterPhiri,hisfeetslidingthroughthe
reddish-brownmudmystormhascreated.PhiriisoutofsightbeforeAdamcangetveryfar.Hepullsupshortafewyardsawayfromme.‘Lethergo,’Itellhim,willingthestormIwhippeduptotaperoff.‘Shouldn’twegoafterher?’Adamasks,spittingbloodintothedirt.Hiseyesscanthenearbyruinsand
treeline,andIcantellhe’dlikeafairfightagainsttheothertrueborn.Dust,backinwolfform,lopesoverandsitsdownnexttoAdam,lappinggentlyathishand.Heglancesbacktome.‘Thanksforthesave,bytheway.’‘Yeah,Ifiguredsincethewholedistractionthingwasmycall,Ikindaowedittoyoutonotletyouget
slaughtered.’‘Gladyousawitthatway,’Adamreplies,thenlooksbacktowardstheruinsaroundtheSanctuary.‘We
shouldcatchher.She’sdangerous.’‘ForgetaboutPhiriwhat’s-her-face,’Isay,turningawayfromthejungleandgazingupatthewaiting
temple.‘We’vegotmoreimportantthingstodothanchasedownoneMog,’Marinaputsinasshewalksoverto
joinus.‘Nomatterhownastyshemightbe.’Inodinagreement.‘She’saloneoutthere.Maybesomethingwilleather.We’llleaveDustbackhereto
keepwatchovertheships,incaseshetriestodoubleback.’Adamcontinuestostareintothejungle.Afteramoment,hefinallynodshishead.‘Fine.I’llkeepaneye
onthingswhileyouguysgoinside.’IexchangeaninquiringlookwithMarinatomakesureshedoesn’thaveanymisgivingswithwhatI’m
abouttosay.Sheshrugshershouldersinresponse,thenstartstowardsourshiptobegintheunloading.IcockmyheadatAdam.‘Youdon’tevenwanttotrycominginwithus?’Iask.Adamstaresatme.‘Areyoujoking?DidyouseewhatcontactwiththatfielddidtoPhiriDun-Ra?’‘I’llhealyouifthathappens,’Marinaoffersoverhershoulder.‘Idon’tunderstand,’Adamsays.Heturnstolookupatthetemple,hishandsonhiships.Helooks
nervous.‘Whywouldyouevenwantmetogointhere?It’saLoricplace.’‘LikethatPhiribitchsaid,you’repartGardenow,’Iexplain.‘You’renotLoric,butyou’vegot
Legacies.’‘I’vegotoneLegacy,’Adamclarifies.‘Anditwasn’tevenminetostartwith.I–I’mnotevensureif
I’msupposedtohaveit.’‘Doesn’tmatter.IfIunderstoodwhatMalcolmtoldus–andIguessthat’smaybeabigif–there’sa
livingpieceofLorieninthattemple.That’swhereourLegaciescomefrom.Whichmeansyou’reconnectedtoit,justlikeus.’‘Everythinghashappenedforareason,’Marinasaysassheclimbsupontoourship’shull.Shelooks
backatus,athoughtfulfrownstraininghersoftfeatures.‘JustlookatEight’sprophecies.’Adamlooksunconvinced.Heswallowshard.‘Wedon’tknowwhat’swaitingforusinthereorwhattoexpect.Wemightneedyouinthere.Soman
up.’I’mnotsurehowAdamwillrespondtobeingcalledout.Asmileflickersacrosshisface,likethatone
inthecockpitwhenhewasspacingout.
‘I’min,’hesays.‘Assumingthatinvisiblewalldoesn’tburnmyfaceoff.’WewalkovertotheshiptohelpMarina.ShepullstheChestwithourgatheredInheritanceoutofthe
cockpitandfloatsitdowntomewithtelekinesis.Then,shecarefullyfloatsEight’sbodyoutoftheship.Shehashimhoverrightinfrontofher,almostlikeshewascarryinghiminherarms.Tomysurprise,sheunzipsthetophalfofthebodybag.There’sEight,lookingjustashedidwhenhewasalive,thoseMogadorianelectrodespreservinghim.‘Marina?Whatareyoudoing?’‘IwanthimtoseetheSanctuary,’shesays,thengentlysmoothssomeofEight’scurlyhairbackfromhis
forehead.‘You’regoinghome,’shewhisperstohim.Marinaclimbsdownfromtheship,focusinghertelekinesissothatEight’sbodystayswithherthe
entireway.There’salookofdeeppurposeonherface,andshedoesn’tevenlookatmeorAdambeforewalkingtowardsthetemple.Irealizethatshe’sbeenwaitingdaysforthismoment,thetimewhenshecanproperlylayEighttorest.Wordlessly,AdamandIjoinhersomberprocession.AsweapproachtheedgeofthelandtheMogscleared,thewildandovergrowntempleloomingbefore
us,Ifeelastrangetickleagainstmychest.IlookdowntofindJohn’spendantglowingbrightlyandrisingupagainstthefrontofmytanktop.Iadjustmyshirtandthependantfloatsoutinfrontofme,strainingagainstitschain.It’slikeit’smagneticallydrawntotheSanctuary.ThetwopendantsMarinawearsaredoingthesamething.Adamgivesmealookandarchesaneyebrowatmygravity-defyingjewelry.Ishruginresponse.This
isallnewtome,too.Marinaisthefirsttopassoverthethreshold.Theforcefieldappearsagain,cobaltandelectric,and
there’sastaticpoppingasshepassesthroughit.Loosetanglesofherhairchargedbytheenergyfloatuparoundherhead,butotherwisenothinghappens.I’monlyafewstepsbehindher.Theforcefieldgivesmyskinafizzyfeeling.Itonlylastsasecondand
thenI’mstandingontheotherside,thecrackedandvine-riddledstepsoftheSanctuaryrisingupbeforeme.IturnbacktocheckonAdam.He’sstoppedrightinfrontoftheforcefield.Cautiously,heextendshis
indexfingerandmakescontactwiththeenergy.Itpopsloudlyandhejumpsback,butheisn’tscorchedliketheotherMogadorianwas.‘You’resurethisisagoodidea?’‘Don’tbeawimp,’Ireply.Adamsighs,steelshimself,andreachesforwardagain,thistimewithhiswholehand.Theenergy
cracklesandsparksagainsthispaleskinwaymorethanitdidwithMarinaandme,butitletshimthroughwithoutincineratinghim.Igrinathimandhegivesmearelievedlook,wipingsomesweatoffhisforehead.‘Nowwhat?’heasks.Marinahaspausedafewyardsinfrontofus,stillfloatingEight’sbody.Shereachesbehindherhead
andtakesoffoneofherpendants.Loosedfromherneck,thependantbobsslowlytowardsthestonestepsofthetemple,andthenbeginstoriseupthem.‘Weclimb,’Marinasays.
HerpendantglintsblueinthesunlightanditoccurstomethattheLoraliteisglowingalittlebrighter.Likeit’schargeduporsomething.Ifeelit,too.TheSanctuaryisgivingoffsomekindofenergybeyondjusttheforcefield.There’sasensethateverycellinmybodyhasbeensuddenlyinvigorated.IglanceuptotheskyandknowthatIcouldcallupalargerstormthaneverbefore.IfeelmoreintouchwithmyLegacies.Andsomehow,itallseemssonatural–likeI’veknownthisfeelingbefore.Marinawasright,Irealize.We’rehome.
25
IttakesusaboutthirtyminutestoclimbtothetopoftheMayanpyramid.Itrypassingthetimebycountingthesteps,butIlosetracksomewherearoundtwohundred.Therearesectionswherethestonestepshavecrumbledintoankle-twistingcrevices,andotherspotswhererainhaserodedtheancientstoneworkdowntosmoothslopes.Weusetheovergrownvinesthatspillforthfromthejungletoassistusoverthedifficultparts,ascendinghandoverhand.Wedon’ttalkmuch,excepttotelleachotherwhenaparticularlytrickysectionofstepsiscoming.Somehow,itseemsrudetodisturbthesilenceoftheSanctuary.Wetakeabreakoncewereachthetopofthetemple.Marinaissweatingfromtheheat,theclimband
theexertionofusinghertelekinesistocarryEight’sbodyforsolong.IsetdowntheChestI’vebeencarryingandflexmyfingers.Adamstandswithhishandsonhishipsandgazesoutoverthetemple’sedge.‘Someview,’hesays.‘It’sbeautiful,’Iagree.Atthetemple’spinnacle,weareabovethetreetops.It’spossibletoseebeyondtheovergrowntrees
thatcrowdthepyramid,beyondthestrippedringoflandtheMogsclearedandouttotherestoftheMayanruinsandthethrivingjunglebeyond.IimaginesomeoldMayanrulerstandinguphereandgazingoutathisdomain.Andthen,IimaginethatsamerulerturninghiseyestotheheavensasaLoricshipdescendsfromtheclouds.Theimageseemssorealandvivid;Igetthestrangefeelingthatmyimaginationdidn’tjustconjureitup.Centuriesago,somethinglikethatreallyhappenedhere–theLoricvisited,andtheSanctuaryremembers.‘Youguys,lookatthis,’Marinacallstous.AdamandIturnawayfromtheviewandwalkacrosstheflatroofofthetemple.Atthecentermost
pointisastonedoor.Atfirst,Ithinkthedooriscarvedfromthesamepalestoneastherestofthepyramid,butasIdrawcloseritbecomesobviousthatthedoorissmoothandunblemished,theivory-coloredmaterialnotshowingthesameeffectsofageastherestofthetemple.Thedoormayhavebeenhereforsometime,yetit’sapparentthatitwasplunkeddownontopofthealreadybuiltpyramid.Thedoordoesn’tleadanywhere,afactMarinademonstratesbywalkinginacirclearoundit.Her
floatingpendanthoversinfrontofthedoor,waitingforustocatchup.Istopinfrontofthedoorandexamineitssurface.Itiscompletelysmooth–nohandles,knobs,or
anythinglikethat–withtheexceptionofninerounddivotsarrangedinacircleatthedoor’scenter.‘Thependants,’Isay,brushingmyfingersovercoolstone.Marinaplucksherpendantoutoftheairandguidesthestoneintooneofthenotches.Itfitsperfectly
andemitsacrispclickingsound.Thedoordoesn’tmove,though.‘Weonlyhavethree,’Isay,grimacing.‘Itisn’tenough.’‘Wehavetotry,’Marinasays,alreadypullingoffherremainingpendant.
She’sright.We’vecometoofartoturnbacknow.IpulloffJohn’spendantandfititintothenotchesonthestonedoor.‘Heregoesnothing,’Isay,asIpushthefinalpendanthome.Immediately,theLoralitestonesbegintoglowwiththesameenergyastheforcefield.Theglow
spreadsbetweenthestones,connectingthem,theenergyfillingthegapswherewe’remissingpendants.ThecircularsymbolthattakesshapeonthedoorremindsmeofthescarswegetonourlegswhenoneoftheGardedies.Andthen,withanancientgrindingnoise,thestonedoorslidesdownintothetemple,leavingbehind
onlyathinframe.Insteadofjunglethroughthedoorframe,IseeadustyroomlitbythedimblueglowofLoralite.‘Ithoughtwe’dneedmore,’Isay.‘Wedon’tevenhaveamajority.’‘OrmaybetheSanctuaryknowshowbadlyweneedtoenter,’Marinasuggests.‘It’ssomekindofportal,’Adamsays,squintingintotheroombeyondthedoorframe.‘Isthatinsidethe
temple?’‘Let’sfindout,’Isay.IpickupMarina’sChestandstepoverthethreshold.Immediately,Igetthatdisorienting,end-over-end,roller-coasterfeelingthatIusedtohavewhenever
EightwouldusehisteleportationLegacy.Itonlylastsasecond,andthenI’mblinkingmyeyestoadjusttothedimmerlightingofthisinnersanctum.Myearspopfromthepressurechange,andIgetthesensethatIjuststeppedthroughaportalintothemiddleoftheMayantemple.Ormaybe,consideringthewaythejunglesoundshavebeencompletelysealedout,we’reevendeeperthanthat.MaybethisSanctuaryiscompletelybeneaththepyramid.Marina–withEight’sbodyintow–andAdamfollowmethrough,thebothofthemsquintingtoadjust
tothelowerlight.Whenthey’reontheotherside,thedoorwayblinksoutofexistence.There’snoexitinitsplace,onlyasolidlimestonewall,althoughacircleofnotchesjustliketheonefromthedoorarecarvedintoit.OurpendantsclattertothefloorandIhurriedlypickthemup.‘TheSanctuary,’Marinabreathes.‘Howlongagodidyourpeopleputthishere?’Adamasks.‘HellifIknow.Weheardthey’dbeencomingtoEarthforcenturies,’Ireplyabsently,peeringaround.
‘Iguessthisiswhattheyweredoing.’‘Theywerepreparingforthisday,’Marinaadds,thateeriecertaintybackinhervoice.‘What’dtheyleaveus,though?’Iask,alittledisappointedasIlookaround.‘Anemptyroom?’TheSanctuaryisonelong,rectangularroomwithhighceilingsandabsolutelynodoorsorwindows.
It’sasifourancestorsteleportedintoasolidchunkofrock,somehowmanagedtocarveoutaroom,andthenforgottofurnishit.There’snothinghere.VeinsofglowingLoralitearethreadedthroughthestonewallsandceilinginchaoticpatternsthatcasttheentireroominacobalthue.MyeyesglideovertheswoopsandswirlsofLoralite–there’ssomethingvaguelyfamiliarthere,somethingthatI’mjustnotseeing.‘It’stheuniverse,’Adamsays.‘It’s…morethanweevenknowabout.TheMogadorianstarmaps
don’tcoverthismuch.’Ittakesmeamomenttorealizewhathe’ssaying.ButthenInoticethewaytheLoraliteveinspoolinto
circlesatsomespotsandIrecognizetheotherveinsastheswirlingstarsofthecosmosandbeyond.It’s
justliketheMacrocosms,onlywaybiggerandcoveringwaymoreuniverse.IfindLorienononewall,theglowingpuddleofLoraliteatitsheartshiningmuchdimmerthansomeotherspots.‘Ourhome,’Isay,andtouchLoriengentlywithmyfinger.AchillgoesthroughmeastheLoraliteseems
topulseinanswer,almostasifitrecognizesme.‘Myhome,’Adamsaysdryly.Hepointstoanareathat’snotableonlyforitscompleteabsenceof
Loralite,likeavoidexistingintheglowinguniverse.Hefrowns.‘Atleastyourancestorsgotthewholeforbidding-darknessthingright.’‘Thosearen’tourhomes,notanymore,’Marinasays,tracingherfingersacrossthewall,followingthe
exacttrajectoryourshiptookfromLorientoEarth.‘Thisisourhomenow.’TheLoraliteoutlineofEarthglowsmuchstrongerthananyothersectionofthewall.Marinapresses
herfingersagainstitandtheLoralitecracklesandvibrates.Somethingbelowusismoving.Dustanddirtshakeloosefromtheceiling,themotessparklinginthesuddenlyhyperchargedlightofthe
Loralite.IknowIshouldn’tbescared–thisisaLoricplace,itwon’thurtus–butIcan’thelpbackinguptothenearestwall,theSanctuarysuddenlyfeelingveryclaustrophobicnowthatit’sshakingaroundme.Adamstumblesinnexttome,hiseyeswide.Withanancientgroanandagrindingofstone,acircularsectionofthefloorattheroom’scenterrises
up.It’slikeanaltarorapedestalextendingupfromthefloor.Theroomstopsshakingwhenthethinghasrisentoaboutwaisthigh.ThisnewextensionismadefrompureLoralite.TheslabofplainlimestonefloorsitsatoptheLoralitecylinder,almostlikeasealholdinginwhatevermightbedownbelow.Cautiously,thethreeofusapproach.‘Itlookslikethispiececomesoff,’Isay,touchingthelimestoneseal,butnotyetremovingit.‘Italmostlookslikeawell,’Adamsays,musing.‘Whatdoyouthinkisdownthere?’‘Noclue,’Ireply.‘Look,’Marinasays.‘Thedrawings.’Iseethem.They’resimilartothecavepaintingsthatEightshowedusbackinIndia,excepttheseare
carveddirectlyintothewell’sLoralitesides.Ihavetowalkacirclearoundthewelltotakealltheimagesin.NinesilhouettesloomingoveraplanetthatlookslikeEarth,withninesmallersilhouettesstandingon
theplanetbelowthem.Aperson–Ican’ttellifit’samaleorfemale–standinginfrontofaholeinthegroundanddumping
thecontentsofaboxintotheopening.Ninesilhouettesagain,thistimearrangedinfrontofacastle,fendingoffsomethingthatlookslikea
tidalwaveormaybeathree-headeddragon.‘Moreprophecies?’Iask.‘Maybe,’Marinareplies.Sheispausedinfrontofthecarvingofthepersonwiththebox.‘Ormaybe
they’reinstructions.’Istandnexttoher.‘Doyouthinkthisistheplace?Wherewe,uh,commitourInheritancestotheEarth?’Marinanods.ShesetsEight’sbodygentlydowntotheground,thenuseshertelekinesistopushtheslab
oflimestonethatsealsthewellaside.Itcrumblesontothegroundwithahugethud,theoldstoneinstantlybreakingapart.
Acolumnofpurebluelightflowsupfromthewell,sobrightthatIhavetoshieldmyeyes.It’slikeaspotlight.Icanfeelthewarmthfromthelightdeepinmybones.‘Thisis…’Adamtrailsoff,unabletocompletehisthought.There’sprofoundamazementinhisdark
Mogadorianeyes.MarinakneelsdowninfrontofherChestandopensitup.Shecupsherhandsandremovesahandfulof
Loricgemstones,thendropsthemintotheSanctuary’swell.Theyglitterandflashastheyslipthroughherfingers,fallingintothelight.Inresponse,thewholeroomseemstogetalittlebrighter.TheLoraliteveinsinthewallspulsestronger.‘Helpme,Six,’Marinasaysexcitedly.IgrabthepouchofsoilfromtheChest,openitupanddumpthecontentsdownthewell.Afragrant,
greenhouse-likearomafillsthedustychamber,andthelightgrowsstrongerstill.Marinafollowsthesoilwiththebundleofdriedbranchesandleaves.Inthatmomentbeforetheyleaveherhand,whilethey’rebathedinthelight,Icouldswearthebrancheslookgreenandaliveagain.Astheydropoutofsight,aswirlingbreezefillsthechamber,coolingusdown.‘It’sworking,’Isay,eventhoughI’mnotsurewhatexactlywe’redoing.I’monlysurethatitfeelsright.Whenwe’veemptiedouttheChestofeverythingelse,IpickupthecanofHenri’sashes.Carefully,I
removethelidandemptyitintothelight.Eachoftheashesbrieflysparksastheyswirldownwardintothewell.IwishJohncould’vebeenheretoseethis.IturnbacktoMarina,incliningmyheadgentlytowardswhereEight’sbodyrestsontheground.
‘Shouldwe…?’Marinashakesherhead,lookingdownatEight.‘I’mnotreadyyet,Six.’Itakeamomenttosweepmygazeovertheroom,checkingtoseeifanything’schanged.Thelightfrom
thewellisnearlyasbrightasthesun,butitdoesn’treallyhurtmyeyesanymore.TheLoraliteveinsinthewallspulsewithenergy.OurChestisemptyandHenri’sasheshavebeenspread.‘There’snothingelsetodo,’IsaytoMarina.‘It’stime.’‘Thependants,Six,’Marinasays.‘Wehavetogiveitthependants.’‘Holdon,’Adamsays,steppingforwardforthefirsttime.He’sbeenwatchingallthistakeplacewith
awe,butMarina’swordssnaphimback.‘Ifyoudropthosependantsdownthere,we’llhavenowayoutofhere.’I’mstillholdingallofourpendants.IclutchthemtightlyasIthinkitover.‘Wehavetohavefaith,right?’Isay,shruggingmyshoulders.‘Wehavetotrustthatwhatever’sdown
there,whatevertheEldersleftforus,thatit’llshowusawayout.’Marinanods.‘Yes.’Adamlooksatmeforamoment,thentothelight.Everythinghe’sseentodaymustgoagainsthis
Mogadorianinstincts.ButhehasGardeinhim,too.‘Allright,’Adamsays.‘Itrustyou.’Iholdontothependantsforamomentlonger.I’vewornanamuletaroundmyneckformostofmylife.
ThereweremanytimesthatitremindedmewhoIwas,whereIwasfrom,andwhatIwasfightingfor.ItwasheartbreakingtolosetwopendantsandI’veneverfeltrightwithoutone.It’sasmuchapartofwhoIam–whoweallare–asthescarsonourankles.Butit’stimetoletthatgo.Idropthethreependantsintothewell.
Theresponseisimmediateandblinding.Thelightfromwithinthewellgoessupernova.Ishoutandshieldmyeyes,andI’mprettysureMarinaandAdamdothesame.Thereisawhooshingsoundfromdownbelow,likethousandsofwingstakingflight,oraminiaturetornadotouchingdownbeneaththeEarth.Thereisaloud,baritonethumpthatsendsvibrationsthroughmyteeth.Afewsecondslater,thesoundrepeats.Thump,thump.Thump,thump.Therhythmgetsfasterandstronger.Steadier.It’saheartbeat.I’mnotsurehowlongI’mbathedinthatpurebluelight,howlongIlistentothesonorousheartbeatof
Lorien.Itcouldbetwominutesoritcouldbetwohours.Theexperienceishypnoticandcomforting.Whenthelightbeginstodiedownandthevolumeoftheheartbeatlowerstoasteadythruminthebackground,Ialmostmissit.It’slikewakingupfromawarmdreamthatyoudon’twanttoleave.Iopenmyeyesandimmediatelygasp.Eight’sbodyhoversuprightovertheSanctuary’swell,thecolumnofbluelightsurroundinghim.I
snatchatMarina’shand.‘Areyoudoingthis?’Iask,unintentionallyshouting.Marinashakesherheadandsqueezesmyhand.Therearetearsinhereyes.Afewstepsbehindus,Adamisonhisknees.Hemust’vecollapsedduringthelightshow.Helooksup
atEight,completelymystified.‘What’shappening?Whatisthis?’‘Lookathim,’Marinasays.‘Look.’I’mabouttotellAdamIhavenoideawhat’sgoingonwhenIseeEight’sfingersmove.Wasitjusta
trickofthelight?No–Marinamusthaveseenittoobecauseshemakesalittlesqueakingsoundandcovershermouthwithherfreehand,herothersqueezingdownhardonmine.Eightwiggleshisfingers.Floating,heshakesouthisarmsandlegs.Herollshisheadasifworkingout
acrickinhisneck.Then,heopenshiseyes.TheyarepureLoralite.Eight’seyesglowthesamecobaltshadeasthedeepest
veinsinthewall.Whenheopenshismouth,bluelightcomesfloodingout.‘Hello,’Eightsays,inanechoingvoicethatdoesn’tbelongtoourfriend.It’samelodic,beautiful
voice,likenothingI’veeverheardbefore.ItisthevoiceofLorien.
26
Mostpeoplehavethesensetorun.TheseNewYorkershaveseenenoughmoviestoknowwhathappenswhenanalienspaceshipparksitselfoveryourcity.Theystreamdownthesidewalkindroves.Someevenabandontheircarsinthemiddleoftheavenues,whichmakesitslowgoingforourconvoyofblackSUVs.Luckily,outsideSanderson’shotel,AgentWalkerwasabletoconvincethelocalcopswhoshowedupinresponsetotheshootingtohelpus.Whenitcomestoalieninvasions,Iguessthere’ssomethingaboutafederalagentinablacksuitandsunglasses.EvenwiththeaddedsirensandflashersoftheNYPD,it’shardcuttingthroughthecity.Throughthe
chaos.Andyet,somepeoplearen’trunningawayfromtheEastRiver,wheretheMogadorianwarshiphovers
ominouslyovertheUnitedNations.They’rerunningtowardsit.Peoplewiththeirphonesout,recording,eagertocatchaglimpseofalienlife.Ican’tmakeupmymindifthey’rebrave,crazyorjuststupid.Probablyacombinationofthethree.Iwanttoshoutoutthewindowforthemtoturnandrun,butthere’snotime.Iwon’tbeabletosaveallofthem.‘MichaelWorthington,asenatorrepresentingFlorida.’AgentWalkerbarksthenameintohercell
phone,readingitoffayellowlegalpad.She’sinthepassengerseat,lookingharriedandwild.Sheknowsthere’snotenoughtimeforherorderstomakeadifference,butshe’sgivingthemanyway.‘MelissaCroft,she’sonthejointchiefsofstaff.LucPhillipe,theFrenchambassador.’Walkerpauses,
reachingtheendofherlist.Sheglancesintothebackseat,whereBudSandersonissandwichedinbetweenmeandSam.‘Isthateveryone?’Sandersonnods.‘EveryonethatIknowof.’Walkernodsandspeaksintothephone.‘Arrestthem.Yes,allofthem.Iftheyresist,killthem.’Shehangsupthephone.ThelistofpoliticiansassociatedwithMogPro–dozensofnamesrelayedone
byonebyWalkertohercontacts–camecourtesyofSanderson.EveniftherogueagentsWalkerhasinhercommandcanpullitoff,thearrestsmightnotdomuchgoodnow,atthezerohour.Attheveryleast,wehavetohopeWalkerandherpeoplewillknocktheMog-friendlytraitorsoutofpower,leavingbehindagovernmentthat’sreadytoresist.Althoughhowmuchresistancethey’llbeabletomountremainstobeseen.HowlongdidHenritellmeittooktheMogstoconquerLorien?Lessthanaday?Throughthewindshield,theMogadorianwarshipisvisible.Itmakesthecity’sskyscraperslooklike
toysandcastsblocks-longshadowsineverydirection.ThethinglookslikeagiantroachpoisedoverNewYork.Therearehundredsofblasterturretsalongitssidesandonitsbelly,andIthinkIcanmakeoutopeningswheresmallerMogshipsareprobablydocked.EvenwiththefullGarde,Legaciesblazing,I’mnotsurewecouldtakedownthathulk.
AgentWalkerisstaringattheship,too.Iguessit’sprobablyimpossibletoignorethemassive,alienobjectthatcrowdsthehorizon.Sheturnstolookatme.‘Youcandestroythatthing,right?’‘Sure,’Ireply,tryingtomimicNine’scasualbluster.He’sintheSUVbehindours,probablyexplaining
tohisescortofagentshowhe’llripapartthatwarshipwithhisbarehands.‘Wegotthis.Noproblem.’Nexttome,Sandersonchucklesdarkly,butshutsupwhenWalkerfixeshimwithamenacinglook.On
theothersideofthedisgracedsecretaryofdefense,Samfinallylooksupfromthecellphonehe‘borrowed’fromthatinnocentbystanderoutsidethehotel.‘Theuploadisdone,’hesaystome.‘Sarah’sgotthefootage.’‘Thanks,Sam,’Ireply,andpullmyownphoneoutfrommypocket,immediatelydialingSarah’s
number.IwonderwhatHenriwouldthinkofmeandSamuploadingfootageofmeusingmyLegaciestothe
websiteofTheyWalkAmongUs.Inmywildestdreams,Idon’tthinkIcould’veconcoctedascenariowhereI’dwillinglytakemypowerspublic.Buthereweare.Sarahanswersonthefirstring.Icanhearactivityinthebackground–peopletalking,atelevision
blaring.‘John,thankGod!TheMogsarealloverthenews!Areyouokay?’‘I’mfine,’Itellher.‘JustmakingmywaytowardsthebiggestMogadorianshipI’veeverseen.’‘John,Ihopeyouknowwhatyou’redoing,’Sarahreplies,worryinhervoice.‘It’snothingwecan’thandle–’Istarttoreassureher,untilablastofstaticcutsmeoff.‘Sarah?Areyou
stillthere?’‘I’mhere,’shereplies,soundingalittlemoredistantthanbefore.‘Ithinksomething’sinterferingwith
theconnection,though.’Itmustbethewarships.I’msurethosehugethingscomingdownfromorbitaren’tdoinganyfavorsfor
thecellularnetworks.Nottomentionallthepanickedphonecallslikethisonethatmustbegoingonaroundthecountry.IhavetotalkquickerincaseIloseservice.‘SamjustsentsomevideofilestoMark’swebsite.Didyouguysgetthem?Ithinktheycouldbeuseful.’
IrememberwhatSamsaidtomeoutsidethegasstation.‘Wedon’twanttojustscarepeople.Wealsowanttogivethemhope.’Nexttome,BudSandersonsnorts.Iguesstheoldmandoesn’thavetoomuchfaithinanythingwe’re
doingonTheyWalkAmongUs.Idon’tknowifit’sgoingtoworkeither–likeWalker’sarrests,likeanythingwedotoday,itmightbetoolateforittomatter.Butwe’vegottocovereverypossibleangleoffightingbackagainsttheMogs.‘I’mlookingatitnow,’Sarahsays,andherbreathcatches.‘John,it’s–you’reamazing.ButI’ma
suckerforhandsomealiensperformingmiracles.’I’vebeentryingtolookstone-facedinfrontofmyuneasyallies,soIhavetoturnawayfromSanderson
tohidemysmile.‘Uh,thanks.’‘Wecandefinitelyusethis,’Sarahsays,andIcanhearheralreadytappingoutkeystrokes.‘Whatare
yougoingtodonow,though?Thatshiplookshuge.’Iglanceatthechaosoutsidethewindow.‘We’regoingtotrytoendthiswarbeforeitgetsstarted.’
Sarah’svoicesoundsconcerned.SheknowsI’mabouttotellhersomethingcrazy.‘Whatdoyoumean,John?What’stheplan?’‘We’regoingtotheMogadorianwarship,’Itellher,tryingtosoundconfidentaboutaplanthatseems
moredesperatethecloserwegettothatloomingwarship.‘We’regoingtolureSetrákusRaout.Andwe’regoingtokillhim.’
OurconvoyhastostoptenblocksshortoftheUnitedNationswhenthetrafficbecomesimpassable.Thestreetsarecloggedwithpeopletryingtogetacloserlookatthewarship.Someofthemareevenstandingontopofcarsor,inonecase,astalledcitybus.Therearecopseverywheretryingtheirbesttorestoresomeorder,butIdoubtthey’retrainedforfirst-contactscenarios;mostofthemarebusystaringupattheship,too.Thecrowdisbuzzingandthere’salotofexcitedshouting.JustabunchofeasytargetsfortheMogadorians.Idreadthemomentthosecannonsalongthesidesof
thewarshipopenfireonthiscrowd.Iwanttotelleveryonetorun,butthatmightjuststartapanic.Ifanyonewouldevenlistentome.‘Move!Getoutoftheway!’WalkerscreamsasshegetsoutoftheSUV.She’sgotherbadgeintheair,
althoughnoone’sreallypayingattentiontoher.TheagentsfromthetwoSUVsalongwiththecopsWalkerrecruitedbackatthehotelformatight
perimeteraroundme,SandersonandSam.Nineshoveshiswayinnexttous,glaringatagroupofteenagerscheeringencouragementatthespaceship.‘Idiots,’hegrumbles,thenlooksatme.‘Thisisnuts,Johnny.’‘Weneedtoprotectasmanyaswecan,’Ireply.‘Theyneedtoprotectthemselves,’Ninesays,thenshoutsovertheshoulderofoneofouragents.‘Go
home,youmorons!Orgetsomegunsandcomeback!’Walkerglaresathim.‘Pleasedon’tencouragethecivilianstogetarmed.’Ninegivesherawildlookandkeepsshouting.‘It’swar,lady!Thesepeopleneedtogetprepared!’Someofthepeoplearoundushaveoverheard,ormaybethey’rejustunnervedbythegrowingpolice
presence.Inoticeafewexchangenervouslooksandpeoplebegintricklingbackthewaywecame.WalkergrimacesatNine,thenslapsoneoftheagentsontheshoulder.‘Forward!’sheshouts.‘Weneedtomoveforward!’There’sstillamobseparatingusfromtheUN,anditshowsnosignsofreallythinningout.Walker’s
agentsandthecopsstartmusclingthroughandwe’recarriedalongwiththem.‘Watchit,dude!Nocuttinginthelinetogetbeamedup!’shoutsonebystander.‘Holyshit!It’stheMeninBlack!’screamsanother.‘Aretheygoingtohurtus?’awomanwepassyellsatSanderson,mayberecognizinghimassomeone
importantlooking.‘Areweindanger?’Sandersonavertshiseyesandsoonthewomanislostinthecrowd.It’sslowgoing,evenwithadozen
copsandagentsbull-rushingaheadofus.Thesepeopleneedtogetoutofourway.Awild-eyedguywithascragglybeardwholookslikethetypetobewavinghandmadesignsaboutthe
endoftheworldbarrelsrightintoAgentWalker.She’sthrownoffbalance,andIreachouttosteadyher.Walkerdoesn’tthankme–there’sfuryandfrustrationinhereyes.Fedupwiththecrowd,shereachesforthegunholsteredonherhip,maybethinkingshe’llfireafewshotsintheairtoclearthearea.Istopherarmandshakemyheadwhensheglaresatme.
‘Don’t.You’llstartapanic.’‘Thisisalreadyapanic,’shereplies.‘Personally,I’dbepanickingmoreifsomeonewasshooting,’Samchimesin.Walkermakesanannoyednoiseandgoesbacktopushingherwaythroughthecrowd.IelbowNinein
theribs.‘Let’shelpthem,’Itellhim,adding,‘Butdon’thurtanyone.’Ninenodsandwebeginusingtelekinesistomovepeopleoutofourway.Nine’sgentlerthanIwould
haveexpected.Wecreateasortoftelekineticbubblearoundus,thenearbybystandersslidingoffit.Noonegetstrampled,andslowlythepathstartstoclearforWalkerandtherestofourescort.AswemoveclosertotheUN,wecomedirectlyundertheshadowoftheMogadorianwarship.Achill
goesthroughme,butItrynotletitshow.Thereareflagsofeverynationplantedinthegroundonbothsidesoftheroadwe’repressingdown,allthesesymbolsflappinginagentlespringbreeze,caughtbeneaththeloomingMogadorianvessel.Upahead,IseethatastagehasbeenhastilyerectedatthefrontentranceoftheUN.Thereisamore
organizedpoliceforcethere–bothlocalcopsandtheUN’sprivatesecurity.Theykeeppeopleawayfromthestageandfromstormingtheentrancetothemainbuilding.There’saconcentrationofpressupahead,too,allofthemwithcameraseagerlyswingingbetweenthestageandthehoveringspacecraft.IgrabSandersonaroundtheshouldersandyankhimclose,pointingtothestage.‘What’sthedealwiththat?What’ssupposedtohappenhere?’Sandersongrimacesatmebutdoesn’ttrytowriggleaway.‘TheBelovedLeaderhasatastefor
theatrics.Didyouknowhewroteabook?’‘Readingisstupid,’gruntsNine,morefocusedonthecrowd.‘Idon’tcareabouthispropaganda.Explainthestage,Sanderson.’‘Propaganda,likeyousaid,’Sandersonreplies.‘MyselfandsomeoftheothersfromMogPro–the
onesourdearfriendWalkerprobablyhadarrested–weweresupposedtogreetSetrákusRa.HewasgoingtodemonstratethegiftstheMogadorianscouldofferhumanity.’IrememberthestatewefoundSandersonin,allblackveinedandnearlykeeledover,allstrungouton
theMogadorian’sso-calledmedicaladvancements.‘Hewasgoingtohealyou,’Isay,puttingittogether.‘Hallelujah!’Sandersonsays,bitterly.‘Oursavior!Then,we’dinvitehiminsidetheUNfor
discussionsand,cometomorrow,apeacefulresolutionwouldbeadoptedtoallowtheMogsintotheairspaceofeverymembernation.’‘Andthat’sit,’Samsays.‘Earthwouldbesurrendered.’‘Atleastitwouldbepeaceful,’Sandersonsays.‘Don’tyouthinkpeoplewouldfreakout?’IaskSanderson.‘Imean,lookaround.Imaginewhatwill
happenwhentheMogsactuallyshowthemselves?Startwalkingaround?Takingthingsover?There’dbepanic,riots–evenwithyourbullshitdiplomacy.Howwasyourplanevergoingtowork?’‘Ofcoursehethoughtofthat,’Sandersonsays.‘That’showSetrákusRaplanstoidentifythedissidents.
Theproblemelements.’‘Sohe’llknowwhotokill,’Ninegrunts.‘That’ssick,’Samsays.‘Asmallpricetopayforhumanity’ssurvival,’Sandersonargues.
‘I’veseenthefutureunderMogadorianrule,’ItellSanderson.‘Believeme.It’sabiggerpricethanyou’rewillingtopay.’SamgivesmeaworriedlookandIrealizehowcoldImustsound,likewarwiththeMogadorianson
Earthisinevitable,likethere’snothingwecandoatthispointtokeeppeoplefromgettinghurt.Intruth,I’mnotsurethatthereisawaytoresolvethiswithoutbloodshed.Thewarishereandit’sgoingtobefought.ButIneedtheotherstokeepuphope.‘Itdoesn’thavetobethatway,’Iadd.‘We’regoingtostopSetrákusRabeforethisgoesanyfurther.
Butyouhavetohelpus.’Sandersonnods,hiseyesfixedonthestage.‘Youwantmetogothroughwithit.’‘Drawhimout,justlikehewants,’Isay,pullingupthehoodonmysweatshirt.‘Andwe’lltakehim
down.’‘You’repowerfulenoughforthat?’AsIlookoveratSandersontorespond,IcanseethesamequestioninSam’seyes.Hewasn’tatour
lastfightwithSetrákusRa,butheknowsitdidn’tgowell.ThatwaswiththewholeGarde–nowit’sjustmeandNine.Well,andallthegunsAgentWalkercanbringtobear.‘Ihavetobe,’ItellSanderson.AswegetclosertothefrontoftheUNandthestage,wepassbyaguydressedlikeabikemessenger
surroundedbyafewnewscameras.It’snoticeablebecausehe’stheonlythingcommandinganypressattentionaroundherebesidesthegiantMogadorianwarship.Ifocusmysensestohearwhathe’ssaying.‘Iswear,theguyfelloutofthesky!’thebikemessengerexclaimstoaskepticalpresscorps.‘Ormaybe
hefloateddown,Idon’tknow.Hehitthegroundhard,buthisskinwas,like,coveredinarmororsomething.Helookedallsortsofmessedup.’Nine’shandclampsdownonmyshoulder.Heheardit,too,andhe’ssodistractedthathestops
telekineticallypushingpeopleaside.Theagentsescortingusshuffleandgroanasthecrowdsurgesin,buttheymanagetokeepthemback.‘Youheardthat,right?’Nineasks,hiseyespracticallyglowingwithbloodlust.‘Hecouldjustbesomenutjob,’Isay,referringtothebikemessenger,althoughIdon’treallybelieveit.
‘Thiskindofthingdefinitelybringsthemout.’‘Noway,’Ninesays,excitementinhisvoice.Hiseyesdartaroundthecrowdwitharenewedinterest.
‘Fiveishere,man.Fiveishere,andI’mgoingtosmashhisfatfacein.’
27
Ifeelnumb.Inthedockingbay,Icatchaglimpseofmyselfinthepearl-coloredarmorpanelingofthesmallship
we’llbetakingtoManhattan.Ilookghostly.Therearehugebagsundermyeyes.Theydressedmeupinanewformalgown,blackwithredsashesthroughout,andpulledmyhairbackinaponytailsoseverethatmyscalpfeelslikeit’speelingawayfrommyskull.PrincessoftheMogadorians.Idon’treallycare.I’vegotacloudyfeeling,likeI’mjustfloatingalong.ApartofmeknowsthatI
shouldbefocusingup,gettingmyheadstraight.Ijustcan’t.Theentrancetothetransportshipopensandasmallstaircaseunfoldsformetoclimbup.SetrákusRa
gentlyplaceshishandonmyshoulderandurgesmeforward.‘Herewego,dear,’hesays.Hisvoicesoundsfaraway.‘Bigday.’Idon’tmoveatfirst.ButthenapainstartsupinmyshoulderwhereIwasstabbed.Itfeelslikelittle
wormswigglingaroundundermyskin.TheacheonlysubsideswhenIputonefootinfrontoftheother,climbupthestepsandflopintooneofthevessel’sbucketseats.‘Good,’SetrákusRasays,andfollowsmeaboard.Hesitsdowninthepilot’sseatandtheshipsealsup
behindus.HishumanformhasbeenrestoredafterhisscufflewithFive,andhe’sdressedhimselfinasleekblacksuitwithcrimsonflourishes.Thecolorschemedoesn’tcomplementthefatherlyhumanfacehe’swearing–itmakeshimlooksternandauthoritative.Idon’ttellhimthat,bothbecauseIdon’twanttohelphimandbecauseitseemsliketoomuchefforttotalk.IwishIcouldjustsleepthroughthis.Theydidsomethingtomeafterthegashopeneduponmyshoulder.Iwasinandoutofconsciousness
frombloodloss,somymemoryisfoggy.IcanrememberSetrákusRacarryingmedowntothemedicalbay,aplaceontheshipIhadn’thadthebadlucktoexploreuntilthen.Iremembertheminjectingmywoundwithsomethingblackandoozing.I’mprettysurethatIscreamedfromthepain.Butthenmywoundstartedtoclose.Itwasn’tlikethetimesI’dbeenhealedbyMarinaorJohn.Inthosecases,itfeltlikemyinjurieswereknittingbacktogether,likemyfleshwasregrowing.UndertheMogs’‘care,’itfeltlikemyfleshwasbeingreplacedbysomethingelse,somethingcoldandforeign.Somethingaliveandhungry.Icanstillfeelit,crawlingaroundbeneaththeperfect,paleskinofmynowuninjuredshoulder.SetrákusRaflipsafewswitchesontheconsole,andourlittlesphericalshippowersup.Thewalls
becometranslucent.It’stheMogadorianversionoftintedglass,though–wecanseeout,butnoonecanseein.Iturnmyheadtostudythedockingbaythat’scrowdedwithcombat-readyMogadorians.Theyallstand
perfectlystill,hundredsofthemarrangedinorderlylines,allofthemwiththeirfistsclenchedovertheirhearts.They’resalutingtheirBelovedLeaderashesetsouttoconquerEarth.Ilookattheirpasty,expressionlessfacesandtheirdark,emptyeyes.Arethesemypeople?AmIbecomingoneofthem?
Itseemseasiesttogivein.SetrákusRaisabouttogetusmovingwhenaredlightflashesononeofhisvideoscreensandashrill
buzzingsounds.Thenoisewakesmeupalittle.SomeunluckyunderlingistryingtocallSetrákusRarightinthemiddleofhisbigday.SetrákusRa’sjawsetsinannoyanceattheincomingmessageand,foramoment,Ithinkhemightignoreit.Finally,hejabsabuttonandafrazzledMogadoriancommunicationsofficerappearson-screen.‘Whatisit?’snarlsSetrákusRa.‘Deepestapologiesfortheinterruption,BelovedLeader,’theofficersays,keepinghiseyesdowncast.
‘YouhaveanurgentmessagefromPhiriDun-Ra.’‘Ithadbetterbe,’SetrákusRagrumbles.Hewavesahandimpatientlyatthescreen.‘Verywell.Puther
through.’Thescreenflashes,crackles,andthenaMogadorianwomanappears.Shehastwolongbraidspinned
uparoundherbaldheadandasizablecutabovehereyebrow.She’ssurroundedonallsidesbyjungle.Apparently,amessagefromthistruebornisimportantenoughtodelayourflightdowntoNewYork.Itrytositupalittlebitinmyseat,fightingthroughthefogtopayattention.‘Whatisit,Phiri?’SetrákusRasays,coldly.‘Whyhaveyoucontactedmedirectly?’TheMogwoman,Phiri,hesitatesbeforeshespeaks.Maybeshe’stakenabackbythehumanface
addressingherwithsuchauthority.Ormaybeshe’sjustscaredofherBelovedLeader.‘They’rehere,’Phirisaysatlast,anoteoftriumphinhervoice.‘TheGardehaveactivatedthe
Sanctuary.’SetrákusRaleansbackinhisseat,hiseyebrowsarchedinsurprise.Helaceshishandsinfrontofhim
inconsideration.‘Verygood,’hereplies.‘Excellent.Yourordersaretokeepthemthere,PhiriDun-Ra.Onyourlife.I
willjoinyoushortly.’‘Asyouwish,Belo–’SetrákusRaseverstheconnectionbeforePhiriDun-Racanfinish.ThementionsoftheGardeandthe
Sanctuaryhavemealittlemoreaware.ItrytothinkofSixandMarina,ofJohnandNine–Iknowtheywouldwantmetofightthroughthis.It’sjustsodifficulttokeepmymindfromgoingblank,tokeepmybodyfromslouching.‘ForyearsI’vepursuedthem,’SetrákusRasaysquietly,almosttohimself.‘Towipeoutthelastbitof
resistancetoMogadorianProgress.TotakecontrolofwhatthoseElderfoolsburiedonthisplanet.Now,thedayhascomewheneverythingI’vefoughtforwillbemine,allatonce.Tellme,granddaughter,howcantherebeanydoubtofMogadoriansuperiority?’Hedoesn’treallywantaresponse.SetrákusRajustlikestohearhimselftalk.Iletaslow,medicated
smileformonmyface.Thatseemstopleasehim.Mygrandfatherreachesoutandpatsmeontheknee.‘You’refeelingbetter,aren’tyou?’hesays.Heflipsafewleversontheconsoleandourship’sengines
vibratetolife.‘Come.Letusgotakewhatisours.’Withthat,SetrákusRanavigatestheshipforward.Wezipthroughthedockingbay,pasttherowsof
Mogadorianwarriors.Theythumptheirfistsagainsttheirchestsaswego,shoutingoutgravellyMogadorianencouragement.WeexitthroughthesamepassageasFive’sbody.Thatpart–seeinghimbrutalizedandthentossedasidelikesomuchgarbage–I’mgladtolosetothefog.
WedescendonManhattan.Icanseeallthehumansgatheredbelow.Therearethousandsofthemcrowdedinfrontofafancy-lookingsetofbuildingsanditssurroundingcampus.Icanmakeoutastagedownthere,too.It’sallbuiltonthebankofagray,choppyriver.IremembertheWashingtonfrommyvision,thesmokysmellsthatchokedtheair.ThatwillbeNewYorksoon.Iwonderifthesepeoplewillthrowthemselvesintotheriverwhentheircitybeginstoburn.Thepeoplebelowpointupatourship.Icanhearthemshoutingandscreamingoutgreetings.These
humans–theoneswhocameclosesttotheAnubis–theydon’tthinkthey’reinanydanger.Itoccurstomethatwe’retravelingintothisthrongofpeoplewithoutanyMogadorianguards.Ilollmy
headtowardsmygrandfather,wetmylipsandmanagetofindwords.‘We’refacingthemalone?’Iaskhim.Hesmiles.‘Ofcourse.Imeantoelevatethesepeople,notharmthem.Wehavenothingtofearfromthe
humans.MyservantsonEarthhavearrangedforagreetingthatIfindmorethansuitable.’He’suptosomething,obviously.Probablyalreadyhasthiswholeeventplannedout.Iknowit’s
unlikelyevenacrowdofhumansthissizewouldstandachanceagainstSetrákusRaandallhispowers,butpartofmehopesmaybeoneofthemwillseethroughwhateversideshowhe’sgotplannedandtakesomeshotsatthescaryalien.Ofcourse,thatwouldmeanmydeathbeforetheycouldstopSetrákusRa.Atthispoint,itseemsalmost
worthit.IfeelwhatevertheMogadoriansinjectedintomecrawlingaroundbeneathmyskin.Ican’tendureanymoreofthat.Thedescentisover.Wehoveraboutfifteenfeetabovethestage.Anervous-lookingoldermaninasuit,
somekindofpolitician,waitsforusthere.Thereareflashbulbsgoingofflikecrazy.Iblinkmyeyesandtrytokeepfromsleepwalkingthroughthis.‘Come,Ella.Letusgreetoursubjects,’SetrákusRasays.Hepicksuphisgoldencane,theobsidian
EyeofThaloccatchingthelight.I’mnotsurewhyhebroughtthatwithhim.Iguesshedoesn’twanttofaceourso-calledsubjectscompletelyunarmed.Ormaybehethinksitmakeshimlooknoble–likeakingwithascepter.Istandup,slightlyunsteady.SetrákusRaoffersmehisarm.Ihookmyhandthroughit.Thedoorofourtransportshipopensandaglowingstaircaseextendsoutward,creatingapathforusto
thestage.Thecrowdgaspsasweemerge.Throughmyblearyeyes,IcanseedozensofTVcamerastrainedonus.Thecrowdishushedinamazement.Whatdowelookliketothem?Aliens…aliensthatlookexactlylikehumans.Ahandsomeoldermanandhispalegranddaughter.SetrákusRaraiseshishandandwavestothepeople.It’saroyalthing,courtlyandshowy.Whenhe
speaks,hisvoiceboomslikehe’shookeduptoamicrophone.‘Greetings,peopleofEarth!’hebellowsinperfectEnglish,hisvoicefirmandreassuring.‘Mynameis
SetrákusRaandthisismygranddaughter,Ella.Wehavetraveledagreatdistancetocomehumblybeforeyouwithwishesofpeace!’Thecrowdactuallycheers.Theydon’tknowanybetter.SetrákusRagazesbeatificallyacrossalltheir
upturnedfaces.Butwhenhiseyessettleontheoldmanstandingonthestage,Ifeelatensiongothroughhisarm.‘Hmm,’SetrákusRasaysunderhisbreath.Somethingisn’tright.Thegreeterisn’twhatheexpected.Or
maybethereweresupposedtobemorehumanswaitingonstagewithoutstretchedarms.Maybetherewere
supposedtobebouquetsofflowers.Undeterred,SetrákusRadrawshimselfupalittletallerandproceedsdowntherestofthesteps.‘Wehavemuchtoofferyourpeople!’hecontinuesinhisbooming,charitablevoice.‘Advancementsin
medicinetohealyoursick,farmingtechniquestofeedyourhungryandtechnologythatwillmakeyourliveseasierandmoreproductive.Allweaskinreturn,afterourlongjourney,isshelterfromthecoldofspace.’Iglanceoverthecrowdtoseeifanyofthemarebuyingit.Ienduplockingeyeswithayoungguyinthe
frontrow,pusheduprightnexttosomeTVcameras,hisdarkeyesseekingmine.Hewearsahoodedsweatshirt,longblackhairspillingoutfrominside,andhe’stallandathletic,and–Inmycondition,itactuallytakesmeamomenttorecognizehim.Notsolongago,Ibalancedonhis
shouldersandhetaughtmehowtofight.Nine.Seeinghim,knowingthatI’mnotalone,thatallisn’tlostjustyet–itmakesmesnapbacktomysenses.
Thepaininmyshoulderincreasesexponentially,likesomethingistryingtocrawlitswayoutofme.Whatever’sinsidemedoesn’twantmetousemyLegacies.Iignoreitandreachoutwithmytelepathy.Nine!Hiscane!It’showhechangesforms!Gethiscaneandsmashit!AferalgrinspreadsonNine’sfaceandhenodstome.Myheartbeatquickens.Nexttome,SetrákusRa’sposturehasstiffened.Myhandistrappedinthecrookofhiselbow.He
knowsthatsomethingisup,yetheproceedswiththeshowallthesame.‘Iexpectedmoreofthemtobehereonthismomentousoccasion,yetIseeoneofyourleadershascome
outtogreetme!’SetrákusRaextendshishandtotheoldman.‘Icometoyouinpeace,sir!Letthiscementthefriendshipbetweenourtwogreatraces.’InsteadofclaspingSetrákusRa’shand,theoldmantakesastepaway.There’sdeepfearinhiseyes,
butit’snotrun-and-screamfear.It’scorneredanimalfear.Theoldmanhasamicrophoneofhisownand,astheTVcamerasswinginhisdirection,hebeginstoyell.‘Thisman–thisthing–isaliar!’‘What–’SetrákusRatakesanaggressivesteptowardstheoldman,andI’mloosedfromhiselbow.
ForthefirsttimesinceI’vebeeninhiscompany,theMogadorianleaderactuallylookssurprised.Surprisedandfurious.Amurmurofuncertaintypassesthroughthecrowd.Theoldmanshoutssomethingelse–Ihearthe
words‘enslavement’and‘death,’butotherwiseIcan’treallyhearhim.Noonecan.SetrákusRahasusedhistelekinesistocrushtheoldman’smicrophone.‘Youmustbeconfused,myfriend,’SetrákusRasaysthroughgrittedteeth,stilltryingtosalvagethis
farce.‘Myintentionsarepu–’SetrákusRaissuddenlyknockedoffbalance.Iknowwhy.Atelekineticattack.Iwatchashisgolden
caneisrippedoutofhishand.Nineplucksitoutoftheairashehopsontothestage,grinningatSetrákusRa.Isensemovementtomyleft.IturnmyheadtoseeJohnalsohopontothestage.They’reflankinghim,
justlikewepractisedintheLectureHall.Pepperedthroughoutthecrowd,Iseemenandwomenindarksuits,allofthemslylypullingfirearmsintoview.Thecrowdisbeginningtobuzzassomecivilians–thesmarterones–begintobackawayfromthestage.
It’satrap,Irealizegleefully.TheGardearehere!Now,SetrákusRareallylookssurprised.And,dareIsay,alittlefrightened.‘Youhavebeenledastray!’SetrákusRascreams,pointinghisnowemptyhandsatNineandJohn.
‘Theseboysarefugitives!Terroristsfrommyhomeworld!Idon’tknowwhatthey’vetoldyou–’‘Wehaven’ttoldthemanything,’Johnsays,interrupting.Hisvoicedoesn’tcarrylikeSetrákusRa’s,but
peopleinthecrowdcranetheirneckstolisten.‘We’llletthemmakeuptheirownminds.Agenocidalmaniaciseasytospot.’‘Lies!’Doitnow!IurgeNinetelepathically.‘IwonderwhatwillhappenifIdothis?’Nineasks,fiddlingwithSetrákusRa’scane.BeforeSetrákus
Racanlungeinhisdirection,Nineraisesthecaneoverhisheadandsmashesitdownonthestage.Theobsidianeyeinitscenterexplodesinacloudofash.Thingshappenquicklyafterthat.SetrákusRa’sbodybeginstothrashandspasm.Thehandsomehumanformhe’sbeensoattachedto
beginstosloughoffhim,likeasnakesheddingitsskin.TherealSetrákusRa–palevergingonbloodless,ancientandhideous,tattooedacrosshisbaldskull,athickscararoundhisneck,cladinspikyMogadorianarmor–standsrevealedonthestage.Manyinthecrowdscream.Evenmorerecoilinhorrorandturntorun.Agunshotgoesoff–Ihearthe
bulletwhistlepastmyearbeforeitricochetsharmlesslyofftheMogadorianshipbehindme.Thegunshotsonlyfrightenpeoplemoreandnowit’safull-blownstampedeinfrontofthestage.Moreshotsarefired,thistimeintotheair.OneoftheagentstakingaimonSetrákusRagoesdown,bull-rushedbytheterrifiedspectators.It’schaos.Withamonstroushowl,SetrákusRagrowstofifteenfeetinsize.Thestagebeneathusgroans.Theold
manwhowasonstagewiththeGardetriestorunintothecrowd,butSetrákusRagrabshimwithhistelekinesisandhurlshimlikeamissileintoNine.Thetwoofthemfalloffthestageinaheap.FireballscometolifeinJohn’shands.TheygooutimmediatelyasSetrákusRatriggershisDreynen
field.Thatdoesn’tstopJohnfromchargingin,pullinghisLoricdaggeroutofhissheathashecomes.‘Yes!’SetrákusRascreams,beckoningJohnin.‘Comeracingtowardsyourdeath,boy!’UnaffectedbySetrákusRa’sversionofDreynen,Ipickupabrokenpieceofhiscane.Myfingersare
clumsyandInearlydropittwicebeforeI’mabletograspittightlyenough.Iconcentrate,ignoretheshreddingpainundermyskinandchargetheshrapnelwithmyDreynen.Whenthebrokenshardglowsbrightred,IjabitintothebackofSetrákusRa’sleg.TheMogadorianoverlordcriesoutandshrinksdowntohisnormalsize.IsensetheDreynenfield
cancelingLegacieslift.Toolate,SetrákusRastumblesforwardinafutileattempttogetawayfromme.TheDreynen-chargedcaneisburiedaninchdeepinthebackofhiscalf.WhenSetrákusRayanksitout,atrickleofnight-blackblooddarkenshistrouserleg.Nowthatit’soffhim,I’mnotsurehowlongtheeffectsofmyDreynenwilllast.Waitasecond.He’sbleeding.Thedamagewasn’ttransferredtome.Everycharmhasaweakness,
that’swhatSetrákusRasaidrightbeforeheburnedtheterriblethingintomyankle.Icanhurthim.I’mtheonlyonewhocanhurtSetrákusRa.
IbarelyhavetimetoprocessthisinformationbeforeSetrákusRaroundsonme,hiseyeswidewithoutrage.Hebackhandsme,hard,andI’mtossedintotheair.ThewindgoesoutofmewhenIhitthestage,myheadswimmingagain.Hemust’veknownthatevenifIfiguredouttheloopholewiththeMogadoriancharm,Iwouldn’tbestrongenoughtofighthim.SetrákusRastandsoverme,hishideousfeaturescreasedwithfury.Hereachesdown,fingersgrasping
formythroat.‘Youtreasonouslittlebi–!’Johnbarrelsintohimshoulder-firstandknocksSetrákusRaoffhisfeet.SetrákusRalandshardonhis
sideandIfeelbruisespuffupimmediatelyonmyownelbow.Iacceptthepain.There’smoretocome.I’mnotstrongenoughtofighthim,butI’vedonemypart.IdrainedhisLegacies.Now,theotherscandowhathastobedone.Johndoesn’tletup.HepouncesonSetrákusRa,whotriestoscrambleaway.TheMogadorianruler
doesn’tlooksofrighteningnow,tryingtocrabwalkawayfromJohn.I’mhappytoseehimsopatheticanddesperate.Heshouldknowhowthatfeelsbeforehedies.Beforewedie.Johnmanagestostraddlehim.Heraiseshisdaggerabovehishead.Itakeadeepbreathandbrace
myself.‘ThisisforLorien!AndforEarth!’Iknowwhathappensnext.JohnwillstabSetrákusRa,andI’lldie.ItwillbreaktheMogadoriancharm,
andthentheGardewillbeabletokillSetrákusRaforreal.It’sworthit.I’llgladlydieifitmeansendingSetrákusRa’smiserablelife.Doit!IscreamatJohntelepathically.Nomatterwhathappens!Doit!AsJohnbringshisdaggerdown,Ihearawhooshingsound.Somethingisflyinginthisdirection.Fast.Abeadofbloodticklesmythroat,asmallcutopeningup.That’showcloseJohn’sbladecomesbefore
achrome-platedcannonballfliesthroughtheair,knockshimoffSetrákusRaandsendshimcrashingthroughthestage.Five.He’saliveandhejustsavedmylife.Savedmylifeanddoomedusall.BeforeIcanreact,thestagecreaksandcollapses.Islidedownthetiltedpieceofwoodandlandhard
onthepavementbelow.Allaroundme,peoplearerunningandscreaming.SetrákusRalandsnexttome.Hereachesdownandgrabsmebythehair,yankingmeviciouslytomyfeet.‘You’lldieforthisembarrassment,child,’hesnarls,andbeginsdraggingmeoverthewreckedstage
towardshisship.Ninestandsinhisway.
28
Myshoulderisdislocated,thatmuchIknowforsure.I’monmybackwithjaggedpiecesofthedestroyedstagediggingintome.I’mseeingdoubleandit’shardtobreathe.IfeellikeIjustgothitbyacar.Notacar.Five.Thetraitorstandsoverme,gulpingdowndeepbreaths.Hisskinismetallic,buthestilllooksbadly
injured.He’swearinganeyepatch,forstarters.Onesideofhisfacelooksswollen,andIthinkIactuallyseedentsinthemetalcarapacethatcovershisskull.He’smissingacoupleofteeth.I’mnotsurewherehepickedupthoseinjuries,andIdon’tcare.Thebastardblindsidedme.Iwassoclose.SetrákusRawasasgoodasdead.Mydaggerisstillattachedtomywrist,butit’sthearmthat’sdislocated.Igropeforit,tryingtoswitch
hands.BeforeIcanmanageit,Fiveliftsmebythefrontofmytatteredsweatshirt.‘Listentome!’heshoutsinmyface.‘Gotohell,’Ireply.Withmyworkingarm,IgrabFive’smetalforearmandheatupmyLumenashotasitcango.Whatever
metalhe’sturnedinto,itdefinitelyhasaboilingpoint.IwonderifIcangethismetalshelltomeltoffbeforehecandowhateverhe’sgotplanned.‘Stopit,John!’Fiveyelps,shakingme.‘YoumurderedEight,yousonofabitch!’Noxious-smellingsteamcurlsupfrombetweenmyfingers.Five’seyewidensafraction,buthedoesn’t
letmelooseandhedoesn’tpullaway.I’mhurtinghimandhe’sjusttakingit.‘Youarrogantasshole,’Fivesnaps,andhecocksbackhisfistlikehe’sgoingtostrikeme.I’mnotsureI
havethestrengthtostophim.Hisclenchedfisttrembles,andheseemstoreconsider.‘Listentome,John!IfyouhurtSetrákusRa,thedamagewillbedonetoElla!’IlettheheatofmyLumendiedownafraction.Myhandfeelsstickywithmoltenmetal.‘What?Whatareyoutalkingabout?’‘It’sacharm,liketheonetheEldersusedonus,’Fivesays.‘He’stwisteditsomehow.’IturnoffmyLumenentirely.IsFivetryingtohelpusnow?DidheknockmeoffSetrákusRanotto
protecthisBelovedLeaderbuttosaveElla?Idon’tknowwhattothink.‘Howdowebreakit?’Ishoutathim.‘Howdowekillhim?’‘Idon’tknow,’Fivereplies,glancingoverhisshoulder.Hisexpressionsuddenlygoesdarkagain,that
furyI’dseenwhenhewasabouttopunchmereignited.‘Damnhim!’Fiveripsawayfrommeandtakesflight.IclimbbacktomyfeetjustintimetoseeNinechargingat
SetrákusRa.Heholdsabrokenpieceofthestageoutinfrontofhimlikeaspear.‘Nine!Don’t!’Ninedoesn’thearme,probablybecausehe’stoobusygettingsideswipedbyFive.Thetwoofthemgo
crashingintothewreckageofthestage,brokenpiecesofwoodflyingeverywhere.Oncetheyhit,itlooks
likeFivetriestotakeflightagain,butNinegetsholdofhisankle.‘Whereyougoing,fatboy?’IhearNineyell.Ninegetsbacktohisfeet,stillholdingFive’sankle,andthenswingshimwithallhismight.Fiveflaps
hisarmsinafutileattempttogetsomemomentum,buthe’soverpowered.NineslamsFiveface-firstontothepavement.Chunksofconcreteflyupfromtheimpact,andFive’sheadmakesthesoundofabellringingwhenithits.Inoticehismetallicshellmomentarilyswitchbacktonormalskin–thatmust’vehurtFiveenoughtomakeithardtofocusonhisExterna.‘Nine!Enough!’Ishout,pushinglooseofmyownpileofbrokenwood.Nineglancesinmydirection,andthat’swhenFiveuppercutshim.Witharoar,Ninedivesbackathim,
andtheyslamtogether.Theyhurlpunchesateachother,atangledmessoflimbsthatIlosesightofwhentheygocrashingthroughthefrontwindowoftheUnitedNationsbuilding.Ican’tworryaboutthemnow.IhavetogettoSetrákusRa.IhavetosaveElla.Iwon’tletherbetakenforasecondtime.Myleftarmhangslimpatmyside.I’dneedtopopmyshoulderbackinbeforeIcouldhealmyself,butI
don’thavetimeforthat.Ishakecrustyflakesofmetaloffmyhandandstrapmydaggertothewristofmyworkingarm.I’llhavetodothisonehanded.Surprisingly,SetrákusRadoesn’tseemtheleastbitinterestedinstayingtofight.HedragsEllathrough
therubble,headingforthepearl-shapedshiphearrivedin.EllalooksalotlikeshedidinthatvisionwesharedofWashington,D.C.–likeshe’sbeendrainedofsomethingessential.Iwonderwhattheydidtoheronthatwarship.Nomatterwhathappens!Doit!Ellahadshoutedinmymind.Nomatterwhathappens.Fivemustnot
belying.EllaknewwhattheconsequencesofmestabbingSetrákusRawouldbe,andsheacceptedthem.Whatevertheydidtoher,theMogsdidn’tbreakher.Shehadenoughfightleftinhertohelpus.Itwas
likeDulceBasealloveragain.ShestuckSetrákusRawithaglowingpieceofdebris,andmyLegaciesinstantlycameback.ShedrainedSetrákusRa’spowers,Irealize.And,judgingbyhiscowardlyretreat,theystillhaven’t
returnedtohim.ImightnotbeabletokillSetrákusRa,butthatdoesn’tmeanIcan’tsubduehim.Let’sseethe
MogadoriansinvadewhileI’mholdingtheirBelovedLeaderhostage.Iraceacrossthelopsidedandbrokenstage,tryingtocutoffSetrákusRabeforehecanreachhisship.
Ellaseesmecominganddigsherheelsin.ShestrugglesagainstRa’sgripandthisslowshimupjustenough.I’mgoingtocatchhim.‘SetrákusRa!’Damnit.Notnow.TheMogadorianleaderdoesn’tevenacknowledgeAgentWalkerasshecomesathimfromhisother
side.Doessheexpecthimtofreeze?It’sherandtwootheragentswhohavemanagedtoextricatethemselvesfromtheriotous,panickingcrowd.Samiswiththem.Theystopafewyardsoff,theirgunsleveled.EvenSamlooksreadytofire–hiseyesnarrowed,hismouthpressedintoafirmline.IrememberthoseacidburnsonSam’swrists.TheycamecourtesyofSetrákusRa.I’msurehe’sreadytosettlethatscore.‘Wait!’IyellatSamandWalker,butI’mtoolate.
SetrákusRajerkshisheadinthedirectionoftheagentsandSam,likethey’reanannoyingbugthatneedstobeswatted.WiththehandnotholdingElla,SetrákusRaproducesthatthree-headedwhipofhisfromwhereit’shiddenunderhistornuniform.Beforehecanlashoutatthem,theagentsandSamopenfire.Ican’tbelievewhatI’mabouttodo.Istopthebulletsinmidairwithmytelekinesis.I’mnotsureiftheywouldhaveevenpenetrated
SetrákusRa’sarmor,butIcan’triskit.Idon’tletSamandtheothershaveachancetorealizealltheirshotshavemissed.Instead,Ishovetheentiregroupbackwardswithmytelekinesis.Nothardenoughtohurtthem,buthardenoughtoknockthemoversomeofthebrokenstagedebris.It’salsoenoughtoputthemoutofrangeofSetrákusRa’swhip.I’llapologizelater.SetrákusRadoesn’tgivetheagentsasecondlook.Thebriefdistractionwasallheneededtoreachthe
stepsofhisshipaheadofme.Heboundsupthem,draggingEllaalongbehindhim,anddisappearsintothevessel.Isprintforward,determinednottolethimescape.Theshipbeginstoriseupbeforethestaircasehas
fullyfoldedbackintoitssmoothbody.Icanstillcatchthem.Icanstillstophim.I’msoclose.Idiveforwardandmanagetograbthebottomstepwithmygoodhand.Theshipcontinuestorisewhilethestepsrecedebacktowardstheopendoorway.Theypullmecloser
towardsSetrákusRaandElla,evenastheshiprisesfartherawayfromtheEarth.IswingoneofmylegsupsothatI’mhookedaroundthebottomstep.Soon,we’realmostahundredfeetintheair,gettingcloserandclosertothewarshipabove.Thestepsfolduplikeanaccordionintoapanelatthebaseoftheship’sentrance.IpushoffthestepI’d
beengraspingbeforeI’mcrushedinthemechanismandlungefortheopendoorway.Itisn’teasytodowithonlyonegoodarm.Ienduphangingfromthedoorway’sedge,mygoodarmstartingtofeelhyperextended.Mylegsdangleabovewhatisnowatwo-hundred-footdrop.SetrákusRastandsoverme.Histhree-headedwhipdanglesinmyface,thetipsalivewithcrackling
fire.Idon’tthinkheplanstopullmetherestofthewayin.IcatchaglimpseofEllathroughhislegs.She’sslouchedinoneofthecockpit’schairs,lookingtotally
sedated.Iwon’tbegettinganyhelpfromher.‘JohnSmith,isn’tit?’SetrákusRaasksconversationally.‘Thankyouforthehelpdownthere.’‘Iwasn’ttryingtohelpyou.’‘Butyoudid,regardless.ThatisonereasonwhyIwillletyoulive.’Igrimace.Mygripslipsalittle.Ineedtocomeupwithaplaysoon.It’shardtochuckafireballwith
onearmdislocatedandtheotherholdingonfordearlife.It’llhavetobemytelekinesis.MaybeifIcanpushhimback…It’sgone.Mytelekinesisisgone.Drained,justlikebefore.SetrákusRasmilesatme.HisLegaciesarereturning.I’vefailed.Hecrouchesdownsohecangetrightinmyface.‘Theotherreason,’hehisses,‘issoyoucanseehowImakethisplanetburn.’SetrákusRastraightensupagainandnonchalantlyflickshiswhipatme.Thethreeheadsstrikemeright
acrosstheface.I’mimmunetothefire,butthelashesstilldigthreegroovesacrossmycheek.
It’senoughtomakemelosemygrip.I’mfalling.AsIplummettowardstheriverbelow,IfeelmyLegaciessnapbackon.Imustbefarenoughaway
fromSetrákusRa.Quickly,Ipushdownwithmytelekinesis,doingeverythingIcantoslowmyfall.IstillhittheEastRiverhard.It’slikegettingslappedacrossmywholebody.Dirtywaterfloodsmy
lungsandforaterrifyingsecondI’mnotsurewhichwayisup,whichwaytoswim.Imanagetoresurface,chokingandspitting,andtryingtoswimagainstthecurrentwithonlyonearm.Iendupdoinganawkwardbackstroke,gaspingforbreaththeentireway.I’mexhaustedbythetimeIreachthebank,slightlydownriverfromthechaosattheUN,surroundedonallsidesbytrashanddeadfish.‘John!John!Areyouallright?’It’sSam.Herunsacrossthemudtowardsme.Hemusthaveseenmefallandfollowedmehere.He
skidsintothemucknexttome.Icanonlymanageagroanbywayofgreeting.Ithinksomeofmyribsarebroken.‘Canyoumove?’Samasks,gingerlytouchingmyscrewed-upshoulder.Inod.WithSam’shelp,Imakeitbacktomyfeet.I’msoaked,bruised,brokeninplaces,withthreelong
cutsacrossmyface.I’mnotsurewhattohealfirst.‘Where’sNine?’Imanagetoask.‘Ilosthiminthechaos,’Samreplies,hisvoicebreaking.‘HeandFivewerekillingeachother.Walker
andherpeoplearetryingtoevacuatecivilians.It’scrazyupthere.John,whatdowedo?’Istarttoopenmymouth,hopingaplanwillcometomeifIjuststarttalking,butanearbyexplosion
cutsmeoff.Theimpactispowerfulenoughthatmyteethclicktogether.IlookupattheskyjustintimetoseetheMogadorianwarshipopenfireonNewYork.
29
Eight’seyes,brightlyglowingembersofpureLoralite,assesseachoneofusinturn.TheylingerforaparticularlylongtimeonAdam–longenoughtomakeourMogadorianallytakeanervousstepbackwards.LikeMarina,I’mrootedinplace,staringatourfriendbroughtbacktosomekindoflife.EightfloatsovertheSanctuary’swellinacolumnofunleashedenergy.No,hedoesn’tjustfloatintheenergy.Theenergyisapartofhim.Orit.I’mprettysurethat’snotoursarcastic,goofyfriendfloatingupthere.Whateveritis,Ifeela
strangekinshipwiththeentity,almostlikethesameenergynowreanimatingEightisflowingthroughme,too.It’sthesameelectricrushIgetwhenIusemyLegacies.MaybeI’mlookingattheessenceofwhatmakesmeLoric,whatmakesmeGarde.MaybeI’mlookingatLorienitself.‘TwoLoricandaMogadorian,’theentitysaysatlast,itsappraisalofuscomplete.Itsvoiceisnothing
likeEight’susedtobe–it’slikeahundredvoicesspeakingatonce,allofthemperfectlyintune.TheflashingpoolsofenergywhereEight’seyesusedtobelingeronAdamagainandtheentity’slipspurseincuriosity.‘Exceptnotquite.Youaresomethingdifferent.Somethingnew.’‘Uh,thankyou?’Adamreplies,andtakesanotherstepbackwards.Marinaclearsherthroatandstepsclosertothewell.Therearetearsinhereyes.Herhandsextendout
infrontofher,likeshewantstograbattheentity’shandandmakesurehe’sreal.‘Eight?Isthatyou?’Hervoiceishardtohearovertherhythmicpulsingbeneaththewell.TheentityturnshisgazeonMarinaandfrowns.‘No.Iamsorry,daughter.Yourfriendisgone.’Marina’sshouldersheavewithdisappointment.ThethinginEight’sbodyreachesouttocomforther,
butenergycracklesbetweenthemanditendsuppullingback.‘Heiswithmenow,’theentitysays,soothingly.‘Hedoesmeagreatservice,lettingmespeakthrough
him.IthasbeenalongtimesinceIhadavoice.’‘AreyouLorien?’Iask,atlastfindingmyownvoice.‘Areyou,like,theplanet?’Theentityseemstoconsidermyquestion.ThroughthethinfabricofEight’sshirt,Icanseehiswound
lightup.Itglowscobaltblueliketherestofhim,hisentirebodyfilledupwiththeenergy.It’sseepingoutofhim.‘Iwascalledthatonce,yes,’theentitysays,andwavesitshandattheglowingcarvingsonthewalls.
‘Inotherplaces,Iwascalledotherthings.Andnow,onthisplanet,Iwillbecalledsomethingnew.’‘You’reagod,’Marinabreathes.‘No.Isimplyam.’Ishakemyhead.Godornot,weneedthisthing’shelp.Wedon’thavetimeforriddles.I’msuddenly
really,reallytiredofcavedrawingsandpropheciesandglowingpeople.‘Doyouknowwhat’shappening?’IaskEight–Lorien–whateveritis.‘TheMogadoriansare
invading.’
Theentity’seyesturnonceagaintoAdam.‘Notallofthem,Isee.’Adamlooksuncomfortable.Theentityquicklyturnsaway.Itstaresupattheceilingandit’sasifthose
cracklingeyescanseeoutsideofthetemple.Likeitcanseeeverything.‘Yes.Theyarecoming,’theentitysays,hisechoingvoiceapparentlybemusedbytheimpending
Mogadorianinvasion.‘Theirleaderhaschasedmeforaverylongtime.YourEldersforesawthefallofLorienandchosetoprotectme.Theyhidmehereinhopesthatitwoulddelayhim.’‘Itdidn’tgosohot,’Ireply.Marinaelbowsme.Theentity’seyesslowlyturntotheceilingagain.Foramoment,adeepsadnesspassesacrossitsface.‘Somanyofmychildrengoneforever,’theentitymuses.‘IsupposeyouwouldbetheLoricElders
now,ifsuchathingstillexists.’‘We’reGarde,’Isay,correctingthisbillion-year-oldgodlikeenergyforce,becausewhatthehell,
we’vecomethisfar.‘We’rehereforyourhelp.’Theentityactuallychuckles.‘Itdoesnotmattertome,daughter.Elders,Garde,Cêpan–thesewords
arehowtheLoricchosetounderstandmygifts.Itdoesnothavetobethatwayhere.Itdoesnothavetobeanyway.’Theentitypausesthoughtfully.‘Asforhelp,IdonotknowwhatIcanoffer,child.’Moreconfusion,moreriddles.Ididn’tthinkcomingtotheSanctuarywouldgolikeNinehadjoked–
thatwe’dunleashsomemassivepowerthatwouldwipeoutalltheMogadorians.ButIexpectedtofindsomethingthatcouldhelp.OurfriendscouldbedyingrightnowinthefirstwaveofaMogadorianinvasion,andI’mdownheremakingsmalltalkwithanannoyinglymysteriousimmortal.‘That’snotgoodenough,’Isay.Frustrated,Itakeasteptowardstheentity.EnergycracklesaroundmeandIfeelmyhairstandupfrom
static.‘Six,’Adamwhispers,‘becareful.’Iignorehim,raisingmyvoicetoyellattheall-powerfulLorien.‘We’vecomefartoawakenyou!
We’velostfriends!Youhavetobeabletodosomething.OrareyoucoolifSetrákusRajustmarchesdownhereanddestroysthisplanet?Killseveryoneonit?You’regoingtoletthathappentwiceonyourwatch?’Theentity’sbrowfurrows.AcrackopensintheskinonEight’sforehead,andenergybeginstospill
forth.Marinacovershermouthbutmanagesnottocryout.It’slikeEight’sbodyishollowinsideandtheenergyisgraduallybreakingitdown.‘Iamsorry,daughter,’EightsaystoMarina.‘Thisformcannotholdmeforlong.’Then,theentityturnsbacktome.There’snosignthatmywordshaveoffendedit,orhadanyeffectat
all.Itsvoiceisasmelodicandpatientasever.‘Idonotcondonethesenselessdestructionoflife,’theentityexplains.‘ButIdonotchoosefates.Ido
notjudge.IfitisthewilloftheuniversethatIceasetobe,thenIwillcease.Iexistmerelytobestowmygiftsuponthosewhoareopentothem.’Ispreadmyarms.‘I’mopentothem.Loadmeup.GivemeenoughLegaciestodestroySetrákusRaand
hisfleetandI’llleaveyourglowingassalone.’Theentitysmilesatme.MorecracksformalongthebacksofEight’shands.Theenergyisescaping.‘Itdoesnotworkthatway,’itintones.‘Thenhowthehelldoesitwork?’Ishout.‘Telluswhattodo!’
‘Thereisnothinglefttodo,daughter.Youhavewokenmeandrestoredmystrength.IamoftheEarthnow,andsoaremygifts.’‘Buthowwillthathelpuswin?’Iyell.‘Whatwasallthisshitfor?’Theentityignoresme.Iguessthat’sallthewisdomit’swillingtoimpart.Instead,itgazesuponMarina.‘Hewon’thavelong,daughter.’‘Whowon’t?’shereplies,puzzled.Withoutanotherword,theentity’seyescloseandEight’sbodybeginstotremble.Tomysurprise,the
energyactuallyrecedesfromhisbody.Thecracksalongthebacksofhishandsstopglowingandcloseup,asdoestheonethatopenedacrosshisforehead.Afterafewseconds,theonlythingleftglowingonEightisthewoundoverhisheart.HefloatsoutofthecolumnofenergyandendsuprightinfrontofMarina.WhenEightopenshiseyes,theydon’tglow.They’regreen,justlikeIrememberthem,serene,butwith
asparkofthatoldmischief.Eight’slipscurlintoaslowsmileasheseesMarina.‘Wow,hi,’Eightsays,andwhenhespeaksit’swithhisownvoice.It’shim.It’sreallyhim.Marinanearlydoublesoverwithadelightedsob.Shecollectsherselfquickly,though,andgrabsEight
firstbytheshoulders,thenonthesidesofhisface.Shepullshiminclose.‘You’rewarm,’shesaysinwonder.‘You’resowarm.’Eightlaughseasily.HeputshishandoverMarina’sandgentlykissesthesideofit.‘You’rewarm,too,’hesays.‘I’msosorry,Eight.I’msorryIcouldn’thealyou.’Eightshakeshishead.‘Stop,Marina.It’sokay.Youbroughtmehere.It’s–Ican’tevendescribeit.It’s
amazinginthere.’Already,IseetheenergyspreadingoutwardfromEight’sheart.Itracesthroughhisbody,fissures
openingonhisarmsandlegs.Hedoesn’tseemtobeinanypain.HejustsmilesatMarinaandlooksatherlikehe’stryingtomemorizeherface.‘CanIkissyou?’Marinaaskshim.‘Ireallywishyouwould.’Marinakisseshim,pressinginclose,squeezinghim.Asshedoes,theenergyswellsupfromwithin
Eightand,slowly,hisbodybeginstobreakapart.It’sdifferentfromwhenaMogadoriandisintegrates.It’sasif,foramoment,IcanseeeverycellinEight’sbodyandseehowtheenergyfromthewellglowsinbetweeneachofthem.Onebyone,thosepiecesofEightdissolve,andhebecomesonewiththelight.Marinatriestoclingtohim,butherfingerspassrightthroughtheenergy.Andthen,he’sgone.Thelightflowsbacktothewellandrecedesdeepundertheground.Theheartbeat
wetriggeredgrowsfainter.Icanstillhearit,butonlyifIreallylisten.Thechamberispeacefulagain,litonlybytheglowingLoralitecarvingsonthewall.Ifeelfreshaironmybackandturnaroundtoseethatadoorhasopenedupinthewall.Itleadstoastaircase,sunlightcominginfromtheoutside.Marinacollapsesagainstme,asobbingwreck.Ihughercloseandtrynottobreakdownmyself.Adam
watchesuswithoutstaringtoohardandwipesatsomethinginthecornerofhiseye.‘Weshouldgo,’Adamsaysquietly.‘Theotherswillneedourhelp.’Inodathim.Iwonderifweevenaccomplishedanythingdownhere.ItwasbeautifulseeingEight
again,evenforafewfleetingmoments.Yetmyconversationwiththeintergalacticentitythatgrantsusour
Legaciessuredidn’tyieldalotofanswers.Meanwhile,thetimeuntilaMogadorianinvasionisprobablyrunningout,ifithasn’talready.Marinasqueezesmyarm.Ilookdownather.‘Isawit,Six,’Marinawhisperstome.‘WhenIkissedhim,Isawinsidethething–Lorien,theenergy,
whateveryouwanttocallit.’‘Okay,’Isay,wantingtobegentlewithher,butnotsurewehavetimeforthis.‘And?’Marinagrinsatme.‘It’sspreading,Six.ThroughtheEarth.It’sspreadingeverywhere.’‘Whatdoesthatmean?’Adamasks.‘Itmeans,’Marinasays,wipingherfaceandstandingupstraight,‘thatwearen’taloneanymore.’
30
Skyscrapersburn.Werun.TheMogadorianwarshipcrawlsacrossNewYork’sskyline,itsmassiveenergycannonsbombarding
theblocksindiscriminately.Thewarshipalreadydisgorgeddozensofarmedscoutships,thesmallervesselszippingupanddowntheavenues,ferryingwarriorstotheground,wheretheyblastwhatevercivilianstheycomeacross.Otherthingsleapeddownfromtheship,too.Hungry,angrythings.Ihaven’tseenanyyet;I’veonly
heardtheirterriblehowlsrisingabovetheexplosions.Piken.NewYorkCityislost,thatmuchIknowforsure.There’snoturningbacktheMogadoriansatthispoint.
IhavenoideahowtheothercitieswhereMogadorianwarshipswerespottedaredoing.ThenetworkisdowninNewYork,andmysatellitephonesunktothebottomoftheEastRiver.Allwecandoisrun.JustlikeI’vebeendoingmyentirelife.Exceptnow,unfortunately,therearea
millionpeoplerunningwithme.‘Run!’Ishoutatanyonewecomeacross.‘Rununtilyoucan’tseetheirships!Survive,regroupandwe
willfightthem!’Samiswithme.Hisfaceisashenandhelookslikehe’sgoingtobesick.Heneversawwhatthe
MogadoriansdidtoLorien.He’sbeenthroughsomehardtimeswithus,butneveranythinglikethis.Ithinkhealwaysbelievedthatwewouldwin.Heneverthoughtthisdaywouldcome.I’velethimdown.Idon’tknowwhereNineandFiveare.Therearen’tanynewscarsburningtheirwayacrossmyankle,
sotheyhaven’tkilledeachotheryet.IlostAgentWalker,too.Sheandheragentsareontheirown.Ihopetheymakeitoutalive.Iftheydo,
maybethey’llbesmartenoughtomeetusbackatAshwoodEstates.IfSamandIcanevenmakeitthatfar.Werundownstreetsfilledwithsmoke,dartingaroundoverturnedcars,climbingoverfallenchunksof
buildings.Whenoneofthescoutshipscruisesby,weduckintoalleysorhideindoorways.Icouldfightthem.WithalltheangerI’mholdingonto,I’msureIcouldripthroughtheminnotime.I
couldeasilytakedownoneofthescoutshipsonmyown.ButI’mnotonmyown.ThereareabouttwentysurvivorsfollowingmeandSam.AfamilyIpulledoffaburningbalconywith
mytelekinesis,apairofblood-splatteredNYPDofficerswhosawmetakedownapairofMogwarriors,agroupthatcameoutfromhidinginarestaurantwhenIflashedmyLumeninside,andothersstill.Ican’tsaveeveryoneinthiscity,butI’lldowhatIcan.Thatmeansnotpickingfightswiththe
Mogadorians.AtleastnotuntilIcangetthesepeopletosafety.
IavoidtroublewhereverIcan.Itisn’talwayspossible.Wecrossanintersectionwhereslashedpowerlinesaredrapedacrosstheburnedhuskofacitybus,
andwerunrightintoadozenMogadorianwarriors.Theybringtheirblastersaroundonus,butIblowthembackwithafireballbeforetheycansqueezeoffanyshots.Theoneswhoaren’timmediatelyincineratedgetpoppedbythecopsstandingbehindme.Ilookovermyshoulder,noddingtotheofficers.‘Niceshooting.’‘We’vegotyourback,JohnSmith,’oneofthemsays.Idon’teventhinktoaskhowheknowsmyname.OurgrouprunsafewmoreblocksbeforeI’mdrawntothesoundofnearbyscreaming.Aroundthe
corner,wefindayoungcoupletryingtoescapefromtheirburningapartmentbuildingviathefireescape.Theboltslooklikethey’vecomeunmooredfromthewallneartheroof,andnowthewholefireescapehangslikeacrookedfingeroverthestreet.Stillfivestoriesup,theguyhasfallenovertherailing.Hisgirlfrienddesperatelytriestopullhimbackovertheside.Sarah’sfaceflashesintomymind.Juststayalive,Ithink.Survivethis,andwe’llbetogether.I’m
goingtomakeitbacktoher.Iruntowardsthefireescape,bracingitfromadistancewithmytelekinesis.‘Letgo!’Ishoutupatthecouple.‘I’llcatchyou!’‘Areyoufreakingnuts?’theguyyellsback.Noneofushavetimetoargue,soIreachoutwithmytelekinesisandjustyankthecoupleoffthefire
escape.AsI’mloweringthemtotheground,Ihearthebeatsofheavyfootfallsbearingdownonme.‘John!’Samscreams.‘Lookout!’Iturnmyhead.It’saPiken.Thebeastgallopstowardsmeatfullspeed,itsjawscoveredwithslobber,
itsrazor-sharpteethbared.Ihearscreamsfrommygroup.Thecopstakesomeshotsatthemonster,buttheydon’tevenslowitdown.TheothershavethegoodsensetorunfromtherabidMogadorianbeast.Exceptthedirectiontheyruninputsthemrightbeneaththefireescape.Which,ofcourse,choosesthat
exactmomenttotearfullyawayfromitsbuildingandcomeclatteringdownintothestreet.I’vestillgotthecouplesuspendedintheair,andnowI’mholdingupthefireescapewithmy
telekinesis,too.ItrytodividemyfocusenoughtoturnonmyLumen,butit’sjusttoomuch.I’mtooexhausted,thestrainismorethanIcanmanage.ThePikenisalmostontopofme.Sarah’sfaceflashesagaintotheforefrontofmymind.Ihavetotry.Igritmyteethanddigdowndeeper.Withamassivewoomf,awaveoftelekineticforcehitsthePikenandknocksitintotheair.Thebeast’s
muscularlegsflailwildly.Itlandsback-firstontopofastopsign,thepoleimpalingthebeastrightthroughtheheart.Thatdidn’tcomefromme.Ilowerthecouplesafelytotheground,tossthefireescapeasideandturninthedirectionthe
telekineticblastcamefrom.Samstaresatme.He’sfrozen.HishandsareextendedoutinfrontofhimlikehejustshovedthePiken
andstillhasn’tfinishedwiththefollow-through.Slowly,heblinkshiseyes.Samlooksdownathishands,thenoveratme.‘Holyshit,’hesays.‘DidIjustdothat?’
THEBEGINNING
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MICHAELJOSEPHPublishedbythePenguinGroupPenguinBooksLtd,80Strand,LondonWC2R0RL,EnglandPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.,375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014,USAPenguinGroup(Canada),90EglintonAvenueEast,Suite700,Toronto,Ontario,CanadaM4P2Y3(adivisionofPearsonPenguinCanadaInc.)PenguinIreland,25StStephen’sGreen,Dublin2,Ireland(adivisionofPenguinBooksLtd)PenguinGroup(Australia),707CollinsStreet,Melbourne,Victoria3008,Australia(adivisionofPearsonAustraliaGroupPtyLtd)PenguinBooksIndiaPvtLtd,11CommunityCentre,PanchsheelPark,NewDelhi–110017,IndiaPenguinGroup(NZ),67ApolloDrive,Rosedale,Auckland0632,NewZealand(adivisionofPearsonNewZealandLtd)PenguinBooks(SouthAfrica)(Pty)Ltd,BlockD,RosebankOfficePark,181JanSmutsAvenue,ParktownNorth,Gauteng2193,SouthAfrica
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FirstpublishedintheUnitedStatesofAmericabyHarperCollinsPublishers2014FirstPublishedinGreatBritainbyMichaelJoseph2014
Copyright©PittacusLore,2014
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TypesetbyJouve(UK),MiltonKeynes
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businesses,companies,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
ISBN:978-1-405-91363-8