{Cinder}

Andrew shook his head as John finished his presentation. Fucking Tritans. A murmur of side conversations washed over the Shadow. Reassure them, they survived the war for more than this.

“We’ll get through this like we always do. Together.”

The crowd stopped whispering and turned to him.

Andrew headed for the front and continued, “I know it looks murky. Again. But we got this. Thanks for sharing with us John.” He pulled the guy in for a quick hug.

The human shook on his steady prosthetic. “Thanks, Conscience.”

“The crops are doing great. The evacuation is going well. The medical and weapon research keeps us healthy and well-defended. Let’s focus on the good we’ve accomplished.”

The murmuring returned. Tameka approached Pablo and patted his arm. “I don’t like the transfer taking place right now, but I understand. You guys work hard with tight deadlines. I’m sorry I—”

He squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry about it.”

Chris leaned into Jack and whispered, “Maybe it’s time we hit up Six and travel on Molly. Let Iron Hope rest a bit. Or maybe we could settle down somewhere. What do you think?”

“Yea. I think Karter would like that.” Jack smiled especially brightly for a kid that almost died a few hours ago.

Ross sighed heavily. “Dunno about the semi. That’s a lot of boy smell cramped into one tiny space. She may not appreciate it as much as you’d think. I’m doubtful myself.”

Jack flushed a bit, and Chris belted out a hearty laugh.

Andrew cut into the peace. “Let’s recount our concerns.” He nodded over to Story Taker.

Kyle headed up to the dais. “So, we learned Imminent is a conglomeration. Not necessarily a Tritan-only club. We also suspect they’re behind the attempt on our King Regent. I know this nacre human vs natural human group might be legit, but they stink of Imminent. Does anyone disagree?”

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Many thumbs down and shaken heads.

Conscience took the floor again. “External activities should slow down for now. Don’t expose yourself without serious cause and without discussing it with the Shadow.”

Tameka said, “I’m concerned about the timing of these events. Within the same week of learning I’m a permanent resident in Enki, Jack was almost assassinated, the Ecology and the Arsenal have a risky inmate transfer, an Icarus with no memory who can break nacre glass appears, and all while Sagan’s working a dangerous mission on Gait. We’re stretched thin.”

“And Imminent knows it.” Kyle frowned as he announced it.

Para added, “And we’re all here…”

A weight settled in the room. An icy chill followed. Andrew shivered. Everyone stood. The anxious chatter that erupted included an uneasy urge to head back to their respective stations.

“Watch out for each other. Check in once a week, except for me obviously. I’ll be fine.” Tameka rushed over to hug Jack.

“I’ll find out what I can about the history of Gait from my source,” Sagan offered. “If the Tritans hide it, it might be significant to them.”

Kyle let go of his sister and called, “Pablo, we’re heading back to get Silence now.”

“Be right there.” He turned back to John. “Yea, I’d love to check out this limb sometime. Enki tech is so fascinating.”

“Next time I’m Earthside, I’ll drop in,” John promised as they hugged goodbye.

Sagan counted heads on her passengers. “Let me take Jack and them to the train first. Then…”

Matt wandered from her side, peering at the Coalition nacres.

Andrew licked his lips, nervously. “Do you mind taking me back to the chateau? I want to find Lucas.”

She smiled and held out her hand. “You first.”

He took it and already felt better as they stepped through the Seam. The Brethren’s grand auditorium echoed their footsteps. So empty and lonely with its expensive wainscoting and polished wooden floors.

“Maybe he’s gone home already,” Sagan offered.

Andrew hugged her tightly. “Go. I’ll fly home. It’s not far, and it’ll help me clear my head.”

Sagan patted him and squeezed out, “I love you, Conscience.”

“I hate that name.”

“I know.” She grinned mischievously at him and vanished.

Alone, Andrew rubbed his eyes with the fingers on one hand. He trusted his family to take care of themselves, but that never stopped him from worrying. One more loss, of any kind, might send him over the edge he refused to acknowledge.

And with those happy thoughts, he flew back to Neverland. Lucas loaned The Brethren the gorgeous chateau as their headquarters. But mostly because he kept the zeppelin close by, the cheeky Icarus. The rest commuted from remote locations around the world.

The night suited Andrew’s mood. The fresh air healed some of his anxiety. But he really needed a hug—

Far out on the horizon, in the farm’s direction, an ominous light glowed against the night. Andrew’s heart stopped in his chest. No.

No, no, no, no—

Andrew couldn’t think it hard enough, so he started muttering it. Then screaming it until his lungs went hoarse while his wings struggled to keep his hopeless soul aloft.

“NO!”

Every square foot of the Vittle crop blazed in black flames.