Night had arrived long before they made it to the outskirts of City I. The wind had picked up, blowing acidic snow in a torrent of blinding white. Everyone stayed close to Simon, his ability to maintain a protective bubble dwindling like a fire running out of wood to burn. Behind them was Aurra’s tallest mountain, most of its bulk hidden by sleet and heavy fog.

  “This City—it really is tiny,” Garder noticed as they went over one last hill. “None of the skyscrapers even reach Earth’s tallest. And look at all those cabins on the outer rim. Not often you see so many houses in a City.”

  “It only has a thousand transfers a day,” Shin replied. “And its population hovers around a paltry three million. Only A and Z are smaller.”

  “I haven’t asked yet…” Temki said in Garder’s mind, “Why did you need to come all the way out here?”

  Garder looked around at his group. He could tell that everyone had heard what Temki said—something to their surprise.

  “You can speak directly to more than one person at a time?” Lechi wondered aloud.

  “Well, yes… There’s nothing to it for me.”

  “And you’re only a level one?” Garder added.

  “Yes. The Guard thought I’d be too dangerous if they promoted me. What about my question?” he continued without opening his mouth once.

  “Well… Um…”

  “That’s a long discussion, Temki,” Milla said. “We’d better wait until we’re inside and warmed up, don’t you think?”

  “Speaking of which, where are we going?” Simon asked.

  “My family apartment. I remember the shape of the building.”

  “Does the Guard have a presence here?” Verim questioned.

  “No. At least, I don’t think so,” Shin replied.

  “That’s not surprising,” Garder replied. “This is the second most remote City, and third least populated.”

  “Where exactly would we be on Earth up here?” Simon wondered.

  “Somewhere in central Greenland,” Milla explained. “About as far up as you could go on solid land before reaching true north.”

  “We should hurry and get inside the City, where it’s warmer,” Temki said verbally. “Another hour out here, and we’ll freeze.”

  Getting closer, Garder noticed swirling metal spires in various areas of the urban center, some reaching as high as the tallest buildings.

  “What are those?” he asked.

  “Heat spires. Towers fed with low-dose fire alchemagi. They keep the City survivable during winter,” Shin explained. “They’re in other northern Cities, but not in this size.”

  “I don’t recognize this place…” Temki murmured. “I have a few faded memories, but I don’t really remember being here…”

  “I’m sure your family will be glad to see you,” Milla assured him.

  Temki didn’t respond. After crossing the bridge over a frozen lake, the group arrived at the City’s gate, within its protective sun bubble. Two watchtowers presided over the gate: a massive, solid steel contraption with two smaller doors carved into it at the bottom.

  With no visible entry, Garder simply knocked on a door and waited for a response. After a minute, a hooded, older man dressed in thick fur came out rather cautiously. Everyone kept silent as he scanned the group.

  “Ah…” He coughed. “It has been a while since we’ve had visitors. And during winter, no less, when you can’t even see the road? Well, you’ve come all this way, so follow me and we’ll set up your visiting visas. I assume all of you come from H or above?”

  Garder and Milla looked at each other. He thought for a moment that he’d actually have to stay outside or something, being from the middle-tier City of N.

  “Um… Actually, sir…” Temki spoke up. “My name is Temki, and we’re on an important errand. Have you heard of me?”

  “Well, there hasn’t been a child here by that name in…”

  Temki lowered his hood to show his soft, golden hair and the wooden staff he carried close to his chest.

  “T-Temki?” the man gasped. “My God… you’ve returned to us. After all this time?”

  “Hm. These people helped me escape from my prison. The Administration was keeping me locked up.”

  “The Administration? You lot… defied them? Do you have any idea what they can do to you for that?”

  “At this point, none of us really worry about that,” Jeryn explained. “We’re on assignment from a respected general. There is a pressing matter we need to discuss with the leader of this City.”

  “I see. Given that, I’ll grant you temporary total access. But our mayor—that’s his title here—has already gone to bed for the night by now. In the morning, I am sure he will meet with you. You must’ve been traveling for quite some time… How about some warm beds?”

  “Expected. Well, we were going to visit Temki’s home first. Then I suppose we’ll find an inn.”

  “Of course. Come, come right in.”

  He held the metal door open, granting them access to the City. After passing through the usual quietness and seclusion of any City’s bordering areas, the group became fully aware that this place wasn’t just a cold, dead metropolis in the far north—it had a vibrant life its own.

  Aurrians young and old skated on ice rinks, and horse-drawn carriages were as common as engine-powered versions on stony, oil lamp lit streets. The heat spires only brought up the temperature to a “balmy” zero or so degrees Fahrenheit, but the locals didn’t mind the cold.

  Apart from frost and icicles covering buildings, the City didn’t resemble the version of itself in the Fragmented Dimension in the least. It also had something else lost in the larger Cities—a real sense of community. With its relatively small size, it seemed as if the people could enjoy life and one another’s company more that they were able to elsewhere.

  “Temki, your home hasn’t moved… but…” the guard trailed off as they neared the City center. “Well, never mind. It’s on the fifth floor of that apartment there, room three.” He pointed to a small tower covered in mirrored glass, across from the sun spire in the distance. “I’ll leave you here, then. The mayor will be happy to learn that you’ve returned.”

  “Yes, I remember this building. Thank you…” he replied before the guard left. “Come on, then. I… I can’t wait to see my parents.”

  “Temki, if I can ask, what was your Earth life like?” Milla wondered.

  “It’s hard to remember. I think I died… when I was only six. I barely started school… But in Aurra, your mind opens to its full extent, right? I still don’t know that much about Aurra, though… so maybe I’m wrong.”

  “There’s a lot to take in,” Simon replied. “You and I are both first lifers, by the way.”

  “Oh? I see… I think about my Earth parents sometimes. I have more images of them than my Aurrian ones. My baby sister was just born when I… Well, I hated Hold. So many people. But being a child, they took sympathy on me. A nice lady helped me to I’s door. And now I’m back.”

  “I know they don’t do it with newsoul children like you, but kids should never have to go through with being judged,” Garder said angrily. “It’s sickening, really. They should just all be automatically sent to one of the top tier Cities. How can you even do such a thing?”

  “Did the Guard ever let you out?” Shin asked. “You mentioned demirriages before. Did you ever ride one?”

  “Yes. They were kind to me. They took me around City N. Then I was moved to the Administration. They never let me out of the cell block.”

  “I actually quite like this place,” Milla commented and looked around the buildings once more. “I wish I had spent a life here.”

  “Guess this must be it,” Simon said as the group stopped in front of the apartment building. “Temki, you ready?”

  He took a breath and nodded.

  Minutes later, he was knocking at the door of the home where his family was supposed to be. An elderly, friendly woman with thick, gray hair opened it and looked over the strange group. She peered over Verim longer than anyone else, but he didn’t seem to mind.

  “Y-yes?” she said at last. “How can I help you people?”

  “Um… excuse me, my name is Temki… my parents are supposed to be here?” he said rather weakly.

  “D-did you say… Temki?”

  “Yes… That’s right…”

  “Oh! Oh, my poor dear! I didn’t think I’d ever see you again! Come right in, all of you. You look hungry and tired. I can tell, oh yes… Come, warm up by the fire.”

  The residence was designed more like an old wooden cabin than a modern apartment room. The appearance gave it a very northernly cozy look, and there was even a grand fireplace, its smoke going up through a diagonal chimney that fed it outside. Bookshelves and pillow-covered wooden chairs covered much of the available space, and in the center of everything was a large wooden table. Three cats were sprawled out on the chairs near the fire, each one a large forest cat or Maine Coon.

  The old woman wouldn’t even introduce herself before making sure that everyone was settled at the table with a bowl of hearty stew and mug full of cocoa. Temki’s eyes darted around the apartment as he took in the sights and smells of a place only existing as a tiny fragment in his memory.

  Milla spoke up after some time, “This is very good stew… Miss…”

  “Tess Rachester. I am little Temki’s grandmother.”

  “Grandmother?” Temki replied.

  “Oh, yes, dear. Who did you think I was, the nanny?”

  “I’m… sorry, I don’t remember you at all.”

  “Ha, I’m not offended, and that’s not surprising. They took you away when you were only a little one.”

  “Then… where are my parents?”

  “You don’t remember?”

  Temki shook his head slowly.

  “Oh, poor dear… They took them, too. They tried to fight to keep you, and the Guard took them. It’s just been my cats and I for these last six years. I’m sorry, Temki. The truth is, you probably won’t see them again.”

  “Oh…” he looked down at his stew and wiped away a single tear.

  “Temki? Are you going to be okay?” Milla worried.

  “Even if they’re gone… God will still watch over me… right?”

  “God, huh?” Garder replied. “Who told you that?”

  “Hm? Don’t you believe that a higher power is watching over us?”

  “Never mind. Let’s not have that discussion.”

  “Actually, Garder, that is something I’ve been meaning to ask,” Simon added. “How is the whole spiritual thing treated in Aurra?”

  “Here we go… For the most part, after finding out about the circle, believers still believe. Didn’t I tell you that?”

  “Yes, but I thought that dying and realizing there was another world would open eyes and such. Make people consider a higher power more.”

  “Hm, not really. I don’t think it changes people that way much.”

  “Well, how do you feel about it?”

  “Look, dying is an amazing experience… I guess, but after a few times, you get used to it, like it’s marriage or having a child. It’s a big transition in life—to start the second half, and in a new body and such. But when you get older, from what I’ve seen at least, you begin to realize you’re an individual and no one bigger than your parents is looking out for you.”

  “So that’s how you feel, huh…”

  “I tend not to worry myself about religion and spirituality, but if you really wanted to categorize me, I’d be agnostic if anything. If there is a God, he’s either hiding in the worldly fabric somewhere or is the embodiment of everything. Either way, he’s not touching our lives individually. He’s not performing miracles. He’s not coming up with some grand plan. I think the fact that we don’t disappear when we die and instead just live the other half of a life is good enough. It’s more important that souls exist than God.”

  “I actually feel the same way as my brother…” Milla added. “But maybe not quite as cynical. Why do you ask, Simon?”

  “Just curious. Personally, I was born into something of a Catholic upbringing, but I was never really devout or anything, and I certainly have my share of doubts. It was just one of the questions I’ve had on my mind.”

  “Anyway, there isn’t any persecution for beliefs in Aurra, nor are they as pronounced or culturally compelling. And Temki, being so young—it’s perfectly natural to believe in a higher power. It’s a very comforting notion,” Garder finished. “Just believe in whatever you want to. I’m too old to personally—to believe anything not in front of me.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  “Too old? Garder, as a five-lifer you’re still young,” Lechi replied. “There are plenty of people older than you who still adhere by some manner of religion, even if they’ve gone through all the major ones themselves. Do you really think that this whole circle of life was created on its own accord? That our primitive ancestors somehow crafted it?”

  “I don’t know, but what I believe is that the Administration and the Guard keep it going. And how’d we get into a philosophical discussion? We should be talking about Temki and his family right now.”

  “It’s just that you make it sound as if only the young and na?ve can believe in something above even the Administration.”

  “No, I don’t! Lechi—why are you attacking me on this? I’m just stating facts. We’re all different. And look, I was a pretty ardent atheist in most of my past Earthen lifetimes. Personally, I don’t care what you believe in as long as you believe in something. I hate a nihilistic mindset.”

  “Then what do you believe in?”

  “A simple unity, and no judgment. Let the public decide how to treat others in Aurra—don’t rely on some judges stuck in Hold who look at real people with complicated histories like they were on an assembly line.”

  “But do you think we should be ruled by the Guard—a people who still believe they are God’s messengers?”

  “Isn’t that a bit of an archaic view? Last I heard, only some of those lunatics still say that. And yes, I do believe there should be a ruling party no matter how corrupt they are and how much we hate them. Maybe not the Guard anymore, but someone. Look, knock it off. I hate debating because I’m simply not smart enough to back up my beliefs strongly.”

  “Got that right…”

  “Geez, Lechi, you never lay off, do you?”

  “What about you, Milla? What do you believe in?”

  “Um…” She thought for a moment, “I just want love to survive no matter what happens. It’s the only thing that really matters to me.”

  “I see…” Temki piped suddenly.

  “Huh?”

  “I think I understand Aurra now. Just by listening to what you’re saying and reading your thought patterns… I understand this circle.”

  “Wait—are you reading our minds?”

  “Not quite, but I could if I wanted…”

  “Temki has always been this way, even as a baby,” Tess explained. “Depending on who was in the room, his whole attitude would change. He even had the ability to speak directly to us. As he grew, his powers began to overwhelm him. He eventually lost control, and everyone in the building started having visions, nightmares, or suffered delusional breakdowns.

  “He doesn’t like to hurt anyone. He wants to help people—that’s what he used to tell me, in his own way. But the Guard discovered that he was a mind paradigm before we could help him, and from there, they refused to let him stay. He could sense the Guard’s ambitions, and usually a quiet child, he cried loudly as they pulled him out of his parents’ grasp.

  “Garder, Milla—here in I, we have very few surrogates. We only get about two hundred transfers a day from ours. We are a very family-oriented community, quite different from any other City. Temki was precious to us.”

  “Even for a resident, you seem to know a lot about this City,” Shin stated. “Is everyone here as knowledgeable as you?”

  “In some aspects. It helps that I’m this City’s architect.”

  “Architect?” Simon wondered. “Garder mentioned those back in N.”

  “They control the City’s appearance and can help repair any damage,” Jeryn explained. “It’s a very high position. Though the appearance of a City changes little during its lifetime, each architect adds something of their own and leaves their mark behind.”

  “We have business with the mayor,” Shin informed her. “It seems like with us bringing Temki back, he’d want to see us anyway, but maybe we can speak to you right now about why we’re here.”

  “So… why are you here?”

  “Tess, have you ever heard of a General Rivia? He might’ve contacted the City a few times,” Milla asked.

  “Heard of him? My dear, he’s one of this City’s living legends. He left ten years ago, and we’ve never heard from him since.”

  “He’s a local hero?”

  “Oh, yes. He’s a very powerful silver. Stopped the largest recorded Mt. Ultimaeus avalanche from destroying a third of the City in his youth.”

  “He grew up here? This is his current home City?”

  “Yes, it is. But I haven’t even asked—where are you from?”

  “N,” Jeryn answered. “Rivia was a former Guard general there. He assigned us on a mission that brought us out here.”

  “Was?” Temki wondered.

  “Ah…” Garder scratched his head. “That’s where things start getting complicated.”

  “We… have to tell you about a place that the Guard doesn’t want you to know exists,” Milla explained. “It’s where Rivia is right now.”

  “Let’s put this out there right now,” Shin interjected. “We need to evacuate City I. Completely. And as soon as possible.”

  “E-evacuate?” Tess stuttered. “An entire City? That’s unheard of…”

  “I’m afraid your people have no choice,” Jeryn replied. “There’s only a small chance your City won’t be destroyed, and we can’t risk anything.”

  “Do you have a method of evacuation?” Shin questioned. “It may take some time to do this, either way… Three million doesn’t seem like a lot on Aurra, but compared to an Earth city, it’s still quite a number.”

  “How could you ask such a thing?” Tess said sadly.

  “Hm?”

  “Look around. We’re heading deep into winter. Soon, the sun will stop coming up altogether. We’re isolated. And you’re telling us to leave?”

  “But surely you have some place to go. Like during that avalanche you told us about—where did you go for that?”

  Tess sighed and began putting away the empty bowls before she replied, “There’s an old animal farm just over the next pass, and a deep cave under it. Altogether, we can move a million people at a time to there. We have enough reserved synthesizers to keep everyone fed, as well.”

  “But that’s not enough—”

  “That’s all we can do.”

  “We also have something that we could use…” Milla took out the claws. “These can open a tear to Earth’s dimension.”

  “One problem, sis—on Earth, this is all a giant glacier.”

  “Yes, but that’s not what I was thinking…”

  “How did you come to possess such a tool?” Tess wondered.

  “It’s a long story. We’ll tell you about it tomorrow with the mayor.”

  “Oh, I think I see what Milla is getting at…” Verim said.

  Garder and Jeryn looked at each other, and both fully realized Milla’s plan at the same time. Garder was the first to speak up in disapproval.

  “No way. No way that’d work. Even if Hold’s kingdom could take in… well, it can’t. It’s tiny. And then what? You have to send them all back to their birthplace—which then might not even exist. And think about it. You want people to, first, step through some tear back to Earth, and then make them do it knowing one of us has to continually kill them, one by one. Gee, what a plan. I’m sure that’ll make them want to leave the City.”

  “Well, I don’t know, Garder!” she snapped. “I know it’s a terrible idea, but at least I’m trying to think up a solution! What brilliant ideas do you have?”

  “I am very confused about all this…” Tess mumbled.

  “I know. I think we should take the night to think about what we’re going to say and come up with a proper way of doing this.”

  “I own several rooms on the next floor up for guests.” She took out a key ring from a large pocket. “Each has a fireplace. You’re all welcome to stay for the night and sort out everything that needs… sorting.”

  “We are grateful,” Milla said with a yawn, and then noticed that Temki had fallen asleep at his seat. “Will he be okay?”

  “Oh, yes—he’ll be fine. Always did fall asleep without a sound. Thank you for bringing him back to us. We owe you.”

  “Tess… Being the architect, do you know anything about the Administration?” Jeryn chimed in.

  “Some things, but nothing that I should say in public.”

  “Would they happen to have an underground complex in this City?”

  “I… really couldn’t tell you that.”

  “We’ve already been in one—when we went after Temki,” Shin explained. “And I’d been in it several times before that. You don’t need to tell us much, but I think what Jeryn is getting at is: can we use it to evacuate? Do they connect with each other? Tunnels? Some… other way?”

  “… Listen, if you really need us to leave this City, we can find a way. Now, let’s settle this in the morning… I’m already up later than usual.”

  “Thank you,” Milla replied before the others could press on, sensing her urge not to say anything else about the matter. “We’ll be going now.”

  Almost grudgingly, the group said their temporary farewells and left for their rooms.

  “She knows something,” Garder murmured in the next hall above.

  “You think?” Shin replied with a hint of sarcasm. “She definitely has some knowledge about the Administration. Probably conflicted on whether or not to tell us anything about them, or just on helping us at all.”

  “Anyway,” Garder stopped at his door, “we could use a good rest. Looks like you’re bunking with me, Simon… You don’t snore, do you?”

  “Um… I don’t think so.”

  “And no debates, okay? I actually want some sleep for once.”

  “Heh… No, none of that.”

  “Night, then,” Milla replied and went inside the cabin-like room she’d be sharing with Shin and Lechi.

  The two doors closed, leaving Jeryn, Verim, and an awkward silence. Even he was a bit creeped out by his odd, perpetual smile.

  “I don’t think Garder likes me that much…” he stated simply.

  “Well… you did kill him.”

  “I’m not the kind to hold grudges. I hope he isn’t, either.”

  “Ah, Verim, can I ask you something?”

  “Yep.”

  “When did you realize you could attack Guardsmen?”

  “When I was a kid. But I’ve only been able to do it this life. And I sort of have always just been aware of it. I don’t know, really…”

  “And Shin? What is she to you?”

  “An older sister, kind of. She’s very talented. Better than me at the sword—some amazing things a lightning can do with a blade. Why?”

  “I think she knows something about me…”

  “Got a dirty little secret, do you?”

  “Ha… A few maybe, but nothing big. But it’s almost as if she sees me for something I’m not. I don’t know—maybe I’m going crazy, but every time she looks right at me… I get this weird fragment of a memory. Like I’ve seen her before. But I try not to dwell on it.”

  “Shin doesn’t usually have that effect on others, unless they’re bad people who were expecting an assassin. Well, I don’t know what you’re talking about, so I’m gonna go to bed now.”

  “Yeah… I’ll come in a little later.”

  “Got some thinking to do? Don’t trip on anything in the dark.”

  Once Jeryn was alone in the hall, he rolled up his sleeve and looked at the mark on his upper arm. It had been there all of his life, but he had no idea why or what it meant. And it gave him the same feeling as looking at Shin. He was certain that there was something hidden in his past, but all that was left was a tiny feeling of a lost memory.

  “You speak of fragmented dimensions…” the mayor repeated at his desk with a total skepticism, “hidden kingdoms in Hold, Rivia’s… bizarre assignment, Citywide evacuations, the Administration keeping Temki, a demon able to go through dimensions… And even a young man from Earth? This is all too much… Jeremi—stop that this instant!”

  Mayor Hekens grabbed at his young son’s hand to get him to stop poking Tanesh—an act invoking increasingly angry growls. Jeremi then scampered off to a corner of the office to play with a child’s game.

  Hekens was a small, thin man who seemed worthy of his title. Unlike a ruler of a larger City, he had a youthfulness and everyman image about him, and his carefree nature lent to him rarely taking any issue too seriously. His fashion sense was also out of place for the polar City; he dressed like an Earthen business executive. But he did have a strong compassion for his people, and if there were any sense of danger, he’d react to it properly.

  “It’s all true,” Milla replied. “If you need further proof, we could get it for you, but Rivia said that we were pressed for time…”

  “Of course, right—that’s just like him, but, ah… this is all very…”

  “Gregory, don’t forget that they rescued Temki,” Tess reminded him from her seat, of which Temki was standing passively behind as he gazed out at his sunlit hometown. “We touched on evacuation last night, and they mentioned the Administration, but I didn’t know quite what to say.”

  “The Administra… Oh. Oh yes, ah, them… Do you people realize just how severe the consequences could be for your actions? And now asking an official about the Administration…”

  “We’re past that,” Garder replied. “We’d have it bad enough just telling you about the Fragmented City. Punishment doesn’t concern us right now—we’re simply following a high member of the Guard’s orders.”

  “And don’t doubt our competence,” Milla added. “We know full well what we’re getting into. I must press the question: is there an underground network we can use to evacuate, without even stepping out into the cold?”

  “Ah… well… y-yes… There might be one. But… to expose our entire population to the inner workings of the circle…”

  “What exactly does the Administration do?”

  “I don’t really know that much myself, and I really can’t tell you what I do. But the name is fairly self explanatory, don’t you think?”

  “Mr. Hekens, I was Queen Seriph. Even I, as the Aurrian ruler, knew little of the Administration. I knew that it existed, and that there was a vast subterranian complex under City A. But that was it.”

  “Q-Queen Seriph? I am before one once the lady of Aurra? Oh, my… I should’ve… Treated you with more respect.”

  “No, don’t worry about it. Right now, I’m Milla Nolland—a level two knight on assignment. Past lives should only touch us through their recollected memories. And despite my own, I know almost nothing about the people you say rule over the circle.”

  “There are so many unknowns here…”

  “Just answer,” Jeryn urged. “Is there a network we can use to empty this City? Your people may have a far worse fate than death if they stay.”

  Tess and the mayor exchanged looks. He finally gave in with a sigh.

  “Yes… There are complexes under every City.”

  “Every… single one?” Lechi replied. “How big are they?”

  “Depends. They have little correlation with the Cities they’re under. As far as I know, their size depends on their own function and importance. A’s is likely massive… It must host the suppression devices, after all.”

  “And they’re all connected?” Simon continued.

  “Yes, through a sprawling and complex network of tunnels and transportation systems. Something impossible on Earth—but on Aurra, where mind literally is above matter, all it takes to build is time. The more advanced method of transportation are called fibrocators.”

  “Fibrocators?” Garder replied.

  “Worldly fiber transportation. Similar to the demirriage you use to get around, but locked in place, and set up in a point-to-point fashion. It’s what we officials use to meet secretly or simply visit another’s City.”

  “These weren’t around when I was Queen,” Milla said.

  “They’re more recent inventions. Way out here, though… we just have an underground rail system. Our only connection point is City D.”

  “Hey, that’s my Aurrian hometown,” Verim noted.

  “Then we’ll use that,” Milla continued. “I don’t care how it’s done, or what will happen in D—your people need to leave, Mayor.”

  “The thing is, our complex is damaged; a mess of tangled metal. The rail system works, but I haven’t used it in two years. It’s clear enough that the Administrators here abandoned us… long, long ago. The complex hasn’t had any maintenance for as long as we in this City know. It may be a disaster down there, but we do keep the train running for Guard visits.”

  “It really sounds like the place is a ruin.”

  “Yes… since this City’s conception, likely.”

  “It could’ve happened during the City J cataclysm. Whatever they were doing down there—or up here, must’ve damaged the underground and sent the former City into the weak dimension.”

  “With your story, that is what I’ve been suspecting.”

  “Wait a minute. If these complexes exist under every City…” Garder thought intensely. “Then the facility under C is the source of its problems. Aside from the big one, it’d also explain why it has become inaccessible.”

  “What is C’s ‘big’ problem, aside from their demon?” Hekens asked.

  “Transfers stopped,” Milla replied. “Putting everything together, this makes sense. They can’t give their babies life, because the connection was completely severed somehow. Have you… had a rise in stillborns?”

  “Dreadful. But no, not at all. Though with so few transfers a day, maybe we do not, I don’t know, stress the system? Does that make sense?”

  “You think C knows about this?” Jeryn asked Milla.

  “Maybe Pangs does. But at the moment, C is beside the point. Mayor, this rail system is the only practical way to move the people here. We’ll do whatever we can to help, but this needs to begin.”

  “Even if we get past the Guard and Administration… even if it all somehow works out, where will they go?”

  “We can’t predict what will happen,” Garder answered. “When the old City J returns, it could destroy this one or change places. I don’t know what you can tell your people to hide this truth—that’s up to you.”

  “I see… Then we really should begin immediately.”

  “Gregory…” Tess fretted, “Isn’t there any other way? I know that City loyalty and devotion to material isn’t the Aurrian way, but most of us do like it here… And we’ll likely all be split apart.”

  “I’m sorry, but I trust in Rivia’s word. A leader should stay with his people, though—so I will be the last to leave.”

  “Tess, about Temki…” Milla added softly, “I… think he should stay with us for awhile.”

  “Why?” she asked solemnly, as he took on a small look of confusion.

  “They had him locked up securely, so they’re probably still after him. But we can protect him. If he stays, they’ll only find him again; his rescue will mean nothing. Not to mention all the possible pain that can bring.”

  “But I just got here,” Temki pleaded. “My only family is here, too…”

  “Temki, they’re right,” Tess said sternly. “I am glad to see you again, but for the time being, you should go with these people. With all that they have done already, I am certain they can protect you.”

  “O-okay… Grandmother…”

  But Lechi noticed his unshakeable downtrodden look. She went over to him and held his hand tightly.

  “Don’t worry, Temki—we’ll take good care of you. And we can be friends, too. So… let’s try to have a few good times together, okay?”

  “Y-yeah… I’ll… Maybe I can help you. I don’t want to be useless.”

  “Tess, could you take them down to the substation? I’ll make the announcements. Jeremi—you go with them,” he called out to the boy, who was no older than Temki.

  “B-but Daddy!”

  “You’re going with these people and a few hundred others, got that? We have a lot of friends and families to get out of this City, so I need your cooperation. I’ll join you again later—when everyone else is out first.”

  “But I wanna stay here!” he cried out.

  “Stop being a spoiled brat for once and do what I tell you!”

  “F-f-fine. I will. I’ll be strong and brave like you always wanted. Then you’ll be proud of me!” he screamed angrily.

  The mayor returned to his seat, looked at the somewhat startled group, and let out a big sigh. “His mother was a lot better with him than I am… Anyway, thank you for everything, though I’m sure this is far from the end of all this. You must consider us a burden.”

  “Not at all, sir,” Milla replied. “We’re just glad to be helping.”

  “Would you like us to stay and assist?” Jeryn asked.

  “No—you should be the first to leave with Temki, since you’re on the run. We’ll be fine. What you can do is help get the trains warmed up. We have three, and they’ll be in continuous use for… well, God knows how long. Could be a week. A month. Longer. I’m not that great with math.”

  “Then we’ll be off. We’ll stay in contact,” Milla finished.

  “Yes… Good luck to us all.”

  Forcefully, Tess brought the mayor’s son into the group—a child far less mature than either Temki or Lechi, to be certain. Everyone braced for the next step in Rivia’s still mostly-unknown plans, this particular one by far the largest undertaking yet.