Chapter 48

Back at Tumultus, it became clear I had been wrong about no one taking the rebels' advice. Hundreds of people had swarmed into the settlement, flocking around the rebellion's makeshift buildings for food and shelter and medicine. Some of them had begun to form their own buildings and family units, too.

"Wow," I said.

"The people?" Tai asked. "Yeah, not much to go on for a future civilization, is it?"

"It's a lot more than I expected," I said. "When I went into the station last night, it seemed like no one had come."

"They'd probably already gotten out," Tai said. "Here, this way."

He led Cedric and me toward the main building. Cedric went inside, but I stood at the door, remembering the time that Tai had caught me with Thane there. If I walked into that building, the memories of him would hit me. I stayed outside even as Tai held the door curtain back for me.

"Coming?" Tai asked.

I shook my head. "Just give me a minute."