“It’s fortified. Defended. A stone wall right around, men with guns behind it. The PlAK would show more than I saw from the ground. It’s reachable. Maybe four hours travel from here for most of us. We did see one place where the wall was a bit broken down near to a gully, probably from storm water. A decent entry point. But I don’t know how many Toplanders there are, how well armed, nothing like that. We can get there from here, that’s all I can really say.”

“It’s closer from our camp,” Kes said. “Two-three hours.”

“If we go to their camp, they’ll outnumber us,” Rashelope said to Caroni, pointing at the males. “Take our stuff. Maybe kill us, just like that one over there was willing to do.”

“We’re not going to kill you,” Kes said. “We want – ”

“They’ll want the PlAK and Sorrel,” Caroni cut in. “They don’t have anyone who can get into Level 2, much less Level 1. And that’s what’ll give us the information we need if we’re going to think about taking the army camp.”

“So you – we – are going to just trust them? Males?” Rashelope said. “What do they have that we want?”

“Numbers. Guns. Ammunition. Knowledge of the terrain. Physical strength,” Caroni said.

“We can’t live with males,” Emrallie said.

“We’re just people,” Journey said. “Most of us had sisters.”

“I don’t see that we have a choice,” Sorrel said. “We can’t stay here. There’s no food in their valley. Maybe together we can take Cibao. Especially if we have satellite information to guide us.”

“Quick death versus slow death.” Rashelope said.

“Maybe,” Caroni said. She looked at her hands. “I need an hour to think. It’s too hot to travel right now anyway.” She walked towards the back of the cave. “Leave me.”

“Okay,” Kes said. “One hour. Then we’re leaving with or without you.”

Sorrel put the PlAK on charge and sat, looking out. It was hazy again and she thought about the coming dust. “Should we take down the ropes?” Emrallie said, joining her.

“When we know what’s happening.”

“Males. I don’t know.”

Sorrel didn’t answer. They sat together as the minutes ticked by.

When Caroni came back, they all turned to her. She stood straight and her head was held high. “Let’s get ready to leave with them. I need to speak with their leader,” she said. “Fill the algaskins from the water in the bowls. Drink the rest.” She faced Rashelope, who met her gaze with a steady, unflinching stare.

Then Rashelope lowered her eyes and stepped back. “Zorah,” she said. It struck Sorrel how rarely they used Caroni’s title.

“Shall I take down the ropes now?” Emrallie said.

“Yes. Let’s not make it easy for anyone else to find us.”

“Shouldn’t we wait?” Lichen said. “It’s really h-hot outside.”