If they were going to imprison us, they would have done so already. So I know exactly what they’re waiting for—authorization to kill. I lower my head, desperately racking my brains for something to get us out of here, but it jerks up again at the sound of an approaching craft.

The sleek white cruiser slows to a hover a few yards away from us, engines sending a cloud of churning dust in our direction. I shut my eyes and duck my head, but it still chokes me. By the time I finish coughing, the cruiser has landed. The four doors slide upward, and a stout figure jumps down.

A gasp escapes my mouth as I recognize Momma. I can’t remember the last time I was so happy to see her. The feeling brings me back to my childhood, running toward home with law enforcement at my heels, certain that as long as I could reach my mother no one could harm me. That stupid, childish belief surges back now. Momma will figure something out. She always does.

But my smile dies as a group of white-uniformed officers exits the vehicle after her. My relief turns to confusion as they surround Momma. And yet, she doesn’t seem concerned by their presence.

Before I can figure it out, another familiar face exits the vehicle, and certainly not one I expected to see accompanying my mother: Talulah Leonis. The president of Gaia is here.

My lip curls in distaste. Leonis is a woman known for her hard stances, and particularly the harsh regulations and punishments she doles out to off-worlders like me and my family. I’ve always hated her, and Momma has used some choice words to describe her practices as well. So why the hell are they together now?

Leonis is several inches taller than my mother, and startlingly reminiscent of Shey, aside from the lighter skin tone, graying hair, and fine lines etched into her face. She has the same dark eyes, broad cheekbones, and ramrod-straight posture, but she has no hint of Shey’s warm smile or easy charm. She’s exactly as stoic and tightly coiled as she looks in every political ad.

Momma stops a half yard away and folds her arms over her chest. She looks down at us, ignoring the law-enforcers who regard her with a wary eye, and presses her lips firmly together. She waits. Soon enough, Leonis stops alongside her, standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder as if they’re old friends. The president’s face, however, is an icy mask that doesn’t quite manage to hide her contempt.

Beside me, Lyre begins to stir, blinking up at the president in sleepy confusion. The twins are unsuccessfully trying to turn their heads and get a look at what’s happening. Nobody says a word, and tension crackles in the air. I should keep my mouth shut… and yet words spout out nonetheless.