“If this is the case, then it is possible we can use this boy’s sudden appearance to our advantage. Simos is the most hospitable of the other planets, far more suitable than Hamos. The magnetic field has been our only barrier so far—that, and the hostility of its current inhabitants. Having one of them here on Iamos where we can study him may prove to be the key to colonization on Simos. Conquering the field, subduing the natives—this may now be in our grasp.”

Isaak swallowed hard. “What are they going to do to me? They’re not going to… dissect me or something, are they?”

“Of course not,” I said. “Quiet, I’m trying to listen.”

Another of the geroi asked, “How soon can more tests be conducted on the subject?”

“As soon as the gerotus approves the procedure,” Melusin said. “He is still in the hospital level in Hope Renewed. I have assigned Nadin to guard him.”

Tibros cleared his throat. “Are you sure that’s wise, Melusin? Considering her… record?”

“I’m quite sure, Tibros. Nadin may be a fool, but she’s a useful fool. She is absolutely loyal to the geroi. And she’s desperate to prove herself—enough that she wouldn’t think to question a direct order from the gerotus. At a time like this, that’s exactly what we need.”

My mouth opened involuntarily. A fool? Was this truly how the geroi thought of me? Not as an equal, but as a pawn?

“If there are no further remarks,” Antos said, “a motion to approve further study on the subject from Simos—”

Isaak pulled his earpiece out in disgust. “Well, are you satisfied now, Nadin? The geroi sure are looking out for Iamos’ best interests. They think you’re an idiot, and they want to fry my brain in a microwave so they can stage an invasion on Earth.”

I looked up at him, eyes narrowed. “You said you were from Iamos.”

He glared back at me. “I am from Mars,” he snapped. Then he folded his arms and looked away. “But I didn’t say that my parents were.”

I jumped to my feet, jabbing my index finger into his chest. “You lied to me! You are Simoi!” I froze, my hand hovering in midair. “But you live on Iamos in the future.” My hand curled limply into my chest, and I sat back down. “So what happened to the Iamoi?”

Isaak stared down at the floor, not answering for a long moment. “I… I didn’t want to tell you. When we came here, Mars… the planet was dead.”

And there I was again, back outside, gasping for breath in the wind-raked desert. Cold, numb and breathless. Dead. “Then the time postern is a failure. We’re… we’re all doomed.”

“Not necessarily, Nadin! I don’t really know how time travel works. Something could still—”