“And what,” asked Heron, “travel through the surface streets? You saw the sinkholes we passed trying to get to the airport—with this much water covering everything, we’ll never know whether we’re stepping into solid ground or an underwater pit.”

Kira looked behind them, scanning the cityscape, then back at the river. “It’s too long for the horses to swim.”

“It’s miles,” said Heron.

“Let’s find a boat,” said Afa.

Kira looked at him. “Are you serious?”

“You said this road goes straight up to the data center, right? We know it’s deep enough for a boat, so let’s leave the horses and take one.”

Samm nodded. “I have to admit that’s a pretty good idea. Let’s find something that can float and carry us.”

Kira angled Bobo toward the side of the highway and looked off, scanning the city around them. Here at the point of junction the highway was ridiculously wide, dozens of lanes across, and nearly at ground level. The north side was some kind of a rail station, but the south looked like a residential neighborhood, and probably the best bet for finding a small boat. She slid off Bobo’s back, stretched her legs, and grabbed her rifle. “One of you come with me. Let’s see what we can find over there.”

“I’ll go,” said Samm. He jumped off Buddy and followed Kira, catching up to her quickly with long, easy strides. They clambered over a cement barrier, then another and another, countless different roads and lanes and directions all running into and past and around one another. “It’s a good plan,” he said.

Kira hoisted herself over another barrier. “The boat? Afa’s not an idiot.”

“I think I’ve been unfair to him.”

Kira grinned. “Don’t get all mushy over one good idea.”

“It’s not just that,” he said, “it’s everything. He’s been stronger than I expected. Or more resilient, at least.” He followed her over the barrier.

Kira nodded absently, scanning the trees at the edge of the road. “He’s been through a lot.”

“Eleven years alone,” said Samm, “running and hiding without anyone to help or share it with. It’s no wonder his mind broke.” He shrugged. “He’s only human.”

Kira froze. “Wait,” she said, turning to face him. “You’re saying he’s . . . that it’s okay that he’s crazy because he’s human?”

“I’m saying that he’s done much better for himself than a lot of humans would have,” said Samm.

“But you think being human is a liability,” said Kira. “That being human somehow excuses his deficiencies because hey, at least he’s not crapping in his pants all the time.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“But it’s what you meant,” said Kira. Is that what you thought about me? ‘She’s pretty smart, for a human’?”

“You’re a Partial.”