Put your mask back on, said Malcolm, looking back over his shoulder. She saw he was still wearing his own breather mask. Itll reduce the chances of you being recognized, especially with all these pilgrims around. And besides, were not staying down here much longer.

She pulled the mask back up, just as the car ascended another ramp, passing once more through a pressure field as they emerged on the surface. At that moment, Dakota caught sight of industrial docks situated just a few blocks away.

They began driving much more slowly, merging with any other traffic. The streets and squares were crowded with an enormous number of people, tens or perhaps even hundreds of thousands of them jostling together. She decided these must be the pilgrims Malcolm had mentioned.

The two men turned to each other, laughing and grinning. Ive got a safe house ready for both of you, explained Malcolms friend. You can hide there for the next couple of days at least, but after that theyre going to be searching for you through every inch of the city. Fortunately, having all these pilgrims around makes it easier to smuggle both of you out, once weve made arrangements.

Somethings different about you, Est, remarked Malcolm, turning to study her closely. I cant figure out what it is, unless they hurt you a lot worse than I feared they might.

She reached out and took his hand, which was draped over the back of his seat. Thank you for saving me, she said, with as much earnestness as she could muster, which wasnt hard. I owe you my life, Malcolm, but you shouldnt have used the girl like that. It was wrong.

Malcolms face clouded. She was nothing, he said, his tone suddenly terse. A nobody. Besides, shes almost certainly dead by now. You should put her out of your mind.

What kind of girl were you, Est, that you fell in love with a man like this? She could hardly believe that someone who shared identical genes to her could ever fall for such a callous man. She wondered what Malcolm would do to her once he realized who and what he had rescued.

Tell me one thing, said Dakota. That girl, what was her name?

For Gods sake, Est, what does it matter?

Please, she said, fighting to keep the tremor out of her voice. I really want to know.

Malcolm looked away and shook his head, his nameless companion grinning with apparent amusement.

Jacinth, Malcolm finally said. Her name was Megan Jacinth. Satisfied now?

Megan Jacinth. She silently shaped the two words in her mouth.

The car was slowing as it came to a crowded crossroads, and Dakota now saw her opportunity. She reached down and unbuckled herself from her seat while Malcolm was looking the other way, then threw herself sideways out of the vehicle just before it began to accelerate once more.