More alerts appeared nearby, and she hoped to hell Gabrielle didnt know what they meant. They were now arcing high over the Montos de Frenezo, with the coast of the Great Barren Sea clearly visible to the south.

The question now was, where could they land? The systems-failure estimates dashed any hopes of their reaching even Aguirre.

She pulled up a map that showed the locations of various settlements scattered all across the plains to the west of the Montos de Frenezo. They still had a chance of reaching one of those. One or two were apparently research outposts staffed by off-worlders from other parts of the Accord. One of them might offer some means whereby they could get back to something resembling civilization, if not actually off-world.

A glyph appeared directly before her, flashing an urgent red and accompanied by a message: MULTIPLE BREACH ALERTS. CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FAILURE IMMINENT.

Gabrielle? said Megan, her voice high and tight. I want you to unbuckle and go to the rear of the cockpit. Theres an orange cabinet there. See it?

Gabrielle twisted round in her restraints. Yeah. I see it.

There should be survival gear in there. Maybe even some rations if were lucky. Dig out anything and everything you can, because I think were going to need it.

Gabrielles face was stiff with fright, but she undid her restraints and did as she was asked, without saying anything further. She dug out several breather masks and numerous items of cold-weather gear, along with some freeze-dried rations.

Maybe youd better come straight with me, said Gabrielle, returning to her couch. Are we going to make it?

I dont know, Megan admitted. I can get us down, but I cant guarantee its going to be a soft landing. At least theres a settlement we can aim for. She twisted round to look over at her companion. Look, I dont want you to get worried or anything, but if it does come to the worst and I hope that it wont I need you to take care of Bash for me and try and get him to safety. Can you do that?

Gabrielle, in that moment, looked even younger than Megan knew her to be. I guess, she said, sounding less than convincing.

Had Est been anything like this girl, wondered Megan? So pale and thin and young? Had she herself?

Im just talking outside contingencies here, she continued. But Im going to tell you what you need to do to get off Redstone. Thats what you most want, right?

Gabrielle nodded. More than youd believe.

Oh, Id believe, all right. You heard of Aguirre?

Sure, said Gabrielle. Its a city in the River Concord States.

I have a friend there, said Megan. A man by the name of Sarbakshian. He owes me . . . a lot. Go to him and hell get you off-world. Can you remember that name?

The girl nodded. No problem.

Youre sure?