Five looks horrified by what he’s done. Before he can react, Setrákus Ra picks him up by the throat and slams the back of his head violently against the hull of the nearest ship. He does this again and again, until Five’s body is limp.

Then, callously, Setrákus Ra tosses his unconscious body out the open doors of the Anubis. I try to reach Five with my telekinesis, but I’m too weak. His body plummets out of sight, towards the Earth below.

I collapse to the floor, blood seeping through my fingers. All the strength has gone out of me. I won’t be escaping from the Anubis today. My grandfather has won.

Setrákus Ra stands over me, his human form returned to normal, although his suit is ruined. He shakes his head, his smile like a disappointed teacher.

“Come now, Ella,” he says. “We must put this episode behind us.”

I hold up my blood-covered hand for him to see. “Why? Why did you do this to me?”

“It was the only way for you to learn that Mogadorian Progress is more important than even your own life,” he replies. Setrákus Ra gathers me up in his arms. As I start to lose consciousness, he whispers gently. “You won’t disobey Beloved Leader again, will you?”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-THREE

ADAM’S FLIGHT PLAN IS TO TAKE US DOWN THE Atlantic coast until we hit Florida, then dip back west over the gulf and finally arrive at the southeastern tip of Mexico. With the Skimmer flying at maximum speed and staying low enough to avoid any other aircraft, the trip should take about four hours.

It’s a quiet ride. I lean back in my seat and watch the coast ebb and flow beneath us. Adam doesn’t say much of anything; he keeps his eyes straight ahead, occasionally adjusting our course when his systems pick up another aircraft. Dust naps on the floor at his feet. As for Marina, she remains typically rigid, her whole fear-of-flying thing not getting any better with a Mogadorian at the controls.

“You know, you can rest for a few hours,” Adam suggests eventually, his tone cautious. I’d already been close to dozing off, so he must be talking to Marina. She’s sitting straight backed, a slight chill coming off her. She must be looming right in the corner of Adam’s eye.

Marina seems to consider this for a moment, then leans forward so that her head is nearly on Adam’s shoulder. He raises an eyebrow, but otherwise keeps his hands on the controls.

“The last trip Six and I made south was less than a week ago,” Marina says, her voice measured. “We found out too late that we had a traitor traveling with us. I ended up stabbing him in the eye. That was me being merciful.”

“I know what happened in Florida,” Adam says. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I want you to know what will happen if you betray us,” Marina replies, leaning back. “And don’t tell me to rest.”