Sveta shrugged, but it wasn’t too effective with her suit. “What threw me was when Dido talked about how people with powers were getting positions.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because it might not be only that. The people with positions might be getting powers.”

“Cauldron?” I asked.

Sveta nodded. “Earth C is a major reason we had the supplies to rebuild. They say they did it out of goodwill. I think Cauldron made it happen. Gave powers to key people so they would agree, made deals.”

She put out one arm, indicating the window and the city beyond it.

“How much of that was bought and paid for with crimes against humanity? I saw some of what they did. I heard a lot more about it. My entire life, this body of mine, it’s because of them,” Sveta said. “It’s awful to think about.”

I looked out at the city that gleamed with traces of yellow and gold in the light of the early afternoon.

“I don’t know a lot about them,” Tristan said.

“I only know some,” I said. “The info came out after, but it trickles out, there’s a lot of guessing to be done.”

“I don’t have to guess,” Sveta said. “I can tell you more some day. But it’s going to take a few minutes longer than it takes to talk to Rain.”

Chris had joined Kenzie and Ashley’s conversation. Kenzie was bouncing with excitement, trying to get Chris’s input. He seemed reluctant to dish, but quick to shoot down this idea or that idea.

“You want to sit on this, skip out on the Rain conversation?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” Sveta said. “I think I have to go, because I’m one of the only people who knows most of the story. It feels like I’m the only one who knows most of everyone’s story. I know yours, Victoria. I know Rain’s, I think. I have my suspicions about what he’s going to say.”

“I think I know,” Tristan said. “And I have a few big worries.”

⊙

I flew around the area before settling down. Everyone was gathered.

Erin drove a different vehicle than the last time. It was a sedan, small and very dusty. The accumulated fine dirt on the side had settled into waves that looked like very flat, spread out sand dunes, set on a vertical surface, with peaks, valleys, and patterns.

Erin opened the door. The dark makeup around her eyes was heavier, her hair was unwashed, and she wore a slim-fit sweatshirt with the sleeves rolled up, a cat on the sleeve. Her low-rise jeans were tucked into calf-height boots.

“Hi Erin,” Kenzie said.

“Hi, critter,” Erin said. “How are you doing?”

“I was having a good day, but now this is happening. Feels ominous.”

“Yeah,” Erin said.