Chapter 4Inside the pilot capsule, Pia exchanged smiles with Kaire before fastening her safety harness ready for take-off. He had asked her to accompany him on the mission, concerned the five women could become anxious in the presence of a White man. The Sky-ship alone could cause unease, any form of air travel being unheard of in the Brown Zone. Deprived countries like Australia could not afford to purchase, let alone operate and maintain a fleet of aircraft. Pia had readily agreed to his request, eager to assist in the rescue mission but also, if she were honest, longing to step on home soil again even for a few minutes. Life at Kauri Haven might be secure and the inhabitants friendly, but she still felt like an outsider.
Behind her, six passengers sat on the floor, crammed into the nar
