Chapter Six
A flock of black birds circle my head, their feathers flapping, shrewd eyes glaring without falter. I block out this image and try to focus on what Meela has just told us.
‘What is this threat?’ I ask, wanting to know more.
‘Alien life-forms?’ Cal asks.
Meela shakes her head, her expression uncertain. ‘I don’t know exactly.’
‘The pro-development campaign!’ I say on a sharp inhale. ‘EASA knows and is offering free space travel to get everyone away. It’s an evacuation.’
Cal doesn’t look surprised. ‘I thought as much. Nothing about the campaign makes sense. I gather they’re doing this to avoid mass panic.’
‘But we have to tell everyone,’ I say.
‘Tell them what?’
I stare at Cal dumbfounded. ‘The truth.’
‘The truth? What? That you dreamed your brother told you to leave Ear
