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Andrew chewed his lip as he scanned the hills below them. Naria had managed to knock out at least half of the soldiers surrounding the school but that still left enough to cause them trouble if the attack went forward.

They’d be stupid to attack now, Naria said. They don’t know what else we’re capable of. Logic suggests they should back off and try to gather more intelligence.

It does, Kelaria said. But they should have done that in the first place. I’m not sure that their superiors are thinking logically.

That’s true enough, Naria said. Hmm… the central command hill is ahead again. Let’s check what that Kithreian is doing before we go back to the school.

That’s a good idea, Fellaria said. He clearly didn’t want to go through with the attack. Let’s just hope he can convince his human superiors that withdrawing is wise.

As the reached the hill they could see the Brigadier sitting on a tree stump and scowling as he spoke to someone on his phone.

Hmm… that doesn’t look hopeful, Daniel said. Are they really that stupid?

Apparently they were. As they watched, he shifted slightly on the stump so the remaining awake soldiers couldn’t see him look straight at them and make a gesture back towards the school.

You should get back, a voice which must be his spoke in their heads. They won’t let me withdraw even though they can’t send any reinforcements. There was a pause and he scowled at his phone. But they are sending the press. What the hell are they thinking?

Thanks for the warning, Daniel replied as Kelaria banked back towards the school, followed by Naria.

At least it will give me the cover to talk to your people, the Brigadier said. My ida has asked me to if I can. But try not to kill anyone. I have a horrible feeling that’s what the government want you to do.

Andrew’s stomach flipped when he said that and he looked back towards the hill. They want to justify a crack down?

That would be my surmise, yes. Why else are they sending the press if not to make you look like the villians? Try and turn that against them.

We will, Daniel said.

***

“They’re sending the press?” Matthias said when Daniel described what had happened to them. “Well at least that buys us some time. But it does make things more awkward as well.” He shook his head. “But let Sonia and the others who will be here worry about that. Are you ready for the rescue?”

“I think so,” Daniel said.

“I am,” Andrew said. “But Mum’s not coming with us? I thought she was?”

“Lucas and I are going to talk to the Brigadier,” Sonia said. “Val has helped us out by sending Procella along as Ebona and Kenna will both be with you.” She nodded to the golden unicorn who inclined her head to them.

“May I greet my shadow and flame sisters before they depart?” Procella asked.

“Ah, yes, unicorn etiquette demands that, doesn’t it?” Matthias said. “Well they’ll be coming here to gate to the rescue so you’ll be able to then.”

“Thank you.” Procella looked around the gym. “So this is Gaia. It feels like an interesting place. But what is that energy in the air? It’s unpleasant.”

“Ah, that’s from the tear in the sky,” Sonia said. “The source of much of the problems we have at the moment. I just hope we can figure out how to close it soon. You’ll see it when we go outside.”

“Tear in the sky?” Procella said. “I take it that’s not normal.”

“Far from it,” Matthias said. “If you’re curious, we’ll tell you about it once the immediate crisis is resolved.”

“Thank you,” she replied then turned as Ebona and Kenna entered the gym through the fire exit. “Sisters!” She trotted over to them and they touched horns as they exchanged formal greetings.

“Good everyone’s here,” Matthias said. “What’s happening with the soldier’s, Alex?”

“The press have joined them,” Alexandra replied. “And they’re moving out. Which means you should shift into your own disguises and get going.”

“We should,” Matthias agreed. He took a breath and wings of silver shadow burst from his shoulders as he opened the portal. “Let’s go.”

—

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