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  ‘Where are your parents now?’ Isabella asked.

  His smile faded. ‘I don’t know. We lost each other during the Chaos.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Thanks.’ He snuck a cheeky grin at Isabella. ‘Does that mean you won’t tell the Garrison about me?’

  Isabella couldn’t help but smile back. ‘For now.’

  ‘I still don’t understand how you got here,’ Xavier said. ‘There are cameras all over the place.’

  He lowered his voice. ‘They can’t see everywhere, and when they can, I’ve become very good at blending in.’

  ‘Maybe not this time.’ Griffin hid behind his book as a soldier headed towards them. ‘What do we do?’

  ‘Keep reading,’ Isabella said.

  They focused on their books as a pair of black boots stopped before them.

  ‘Everything all right here?’

  Griffin’s heart was pounding so hard that it shook the book right out of his hands. He snapped it up. ‘Yes, thank you.’

  Isabella widened her eyes, signalling to Griffin that it was upside down. He quickly turned the book around.

  The soldier stared at each of them, as if he were trying to read their thoughts. ‘ID,’ he barked.

  Isabella tried to catch a sidelong glimpse of the boy as he calmly reached into his pocket and took out a card. He looked calm, with not a hint of the trouble he was about to face.

  The man read them all carefully. He looked at Isabella with an irritated scowl. ‘You’re those new kids.’

  ‘Yes.’ She gave him her most charming smile. ‘We arrived today and we’re very excited to be here.’

  ‘I’ll bet you are,’ he mumbled.

  Isabella burned inside. They were in New City because they’d been invited; this guy had no right to treat her like an intruder.

  ‘We are,’ she said, ‘especially as we’re guests of the Major General.’

  The soldier looked up. ‘The Major …’

  ‘General,’ Xavier said. ‘That’s right.’

  ‘He’s a very good friend of ours,’ Griffin added.

  The man quickly handed back the IDs. ‘Good, well – keep the noise down.’

  ‘Yes, sir,’ Isabella chimed. ‘Have a lovely –’

  But the soldier was already hurrying away.

  The boy was impressed. ‘You guys are good.’

  Isabella raised an eyebrow. ‘We’ve been dealing with bullies for a long time.’

  ‘Are you really friends of the Major General?’

  ‘We’ve never met him,’ she said, ‘but we will tonight. Does that count?’

  ‘It does if it gets me out of trouble.’

  Isabella frowned. ‘But why weren’t you in trouble when you showed him your ID?’

  The boy’s cheeks bulged with a smile. ‘The card’s fake. My real name is Vijay. It means victory … which is what we just had and I’m not going to risk losing that, so I better go.’

  ‘Back to the camps?’ Griffin asked.

  Vijay nodded. ‘Unless you have a better offer.’

  ‘What’s it like?’

  ‘It’s cold when it’s snowing, hot during heatwaves, muddy when the rains come, and even though the food is the same every day, we still haven’t worked out what it is.’

  ‘But we were told the people in the camp are treated well.’

  ‘That’s what they need everyone to believe. Hardly anyone has even seen it, which is exactly what the Major General wants. If you search online you won’t see anything either. It’s like we don’t exist.’

  ‘How many people are there?’ Isabella asked.

  Vijay shrugged. ‘Hundreds.’

  ‘Where do you all sleep?’

  ‘In dorms. They’re draughty and cold at night, and we have to shut the door fast or the rats get in, which is annoying because they can be as big as cats.’

  Griffin shivered. ‘Rats?’

  ‘And I haven’t even started on the downsides.’

  Isabella wasn’t convinced. ‘Why should we believe you’re not one of the looters who tried to destroy the city after the Chaos?’

  Vijay pushed up his coat sleeve to reveal his puny arm. ‘Do I look like I could destroy a city?’

  ‘Not alone. Maybe you’re exaggerating about the camps so we won’t dob you in.’

  ‘You don’t have to believe me. Come see for yourself.’

  ‘The camp?’

  ‘Yes. I’ll take you on a grand tour.’

  ‘No,’ Griffin almost shouted. ‘It sounds dangerous.’

  ‘No offence, Griffin,’ Xavier said, ‘but you think anything bigger than a teddy bear is dangerous.’

  Vijay turned to Isabella. ‘I can get you in without them knowing you’re even there.’

  Isabella thought about it. ‘How would you do it?’

  He took a notebook from his bag and checked that no one was looking before tearing out a page and drawing a map. ‘This is the safest route.’

  ‘Isabella, you can’t go,’ Griffin warned. ‘What if you’re seen?’

  ‘She’ll be fine,’ Vijay assured him.

  ‘Can you promise that?’

  ‘I’ve never been caught.’

  ‘Except by us,’ Griffin hissed.

  ‘We work most of the day but have free time at one o’clock,’ Vijay continued. ‘I can meet you then.’

  ‘What if I can’t get away?’

  ‘I’ll be there the next day, and the next. I’m not going anywhere.’

  ‘How will we do it?’

  Griffin sank back in the beanbag. He was furious at this kid who was about to put Isabella’s life in danger.

  Vijay marked an X on the map. ‘There is a shed here. Meet me inside and we can go from there.’

  ‘Is it safe?’ Isabella asked.

  ‘It’s owned by Mr Finch. He was a schoolteacher until the Major General realised teachers taught kids to think for themselves. He’s a good man, you can trust him.’ His smile suddenly fell. ‘But if he was ever found out, he’d be imprisoned or sent away.’

  ‘Sent away where?’ Xavier asked.

  ‘We never know. People just disappear without warning.’

  ‘People don’t just disappear,’ Griffin said.

  ‘Around here they do.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘The Major General has some very firm rules about who should live in New City and how it should be run. Anyone who disobeys or speaks out is quickly silenced.’

  ‘That settles it,’ Griffin said. ‘It’s too dangerous.’

  There was a brief pause before Isabella decided. ‘I’ll do it.’

  ‘Then I’m coming too,’ Griffin said.

  ‘Me too,’ Xavier added.

  Vijay shook his head. ‘I can only take one.

  Any more will be too risky.’

  ‘Isabella …’ Griffin pleaded.

  ‘I’ll be careful.’

  He knew she’d made up her mind.

  ‘Promise?’

  ‘Promise.’

  CHAPTER TEN

  The Major General

  ‘Do you think Vijay’s telling the truth?’

  Griffin and Isabella hurried behind Corporal Smith, who led them down the long Garrison corridors to the dining hall.

  ‘Why would he lie?’ Isabella asked.

  ‘I don’t know.’ Griffin scowled. ‘I wish we knew we could trust him.’

  ‘I can take care of myself.’

  ‘I know, but this place feels different,’ he whispered. ‘It’s as if everyone is on edge, waiting for something to go wrong.’

  Corporal Smith spoke over her shoulder. ‘There are a few rules you need to know before we meet the Major General. You must stand whenever he enters a room and sit only after he does. You are to call him Major General or sir. He always speaks first and is never to be interrupted.’

  ‘Let’s hope he’s interesting,’ Xavier muttered.

  Corporal Smith spun round. ‘And he doesn’t like sarcasm,’ she snapped
and kept walking.

  Xavier raised an eyebrow and whispered, ‘She seems a little tense.’

  ‘Don’t cause any trouble,’ Griffin warned.

  Xavier looked offended. ‘Me? Cause trouble? Impossible.’

  ‘Here we are.’ Corporal Smith opened two towering doors and the dining hall spread before them with cathedral ceilings and a long table sparkling with candles and polished silver.

  Xavier threw out his arms. ‘Finally, the home I deserve.’

  But his joy didn’t last.

  Behind him, from a dark corner, came a savage growl. He turned in time to see the teeth and outstretched paws of a black beast lunging straight for him.

  Xavier couldn’t move. He knew he should, but none of his muscles would work. He stood in the path of the wild animal as it hurtled through the air and was almost upon him when it suddenly jerked back.

  A small man emerged from the shadows. He wore an eye patch and a white uniform fringed with gold epaulets and clinking with medals. One hand leant on a cane, while the other held a leash that Xavier now saw was tethered to a shiny, black panther.

  ‘Cleopatra won’t hurt you.’ The man’s voice was calm. ‘She just doesn’t like sudden movements.’

  He was flanked on either side by two soldiers in uniform, tranquilliser guns strung over their shoulders.

  ‘Panthers are very loyal, which tends to make them overprotective.’ He patted Cleopatra’s head. ‘Their power and aggression make them one of the most feared predators.’ He looked up and smiled. ‘But if you don’t upset them, they’re as gentle as kittens. Come, girl.’

  The panther turned away from Xavier and obediently stood beside her master.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Isabella whispered.

  ‘Sure I am,’ Xavier stammered. ‘Was I almost attacked by a panther?’

  Griffin nodded. ‘A big one.’

  ‘Just checking.’ Xavier tried to breathe normally.

  The Major General limped to the seat at the head of the table and handed his cane to one of the soldiers behind him.

  ‘Please, sit down,’ he invited. The panther curled up at his feet.

  He gave a small nod and a stream of waiters entered the room. They carried silver domed trays that left delicious aromas in their wake. Raffy sat forward, eager to see what was inside. In one synchronised movement, the domes were lifted.

  Raffy’s eyes danced over crispy roast chicken, baked pumpkin, creamy mashed potatoes and, of course, ‘Sausages,’ he said dreamily.

  ‘Shhhh,’ Bea whispered.

  ‘Sorry, sir.’

  The Major General laughed. ‘I’m glad you like it. Dig in!’

  The waiters began carving chicken, serving sausages and dolloping out generous helpings of potato and gravy.

  Raffy cut into a sausage and took a bite, savouring every moment.

  ‘Is it good?’ The Major General looked kindly at Raffy.

  ‘It’s just how Mum used to make them … sir,’ he added quickly.

  ‘You have missed out on many things while in Grimsdon, and for that we’d like to make amends.’

  ‘Does that mean I can have another sausage?’

  The Major General laughed. ‘As many as you like.’

  A waiter moved to serve him but Raffy beat him to it, stabbing another sausage with his fork and dunking it on his plate.

  ‘When we first met Xavier,’ the Major General continued, ‘it was hard to believe his stories of sea monsters, flying machines and sneaker waves … It must have been frightening.’

  ‘Sometimes, sir,’ Raffy said. ‘The worst was Sneddon.’

  ‘Sneddon?’

  Bea scowled. ‘A bully on a ship who had a pet snake and thugs with a bad habit of pushing us around.’

  The Major General wore a proud, fatherly smile. ‘You are living proof that only the truly brave and daring will survive these times, which is why we want you here. You are models of everything New City can be. Griffin, your energy pack is a work of vision and intelligence … How would you like to join our Innovation Lab?’

  Griffin sat up. ‘I’d like that very much, sir.’

  ‘You’ll want me there as well,’ Xavier said. ‘I did build a flying machine, after all.’

  ‘And you have done Leonardo da Vinci proud by bringing his design to life, which makes you perfect for our Transport Division. Not only are our Armavans based on da Vinci’s tanks, but he also inspired our Ornithopters.’

  ‘Those are the wings the soldiers are wearing on their backs,’ Xavier said. ‘I’d be glad to help out, sir.’

  ‘I’ll let them know you’ll be there tomorrow morning, 7am sharp.’ He paused. ‘And Isabella?’

  She looked up without a word.

  ‘From what I’ve heard, your sword-fighting skills will come in handy for Citizen Combat. How would you like to show us what you can do?’

  ‘She’s very good!’ Bea vouched.

  ‘She was a fencing champion before the Floods,’ Raffy added.

  ‘Isabella?’ Corporal Smith prompted. ‘The Major General has asked you a question!’

  Isabella simply nodded.

  ‘Excellent. We can test out your skills in the main hall tomorrow.’

  As more helpings were dished out, the mood relaxed for everyone except Jeremiah, who hadn’t eaten a thing.

  ‘Excuse me, sir.’ His voice cracked as he got to his feet. ‘May I say something?’

  The Major General sat back. ‘Be my guest.’

  ‘I would like –’ Jeremiah coughed as if the words caught in his throat. Bea and Raffy patted his back. ‘I … I … would like to make an application to adopt these children.’

  ‘On what grounds?’

  ‘Before the Floods I had a house not far from here and a bank account with enough money to look after them and I …’

  He caught sight of Isabella, who gave him a small nod.

  ‘These children have been through enough turmoil and they deserve to live with someone who cares for them … and I think that someone should be me.’

  The three younger kids beamed at him.

  ‘I see.’ The Major General smiled. ‘You will understand, of course, that we can’t have just anyone taking care of them.’

  ‘But he’s not just anyone,’ Bea piped up.

  ‘He’s Jeremiah,’ Raffy said, as if that should explain everything.

  ‘Even so, we’ll need to ensure he can be trusted.’

  Fly frowned. ‘But you don’t need –’

  ‘Of course we do,’ Corporal Smith said firmly. ‘It’s in your best interests.’

  ‘We trust Jeremiah,’ Isabella challenged. ‘And we won’t be separated.’

  The waiters stopped what they were doing. Corporal Smith’s face was ashen. The room fell silent.

  The Major General continued eating, biting into the leg of a chicken. Isabella watched the curve of his lips turn down, as if it tasted unpleasant. He chewed slowly and carefully before he spoke.

  ‘If Jeremiah’s house is still in one piece, I will personally approve its restoration. We shall even provide an Armavan to make things easier.’ He turned to Jeremiah. ‘That will give us time to investigate if you are a suitable guardian.’

  It felt more like a threat.

  ‘Give Corporal Smith the directions and she can take you there tomorrow.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’ Jeremiah sat down.

  The Major General dabbed his napkin against his thin lips. ‘But there is one other thing we still need to discuss – the issue of your parents.’

  Raffy’s fork clanged onto his plate. ‘Our parents?’

  ‘Of course. If they survived the Floods, we must do all we can to find them.’

  ‘You can find our parents?’ Fly asked.

  ‘We can try.’ His smile was triumphant.

  ‘Even though the chance is slim,’ Isabella cautioned.

  ‘That was true while you were in Grimsdon,’ the Major General said, ‘but many people survived the Floods. Who i
s to say your parents aren’t among them?’

  Over the years Isabella had tried not to build up hope that their parents were even alive, but even she was drawn into the possibility that what the Major General said may be true.

  ‘Raffy and I were told our parents couldn’t be found,’ Bea said.

  ‘When the Floods first happened, people were scattered everywhere – but now life is more settled and we have very sophisticated means of searching.’

  ‘Do you think it’s true, Bea?’ Raffy asked. ‘Could they still be alive?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ Her voice was small. ‘It’s possible.’

  Isabella wanted to warn them against getting too excited, but Raffy’s look stopped her – she hadn’t seen him this hopeful for a long time.

  And maybe it was true. Maybe their parents were alive.

  Maybe one day she would see her dad. The thought of it made her heart jolt.

  ‘How will you find them?’

  ‘During your interviews today, you were not only asked questions and photographed but a strand of hair was taken. From this we can read your DNA and see if we can draw a match. I promise, if they can be found, we will do everything to ensure you’re reunited. Wouldn’t you like that?’

  It was Fly who answered for them all: ‘More than anything.’

  ‘Excellent. And if we’re successful, you could live with your parents, just like Xavier.’ Bea turned to Xavier. ‘You’re not going to live with us?’

  ‘My mum’s really looking forward to having me home.’

  ‘And your dad?’ Isabella asked.

  Xavier shook his head. ‘He left one morning and never came back.’

  ‘You can try to find him too,’ Bea said.

  ‘Dad never had much interest in me, Princess Bea, so I’ll just stay with Mum.’

  ‘Where?’ Fly asked.

  ‘In a town not far from here, but I’ll be with you until you move into your new home.’ There was a brief, uneasy quiet across the table.

  ‘Just when we got used to having you around,’ Griffin joked.

  ‘I’ll be back, Griffman. You don’t find heroes like me that easily.’

  ‘We’ll miss you,’ Isabella whispered.

  ‘I’ll miss you too.’ Xavier was surprised to find he couldn’t say any more.