CARIAD WAS ON HER WAY from the shuttle field to Osias’ office when a woman stopped her in the street.
“Is it true?” the woman asked.
“Is what true?” Cariad countered, stalling. She didn’t know how much the Leader wanted the colonists to know about the approaching unidentified starship.
“Is it true we’re going to be attacked by aliens?” The woman grabbed Cariad’s arm. “Are we all going to die?”
“Please let go of me,” said Cariad. “I’m going to speak to the Leader. I’m sure he’ll make an announcement soon.”
Her face collapsing in despair, the woman released her grip on Cariad. “So it is true. After everything we’ve been through, it’s all going to be for nothing.”
She seemed to be speaking to herself rather than responding to Cariad’s words. Cariad left her quickly before she could ask
