AFTER THE GUARDIANS left, Ethan returned to the caves with Cariad on a flitter. The Guardians’ shuttle was much faster than their vehicle and by the time they arrived at the site of the disaster a stand off was already in progress.
On one side, their backs to the cliff edge, stood assembled Gens and Woken. The two groups had banded together and were facing the small party of Guardians, who stood with their backs to Ethan and Cariad as they walked across from the parked flitter. The wind was high, gusting along gray-black clouds that threatened rain.
Shouts could be heard from each side as they approached, but Ethan couldn’t make them out until they got nearer.
The first voice he recognized was Strongquist’s. “I repeat, we only want to help,” the Guardian shouted.
“Yeah, right,” a faint
