THE SELF-APPOINTED Leader was at the official suite designated for the position. The Leader’s Residence included an office as well as living quarters. Traditionally, anyone could make an appointment to speak face to face with the Leader. By the time Cariad arrived, the office was crowded with people, appointments notwithstanding. It seemed like almost all the remaining Woken were crushed inside along with many of the Gens who worked aboard the ship.
Cariad spotted Anahi in a corner, trying to speak to the crowd, but her voice was drowned out by the hubbub. People were discussing what had happened and shouting out questions. Cariad tried to push her way through to get closer to Anahi, but the office was too tightly packed. As she was trying to figure out a way to speak to her, Anahi got up
