Smoke filled the passage. The white walls meshed with the pale gray smoke, blurring everything together. Lights and panels flashed like beacons.
The vessel shuddered again from another explosion.
Bianca's first instinct was to protect the girls. She moved between them, helping each one as needed. Eleanor shook and coughed, tears pouring down her face as Eleanor led her forward with the others.
The ship rocked, and everyone fell into the wall. Caoimhe stood, her headdress caught on a hook, and Freya and Veta helped her get loose.
The hall torqued left and right, sending them careening back and forth into the walls.
They had to get off this ship, but what were their options? Though Bianca had a sneaking feeling she knew exactly who had orchestrated this, and it certainly wasn't the Rhimodians.
A sick feeling grew in her stomach.
“Where do we go?” Bianca asked as they reached the escape pod dock. “Back to the Empire?”
Freya nodded. "There must be some support out there."
Bianca nodded. "The Empire sent reinforcements," she said, her voice low. "He told me this would happen. That we should be prepared for it."
She wrapped her arm around Eleanor again. "Don't worry. We'll go right home."
“We can’t,” Veta said, glancing back. “Not enough fuel. We’ll have to land here and call for help.”
Bianca guided Eleanor to the nearest escape pod. "Come, Eleanor."
Eleanor turned. "Caoimhe," she said.
Bianca glanced back and saw that Veta was in Caoimhe's face, yelling at the girl, who seemed to be in shock, her expression blank.
“What are you—"
Veta waved her arm. “Caoimhe London Montgale Bron! Future leader of the Terrans! And the biggest brat I’ve ever known,” Veta yelled, each word getting louder.
Caoimhe blinked. Met Veta’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I…”
Veta grabbed her hand. “We have to save you.” She turned to Eleanor. “Both of you princesses.”
Veta gestured toward the escape pods.
“There is only room for one,” Caoimhe said.
“We all get pods,” Freya said and glanced at Veta. “Right?”
Veta nodded as she guided Caoimhe into the nearest pod.
Bianca pushed Eleanor toward one, but the princess stood there for a moment.
"Eleanor," she said as she climbed into one. "Get in there. I'll see you on the ground."
Eleanor looked around, her face streaked with ruined makeup from her tears, and Bianca started to climb out of her own escape pod. Freya half-pushed Eleanor inside and helped her get seated in all her layers.
Bianca smashed her layers into the tiny pod and strapped in. She winced when she fastened the safety belt and bumped the communicator she had for Harbin.
She started digging through her dress to pull it out as Veta bellowed out instructions.
“Head toward civilization. Civilization means communication. Communication means we can reach each other.”
“And don’t lose your jewels,” Caoimhe said.
