Page 143

Sayer smiles.

"I kind of like hearing that."

The awkwardness dissolves almost instantly. Not because it isn't enormous. Because it feels…

True.

I clear my throat.

"Back to work."

Neither of them objects. I open my laptop.

"Our objective isn't to destroy the entity."

Rhett looks surprised.

"No?"

"Our objective is to separate it from whatever keeps it anchored."

I enlarge another satellite image.

"If the Hollow is its foundation, then forcing it away from that point weakens it."

Rhett studies the terrain.

"It'll defend the area."

"I expect it to."

He nods once.

"So we make it choose."

"Exactly."

I write three names across the whiteboard.

Rhett. Sayer. Carys.

Then begin filling in responsibilities.

"Rhett."

He looks up.

"You engage it physically."

"No surprises there."

"You already know how it fights."

"I do."

"You keep it focused on you whenever possible."

He nods. I turn.