Summary

Part 2, Chapter 9

Meredith reads the field reports that come to her by way of hacked Tablets, verbal messages, and carriers. Ten Drifters are dead, seeming to signal the start of a new war. Meredith is hiding in an undisclosed location close to Old Park Hill. She figures she must be close to the front lines. Clooger, one of the Drifters, believes the others walked into a trap in an abandoned building. The only survivor, James, a recent recruit, escaped before the trouble began.

Wade and Clara, meanwhile, speak through their Tablet to an unknown female, who has a no-nonsense tone in her voice. Clara blames what happened on Wade; the voice tells Clara to go back to watch the door. Wade says it took two minutes to dispose of the Drifters, but longer to bury their bodies. It is revealed...