Chapter 72: Capturing the Empress

Understanding and shock dawned in Laurel’s eyes. “Ellis…” she whispered.

Ellis tried to smile.

“What about you?” Tears streaked Laurel’s face.

“There’s another pod on the other wall,” Ellis lied. “Just go.” She suddenly understood what Logan had felt when he demanded she go to the underground city.

She shoved Laurel toward the pod and heaved her up inside of it. Laurel began to fasten the restraints as Ellis scooped the babies up, tarp and all, kissing each one before she dropped them in Ellis's lap and covered them with a pillow. Then she pulled the hood down and snapped it shut. She stepped back, giving Laurel a little wave, hoping Laurel couldn't see the tears in her eyes, and hit the launch button with the palm of her hand. The pod shot up the track so fast that it seemed to simply disappear.

The pod was designed to fly on autopilot to the space port in orbit above Zothea.