“I've never agreed with Chime's need to pander to the Crawlers.†Ande leans past me to look out the window. I follow his gaze, the glow from the two bulbs casting some light over the dark and lonely station outside. “It's time we were independent. The Crawlers are spooky and untrustworthy, say one thing, mean another.†He turns his head, face very close to mine. “They steal kids sometimes, never own up to their promises.†Ande takes a step back, smile returning. “We can just hope there aren't any Crawlers out there.†He waves beyond him, up the tracks.
Before I get a chance to agree, Chime reappears, slamming her way through the sliding door.
“Last stop,†she growls at me. “Everybody off.â€
Trio and her friends have escaped the remains of Los Angeles and the horrible Crawlers intent on her capture, finally on their way to New York. But the train they ride offers more threats than comfort, both from the uncertain track stretching out before them to the infighting and open dislike from train boss Chime and her crew. Trio has no choice, her heart and soul pushing her across the country, toward a task she can’t remember and a damaged clone who will call her sister.