Read Along: Sector Nine

'Trickster. Betrayer. Deceiver.' 

It's time for the group to be pretenders in this new environment but with old faces along the way, it's hard not to be recognised.

'We hear the signs of life long before we see 'em.'

When the group arrives at Bram and Cassie's, a party is taking place. Bram welcomes them and Saba reveals who she is to him. They begin to unpack Slim's cargo into an underground room. Soon enough, more newcomers arrive. But this time in the form of familiar faces.

'Creed. Ash...Very much alive.'

Exhilarated greetings are shared, namely by Creed and Molly, who the former has taken an immediate liking to. But a serious feeling forms when Ash, Creed and Maev head off to talk things over. Everyone washes up, which means Lugh's golden plait is cut off, in order to fit into New Eden's way of life.As they head out to a local barn-dance, stories are created to make the group seem authentic - Saba and Tommo, and Lugh and Maev, are paired. And of course, Molly and Creed.

'There's too much that's outta my control.'

Saba seems to be losing her grip once again. Perhaps Auriel's worries for her mental state of openness are coming to fruition. But in the meantime, she has more to worry about, because as her and Tommo leave he dance hall to get some fresh air...

'Tommo's holdin me, kissin me, pressin tight up aginst me.'

He declares his love for Saba, but before she can set him straight Ash warns them that six Tonton are on the horizon, heading this way. As she goes to tell Bram he explains the Tonton breeding programme in more depth. Babies are taken to the baby house and if strong and healthy, are trained to be Stewards of the Earth. If sickly, they are exposed. When the Tonto enter the barn, they have clearly come to collect the pregnant girls present there.

'The heartstone around my neck. I touch it. It's warm.'

Saba realises Jack is a part of the patrol. As he rounds the corner to where Saba is, Emmi appears. Jack hears her approach and sounds the alarm. Bram stops Saba from going to her rescue. As Emmi fully appears, Jack grabs her and 'backhands' her. She passes out and he hands her over to another of the Tonton. The chilling words leave his mouth: 'I serve the Pathfinder an New Eden'. They ride away with Emmi.

'I leap onto the nearest horse and we take off.'

Saba is clearly greatly confused. She follows after the man who seemingly betrayed her by horse. Hurt and deceived, she rides far away, into the woods. She says she hates Jack and throws the heartstone away. A hawk swoops for it at the same time as Nero does and the two fight and fall out of sight beyond a cliff. Saba follows suit...

'I leap from the cliff.'