Hundreds of them.
A runway.
Hangars.
Buildings.
An installation that officially did not exist.
Flight 417 began descending.
Captain Reeves pulled on the controls.
Nothing.
“We’re being taken down.”
Ethan’s voice became urgent.
“Maya, whatever happens, do not let them take Lucas off that aircraft.”
Adrian looked through the windshield.
For the first time since Maya had met him, genuine fear appeared on his face.
“He’s right.”
Maya stared at him.
“Why?”
Adrian swallowed.
“Because Icarus was never designed to control aircraft.”
Below them, enormous hangar doors began opening.
“What was it designed to control?”
Adrian looked at Lucas.
“People.”
The cabin lights dimmed.
Lucas suddenly grabbed Maya’s hand.
“Mom.”
“What?”
His eyes were fixed on the runway.
“There’s someone down there.”
Maya followed his gaze.
Impossible to see anything at this distance.
“What do you mean?”
“I can feel them.”
The speakers activated.
The woman from Raven Control returned.
