"The fact is," Cara continues, "the data network exists, and that is ethically questionable, but I believe it can work to our advantage here. Just as the computers can access data from other factions, they can data to other factions. If we sent the data you wished to rescue to every other faction, destroying it all would be impossible." "When you say 'we,'" I say, "are you implying that--" "That we would be going with you?" she says. "Obviously not all of us would go, but some of us must. How do you expect to navigate Erudite headquarters on your own?" "You do realize that if you come with us, you might get shot," says Christina. She smiles. "And no hiding behind us because you don't want to break your glasses, or whatever." Cara removes her glasses and snaps them in half at the bridge. "We risked our lives by defecting from our faction," says Cara, "and we will risk them again to save our faction from itself." "Also," pipes up a small voice behind Cara. A girl no older than ten or eleven peers around Cara's elbow. Her black hair is short, like mine, and a halo of frizz surrounds her head. "We have useful gadgets." Christina and I exchange a look. I say, "What kinds of gadgets?" "They're just prototypes," Fernando says, "so there's no need to scrutinize them." "Scrutiny's not really our thing," says Christina. "Then how do you make things better?" the little girl asks. "We don't, really," Christina says, sighing. "They kind of just keep getting worse." The little girl nods. "Entropy." "What?" "Entropy," she chirps. "It's the theory that all matter in the universe is gradually moving toward the same temperature. Also known as 'heat death.'" "Elia," Cara says, "that is a gross oversimplification." Elia sticks out her tongue at Cara. I can't help but laugh. I have never seen one of the Erudite stick out her tongue before. But then again, I haven't interacted with many young Erudite. Only Jeanine and the people who work for her. Including my brother."