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He switched on the receiver, switched it to output mode and tested it. A gentle, reassuring buzz signaled it was working. “Kade. Are you receiving this?”

The receiver continued buzzing gently.

He tried again. “Is anyone receiving this?”

Despair hit him. It must be faulty. Maybe the output channel was corrupted. He lifted the cover off again and stared at the workings. Everything seemed fine. He tried one more time.

“Danni. Kade. Anybody.”

“Jude! Holy fuck. Is that you?”

Jude let out a relieved sigh. “It’s me. Kade, where are the others? Have you heard from them?”

“No! What the hell happened? One second everything was fine and then the signal cut out. We’ve been trying to reach you all for hours.”

“The militia found us,” said Jude. “I have little time. Can you track this signal?”

“That won’t be a problem,” said Kade. “You’re not hiding your location. You’re broadcasting this to anyone listening in.”

“I didn’t have a choice,” said Jude.

“I can see where you are.”

“How far away from base?”

“We’ll get you as quickly as we can.” Kade wisely didn’t give away either of their locations.

Jude pressed his fingers on the bridge of his nose and winced. He wasn’t thinking straight. If he wasn’t careful, he’d reveal too much. If the State were listening in, they’d discover not only him, but also the Old London base. “I can’t find the others. Heath and Malachi were taken. Octavia too. We were separated.”

“Don’t worry,” said Kade. “We’ll get you. You’ll be fine.”

“I need to move,” said Jude. “If I shift this signal around it will take the State longer to track me.”

“You don’t sound good,” said Kade. “Are you okay to move?”

“I’ve been better.” His fingers touched his ribs. “I’ll live.”

“Jude, I’ve dispatched a team to come to you.” It was Danni. “Stay off this channel for as long as you can. We’ll let you know when we’re close.”

“Great. I’ll get moving now.”

“Stay safe out there.” Danni sounded concerned.

“I’ll do my best.” Jude took his time packing up the receiver, trying not to aggravate his injuries. As he stood, he swayed on his feet, and the world spun. He staggered to the side and landed on his knees. Shit! He must have a concussion.

Jude tried standing again. The world tilted, and he rolled onto his side, biting back a scream as his ribs dug into him.

He had to get up and keep moving. But nothing wanted to work. His legs and arms were limp and his vision blurred.

He couldn’t give up now. He needed to find Octavia. He had to make sure she was safe. Heath and Malachi could still be out there, too. There was no way he would give up.

Taking a deep breath, Jude tried again. He made it to his feet, staggered three steps, and darkness descended on him.

***

“IF YOU KEEP FIGHTINGme, traitor, I will make the rest of your short life a living hell.” The soldier with the acne scars glared at Octavia.

She’d gotten in two hard kicks to his shins as he’d dragged her, and then thrown her, into the back of the military van.