FADE IN. The meeting was over. The future was not. Underground. The subway. The same flickering lights. The same heavy air. But something had shifted. Twelve thousand cats who had stood like stone during Catakee's speech were now moving — slowly, quietly — breaking into smaller groups the way water breaks around rock. Tails flicking. Ears turning. Eyes searching other eyes for the one thing nobody wanted to say out loud. Are we really doing this? Whispers moved through the cr

The radio never stopped. Same words. Same voice. Over and over: "The ship is moving tonight. Those who are not affected by the flu will be boarded." The city broke open. People poured into the streets — running, stumbling, holding whoever they could. Mothers pulled children by the wrist. Friends dragged friends by the arm. Fear moved faster than legs could carry it. Coughing filled every corner. Then crying. Then silence, where people used to be. The flu had no name. It neede