Caines a guy who needs to win. He needs to win before he poofs. Or he needs to win before I poof. The point is, hes not going to just accept us freeing all these kids from Coates and taking over Perdido Beach, Sam said. So we need to be ready. And we need to be ready for something else, too: tomorrow is my birthday. He made a wry face. Not a birthday Im exactly looking forward to. But, anyway, we need to decide who takes over for me ifwhenI step outside.Several of the kids made sympathetic or encouraging noises about how Sam maybe wasnt going to blink out, or maybe it would be a good thing, an escape from the FAYZ. But Sam hushed them all.Look, the good thing is, when I go, so does Caine. The bad thing is, that still leaves Drake and Diana and other bullies. Orcwell, we dont exactly know whats going on with him, but Howards not with him. And Lanawe dont know what happened to her, whether she left or what.The loss of Lana was a serious blow. Every one of the Coates refugees adored her for the way she had healed their hands. And it was reassuring to think that she could heal anyone who was injured.Astrid said, I nominate Edilio to take over ifyou know. Anyway, we need a number two, a vice president or vice mayor or whatever.Edilio did a double take, like Astrid must be talking about some other Edilio. Then he said, No way. Astrids the smartest person here.I have Little Pete to look after. Mary has to care for the prees and keep them out of harms way. Dahra has responsibility for treating anyone who gets hurt. Elwood has been so busy in the hospital with Dahra, he hasnt dealt with Caine or Drake or any of the Coates faction. Edilios been up against Orc and Drake. And hes always been brave and smart and able. She winked at Edilio, acknowledging his discomfort.Right, Sam said. So unless someone has an objection, thats the way it is. If I get hurt or I ditch, Edilios in charge.Respect to Edilio, Dekka said, but he doesnt even have powers.He has the power to earn trust and to come through when he has to,