The Lion of Mars

Bell is relieved to find Leo, who is familiar with the tunnels. The cat leads him to the door of the French settlement. When Bell hesitantly opens it, he hears music and voices that lead him to a room full of people. They seem to be having a party, with an enormous cake and a couple dancing happily; they slowly stop and stare in shock when they notice the young boy.

A woman with a scar on her head tries to talk to him in French, but Bell does not understand her until she switches to English and offers him cake. She introduces herself as Commander Sylvie Laurent. Bell explains his situation. The Commander is friendly and mentions the Americans by name, and Bell surmises that they have had contact before. She promises that she and her people will take care of everything.

A young girl named Amélie introduces herself to Bell, who is stunned to learn not only that Leo has been coming in and out of the different settlements for months, but also that the other countries are all in contact. The reason why the Finns were not home is because they were invited to the French settlement for a wedding between one of the French women and a Finnish man.