Then the pain, swelling, coming in waves until her world greyed at the edges as she tried to take stock. Every breath sent sharp pains through her chest, and the cries of her fellows were too loud, in her ears and in her head.
“Nuri!” Mei’s voice reached her, as if from a distance, and people shifted, groaning.
Pressure eased as recruits were helped up. Facilitators arrived, issuing terse orders. Nuri crawled to a wall she could lean up against while she fought to breathe, pathetically grateful for Mei’s arm slung around her shoulders as the Terran girl whispered into her ear.
“You’ll be all right. Slow, deep breaths.” Where Mei touched her, on her shoulders, her back, her sides, the pain subsided slightly. Enough for her to calm down, to stop shaking.
“I – I don’t know when I last fell.” Nuri didn’t say pushed. Not here, not now. She didn’t want to cause trouble until she had more information about who and how.
“What happened?” Mei asked. “You looked like you just flew into the others.”
Nuri shook her head, inhaled carefully. Winced at the sharp jab of agony from her ribs. “Later.”
“I felt something. A person near the stairwell, behind us. They used telekinesis.”
“Shhh,” Nuri said.
A facilitator came to them, a terse Heran by the name of Reza. “Can you walk, Chosen?”
Nuri dipped her head. “I think so.”
“I’ll help,” Mei said. “We should go to the clinic, right?”
“Only if she can walk. Otherwise, wait for a stretcher.”
Nuri rose carefully, but then the overwhelming, sudden pain in her head made her so dizzy she nearly blacked out. She sat again quickly.
“I guess not,” she said through gritted teeth as a wave of nausea flushed hot and cold through her. Damn feeling this helpless. Damn whoever had caused this in the first place. And damn the fact that someone still wanted to hurt her. Only now it’d moved beyond words.
The only positive was that the medic bots arrived with a stretcher a few minutes later, and she wasn’t the alone in suffering this indignity – three others had been hurt almost as badly as she had. What followed passed in a haze of painkillers and a thorough examination. Not once did Mei leave Nuri’s side, talking her through all the examinations. When she was eventually allowed to fall asleep, there were no dreams.
* * *
When Nuri awoke, Mei was still there, but left after promising to return soon. Still groggy, Nuri dozed off, only to start awake with the distinct impression that she was no longer alone. Fadhil Tien sat at her bedside, his dark eyes watchful.
At first, she couldn’t figure out if it was her imagination playing tricks on her, but there was no mistaking the high dome of his shaved head, the glossy dark skin and angular cheekbones. Unusually, no secret amusement sparked in his eyes. A frown creased the skin on his brow.
“How do you feel, Nuri?” His voice was as deep and rumbling as she remembered.
She tried to sit up, but her head throbbed ominously through the blanketing of drugs that still swirled in her system.
“Like a herd of pandors just stampeded over me.” Her mouth tasted as if the same herd of pandors had left their mess in there.
“The AI says you were badly concussed.”
Nuri groaned. “I’m sorry. I was clumsy.”
Fadhil shook his head. “That’s not what your friend says.”
“I was careless. I’d never have allowed this to happen in the barrens. You didn’t need to come. I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” Him seeing her like this – vulnerable, in this sorry situation due to a moment of inattention – it stung.
“You know that’s not true.”
“Don’t you have a real daughter to worry about?” There was that girl in the pictures. She’d never asked.
That struck a nerve. A muscle in his cheek twitched and he inhaled sharply, his gaze momentarily turned to stone. Then he offered a lazy smile that didn’t quite soften his eyes. “I do care about my investment, child.”
Ouch. Nuri grimaced. “Fair enough.”
“I expect you to honour our end of the agreement. Not that my offer to formally adopt you will fall away should you not succeed, but it would work out better for us if you are the one to bond with the star-jumper. And despite what you think, I do care that you’ve hurt yourself. And that there are those who bear you ill will.” Old pain was lodged in those words.
“I’m sorry,” Nuri said. “I’m not used to people caring. I’ve always just …” She sucked in a breath. “I’ve always just been an asset. Someone who was only special as long as she could perform. Like a prize racing pandor. And that you took great pleasure in taking me from Vadith as tit for tat because of us breaking in to your house. I’m sorry about that, by the way.”
She should elaborate on the bullying, the barbed words, but it would come across as if she wasn’t grateful, wasn’t capable of dealing with the problem herself. After all, the fact that she was lying here in the clinic was evidence enough of her shortcomings. She had to try harder, not let down her guard like she had.
A smile twitched the corner of his mouth. “I won’t deny that stealing you away from Vadith gave me a bit of a thrill.”
“How are … the rest of my pack? Have you heard anything?”
“Still running,” he said with a smirk.
“I’d bet they don’t even miss me.”
“Oh, they miss you, all right. They’ve lost ground to one of the western packs that has a pair of expert runners at the head of their primary pack. Not quite as talented as you are, but enough to make Vadith curse my name for taking you away.”
Nuri allowed herself a wry smile. “I’m your replacement for the dragon pin.”
“How astute,” he said. “But you’ll find that I care about you a great deal more than I do a mere silver bauble. Even if it is an irreplaceable artefact from ancient Terra.”
“Why me?”
“Why not? Who are we but for the opportunities we are given – sometimes by random strangers who see potential and don’t want it wasted?”
“So, if I’d not tried to rob you, I’d most likely still be running in the barrens?”
“Don’t forget you heard the call.”
“But you’d not have known.”
He shook his head. “And you’d not have found a patron, and may have been shipped off-world by now.”
“But they want me here, the facilitators. Don’t they? Enough to let you pay. And if I fail, which I surely will, all you have is a barrens brat.”
“I may be ruthless, but I’m not heartless. And what makes you think you’ll fail?” His smile was a touch tighter at the corners of his mouth. “You’re young, you have incredible talent, and if you’re willing to learn, you can be far more than a mere runner. You’re wasted on the likes of Vadith. Don’t ever forget that.”
So, she’d exchanged one boss for another. Nuri sighed. But what could this step up from running in the barrens involve? Guess she’d find out eventually, after this whole ordeal with the star-jumper was done.
A bell chimed, and the door sliced open to admit one of the AI bots, a gleaming spider thing that whizzed along a track in the ceiling. “Most esteemed Citizen Tien, the patient’s blood pressure and pulse have increased. Perhaps you could continue this discussion when she is well.” Machine or not, this was a statement, not a question.
Fadhil offered the bot a smile that was far warmer than Nuri thought was warranted, and she fought hard to keep her relief from showing. This conversation was making her uncomfortable. And sad.
If only Mei hadn’t left her side. A selfish notion, considering she wasn’t even certain how long she’d been sleeping.
The man rose and straightened his coat. “You take care now, Nuri. I understand that we are still strangers to each other, but it is my sincere hope that we can build our relationship into one of trust, despite the somewhat ignoble beginning to our association.” With that, he offered a short bow
and left the ward.
The bot turned its sensors to Nuri, and she felt the faint prickle as it scanned her.
“How long have I been here?” she asked, trying not to tense up.
“You have been resting for three days now, Citizen.”
Citizen.
The word sounded so weird applied to her. Something to grow accustomed to, she guessed.
* * *
F’Thr caught up with Nuri and Mei as they emerged from the clinic the morning the AI’s assessment had put Nuri in clear.
A watery sun struggled past the dense cloud cover, and swirls of wind dashed leaves and smaller debris – litter blown in from the barrens, across the fens and over the perimeter fence. Not a good day at all, but Nuri was glad to be released from the confines of the clinic.
The J’Veth was out of breath, his skin charcoal-hued from exertion as he fell in step with them while they followed the pathway that led back to the dorms.
“Where’s the fire?” Mei chuckled softly.
“I found out who” – he stabbed the tentacles on his right arm skyward – “you know.”
“Who did what?” Nuri asked, curious and taken aback by the intensity of his arrival.
He slung his left arm around Nuri, which caused Mei to halt too as he pressed his face close to theirs. “The culprit.”
“We need to leave this be,” Nuri said, her pulse speeding up. “Don’t escalate it.”
She knew to let things blow over from her time with the pack. If the elder runners got heated about anything the little ones did, they’d maybe lash out a bit, teach them a lesson. She had to show the Nasty Girls that their behaviour didn’t bother her. So far it didn’t seem as if the facilitators thought the stairs incident was anything more than a clumsy accident, and she was happy for them to continue doing so.
“That’s rubbish, and you know it,” F’Thr said.
“We’re not here to start a war,” Mei added, her expression grim. “Nuri’s got a point.”
“The way Vella was bragging about getting someone to bribe one of the telekinetics in the first-floor squads to do the dirty on her behalf … It’s not right.” F’Thr shook his head so that his facial tentacles nearly slapped Nuri and Mei.
Nuri’s forehead gave a dull pulse of an ache. “Guys, guys, I really appreciate your care about this, but all I want right now is get back to the dorm without falling downstairs again. Or being pushed, or whatever.”
“That’s why I’m here,” F’Thr said, and made a big production of glaring about them as they resumed their progress to the residence.
Nuri didn’t feel like pointing out that whoever attacked her last time would most likely not repeat the exact method a second time round – that would be plain-ass idiotic – but she allowed her friends to escort her back to their dorm room.
Byron met them in the common area, with a tight smile. Stars above, he was acting as if this were some sort of top-secret mission.
“Seriously?” she asked as their squad ascended to the second floor, out of earshot of the dozens of curious recruits they’d passed along the way.
“Not taking chances,” Byron said over his shoulder. “You don’t know what it’s been like here the past few days with you gone.”
“Enlighten me, oh esteemed squad leader,” Nuri said.
“Once we get inside our dorm,” was all she got from him.
There, they fussed over her as if she were dying of swamp fever, Mei stopping short only of tucking Nuri into her bunk.
“I’m supposed to get bed rest, not be entombed,” Nuri complained.
“You just about had your skull broken open,” the Terran girl said.
“It was only concussion.”
“Only!” F’Thr interjected with a snort. “You nearly got squashed flatter than a fried roach cake.”
“Ugh, fine.” Nuri suffered their attentions until they reckoned she was comfortable. She wasn’t, but she was beyond complaining.
“Now,” F’Thr said, his pupils so wide the orange rings of his irises were nearly swallowed up. “Byron will debrief us.”
Byron began pacing. “This entire situation has spun out of control.”
It was her fault, wasn’t it? Nuri swallowed back a discomfort that had nothing to do with her injuries. “You don’t need to get involved, Byron. I appreciate everything you’re all doing, but I’m the stray that pulled in here and upset the natural order and –”
“They’re treating us as if we’re inmates at some correctional facility!” he hissed.
Damn, he was really upset.
“It’s embarrassing!”
“Well, what do you expect me to do about it?” Nuri shot back. “I’ve just spent half a week lying on my back, medicated up to my eyeballs.”
“Byron,” Mei started, “I know this must be difficult for your fragile male ego, but we’re in this together.”
Byron glared at F’Thr. “If it weren’t for you and that damned prank, none of this would’ve happened.”
“Well, it happened!” F’Thr snapped. “And I’m sorry and not sorry.”
“Hey!” Mei yelled. “Enough now! We can’t change what happened. And I don’t see the point of any of us getting our guts tied in knots about it after the fact. The pandor has bolted.”
F’Thr shot her a wounded look. “Thank you, Mei.”
Byron gusted out a frustrated breath then clambered onto his bunk, where he sat swinging his legs, arms folded while he continued to glare at the them.
“It’s not going to end here,” F’Thr said quietly. “We need a proper strategy.”
“You’ve made enough of a mess as it is,” Byron said. “And Nuri and others have been badly injured as a result.”
“They were going to target me anyway,” Nuri said. “Our little prank the other night just gave them more of an excuse. And I suspect there may be … elements who want to see me fail. Because I’m a threat to their plans.”
“So what if you’re different from most of us,” Mei said. “Those rumours of you being a crim are just rude.”
F’Thr shot her a look, and Nuri nodded. Whether the others had gone so far as to verify the rumours, she didn’t know. Might as well spill her guts.
“It’s not just that.” Nuri sucked in a deep breath, her stomach looping itself into knots. “Those aren’t just nasty stories they’re circulating to make me look bad. They’re true. I was a runner.”
Byron’s jaw dropped but he quickly regained his composure, his expression flinty.
Mei put her hand over Nuri’s. “I don’t care.”
F’Thr cocked his head. “So what? My family has a sideline in grey goods, putting them one step above smugglers.”
“Also, I was called here. By the star-jumper. That’s how I was allowed into the facility in the first place, and I think you should know that. Before it gets out otherwise.”
“Really?” Byron asked.
Nuri turned to him. “Really. Honestly. Truly.”
“They probably know that too,” Mei said, her brow creasing in thought. “The Nasty Girls, that is.”
“They do. They have sources,” Nuri said. “It’s only a matter of time before more comes out. I just want you guys to know the truth. From me.”
She expected Byron to storm out, but he remained where he was, frowning.
“I won’t blame you if you ask to transfer to another squad.” Nuri clenched her hands. “If this is going to reflect badly on your family.” Stasja hadn’t had any qualms, and Opna had taken the first opportunity to bow out, despite the difficulties it might’ve caused with his family.
Byron gave a brief shake of his head, his lips a tight line. “No. That’s not even on the table. A soldier doesn’t abandon his team just because he doesn’t like some of his fellows.” He looked meaningfully at her. “And I like you, Nuri. You’re good in this team. You’ve proven yourself more than those who’ve got Elder bloodlines to boast about.” He meant Stasja, of course.
“But i
t’s not going to end,” Nuri said. “They’ll carry on, and on, and if they’re willing to do stupid stuff like actually attack, you’ll all be in the way. You might get hurt.”
“And if we leave you to your own devices?” Mei asked, squeezing Nuri’s hand.
“On my own, I’m less of a target.”
“You’re smaller than most of us.”
“But I’m quick. I can hide,” Nuri added.
“Until they corner you,” Byron said.
“I don’t expect any of you to put yourself in harm’s way because of me.”
“You were a runner,” F’Thr said. “Didn’t you lot have some sort of code?”
“That’s not the same,” Nuri said.
“How come?” the J’Veth retorted. “We’re just a new kind of pack, am I right?” He locked gazes with Byron, Mei and then Nuri in turn. “And whatever the Nasty Girls or any other awful people throw at us, we’re going to be ready. If they lash out at you, they lash out at all of us.”
Nuri’s throat grew thick with unaccustomed emotion. “No one in my pack ever said anything like that to me. Ever.”
“As you said.” F’Thr blinked lazily. “It’s not the same. It’s better.”
11
Two days without any trouble. Sure, whispers and sniggers followed Nuri in the canteen, into the bathrooms, but perhaps the threat of increased AI surveillance or the additional one-on-one meetings with the life-skills facilitators had drummed some sense into the Nasty Girls’ heads. It didn’t matter, really, because her bruises were fading fast thanks to whatever treatment she’d received in the clinic, she was sleeping well (most likely because the accelerated healing was taxing her reserves), and wherever she went, she had either F’Thr, Mei or Byron keeping an eye on her. No one tried anything stupid.
To give her squad mates credit, they tried not to be obvious in their vigilance, but Nuri wasn’t blind. It was a novel feeling, knowing that her new “pack”, such as it was, cared enough not to just leave her to her own devices.
The only time they were separated was when she went to class in the mornings, because of – well, yes, the not-so-small matter that she was still struggling with the academics, which caused titters of amusement among those recruits who were prone to gossip.
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