Zane watched the girl’s shoulders in front of him tremble and by the time she was next in line, she was openly shaking and sobbing.
“Don’t be a baby, Piper! Just jump!” A shrill falsetto voice yelled from behind Zane.
Zane didn’t feel the need to comfort the girl in front of him. He turned to look at the girl behind him. She was the short, blonde girl who Aurora accidentally bumped into on the bus, the one who said everyone already knew who she was. Although Zane wasn’t sure what she’d meant, he could tell she meant it to be rude. She probably would have been hot, if it weren’t for the ugly sneer she wore.
“That’s easy for you to say,” Zane told her. “You’re not looking down fifteen-thousand feet yet.”
“Oh, I’ll be just fine.” She moved her body closer to his. “I’m Hailen, by the way.”
Zane turned around, ignoring her.
Piper clutched onto the Coach, begging him not to make her jump.
Coach Harris only shook his head, a disappointed look on his face, and motioned for her to go to the front of the airplane. There were already several people sitting dejectedly, huddled together, unwilling to jump. Piper held her head down as she brushed by, knowing she wouldn’t be allowed into the Apollo Academy. They had made their stance clear. Not jumping just bought her a one-way ticket home.
Now that it was Zane’s turn, he stepped forward until he stood at the edge of the open door. He couldn’t see much without sticking his head out completely; just open sky and the back part of the airplane. He wasn’t afraid, though. He would do anything to be accepted. It was his only choice.
“You ready?” Coach Harris yelled.
Zane nodded. He had been waiting his whole life for an opportunity like this.
He bent his knees and jumped.
At first he could only feel. As he plummeted, he felt his stomach rise into his throat as if he were on a roller coaster. He felt freezing cold air forcefully press against his cheeks, arms, and legs.
He eventually reached terminal velocity, and he fell toward the earth at 180 miles an hour. Weirdly, he felt his heart and respiratory rate stay consistent.
Zane held his arms out in front of him and bent his knees for a more stable fall. When he grew accustomed to the air pressing against him, he finally began to see. The land below him was a dirty brown color with no vegetation in sight. The Atlantic Ocean along the coastline was the same unattractive brown. Massive gray skyscrapers and black highways stretched out to the northwest. The only semi-clear land belonged to the Apollo Academy’s grounds and the Apollo Alliance SpacePort, which were directly below him.
He couldn’t see the millions of people that he knew were down there, living stacked on top of one another. He was probably too far up, but most of them were likely inside anyways, jacked into some piece of technology. Living their rose-colored lives.
It only seemed like a few moments had passed, when he began to make out the landing area at the SpacePort. He let the land rush up at him for a few seconds longer before his techiwatch beeped.
Three thousand feet.
He pulled the parachute, and his momentum came to a jerking stop as the parachute deployed.
Zane saw the other cadets landing safely below him. He watched the same tall blonde girl from last night land and then run to tackle a waiting Aurora. Zane let a tiny smile slip, but it felt weird and quickly disappeared.
Using the hand-held strings above his head, Zane glided toward the landing site. Thankfully, all shuttle launches were on hold during the initiation jump, so he didn’t have to worry about any other air traffic.
At the last second, he pulled hard with his right hand, adjusting his course. His feet briefly touched the red dot painted in the center of the landing pad before he had to take a few steps as his momentum came to a stop. The large parachute spread out behind him, pulling on him like a leash, until it eventually deflated.
As soon as he was free, he walked toward Aurora. He tried rubbing the oil out from beneath his nails before he got there, but as usual the stains wouldn’t budge. Zane didn’t know what he was going to say when he got there, but his feet controlled him now.
He stopped in front of her. “Hi.”
“Hi.” She smiled an open, easy smile. “Wasn’t that fun? I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to do this for real. That was one of the most real moments of my life.”
Zane moved closer. Aurora’s words made him realize that she’d led a very sheltered life. Most people chose to live in an alternate reality. It’d be easy to forget it wasn’t real, but he didn’t say any of that. Instead he said, “That’s probably a part of the test too.”
“To see if people can live off tech?”
“Maybe.”
Aurora nodded as if she hadn’t thought of that.
The tall blonde from the night before bounded forward. “You’re the guy from Beat.”
It wasn’t a question, but Zane nodded, keeping his eyes on Aurora. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“I’m Kaylana.” She pointed to the last two cadets landing. “Wasn’t that nova?”
Aurora laughed, patting her friend on the back. “I told you it would be. When can we do it again?”
Kaylana paled and began talking at supernova speed. “Okay, so maybe it wasn’t that nova. I mean it was better than I expected, but not so much that I want to do it again. You don’t think they’ll make us do it again, right? We already proved ourselves. Besides, free falling isn’t exactly the same thing as going into outer space—”
“Whoa. Kay, it’s all right,” Aurora said, laughing. Her green eyes lit, making her even more beautiful.
Zane soaked in her image. Her hair was coming loose from its braid and every time the sun hit her thick scarlet waves, it would flash colors of gold. He stared at her lips, wishing he’d kissed her last night.
He knew he would never deserve someone like her. She probably wouldn’t even talk to him if she knew he was an unknown. Not to mention his other big secret, the one the Academy could never find out about.
Survival at all cost was officially his new motto. And getting involved with anyone, no matter how beautiful the girl, probably wasn’t the best idea right now.
Kaylana cleared her throat, pulling Zane from his dark thoughts.
“I guess we better get going.” Zane motioned toward the waiting hoverbus where cadets were climbing in. He didn’t wait for the girls to follow.
When he got on board, he quickly sat down next to a boy with dark hair and skin.
“Hi, I’m Akemi.” The boy held out his hand.
Zane thought Akemi had at least one parent of Asian descent. He shook his hand. “Zane.”
“So that was intense, huh?”
Before Zane could respond, Aurora walked onto the bus, stopping at the open seat across from him. Her face scrunched up, and he guessed she was internally arguing with herself. It was kind of cute. She must have come to a decision because Aurora motioned for Kaylana to sit. Aurora then sat down on the seat closest to him, turning her green eyes on him.
“After all of that . . . ” Aurora waved her hand in the air. “I, um, I’m kind of happy to see you here,” she whispered.
Zane leaned closer to her, blocking the aisle. “Look, I didn’t mean to just walk away the other night.” He shrugged. “I don’t know what got into me.” Actually, he knew exactly what had gotten into him. Fear. The girl made him feel things he never had any intention of feeling.
“Here, let’s start over. Again. I’m Zane Paxton.” He held his hand out. And when their hands grasped onto one another, Zane decided this time he didn’t want to let go.
Unfortunately, Hailen cleared her throat. “You’re blocking the aisle.”
They dropped hands as if caught doing something they weren’t supposed to do. Zane leaned back, and Aurora tucked her hand into her lap.
“I don’t know why you feel the need to introduce yourself to everyone.” Hailen looked pleased with herself as she looked down at Au
rora. “But there’s no need to stop introductions on my account. Zane, this is Aurora Titon, of course.” She rolled her eyes.
Zane wouldn’t have been more shocked if Hailen had kicked him in the nuts. He felt his eyes widen before he could control them.
Hailen noticed his reaction. “You mean you didn’t know she’s the daughter of Collin Titon?” She asked the question as if she couldn’t believe someone could be so stupid.
Everyone on the bus stopped talking. Zane shuttered his face back into his usual blank mask. He calmly looked at Aurora, and her face confirmed it all. He watched her smile fade and her hands twist together.
Hailen laughed and sashayed down the aisle until she found a seat.
Zane looked away from Aurora. She was the daughter of Collin Titon? As in the daughter of Titon Technologies? Heiress to billions?
As the hoverbus pulled away, Zane tried to wrap his head around everything. The skydive. The consequences of him getting kicked out of the Academy. And somehow more devastating, that Aurora was completely off limits.
AURORA
Aurora felt heat rushing to her face and was certain her cheeks had flushed an ugly, bright red. She didn’t understand why everyone held her father against her, as if she had chosen to be his daughter. Hailen sauntered back to her friends, a satisfied smirk on her face.
Aurora looked over at Zane. He stared out the window and refused to look her way. After everything she’d just experienced, all she’d wanted to do was make a connection with somebody.
“Don’t worry about them,” Kaylana whispered.
Aurora scooted closer to Kaylana, needing comfort from the only person who really knew her. Aurora kept her mouth shut and tried to be invisible.
Even though Kaylana had a family she could go home to every night, she still understood what it was like to grow up with a busy father. And even that was Aurora’s father’s fault in a way. Collin Titon couldn’t have his lead scientist put in less hours than he did.
Aurora remained lost in thoughts of her childhood until the bus pulled to a stop.
It was finally time to leave her past behind her.
As soon as Aurora stepped off the bus, cameras flashed and reporters began to yell out questions. Ms. Lovell again stood in front of the podium outside the Apollo Academy’s main gate and addressed the twenty cadets left standing.
“Congratulations to all of you who had the courage to jump.” Her brows creased as if she were disappointed that they lost so many. “Because of our partnership with the Apollo Alliance, I can guarantee that those of you who complete your two-year training will become certified astronauts and be eligible for the most elite missions.” Ms. Lovell smiled, but it still held an edge of sadness. “These missions will be of upmost importance. Despite what many believe, I know those of you before me are our world’s last hope.”
Would Aurora really help save the world? She knew life in space was difficult, and that the Academy trained them young so they could handle the stress for a longer length of time, but when it was said that way, it was kind of scary.
Ms. Lovell continued with her speech, which was mostly for the reporters’ benefit. Aurora already knew most of the information she shared.
“Orientation will begin in one hour, and the first five-month semester of class eight will commence tomorrow at 0900. After completing their first semester, cadets will have a one-month break to recuperate from their vigorous schedules.” Ms. Lovell cleared her throat. “I have one final announcement to make. We’re accepting our first female student into the flight area of concentration.”
As soon as Aurora heard the words female pilot, her mind filled with static. Please, please, let it be me.
She focused her whole heart on Ms. Lovell’s words. “This is certainly not a first in world history, but it is a welcoming first for the Apollo Academy.” When Ms. Lovell made direct eye contact with Aurora, she felt her whole body tense, freezing in place.
“Ms. Aurora Titon. Congratulations. If you make it through training, you will be the Academy’s first female pilot astronaut.”
Aurora’s heart raced, and a huge smile stretched across her face.
Every head turned her way, and camera flashes blinded her, making the news session before the skydive pale in comparison.
Aurora put her hand in front of her face. Her ears filled with a dull roar and her heart pounded. The reporters yelled a cacophony of things, but most of what she made out was her name and congratulations.
Ms. Lovell spoke into the microphone. “Aurora, would you like to come up here?” She asked it nicely, but Aurora wasn’t sure she had a choice. She was going to hyperventilate in front of all of these people if she didn’t get control of her breathing.
Kaylana grabbed her hand and squeezed.
She could do this. She had to do this.
No, she wanted to do this.
Slowly Aurora made her way to the podium. Her father proudly watching beside several news reporters could not have looked happier. She knew he was excited for all of the publicity this was going to bring the company. Aurora turned her attention to Ms. Lovell.
“I, uh . . . ” Oh no, her voice was doing that high-pitched thing again, the one that made her sound like one of her father’s squeaking lab rats. She swallowed, clearing her throat. “I’m going to be a pilot?” she whispered, covering the microphone with one hand.
Ms. Lovell calmly looked back at her, but before she answered that question, Aurora had another horrible thought. “My dad didn’t have anything to do with this, did he?” Even Aurora heard the doubt in her voice. She wanted to be accepted because she deserved to be.
Ms. Lovell pulled her into a hug and whispered into her ear. “No, Aurora.” Ms. Lovell’s head turned toward hers, and Aurora watched her brown eyes soften. “Your scores showed an aptitude for aeronautics, physics, and safety awareness. Not to mention your flight simulation went very smoothly. Isn’t this where you hoped to be placed?”
“That’s exactly where I want to be.” She hesitated. “I guess I just didn’t realize it’d be announced this way.”
Ms. Lovell spread her hands wide. “Yes, well, it is a first and makes a great story for the news.”
Aurora nodded. It’s not like the Academy had a ton of girls lining up to train which, now that she thought about it, totally sucked. There were plenty of kick-ass female pilots in world history; she’d read about them all. Yet somehow this was a first for the Academy.
A hesitant smile crossed her face. Aurora could be the girl others looked up to. One who didn’t need tech and made her own decisions. That kind of attention she could definitely be okay with.
Ms. Lovell seemed to understand her decision and stepped aside, leaving Aurora alone in front of the podium and reporters. She fought the urge to run. This time she couldn’t blame the attention on her father. This was what she wanted.
The same young reporter from earlier in the morning stepped forward. “How does it feel to be the first female selected for the flight program?”
“I, uh—” Her voice squeaked out, barely understandable at such a high pitch. She swallowed, heat rushing to her cheeks. She would not make a fool of herself.
“It’s an honor.” Aurora looked down, then forced herself to look back up and straighten her spine. “I can only hope to make the Academy proud and make a difference.” She stopped. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep her voice level. Her entire body shook. “I guess now I should gather my things and begin my new life at the Apollo Academy.” Aurora stepped back from the crowd of reporters huddled in front of her, again yelling over each other, desperate for her to answer one more question.
Ms. Lovell stepped forward. “That’s all for today. Thank you for coming. All cadets should say goodbye to their loved ones and report back to the Academy cafeteria for orientation.” Ms. Lovell waved and motioned for Aurora to follow her.
“I’m sorry to put you on the spot like that,” Ms. Lovell began. “I actually wanted
to call you yesterday and give you some warning, but your father thought it would be best to wait.” She smiled. “He thought the only way you would handle all of the attention would be when it was thrust upon you.”
Aurora couldn’t find it in her to disagree with her dad’s plan. It had worked. “So I’m the only female?” Aurora asked, the enormity of this moment settling on her shoulders.
“Yes, the first and only female who has done well enough to be placed in the flight AOC. You should be proud of yourself.” Frowning, Ms. Lovell continued. “Unfortunately, not many teenagers are interested in anything beyond their tech candy these days. Most don’t even read anymore. They’re too plugged into an alternate reality—” Ms. Lovell stopped herself, as if remembering whom she spoke to. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything against your father. It’s not like it’s his fault we’re where we are today.”
“Don’t worry about it. Trust me, I get it.” The bold Titon Technologies logo practically marked everything she looked at or used. She moved back to their earlier conversation. “Despite my shock, I’m really happy with my area of concentration.” Aurora stood up straight. She had worked too hard to let fear get in the way of her dreams. She just needed to focus on what this would mean for her. She was going to be a pilot astronaut!
Ms. Lovell tilted her head toward the reporters, as if sensing her thoughts. “Once you’re inside the Academy, the attention will die down.” Ms. Lovell patted her shoulder. “You’ll do just fine.”
The steel security gate that prevented anyone from entering or leaving the Academy swung open, revealing the most beautiful grounds Aurora had ever seen.
It was green.
Aurora whirled around, spotting Kaylana standing nearby. Not giving Kaylana a chance to protest, Aurora pulled her through the open gate.
Aurora didn’t know where to look first. The grass that surrounded the Academy, the four palm trees, framing an open courtyard, the abandoned shuttle pads, the ocean off in the distance, or the massive building that stood above it all.
Kaylana decided for her. Still holding hands, Kaylana pulled Aurora behind her as she ran to the closest palm tree.
The Apollo Academy Page 4
