Slade turned, his features twisted in loathing. “Tell me this is a joke.”
Skye put her hands on her hips. “He’s perfectly serious. Now if you don’t have any other business up here, I need to give Captain Taylor a tour.” She stared him down, the invitation to leave clear in her stance.
My eyes widened. The girl had guts.
Slade snorted. “Fine.” He rolled his shoulders. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He turned and walked up to Gideon, leaning in close, his dark eyes like simmering coal pits. “This isn’t over.” He moved past, bumping Gideon hard on the shoulder before taking the elevator down.
Gideon brushed off the place where Slade had touched him and started up a conversation with Isabel, who was slow responding as she watched the elevator doors close behind Slade. As soon as he was out of sight, Skye rushed forward and took Gideon’s arm.
“Thank you so much! I’m sorry it was under those circumstances,” she paused, biting her full lip as she gazed up at him through her lashes. “You don’t have to take me if you don’t want to.”
I looked away, fighting the urge to grab a handful of her perfect hair and yank. Hard. I secretly wished Gideon would resist her Malibu Barbie charm, but I knew he was too chivalrous.
“I’d be honored if you’d go with me,” he said.
My lungs squeezed until I couldn’t breathe. I moved toward the nearest airship so I wouldn’t have to hear Skye’s excited jabbering.
It was a small airship compared to many of the others, and looked like it would only fit one passenger.
“Incredible, no?” Isabel said.
I turned, surprised to see her at my side. “Yes.” I ran a hand along the smooth metal surface, inspecting the whole ship. “Have you been up here long?”
She shrugged. “We came up as soon as my last class was over.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice, “I’m glad Cadet North asked Skye to the dance. She was so afraid she’d have to go with that other guy.”
I attempted a smile but knew I was failing miserably so I bent down to look at the craft’s underbelly. “What about you? Do you have a date yet?”
“No. And I don’t know if I will. The boys in my Botany class are so dirty.”
I glanced at her, arching a brow as I bit back a smile.
She laughed. “No! I mean literally covered in dirt. All the time. It’s not very appealing.”
I straightened. “You never know, some of them might clean up pretty nice.”
“Either that or I’ll have to start liking the smell of manure.”
We laughed as Gideon and Skye walked toward us. He was trying to meet my eyes but I looked away.
“So, Lark. What do you want to see first?” Skye asked. If her tone got any brighter, she’d be squeaking.
“That one.” I pointed to the mother of all mother ships parked three-quarters of the way down the deck. It was as big as a cruise liner, and dwarfed everything else up here.
Skye tilted her head. “That’s right. You came by wormhole so you haven’t seen the Super Nova yet.”
My eyes widened. “Everyone came here on that thing?”
Isabel nodded, pulling my arm. “Come on. It’s amazing.”
We walked down the Flight Deck, Skye pointing out facts about the different airships as we passed. There were several Freedom Fighters on deck, and many of them stopped to acknowledge Skye. It was easy to tell she was well-liked and respected. And gorgeous. I was working hard not to hate her.
I let out a low whistle as we approached the Super Nova. “This thing is massive! Can we see the inside?”
Skye frowned in apology. “Sorry. I couldn’t get clearance for that. But don’t worry—this is the ship you’ll be returning home on, so you can explore it then.”
My stomach sank. Suddenly, I wasn’t as excited to see the inside. Gideon looked at me sideways as if having the same thoughts. He cleared his throat. “I bet Lark would like to see the Protostar Fleet.”
Skye brightened. “Of course!” She turned to me, her eyes dancing. “I’ve saved the best for last.”
We followed her several yards and then up a small stone staircase. My mouth dropped open at the row upon row of sleek spacecraft. “Whoa. What are those?”
“Protostars,” Skye said. “They’re the fastest mode of space travel available. Not to mention the best fighter craft.” She leaned toward me and whispered, “This is what I’ll take you flying in tonight. I’m keeping my promise.”
I gave her an uncertain look. I hadn’t even remembered Skye’s promise when I’d bailed her out. Gideon and Isabel were standing a few yards off, looking at the aircraft. I turned to Skye. “Just tell me this—if I go, is there any chance I could jeopardize my planet?”
She shook her head. “Not with me as the pilot. We’ll be in total stealth mode and no one will be the wiser.”
I bit my lip. This was the perfect thing to distract me from hurting over Gideon. “I’m in.”
Skye grinned. “This is going to be so fun!”
Isabel was far enough away that she didn’t notice the exchange, but Gideon moved forward, eyeing us suspiciously.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I answered too quickly.
He raised his chin and folded his arms.
“I just told her she could get a closer look if she wanted to,” Skye said. She gave me a nudge. “Come on. I’ll show you where my ship is kept.”
I gawked. “You have your own ship?”
“All of the full-time pilots do.”
I turned to Gideon. “Do you know how to fly?”
He nodded. “But in case you’re wondering, I don’t have my own ship. And I don’t fly nearly as well as Skye.”
Jealousy screeched through me like nails on a chalkboard as Skye glowed at the praise. She practically floated over to the shiniest aircraft, running her hand along it like Malibu Barbie and Vanna White morphed into one.
“Here she is! The Starfox Three. Isn’t she hot?”
Isabel nodded.
I cocked my hip, envy practically oozing out of my pores. “What happened to ‘One’ and ‘Two’?” I secretly hoped she’d crashed them.
Skye giggled and gave a little shrug. “Three just sounded better.”
“What are you waiting for? Didn’t you want a closer look?” Gideon asked, a note of challenge in his voice. He obviously didn’t believe that’s what we had been talking about. I smiled. Well good—let him wonder.
“I’m just taking it all in first,” I said before sauntering over to Skye and Isabel. There was no way I was giving up my secret about the flight. I would get a ride in that airship or die trying. The shiny metallic surface of the Starfox winked at me and the cockpit called like a siren.
“What is it like flying in this?” Isabel asked.
Skye rolled her shoulders back and sighed. “Freedom. Pure, unlimited freedom. It’s hard to put into words. Wish I could take you up.” She gave Isabel a little frown and then cast me a sidelong wink.
I looked over my shoulder to make sure Gideon hadn’t seen. He was busy talking to a girl in a mechanic’s uniform. I noticed his strong profile, and the way his broad shoulders moved as he talked. He was so maddeningly handsome it made my heart pound. It would be easier to ignore him if he didn’t look like that.
I turned back to Skye and gave her a returning wink. The fact that Gideon was taking her to the dance was like poison in my system, but I had a feeling one flight in this airship was as good a distraction as any.
CHAPTER
Twenty-Four
“Cypris, will you please pass the salad to Villy?” Saydra asked.
We were gathered around the Norths’ dinner table that evening. Cypris, momentarily distracted from her lengthy dissertation on decorations for the upcoming dance, smiled at Gideon’s mother. “Certainly, Mrs. North.” She picked up the bowl of greens and passed it to Villy who made no
move to accept it, her eyes vacant.
Gideon took the bowl from Cypris with a small nod.
“Here you go, Grandma.” He dished out a helping of salad for her and set the bowl back on the table. “You’ll want to try this, it’s your favorite.” He held up a forkful of salad for her and she leaned forward to eat, like an infant being spoon fed. Gideon smiled at her and my heart melted.
There was a moment’s pause, and then Cypris picked up where she’d left off. “Anyway, as I was saying, it’s going to be the most stunning Commencement Ceremony yet.” She turned to Nadia. “When do you want to go looking for a dress?”
Gideon helped Villy with another bite and glanced at his sister. “You’re going to the dance?”
A smile lit Nadia’s face like a sunrise. “Yes! Slade asked me after school.”
Gideon and I exchanged glances. I dabbed my mouth with a napkin and looked away.
“And you said yes?” Gideon demanded.
Nadia blanched, but Cypris answered for her. “Well, of course she did! What girl wouldn’t want to have a date for the dance?” She gave him a pointed stare.
“Gideon, what’s come over you?” Saydra asked, frowning.
He rounded his shoulders. “I’m sorry, it’s just—” he looked at me.
I gave a slight shake of my head. It would crush Nadia to know she was Slade’s second choice.
“Nadia can do much better than Slade. He’s not worthy of her,” he finished.
Cypris rolled her eyes and waved a hand. “Spoken like an over-protective brother. They make a darling couple, and they’re going to have a wonderful time.”
“Have you been asked yet?” Saydra turned to Cypris in an innocent attempt to defuse the tension.
“No . . . I haven’t.” Capris gave a small, forced cough before taking a drink of water.
“Oh.” Saydra looked at a loss and then recovered with a smile. “Well, why don’t you ask someone? If you’re doing all of the hard work putting up decorations you should certainly enjoy the dance.”
“It’s boys’ choice,” Nadia said, pinning Gideon with a look.
“Oh,” Saydra repeated. This time she was the one who took a sip of water.
“Well that’s a bloomin’ shame!” Villy cried out.
I startled and almost dropped my cup of water.
“This pretty little lady deserves to go to the dance.” She turned to Gideon with clouded eyes. “What about this young man? He could take her.” Before anyone could respond she frowned and looked straight at me, her grey eyes focusing. “No . . . that wouldn’t be right. He’s Claimed you, hasn’t he?” Her mouth pulled into a thoughtful frown as the tension in the room erupted.
“Grandma!” Nadia gasped.
“Lark is a Recruit,” Saydra said firmly.
Cypris looked like she’d swallowed something moldy.
I stared at my plate and considered diving under the table to hide the fact that my face had caught fire.
Gideon put his hands on the table and stood abruptly. “I asked Skye Elliot to go to the dance.”
The room went deathly quiet as the others stared at him open-mouthed. He slid his hands down his sides, mumbling something about work to do before leaving the table.
It looked like whatever moldy thing Cypris had just pretend-swallowed was about to come back up.
“Skye Elliot?” she whispered. “He asked Skye Elliot to the dance? Since when—besides lunch yesterday—has he ever even spoken to her?”
Nadia shook her head in silent sympathy.
I pushed the salad around my plate, grateful the attention was diverted from me.
“Did I say something wrong?” Villy’s wrinkled face puckered as though she might cry.
Saydra took the seat Gideon had vacated and patted her hand. “No, Villy. You’re just fine.”
I set my utensil down on my empty plate. “Thank you so much for dinner, Saydra. Can I help clean up?”
She gave me an apologetic look. “I’ll take care of it. Why don’t you go relax? You must be tired after your long day.”
I nodded and excused myself, relieved for the chance to escape to the solitude of my room. Skye had messaged my cuff that she would pick me up at midnight. I needed to catch a nap before then. I didn’t want to be tired for my first space flight.
>
“Ready?”
I looked at Skye and gave her two thumbs up. My heart hammered in excitement beneath the tight harness of the co-pilot seat. “Let’s do this.”
She grinned and slid on a pair of screens before hitting a button on the yoke of the Starfox. “Hold on.”
We silently rocketed out of the field near the Norths’ property. I gripped the sides of my seat as adrenaline rushed through my veins. We were flying straight up toward the atmosphere at a speed that should have broken the sound barrier.
“Woohoo!” I yelled.
Skye laughed. She was completely calm as she checked different screens, occasionally flipping switches here and there. In a matter of seconds, we were through the atmosphere and staring into space.
Space. I stared in open-mouthed awe as tears sprang to my eyes. Dad would have given anything to see this.
Skye reached over and gripped my hand, concern softening her face. “Are you okay?”
I swallowed. “Yeah.”
I had seen depictions of space in movies; had studied it for countless hours through the lens of Dad’s telescope, but nothing could have prepared me for seeing it firsthand. Everything was so dark and vast. I looked down at Lior. The planet appeared similar to Earth from our vantage point—only with more green.
Skye was quiet, allowing me time to take it all in. After a few minutes she started to get restless.
“So where do you want to go?”
I gave her a blank stare. “Go? You mean other than this?”
She snorted. “Yes—don’t you want to go anywhere? I hijacked the radar so we’re off the Academy’s grid. There are some cool planets and moons within range.”
I grabbed her arm. “Shut. Up. We could go to another planet and be back in time for school?”
She rolled her eyes. “That settles it. I’m taking you to Bahira.”
I sucked in a breath. “Bahira? Isn’t that where Lord Krane lives?”
She flicked several switches and buttons, making adjustments on the control panel screen. “Probably. That’s where most of the Intergalactic High Council live. It’s the brightest planet in our Galaxy. If you’re looking for ‘wow’ factor, Bahira is it. We’ll have to use hyperspeed to get there, though. Are you cool with that?”
I bit my lip. I was dying to see this planet. And the chance to travel at hyperspeed? I wasn’t about to pass that up. “We won’t land there, will we?”
She snorted. “As if. We won’t even be close enough to have to deal with their crazy strict entry laws. We’ll just take a look.”
I relaxed back into my seat and smiled. “Let’s go.”
She nodded. “Make sure your harness is secure.”
I double checked the five-point harness, but it wouldn’t go any tighter. Skye grinned and pressed a red button on the dash. I drew in a breath as the stars blurred just like in the movies. There was a moment when time held still, and then we shot off—streaks of light moving past like lightning bolts. It reminded me of the flashes in the wormhole before I’d blacked out. A squeal of delight burst from me and Skye giggled.
“It’s so fun seeing your reaction. I’ll have to bring another Recruit up sometime.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t taken anyone else?”
She gave me a look. “Technically, I’m not even supposed to be taking you, remember? We have to keep this a secret or I’m in major trouble.” A smile spread across her face. “But it’s so worth it. Did I tell you about my dress?”
My good mood deflated and I looked out the window. If Gideon hadn’t asked her, he would have gone with someon
e else. It might as well be Skye. “You already found a dress? That was quick.”
She sighed. “It’s this gorgeous turquoise gown I’ve been eyeing for months. I can’t wait for Gideon to see me in it.”
My stomach churned. “You’ll look pretty in turquoise.”
She smiled and tossed a shoulder. “It’s my signature color. What are you going to wear?”
“I haven’t thought about it yet.”
“Well you’d better start. The dance will be here before you know it.” She glanced away from the controls to look at me. “That Captain Harris of yours is pretty hot. Are you excited?”
Oookay, time to change the subject. I pointed to the screen. “What’s that blinking dot?”
She looked. “That’s us.” Her finger moved to a larger solid dot. “And that’s our destination. ETA: three minutes.”
My eyes bulged. “Three minutes? Space travel is like a car ride for you guys.”
“Car ride?” She tilted her head. “Oh yeah—Isabel has explained your mode of travel on Earth. Yes, it’s like that for us. Which is why it’s so fun to see how much you love it, just as you’d be entertained if someone freaked out about a car ride back home.”
I shook my head. “Maybe that was the wrong comparison—just so we’re clear, this is nothing like a car ride. The Orb we took to school today was even cooler than that.”
She shrugged. “Too bad. Now you’ll never be satisfied with mundane again.”
Understatement of the millennium. I turned and looked out the window. Now that I’d had this experience, how could I go back to normal life? Back to only seeing space through a lens while knowing there were countless worlds to explore. It would be torture.
Without warning the Starfox thrust into a hard reverse. I cried out in surprise as the motion slammed me into my harness.
“Sorry!” Skye said, flipping buttons. “I should have warned you about that. It’s pretty jolting coming out of hyperspeed.”
“No problem.” I rubbed my shoulder beneath the strap. I could deal with a few bruises. I looked out and my breath caught at the sight that opened up before us. My screens automatically toned down to almost black to protect my eyes. I leaned as far forward as my harness would allow. “Is that Bahira?”
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