Silence of Stars

by Holly J. Wood

  “I haven’t been able to come up with a solution for your invitation from Lord Krane,” she said.

  I sat up, relief and revulsion mixing together at the mention of his name. “We still have time though, right?”

  She pursed her lips. “He hasn’t tried contacting you through the calling card, has he?”

  My eyes widened. “He can do that?”

  She blinked. “Yes. Well—I thought you knew?”

  “No! No one ever said how the thing worked, just that I should press the button if I decided to have his airship come get me.” I itched to tell her I’d seen Bahira and ask what she knew about it, but obviously that would raise other questions.

  “Where is the calling card?”

  “I put it in my dresser, beneath my clothes.” Where I wouldn’t have to look at it and be reminded of Krane’s ultra-creepy invite.

  Grace nodded. “I don’t want you to be nervous. We’ll figure something out. I just wanted to give you an update.”

  The update that you have no idea how to handle the situation? Gee, thanks. I bit my lip to keep the sarcasm from escaping. “Is that all?”

  “Yes, unless you have any questions for me?”

  I was about to shake my head and then stopped. “Actually, yes. Is there any way I can contact my mom? I’m really starting to miss her. I’m sure she’s worried.”

  Grace glanced down and straightened a stack of papers on her desk. “Contact with home is forbidden. It distracts Recruits from giving their best effort.”

  “Oh.” I was surprised by the amount of disappointment that surged through me. It was only three weeks. I’d be able to talk to my mom and Reagan soon enough.

  Grace looked up and smiled, though it was forced. “Anything else?”

  “No. We’ll just keep doing our thing.”

  She nodded. “The lenses are recording well?”

  I lifted a shoulder. “I haven’t seen any footage, but as far as I can tell they are.”

  “And you’re taking notes during the observations?”

  “Yes . . . except for the last one. I haven’t had time to write anything about that yet.”

  “Be sure to do that later. You must record the negative events as well as the positive.” She tapped her finger on the desk. “Pure history; unedited documentation, is what constitutes lessons to be learned for the future.”

  I considered this for a moment. Before the Book Ban, our history books had been revised to be “politically correct.” The truth about which events actually happened was obscured. That’s why so few people my age knew who the Nazis were, or could attribute a quote to Franklin D. Roosevelt. A wave of guilt came over me for the times I’d turned off my recording lenses during observations. The documentation wasn’t complete.

  Grace waved a hand. “We shouldn’t waste any more time. You are dismissed, Captain.”

  I nodded and left the room, still mulling over Grace’s comment about history.

  Gideon, Cypris and Rusty gave me curious glances as I approached them in the waiting area.

  “What did she want?” Cypris asked.

  “Nothing.”

  She arched her thin brows. Rusty and Gideon were both watching me with interest, so I looked at my cuff and pulled up information for our next class.

  “Looks like we observe Meteorology next. That should be a nice change of pace.” Without waiting for a response, I retrieved the map and headed for the next class.

  >

  As Gideon and I walked into the Commons for lunch, I spied Nadia sitting in a corner with her shoulders hunched. Gideon moved to go to her, but I took his arm, quickly dropping it again before his light could penetrate me.

  “Let me talk to her. Sometimes girls understand these situations a little better.” I was secretly glad Cypris and Rusty were late coming to lunch. I worked best one-on-one.

  Gideon frowned but nodded. “I’ll get our food. What do you want?”

  “Whatever you’re having is fine.”

  “Okay. I’ll be close by if she needs me.”

  I gave a small nod and made my way over to Nadia. As I got closer, I saw that she was hunched over an interactive textbook. Her eyes stared unseeing at the glowing page as a tear hung from the end of her nose.

  “Hey,” I said softly.

  She looked up, wiping the tear when she saw me. She attempted a smile, but it failed. Her face crumpled. “Sorry . . . I’m not the best company right now.” Several more tears escaped and she wiped them with her sleeve.

  I put my hand on her shoulder and sat beside her. “It’s okay. Go ahead and cry as much as you want.”

  She dabbed more tears and sniffed. “Thanks.”

  “Do you want to talk, or would you rather be left alone?”

  She shook her head, still staring blankly. “I just can’t believe it, I mean—Light Kill? What was Slade thinking? Who could have taught him that?” Her eyes were haunted as she stared past me, not expecting answers.

  “I don’t know.” I bit my lip. “I’m so sorry. I know you really liked him.”

  Her forehead wrinkled. “Liked?” She let out a small laugh. “I’ve been obsessed with him since we were practically toddlers. He’s all I’ve dreamed about every night since I could remember.” She shook her head. “I knew he had a crush on Skye. He’s always had a thing for her, I just—” her lip trembled and she turned away. “I thought maybe if he took me to the dance—if we spent more time together—maybe he would Claim me.” Her head dropped. “And now he’s going to prison and I’ll never see him again.” A sob escaped and she covered her mouth.

  Several Recruits turned to stare.

  I drew Nadia in for a hug and her shoulders shook as she continued to cry.

  “Do you want to get out of here?” I asked.

  She nodded and I helped her up from the table. Gideon met my gaze from his place in the food line. I shook my head, letting him know he didn’t need to come. What Nadia needed was a place to cry without an audience. His eyebrows furrowed but he stayed in place.

  Before we reached the exit, Cypris and Rusty walked in. Cypris took one look at her friend and without saying anything, drew her in a tight hug. Nadia hugged her back fiercely and I realized she needed Cypris right now—someone who knew her better than I did.

  Cypris glanced over Nadia’s shoulder at me. “Thanks, Lark. I’ve got this.” She smiled sadly and led Nadia out of the Commons.

  Rusty looked at me, his hazel eyes questioning. “Is she going to be okay?”

  I sighed. “I hope so—she was more attached to Slade than I realized.”

  “She must not have known him as well as I did . . . or gone into his bedroom. I went in there once when I first got here,” he raised his eyebrows. “Totally rancid. I almost passed out from the smell.”

  I wrinkled my nose.

  He smiled and snapped his fingers. “That’s it! Maybe I should take her to Slade’s room and she’ll be cured.”

  A laugh escaped. “Stop. That’s so gross,” I said.

  “Seriously. The guy is a total slob.”

  I laughed again and it felt good to let the tension melt away for a moment.

  Gideon appeared, holding a lunch bag. “I thought you were leaving, so I got you this.”

  “Thanks.” I smiled and took the bag from him, sensing that I was being watched. I turned and saw Professor Atwood from Botany staring at me from his place beside the fountain. When I met his gaze, he looked away. I wrinkled my brow. What was with that guy?

  “Do you think I should go find her?” Gideon asked.

  I turned and saw his blue eyes tight with worry. I lifted a shoulder. “Maybe give them a few minutes. I think Nadia needs a little time to pull herself together.”

  Gideon nodded.

  “Guess I’ll go get some food before they shut it down,” Rusty said. “Cypris and I got stuck talking to a kid from Economics. I lost track of time, which is why we were so la
te—”

  A loud beeping sound cut him off and several Recruits jumped. A sharp voice boomed over the loudspeakers. “Your attention please. Attention!”

  The holographic screens in the Commons blinked and then pulled up the same holographic image—Slade.

  “Cadet Donovan has escaped holding. The Academy is now on lockdown,” the voice announced.

  I turned to Gideon, my eyes wide as the Commons exploded in exclamations of surprise and fear. He held my gaze, his jaw tense.

  “Stay where you are until further notice,” the announcement continued. “If you see Cadet Donovan, press the security button on your cuff immediately.” An image of the correct button on the cuff appeared. “Do not seek to engage this Cadet.”

  The announcement started over again, repeating itself.

  “I don’t believe this.” Rusty raked a hand through his hair. “How did he escape?”

  “It would be impossible—unless he had help.” Gideon’s cuff buzzed and he glanced down, his eyebrows pulling together.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “I have orders to report to Lieutenant Hardcastle.” He looked at me. “You’re supposed to stay here. I don’t like leaving you with Slade on the loose, but she’s asking me to come alone.”

  “Go.” I waved a hand. “I doubt Slade would be stupid enough to walk into a room full of people.”

  Gideon grunted. “I wouldn’t put anything past him now.” He turned to Rusty. “Look after her. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  Rusty straightened. “I’ve got this. Go on.”

  Gideon nodded once and turned to leave.

  “Gideon!” I called.

  He turned at the sound of my voice and I rushed to him. I raised my hand, almost touching my hair to give him the signal, but stopped. I couldn’t add to his pain. Not now. I was scared to have him leave, afraid Slade would find him and try the Light Kill again.

  He searched my face, a deep longing visible in his azure eyes before he masked it again.

  “Be careful,” I whispered.

  “I will.” He looked as though he wanted to say more, but spun on his heel and strode from the room.

  I swallowed and walked back to Rusty. He misread the pain on my face.

  “Don’t worry, Lark. They’ll get everything under control. With the crazy tech they’ve got, I’m sure they’ll catch him in no time.”

  I nodded, suddenly aware I was still holding the lunch bag. “Who knows how long we’ll have to wait? Might as well do it on a full stomach. You go get some food. I’ll find us a seat.”

  “Good plan.”

  I walked over to an empty table near the back of the Commons, as far away from the image of Slade’s face and over-agitated Recruits as I could get. I’d had enough drama for one day.

  After sinking into my seat, I looked over and noticed that the food line had grown long again. My stomach growled and I figured it wouldn’t hurt to eat a little something to hold me over until Rusty came.

  I pulled out a piece of fluorescent orange fruit and took a bite. It was just the right amount of sweet. The juice dribbled down my chin and I wiped it with the back of my hand. I sighed and took another bite. How was it that food could make any situation better? I made a mental note to ask Isabel if she knew what kind of fruit this was. In the midst of my musings I sensed someone standing behind me.

  I turned and stared up into the weathered face of Professor Atwood.

  “Good afternoon, Captain,” he said.

  I swallowed. “Um . . . hi.”

  “Would you mind if I joined you for a moment?”

  I gestured to the seat across from me. He rounded the table and sat down. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, but I’d like a word.”

  I raised an eyebrow, taking another bite of fruit as I waited for him to continue.

  He smiled, causing the wrinkles around his eyes to deepen. “I know your secret.”

  I almost choked on the piece of fruit. I thumped my chest to force it down. “E-excuse me?”

  He leaned forward. “It’s alright, you can trust me.”

  I took a swig of water and finally cleared my throat enough to find my voice. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  His bushy eyebrows lowered as he leaned closer. “The Mindspeak . . . I know you’ve been Claimed.”

  CHAPTER

  Twenty-Nine

  I turned off the recording button and my eyes darted frantically about, making sure no one could hear before facing him again. “You’re mistaken. People from Earth can’t hear Mindspeak.”

  His gray eyes twinkled. “But you do. That’s part of what makes you unique.” He leaned back in his seat. “It’s a very tragic thing when two people in love can’t be together.”

  My mouth dropped open but no sound came. My only option was to keep denying the truth. If he reported Gideon and me, the consequences were unthinkable.

  The Professor read my thoughts. “There’s no need to fear. I have no intention of telling anyone. On the contrary, I’m offering to help.”

  I wrinkled my forehead. “What do you mean?”

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black stone. He gestured for me to take it.

  I took it from him, turning the stone over in my hands. On the back was etched a series of numbers. I glanced up at him.

  “That is the number to reach me. Dial it into your cuff tonight when the coast is clear, and we shall begin your lessons—if that is what you decide, of course.”

  “Lessons?” I was starting to wonder if he was delusional. I didn’t want to judge, but how seriously could I take a man wearing a plaid tunic with striped pants? Maybe he was a harmless nutcase who went around giving rocks to new Recruits.

  He smiled. “It’s a well-known fact that I am a Professor of Botany, but what is lesser-known is that I specialize in another field.”

  “Which is?” I prodded.

  Mindspeak.

  My eyes widened as his words hit me, not in the way that Gideon’s did, piercing to my soul. This was a simple telepathic communication.

  “How did you do that?” I whispered. “I thought Mindspeak only worked between those who Claimed each other.”

  “Claiming is quite different than simple Mindspeak. You will learn to distinguish the difference.”

  My pulse sped up as I looked into his eyes. “You’re serious, aren’t you? You really can teach me?”

  He nodded.

  I covered my mouth with both hands. If I could learn Mindspeak, I could Claim Gideon. Nothing would be in our way. The very thought made my heart a thousand times lighter, but I couldn’t let my hopes run wild. Something still didn’t make sense. I dropped my hands. “Why would you help me?”

  His gray eyes took on a distant look edged with pain. “Because there wasn’t anyone to help the girl I Claimed.”

  I caught my breath.

  He nodded, his gaze still far off. “She was from another world, like you. I spent my life desperately researching a way for us to be together—to hear her in my soul the way she could hear me.” He looked at the ground and swallowed. “It wasn’t until after she died that I was able to unlock the secret.”

  Is that why he was so strange—had the unreturned Claiming made him crazy? I thought of Gideon suffering the same fate and moisture blurred my vision. “I’m so sorry.”

  He patted my hand. “Don’t be. It’s too late for my happy ending, but not for yours.” He glanced past me. “Your friend is on his way over. I’ll leave you to enjoy your lunch.”

  “But—” I grasped for words as hope poured through me.

  He winked. “Don’t lose the rock. I’ll expect to hear from you this evening.”

  I nodded. “You will.”

  He stood from the table and limped away.

  “Everything alright?” Rusty asked, approaching with his tray.

  My face broke into a wi
de grin and I jumped out of my seat, kissing him on the cheek. “Everything’s perfect!”

  He stood dazed, his hand slowly reaching for the place I’d kissed him. “Wow. Whatever it is, I’ll be forever grateful.”

  I laughed and sat back down. “Just some good news.”

  “From Professor Atwood? What did he say?” Rusty sat beside me, placing his tray on the table.

  I twisted my hands. “It’s kind of confidential. Nothing you need to worry about.” I glanced over my shoulder. “Don’t say anything about him talking to me though, okay?”

  Rusty raised an eyebrow. “So secretive.”

  I gave him my best pleading look and he finally shook his head.

  “You’re impossible.” He smiled. “Fine. I won’t say anything,” he pointed at me, “but that doesn’t mean I’m not curious.”

  I put my hand on his arm. “Thanks, Rusty. You’re a true friend, you know that?”

  “Yeah.” His eyes tightened. “That’s the problem.”

  I took a bite of my food and looked away, pretending I didn’t know what he meant.

  CHAPTER

  Thirty

  “Do you know how to request an Orb?” Rusty asked as we stood on the landing field by the Academy.

  I toyed with the screen on my cuff and shook my head. “I’ve never done it before, but it can’t be too hard.” I squinted back at the school. “Maybe we should wait a few more minutes. We’re not supposed to go anywhere without our Guardians.”

  An Orb lifted off a few yards away, carrying another group of Recruits. After waiting an hour in the Commons, we’d been told that the Academy was closing early for the day and were instructed to return home.

  Rusty shifted. “Cypris and Gideon haven’t answered any of our messages, and I don’t like hanging out in the open. I think we should go.”

  I bit my lip, unsure.

  “What’s wrong? Scared to be alone with me?” Rusty bumped my shoulder.

  I rolled my eyes. “Please.”

  The truth was, I hadn’t spent this much time alone with him and it was getting harder to ignore his subtle invitations. He’d brushed his knee up against mine a few times in the Commons, and when he looked at me there was more than friendship in his gaze. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt him. In order to avoid a painful conversation, I needed to make sure we weren’t alone for an extended period of time—like in a cozy two-person Orb.