Silence of Stars

by Holly J. Wood

  “I still can’t believe—” I swallowed and shook my head. “Who would do something like this?”

  “Someone trained in Light Kill,” Gideon said.

  “But why would they target Isabel? It doesn’t make sense. Unless . . .” I thought about what Isabel had told me before I’d gotten on the elevator. She said she’d learned something—had that information gotten her killed? I reached for the stone in my pocket.

  “Unless, what?” Gideon asked.

  I looked at him, wishing I could explain, but there were too many people around and I didn’t know who could be trusted. “Nothing. I just can’t believe anyone would do something like this. Whoever it is, is a real monster.”

  He met my eyes and then looked to where Nadia sat on the other side of Rusty. She was biting her thumbnail and staring at nothing. Cypris sat on her other side. She looked at Gideon with a stricken expression.

  Nadia noticed their exchange and her face soured. “I know what you’re all thinking, but it isn’t true,” she snapped. “There is no way Slade would kill Isabel to get back at Skye. He’s not a monster.”

  Cypris touched her knee. “We’re not accusing anyone. We’re just in shock and trying to make sense of this tragedy.”

  “You do—you blame him!” Nadia’s eyes were wild. “And so does Hardcastle. You all think it was Slade. You won’t even consider that someone might be setting him up.”

  “Nadia,” Gideon held out his hand, his eyes soft. “Take some deep breaths. Let’s walk around and we can talk things out.”

  She stood and crossed her arms. “No thanks. I’m going to find a seat somewhere else.” Several surrounding Recruits stared wide-eyed as she flipped her hair and moved down the aisle. We watched her climb the stairs until she was out of sight.

  “That went well,” Cypris huffed, her fine brows pulling together. “I really hope she’s right. If it does turn out to be Slade, I don’t know how she’ll get over it.”

  “I’m just relieved she can’t be accused as an accomplice since she was with me when it happened.” Gideon looked around and lowered his voice. “Her loyalty to Slade is unsettling.”

  I lifted a shoulder. “She’ll be okay. She just needs time to process the shock like the rest of us. All we can do is wait.”

  Cypris looked at her hands. “I feel awful for the way I’ve treated Skye. I heard she got knocked out before Isabel was attacked, and then she came to and found her dead. She must be an absolute mess.”

  Rusty nodded. “I’m sure she blames herself. She’s lucky she wasn’t killed.” He blew out a breath. “One thing’s for sure though—Isabel’s death has changed everything. Most of the Recruits are freaked and want to go home. To be honest . . . I do too.”

  I turned to him in disbelief. “We can’t give up. What about the program? What about everything at stake back home?”

  “It’s not worth anyone else getting killed,” Gideon said, an edge to his voice.

  I turned to face him. “Isn’t that what we’re trying to prevent?” I whispered. “What happened to Isabel is horrible beyond belief, but if we don’t succeed here, we’re talking devastation on a much bigger scale back home.”

  Gideon’s blue eyes swirled in pain as he pinned me with his gaze. I meant it’s not worth you getting killed. What if this murderer attacked and I wasn’t there to protect you? He took a deep breath, clenching his jaw as he closed his eyes. Lark, I couldn’t live if that happened.

  His words penetrated my soul with such force I caught my breath. I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to lock the feeling inside. A tear slid down my cheek as I met his gaze. Finally I shook my head, my eyes still watery. “You know we have to do the right thing . . . no matter the cost.”

  “Look—there’s Lieutenant Hardcastle,” Cypris said.

  Gideon and I continued to hold each other’s gaze. I was oblivious to the growing sound of the crowd as everyone talked at once. I finally tore my gaze away to see Grace walking to the stage, trailed by a fair amount of security. When she reached the podium, she held up her hands.

  “Quiet, please. I have an announcement.”

  Within moments, the crowd hushed.

  Grace lowered her hands. “It has only been five days since we met here, ready to begin your three week course at Freedom Fighter Academy. We have watched your progress, and have been delighted with what we have observed. You are truly a credit to your planet, and we anticipated a wonderful Commencement Ceremony before sending you home to replenish your society with your newfound skills.”

  She paused and looked at the podium, running her hands along the sides as if to gather strength. “Tragically, one of your peers will not have that privilege. As I’m sure you are all aware by now—Recruit Isabel Flores was killed this morning.”

  The crowd erupted. Several of the surrounding Recruits sitting by us were shouting. The atmosphere in the Auditorium was quickly building to an angry mob. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cypris reaching for a weapon hidden beneath her tunic. My jaw dropped as I spun to face her.

  “What are you doing?”

  Gideon turned and his eyes darkened. “Put that tranquilizer away, Pris. You’ll only make things worse.”

  Her face soured but she quickly put the weapon away. I glanced around, but the Recruits were too busy yelling to notice anything.

  Grace held up a hand against the noise, her voice amplified by an invisible microphone. “I don’t want anyone to panic, but you deserve to know the truth—Recruit Flores was killed by a deadly technique known as Light Kill. Though it is likely we will have the perpetrator in custody soon, we haven’t apprehended anyone yet.”

  The noise of the crowd became almost deafening. I watched helplessly as Guardians tried to quiet their Recruits. We were acting like a bunch of animals.

  “I guess this is why they didn’t spill the beans from the beginning,” Rusty said, a disgusted look on his face as he gestured to the crowd. “Man, I hate it when I’m wrong.”

  Someone threw a piece of fruit onto the stage, it hit the top of the podium and splattered onto Grace. The crowd fell into shocked silence as she calmly removed her glasses and wiped them on her sleeve before replacing them again.

  “I have been ordered by the Council to cut this program short,” she said.

  My blood ran cold. No.

  She paused and looked at the podium. “And due to the seriousness of this situation, I am ordered by the Council to close down the Academy, indefinitely.”

  Gideon and I turned to each other as the crowd exploded around us. He reached over and pulled me into his arms and I melted into him. The force of his light flowed through me, shielding me from the pain momentarily before he let go. In the chaos of the moment no one noticed our embrace, except for Rusty. His eyes skittered to mine before looking away.

  “Please, let me finish,” Grace said. It took several moments until it was quiet enough for her to continue. “We are closing down the Academy and instructing all Recruits to go directly home with their Guardians. Do not go back to your classrooms or loiter in the hallways for any reason. Security will be on hand to make sure the building is empty.”

  “What about us? What happens to Earth?” someone yelled.

  “Earth’s fate rests in the hands of the Council now,” Grace answered. “I’m afraid I don’t have any answers for you beyond that.”

  Rusty and I exchanged worried glances as the noise grew to an angry roar. Grace had to wait several moments to be heard over the crowd. She attempted a weak smile. “One final thing before you are dismissed. In the midst of so much bad news, I do have one positive announcement to share. The Council sympathizes with the abruptness of your situation, and will allow for the Commencement Ceremony and dance tomorrow night.”

  The Auditorium rumbled with murmurs of surprise. I raised an eyebrow and turned to Gideon. “They’re shutting down the Academy, but they’re still letting us have the Ceremony? It doesn’t make sen
se.”

  He crossed his arms. “The Council isn’t known for being sympathetic—especially with the Academy. They must have an ulterior motive.”

  I shifted. “Like what?”

  He shrugged. “Anybody’s guess. It’s political, so—”

  “It’s complicated,” I finished.

  He gave me a look and nodded.

  I shivered involuntarily. Whatever the motive, I hoped Lord Krane wasn’t the one behind it.

  Grace held up her hands to fend off the constant onslaught of noise. “We are requiring all Recruits to attend the Ceremony, whether or not you have a date. It will be held at a removed location and we will ensure that the venue is secure. We wish for you to have a positive experience as your parting memory of Lior before you return home. Your scheduled departure is set for the morning after the Commencement Ceremony. Further instructions will be sent to your individual cuffs.” She swallowed, her eyes wet. “You have done well, and should be proud of your efforts.” She nodded and gave a parting salute. “Good luck, Recruits. Earth is counting on you.”

  The doors to the Auditorium opened simultaneously and a voice over the intercom instructed us to leave the building in an orderly manner. I searched for Nadia, but there were too many people.

  Gideon touched my shoulder. “We’ll wait for her by the landing field. If she’s not there, I’ll fill in as your Guardian.”

  I nodded and followed Cypris and Rusty as they made their way slowly toward the exit. Rusty glanced back at me and shook his head. “Take a good look around. It’s hard to believe we won’t be coming back here.”

  “Yeah.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and glanced around the stadium, realizing I was still recording. I wondered if Grace would want the footage. She had already left the Auditorium, but since our line was moving slow I sent her a quick message on my cuff. I didn’t expect a response, so was surprised when she answered right away.

  Yes, I still want the video. Give your lenses to Cadet Nadia North and ask her to create a montage before the dance tomorrow night. And don’t forget your speech.

  Ugh. The speech.

  I scanned the crowds again for any sign of Nadia, but she was nowhere to be seen. I continued to keep a watch for her as we exited the Auditorium and followed the mass exodus to the Atrium.

  Recruits and Guardians poured out of the Academy as Orbs swarmed the landing field. I caught sight of Farim from Combat. He nodded at me and I waved back.

  Rusty spoke with several Recruits, reassuring them that everything would be fine as we waited near the landing field. I admired the way he connected with people. He was a natural-born leader. Regardless of whether Grace had appointed him as Team Captain, I had a feeling our peers would have picked him anyway.

  “I don’t see her, Gid. We should probably get going.” Cypris shielded her eyes as she scanned the field.

  Gideon’s jaw was tight as he searched the grounds for any sign of his sister. Finally, he nodded. “She’s not responding to my messages. I hope she’s somewhere safe.”

  “If she’s not home within fifteen minutes, we’ll go looking for her,” she said.

  Gideon nodded at Cypris. “Thanks.”

  Her smile lit her eyes as she gazed up at him. “We’ll help her through this—together.” She took his hand.

  I turned away. “Does anyone mind if I order the Orb?” Without waiting for an answer I tapped on my cuff, requesting a four-seater. When I was finished, I slid my hand into the pocket of my tunic. I felt the stone from Atwood again. A lump formed in my throat and I gripped the stone tight, realizing Isabel had been the last one to hold it. If only I’d asked her to come to Grace’s office with me, or warned her, or . . . anything to keep her from her tragic fate.

  I closed my eyes. I’d played the “if only” game after my dad had died. It had taken months of torture for me to realize that that game didn’t solve anything. It wouldn’t bring her back.

  Rusty came to stand beside me. Without saying a word he slid an arm around my shoulder. It was as if he knew exactly what I needed at that moment. We stood that way until the Orb landed to take us from the Academy.

  I stared at the majestic building as we flew away, feeling a loss I couldn’t put into words. What would the consequences be for Earth now that we weren’t completing our training? Other than keeping a journal and taking some video, I had no clue what I had learned that was supposed to help me salvage our dying society back home. And now that the Academy was closed, what did that mean for other planets in jeopardy? They would be left without an ally, their fates whatever the Council determined them to be.

  I looked away from the Academy and buried my face in my hands.

  We had failed.

  CHAPTER

  Thirty-Five

  As soon as we landed at the Norths’ home, Gideon rushed inside.

  “Nadia!” he called, startling Villy who was knitting by the fireplace.

  “Mercy sakes! What are you doing scaring an old woman like that?”

  Gideon waved his hand. “Sorry, Grandma.”

  Saydra appeared from the kitchen, her face clearing when she saw us. “Thank goodness you two are home safe. We got a message from the Academy.” She came over and wrapped us both into a tight hug.

  “Nadia?” Gideon asked.

  Saydra drew back. “In her room. She got here a few minutes ago and said she needed some time alone.”

  Gideon blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair, relief evident in his eyes. He looked at his mom. “They aren’t releasing the name of the suspect, but it’s Slade. It has to be. We need to keep an eye on Nadia and maintain high security until he’s caught.”

  The fine wrinkles at the edge of Saydra’s eyes deepened. “I’ve never seen your sister like this.”

  Gideon touched her arm. “It’ll be okay, Mom. They’ll catch him and this will all be over.”

  “I hope you’re right. I can’t believe they’ve closed the Academy. Your father sacrificed everything for this program.” Saydra turned to me, her eyes moist. “I’m so sorry, Lark. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now.”

  I was about to answer when Gideon’s cuff buzzed. He looked down, his brows furrowing as he read the message. “It’s Skye.”

  I stepped forward. “How is she?”

  He looked up, meeting my gaze. “Not good. She’s home and asked if I could come talk to her.”

  The thought of Gideon going to Skye’s house—of him holding her while she cried—made me want to throw up. He continued to look at me, silently asking what I wanted him to do.

  I bit my lip. “You have to go. She needs someone right now.”

  He frowned. “Come with me. I don’t like leaving you here alone.”

  Saydra shook her head. “I’ve got the house on full security. She’ll be fine . . . and I was hoping she might try talking to Nadia?” She looked at me in question. “Sometimes it’s easier to open up when it’s not family.”

  I hesitated, really wanting to go with Gideon to put a buffer between him and Skye, but I couldn’t say no to Saydra’s pleading eyes. Besides, I needed to get the recording lenses to Nadia as soon as possible and contact Professor Atwood.

  I nodded. “I’ll try if you think it will help.”

  Gideon’s brows pulled together, but he didn’t argue. “I’ll be back soon.”

  “Be careful.” Saydra kissed him on the cheek.

  He nodded and gave me one final look before leaving the house. The room was still except for Villy humming from her rocking chair near the fire.

  I turned to Saydra. “I’ll go see if she’ll talk to me, and then I think I’ll rest for a while.”

  “Thank you, Lark.” Saydra gave me a smile before heading back to the kitchen.

  I climbed the stairs to Nadia’s room. I raised my fist to knock, then hesitated. It sounded like she was talking to someone. I fought the urge to press my ear to the door and knocked twice.<
br />
  The voices stopped.

  “Just a minute!” Nadia called. A few moments later she opened her door. “Lark.” Her eyes were red and swollen. She glanced behind me as if making sure I was alone. “Sorry I left you behind, but I figured Gideon would take care of you.”

  “No problem.” I shifted my weight. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. I just want to be alone right now.”

  I nodded. “I understand. But first,” I popped the lenses off my light screens and handed them to her, “Grace asked me to give these to you. She wants you to put together a video montage for the dance tomorrow.”

  Nadia grimaced and took the lenses from me. “That doesn’t give me much time. I’ll have to work all night.”

  “I know.” I shifted and gave her a sympathetic look. “Can I help?”

  “No.” She answered quickly, putting the lenses in her pocket. “Thanks, but it’s a one-person job.”

  “Okay. Well . . .” I hesitated.

  She tilted her head to the side, waiting impatiently for me to go on. “What is it?”

  I decided to be straight with her. “I heard you talking to someone.”

  She pulled the door closer to her body, so that I could only see her face. “I was talking to Cypris on my cuff. Was there anything else?”

  “No.” I attempted a smile. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here, okay?”

  Her eyes softened, and for a moment it was like seeing the old Nadia again. “Thanks.” She closed the door and I headed up to my room, feeling worse than I had before. I wanted to believe Nadia—but the voice I’d heard her talking to had definitely been male.

  >

  Once locked in the safety in my room, I drew the curtains closed and pulled out Atwood’s stone. I placed it on my dresser before dialing the numbers into my cuff. The white stone glowed, spraying light like a fountain until Professor Atwood’s face appeared in the hologram.

  “Captain Taylor, there isn’t much time.”