The air rail station stands high above the city, so when the rail car doors open, the glamorous city spreads before us. What was once known as the Las Vegas strip is now the central metropolis of Americana West, and the people of West have gone to great lengths to preserve the historic city.
Down on the left is a giant pyramid reaching almost as high as the air rail. Behind it is an enormous, colorful castle, and behind that, an old city skyline. On the right is the space-themed Quantum Tower, the tallest building in Americana West and the last attraction to be built on the strip. At the base of the Quantum is where the rally stage is set up. Farther ahead, a replica of the famous Eiffel Tower in Eurasia West stands next to an enormous hot air balloon. Interspersed among the sites are huge, decadent buildings with mirrored glass and cascading fountains and too many pools to count.
I can’t wait to go exploring. Hopefully, Jayne is game again tonight.
Every meter of open space on the strip is jammed with people waiting for the rally or Earth Force officers ensuring their protection—at least, that’s the party line.
I take a deep breath. It’s still hard to believe they’re all here to see us. To see me.
Lucy scoots beside me and wraps her arms around my waist. She’s so excited, it feels like electricity is radiating from her skin. It’s like this place was made for Lucy, and today is her grand homecoming.
How did we end up here? It seems like yesterday we were taking the passenger craft to the EarthBound Academy for our first tour of duty. Lucy, Cole, and I were debating who was the coolest quantum aeronaut ever.
Now could it possibly be me?
As soon as the thought pops into my mind, I shake my head. Don’t be ridiculous, Jasper. My brain buzzes in a way that reminds me of Mira laughing, probably because that’s exactly what she would be doing if she could peek inside my mind right now.
But she can’t. Because Mira’s not here. Mira’s not anywhere where she can reach me. She left me with that ridiculous Youli message that Admiral Eames didn’t even want to hear.
Why do I keep letting her into my head? Mira chose to leave.
Mira chose to leave me.
Out there, spreading across the landmarks of Las Vegas, are tens of thousands of people who came to see me. Last night, Jayne chose to hang out with me. I may be clueless most of the time, but it’s pretty clear how Jayne feels, even if she doesn’t want anyone else to know.
I ball my hands into fists. Mira’s not the only one with a choice. I can’t keep choosing to stay in the past, obsessing over someone who chose to leave me. I need to descend to the stage and greet the thousands of screaming fans calling my name.
The choice is obvious, easy. So why does it feel so hard?
An EFAN cameraman taps me on the shoulder. Lucy squares us both to the lens and flashes a megawatt smile. Before I know it, I’m answering questions about what it feels like to be a hero and what words of wisdom I have for kids who want to grow up to be a quantum aeronaut someday, just like me.
We’re herded along and vetted by security (there’s still the mole to worry about, after all, not to mention the show Earth Force needs to put on to keep up planetary panic) and next thing I know we’re backstage listening to the calls of the crowd.
This is it. Showtime.
Jayne squeezes my shoulder and nods: my entrance cue.
Then I’m standing onstage soaking up all the adoration.
• • •
After the rally, they usher us into the Quantum Tower and escort us to our rooms. Fortunately, my room isn’t haunted by the voice of Florine Statton. The Quantum rooms are super modern, with furniture and tech that disappears into the floors and ceiling and walls when not in use. When I first walk in, I think I’m back in the VR chamber in Alkalinia because the room is totally empty. But then I happen to say out loud, “There isn’t even a bed,” and the wall shifts, and out drops a king-size mattress draped in silk.
I entertain myself for a good fifteen minutes shouting things at my room and watching them appear. I quickly learn that every surface can also serve as a web monitor, so soon I’m surrounded by replay images of the rally. My own face stares back at me from every direction. I have to admit, I look really good with the gold threads in my hair.
Jasper Adams, golden boy.
Soon, though, I get antsy. I’m still riding high from the energy of the crowds. I need to do something. It’s time to find Jayne and explore Americana West.
When I step out of my room, Jayne is halfway down the hall, heading to her room. Perfect timing. I sprint after her.
Jayne must not hear me coming, because she doesn’t even glance back. She seems totally absorbed in her thoughts, which is far more like me than Jayne.
I slam into the wall beside her, seconds before she reaches her door. “Boo!”
She jumps and lets out a little yelp. “Geez, Jasper! You scared me!”
I lean against the doorframe and tip my chin to the side the way I’ve seen Sheek do it a million times. If it works for him, why not for the golden boy?
She looks at me and bites her lip. Then she checks the time on her wristlet. “What’s up?”
I give her my best golden boy smile. “Thought we could go exploring again, like in Eurasia East—just you and me. What do you say?”
Jayne scans the hall. “I can’t. I’ve got work to do.”
What? That’s not cool. I cross my hands against my chest. “I thought we had the rest of the day off?”
She shakes her head. “Not me. Lucy has me working on a special project.”
Something about this is suspicious. I narrow my eyes. “What kind of special project?”
Jayne presses her lips together. “The none of your business kind.” She twists her doorknob and pushes past me into her room.
“What’s the problem?” I ask, stepping in after her.
Jayne turns and blocks my way. A forced smile spreads across her face, and her voice comes out super sweet. “Look, Jasper, I’m sorry. I’m just in a bad mood because I have to work. We’ll probably have some time tomorrow morning during the family and friends visitation hour. Maybe we can sneak out then. Sound good?”
As she talks, she places her hand on my shoulder. I don’t realize it until I’m back in the hall, but she pretty much pushes me out of her room.
“Fine,” I say in a way that’s supposed to let her know it’s really not fine at all.
I expect Jayne to keep talking—at least try to make me feel a bit better—but instead she shuts the door in my face.
I lean against the wall, my cheeks burning. Why did I pose at her door like that? Who do I think I am? Some web star from West? Jasper Adams, golden boy, is just a fictional character. A character Jayne helped create! She probably thinks I’m a total dork. No wonder she doesn’t want anything to do with me.
I shuffle down the hall to my room. I open my own door only to find my face staring back at me from all the web screens, a frozen image from the rally earlier today. Actually, I am a web star now, and if Jayne wants to blow me off, that’s her loss.
“Bed!” I call to my room, standing clear as the mattress falls from the wall. I fling myself onto the silk sheets.
This sucks. It seems like everyone in West wants to be with me except Jayne.
What is she up to anyway?
She said she has to work on a secret project for Lucy. She’s pretty conscientious when it comes to work, and Lucy is pretty demanding. It’s probably true. Jayne’s just busy.
Still, I can’t shake the feeling that there was something more to Jayne’s behavior. It’s like she was trying to get rid of me as quickly as possible. But why?
Down the hall, the lift bell buzzes.
On a hunch, I hop up from the bed and pull the door handle just in time to see Jayne disappearing into the lift.
Secret project for Lucy . . . right.
Jayne lied.
I know it’s a huge breach of trust, but I make a split-second decision to follo
w her. I grab the hat and glasses Jayne gave me back in Eurasia East, then dash out of my room and down the hall. I make it off the lift on the ground floor just in time to see her disappear around a corner and duck into a stairwell at the end of a back hallway.
She must be up to something.
I race to catch up and descend the stairs to the parking levels two at a time. I ease open the basement door, fingers crossed that she doesn’t see me. I make it into the garage just in time to see Jayne jogging up the loading ramp.
Soon I’m tailing after her along the Las Vegas strip. I pull my hat low and slip on the sunglasses, even though it’s getting dark. The city is coming alive. Everything shines with brilliant neon lights, and the crowds surge. I don’t look strange at all in my sunglasses. Most of the West folks are oddly dressed—hair dyed purple or pink or turquoise, metallic clothes, lots of bright accessories. This place explains a lot about Lucy. I mean, no wonder she wants to be a star. Half the people in West seem to think they’re stars whether they are or not.
There’s no curfew in Americana West—something about how the city was built on a foundation of nighttime entertainment. Instead, the city is now under lockdown since the Youli war was announced. No one can enter or depart Americana West from dusk until dawn. There are also checkpoints throughout the city. In order to pass through, you need to have your eye lens scanned. Then you’re uploaded into a tracker. Essentially, Earth Force watches your every move.
The weird thing is, Jayne doesn’t hit a single checkpoint. Instead, we wind back and forth through streets and buildings, practically circling our steps, but slowly making our way . . . somewhere . . . without ever crossing a checkpoint. It’s like she has a careful map of exactly how to avoid them.
She’s hard to follow. I almost miss her hanging a left and heading for one of the classic buildings that looks more like it was transplanted from ancient Rome. I chase after her, past rows of fountains filled with sculptures of naked people shooting water out of their mouths. The ancient people of Americana West sure liked some odd stuff.
The inside of the building is just as weird and ornate as the outside. The floors are gold and slippery and filled with columns and busts with head wreaths of green leaves. Jayne leaves the main hall and darts through a crowded room filled with slot machines, all lit up with flashing lights. It instantly sends me into sensory overload.
I can’t lose Jayne. I narrow my eyes to take in less of the lights and try to ignore the constant sound of clicking and bells and people shouting.
Up ahead, she turns right and picks up the pace. I follow her through a crowded hall packed with people and food. Lines wind around the room with people piling plates full of Americana West delicacies.
My stomach grumbles, but I turn away from a banquet table stacked with cakes and pastries and keep my gaze glued to Jayne.
She ducks through double swinging doors that lead to the kitchen. When I follow her in a moment later, I nearly collide with a waiter in a tuxedo carrying champagne glasses stacked in a multitiered tower. He mutters some choice words at me, but I don’t stop. On the other side of the kitchen, Jayne slips out the back door.
I make it to the door and slowly pull back the handle. It opens to an alley behind the building. I edge out as stealthily as possible, knowing that Jayne must be close.
Once I ease the door closed, I look around. Jayne is at the other end of the alley. I tiptoe behind a nearby dumpster that hopefully will give me some cover.
Jayne glances around anxiously and checks her wristlet.
What is she doing?
Seconds later, a figure emerges from the darkness.
I’m too far away to make out the details. There’s another dumpster halfway between me and Jayne. If I stay low, I can probably make it there without them spotting me.
I crouch and scurry the distance to the second dumpster, crossing my fingers that Jayne and the mystery person don’t hear me. I slide in behind the dumpster then carefully peek over. They’re deep in conversation. I don’t think they heard me.
I’m still too far away to hear what they’re saying, but I have a much better view of what’s happening. Jayne is talking to a guy with his back to me. He’s dressed in dark canvas pants and a gray sweatshirt with the hood pulled over his head.
Who is that guy? Could he be part of Lucy’s special project? Or is he a friend of Jayne’s? Someone she’d rather spend time with than me? My chest tightens, but I shake it off. What is she up to? I need to know who that guy is.
Both Jayne and her mystery man activate their wristlets. They must be transferring data.
Jayne glances around. I duck. The next time I chance a glance, they’re shaking hands. It looks like their meeting is over.
When they break apart, they shift positions so the man is faced in my direction. He starts heading my way, probably exiting at the other end of the alley.
I flatten myself against the wall and hope he doesn’t see me.
When he darts past, I get a good look at him.
He’s not a man. He’s a boy. My age. A face I’d know anywhere.
Regis.
17
I BARGE INTO JAYNE’S ROOM at the Quantum Tower. “I know it’s you! You’re the mole! I can hardly believe it, but I saw it with my own eyes! The only reason I’m telling you first is that I want to hear you say it. As soon as you do, I’m marching out of here and reporting you.”
Panic flicks across Jayne’s face, but only for an instant. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She turns back to her tablet and deactivates the projection. The table where she’d been working disappears into the wall.
“You’re lying.” I fold my arms tightly against my chest. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Jayne crosses the small room. “Look, Jasper, I don’t know what you think you saw, but you’ve got it all wrong.”
“I’m not going to debate it with you, Jayne. You’re the mole. As soon as I report you, I’m sure the Force will be able to confirm it. No one can cover all their tracks.”
“Calm down. Let’s talk about this. Couch!” A sofa rises up from the floor.
I retreat to the door. I’m about to walk out and go straight to the security officer, but I can’t bring myself to leave without an answer. I spin around. “What I don’t understand, Jayne, is how on earth can you work with him?”
“Who?” Jayne’s voice is guarded, but it’s clear she’s starting to freak.
I spit out the name like it’s poison on my lips. “Regis.”
She closes her eyes and shakes her head. When she opens them, she whispers, “You followed me, didn’t you?”
“I can’t believe you, Jayne! He’s the absolute worst! He’s worse than the worst! He’s the only cadet ever ejected from the EarthBound Academy!”
“Jasper, I’ve heard the stories. I know he was awful when he was in the Force, but he’s changed. He’s a good guy.”
I choke out a laugh. I can’t believe she’s saying this. “Right. Regis, the epitome of good guy.”
“I’m serious. I know he had some anger issues, but—”
“Some anger issues? Are you kidding me? He tried to kill me. Multiple times.”
“Okay, some major behavioral issues. But he’s getting help. And in the meantime, he’s been a new-wave Resistance fighter for more than two years now.”
“Regis is in the Resistance?” That can’t be possible. Everything I know about the Resistance is contrary to what Regis stands for, unless he’s just out for revenge against the Force for booting him from the Academy.
“Yes.” Jayne tentatively touches my forearm. “I know I’m taking a chance here, Jasper, but I also know you’re sympathetic to our cause.”
“Our cause? So you’re in the Resistance? You’re not just selling secrets to the highest bidder?”
She scoffs. “Of course not! Your old pod leader, Jon Waters, is our top general. Your pod mate Marco Romero heads up the guerilla regiment. Addy is with
us. I know that in your heart, you are with us, too. You said yourself that you have a hard time opposing something your sister feels so strongly about.”
I sink to the couch. “That’s not what I said. You’re putting words in my mouth.”
“I’m not. Marco told me you agreed that Earth was exploiting developing planets like Gulaga and the Paleo Planet. He said you’d want Earth to join the Intragalactic Council and abide by the code of planetary citizens. That’s what the Resistance is fighting for.” Jayne sits down beside me. “I know you, Jasper,” she pleads. “I know you don’t agree with what Earth Force is doing. You hate having to go along with their lies. They’re using you, Jasper.”
I get it now. Jayne’s not only the mole. She’s not only working with Regis. She was ordered to convert me, to get close to me and turn me for the Resistance. Everything that’s passed between us has been part of the Resistance’s agenda.
“You don’t know me,” I say. “I’m just some ridiculous celebrity to you, like Sheek. You’ve spent this entire time leading me on so I’d eventually join your side.” I square my jaw and stare her down. “That’s it, right? You weren’t going to spring it on me yet, but that’s the plan, isn’t it, Jayne?”
Jayne shakes her head. “It’s not like that, Jasper. I like you. Really, I do.”
“Sure.” I scoot to the far end of the couch.
She reaches for my hand. “We’re friends, Jasper.”
“Right, friends.” I pull my palm free.
“Yes, friends.” Jayne’s voice rises. “What did you think? I’m not out to steal somebody’s boyfriend.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I know about you and Mira, Jasper. Everyone knows.”
Why is she talking about Mira? She has nothing to do with this! “Mira is not my girlfriend! How many times do I have to say that? And even if she were, she’s halfway across the galaxy right now! She chose the Youli over me, okay? So I guess the joke’s on me twice.”
I bury my head in my hands. I can’t believe this is happening. The few times I thought about joining the Resistance, this is not how I saw this moment going down. I envisioned Waters shaking my hand and welcoming me with Addy and Marco by his side. The last thing I pictured was Regis. I hate everything about him. How can we both stand for the same thing? How can Jayne stand to be around him? To be allied with him?
The Heroes Return Page 14
