by Loren Walker
* * *
When Phaira and Emir’s solar trackers disappeared from radar, Renzo took in a deep breath. “They’re in,” he told Anandi, who sat nearby, waiting for the news.
And on their own, he thought. Nothing to do now but wait.
The Arazura was stationed on the West-Midland border. Trackers were given to both Emir and Phaira when they set out to walk the wasteland; they wouldn’t work underground, of course, but at least Renzo could ensure that they were alive for the first part of this insane mission….
“Well, we’ve got time.” Anandi sat astride one of the seats, playing with the orange scarf around her head. “So tell me about your sister.”
“What about her?”
“I don’t know. What’s her story? What’s her type?”
“Her type?” Flustered, Renzo shook his head. “I’m not talking about that kind of thing with you.”
“We have to do something instead of worry,” Anandi pointed out. “I’m just curious, don’t get all bothered.”
Renzo shook his head again, his eyes fixed to the console screens. A burst of annoyed breath came from behind, and then the sound of her boots hitting the floor. But when she stomped out of the cockpit, he didn’t look after her. He couldn’t. When Phaira and Emir got out, he had to fly faster than ever before. He didn’t dare to let his mind be distracted by anything.
He had to be ready.