by Zara Quentin
There was jostling behind her as Kyssa elbowed her way to stand directly behind Jade. She flashed a smile.
“Everything all right?” Kyssa hissed in her ear, shooting a pointed look at Leuven.
Jade shrugged. “You?” She raised an eyebrow.
Kyssa shook her head. “I told my commanding officer that you were coming to me for advice on surviving training. Could’ve been worse.”
“Sorry,” Jade said. “Didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”
“Never mind.” Kyssa leaned forward to change the subject. “I’ve been dying to ask. Did you speak to Zorman? Did he speak to Scosse?”
Jade nodded, confused. How did she know? Kyssa beamed and squeezed Jade’s arm in muted excitement. Then she fixed her eyes on the front, anticipation dripping from her. Jade stared, wondering why Kyssa was so excited for Jade’s selection.
Then her stomach lurched as it hit her. She was supposed to speak to Zorman about Kyssa being selected for Operation Grave Insult. Jade swayed on her feet, earning her an elbow in the ribs from trainee next to her. She half-turned to rectify Kyssa’s expectations but, before she could say anything, Scosse strode into the spotlight. The buzz dropped to silence.
“I have gathered you here to announce selections for Operation Grave Insult.”
The room hummed in anticipation. Jade saw Kyssa beaming, her eyes squeezed shut. She looked like she was going to explode with excitement.
Jade swallowed. “Kyssa,” she started, but Scosse started to talk again.
“Before I make that announcement,” Scosse continued, “let me say, it is a great honour to be selected. These Travellers will uphold the traditions of the Traveller Force, and seek out the information we need to make decisions about any further action. Of course, they will also be instrumental in preventing further attacks and negotiating terms with the Premyans.”
“Kyssa!” Jade whispered again.
“Shhh!” Kyssa had opened her eyes, her attention fixed on Scosse.
“I will now read out the names of those selected.” Scosse cleared his throat, pausing. Jade felt the tension build. She clutched the pendant on her bracelet, the threads pulling at the skin on her wrist. “Leading the unit will be Squadron Leader Aiden Vance. He will be joined by Flying Officer Yven Grange and Flying Officer Trixie Orven.”
Jade’s throat narrowed. She looked over her shoulder and Kyssa frowned. Jade’s heart thrummed while her stomach sank.
“Also, Airman Herman Frank, Airwoman Grace Hasting…”
Jade let the names wash over her. It was clear that there was real competition for these places. Each name precipitated cheers from some and groans from others.
“Airman Rick Cajun, Airman Don Glade and, lastly,” Scosse paused. The air in the amphitheatre was thick with anticipation. Jade leaned forwards, holding her breath. “Airwoman Jade Gariq.”
Jade’s chest exploded as her face lit up into a beaming smile and she clasped both hands over her mouth. She closed her eyes as a flood of relief washed over her. A moment later, she opened her eyes and gasped as she took in the hundreds of pairs of eyes glaring in her direction.
The room was silent. Nobody cheered.
Kyssa stared at her, wide-eyed.
I’m sorry, Jade mouthed the words, her stomach twisting as she saw Kyssa’s disappointment become confusion.
A hum of chatter erupted and the crowd surged around them. Suddenly, Leuven appeared next to Kyssa. Jade looked from Kyssa to Leuven and back again. Her stomach dropped.
“Flying Officer Harris,” Leuven’s voice was low enough so that only Jade and Kyssa could hear him. He addressed Kyssa, but his eyes burned holes into Jade. “I understand you sought selection for Special Protective Ops Division.”
Kyssa nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Pity your friend undercut your opportunity.” Leuven said. “I understand her uncle pulled some strings because she wanted to do a little sightseeing.”
Jade winced as Kyssa’s expression hardened.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—” Jade reached out to take Kyssa’s hand, wanting to explain. Kyssa snatched her hand away and the muscle in her jaw twitched. She refused to look at Jade and pushed away through the crowd.
“Wait! I can explain—” Jade tried to follow Kyssa, but Leuven blocked her path with his body.
“So, you went over my head.” Leuven glared at her. Jade couldn’t meet his eye. Leuven leaned closer. “Watch yourself, Gariq. You’ve got yourself into something you don’t understand. It’s more dangerous than you think.”
12
The hum of the air circulation unit dominated the almost empty bunk room. Jade had it to herself, after being given a few hours to pack. Crouched on the floor, Jade drew her wings around her sides, like a cloak. Alone, her thoughts crowded out the silence as she chewed over them until she didn’t know their proportions any more.
Jade stuffed her woollen uniform—issued for the icy climate of Premye—into her bag and attempted to push Axel from her mind.
A buzzer startled her, and the door slid open to admit a familiar face.
“Hey, Little Jay,” Zorman winked and grinned. “Bit of a luxury having this place to yourself.”
“I was starting to get lonely actually.”
Zorman laughed, waiting for the door to slide closed behind him. Then he crouched next to Jade. He drew something out of his pocket and held it up. “Remember this?”
It was the metallic dragonfly Zorman brought back from an off-world trip. “I want you to help me test it.”
“What does it do?”
“Something that’s going to make Gariq Industries a lot of money, if it works.”
Jade raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
“It’s a piece of Earthen technology which I’ve modified. To carry messages.”
“Through the Portal? That’s impossible,” Jade looked sharply at Zorman. Taraqans had been trying to send messages through the Portal for decades, maybe even centuries, to avoid having to send Porters back and forth through the Betwixt. Nobody had ever found a solution that actually worked.
“Only impossible until somebody proves otherwise.” Zorman shook a finger at her. “This is an example of what Earthens call robotics.” He flipped it over and pointed to a small, round piece of metal underneath. “This is the dock. The dragonfly can carry a message via voice recording.” Zorman held the dragonfly up to his mouth.
“Take me with you…please?” Zorman smiled. “Press this button to release the dragonfly. It can only fly to another dock.” He held up an identical round piece of metal. “They emit signals so it can fly from one dock to another.” He let go of the dragonfly and it zipped straight to the other cube of metal. Zorman pressed the button and Jade heard his voice: Hey Jade, take me with you…please?
Jade was skeptical. “How is it different to what’s been tried before?”
“It’s not alive so it won’t draw the Yrax.”
The Yrax were drawn to life—anything with a pulse was a target. Homing pigeons didn’t work, nor any other birds—some made it, but too few and too inconsistently. At least Porters could defend themselves against the Yrax.
“They’ve tried technological solutions before though, right?” Jade pressed, remembering conversations with Papa.
Zorman nodded. “Sure, but I’ve amplified the signal and made modifications to overcome problems we’ve had in the past. It needs testing—that’s where you come in. If these docks work, that’s just the start. We’ll need to test the battery life, the maximum signal distance in the Betwixt, the possibilities for installing, recharging and maintaining permanent docks. But if it works…” Zorman looked sideways at her and grinned.
Jade smiled back. It would be worth a fortune if it worked—an edge for Gariq Industries over its competitors. It seemed like a long shot, but Zorman’s enthusiasm was infectious.
“Sure.” Jade brightened at she thought of another benefit from this technology. “If it works, w
e’ll be able to keep in touch while I’m away.”
Zorman winked. “Exactly.”
She held out her hand and Zorman gave her several docks and one dragonfly. They lay heavy in her hand.
“I’ve got one too so you can message me or I can message you,” Zorman said. He pointed to the multiple docks in her hand. “When you go through the Betwixt, drop these close together as the Betwixt will dull the signals. I’m hoping they’ll be close enough to allow the dragonfly to hop from one to the next all the way through.”
Jade attached one of the docks and the dragonfly to her belt. She put the others in a pocket on the side of her black trousers.
Zorman squeezed her shoulder, his expression suddenly serious. “Go get that cursed criminal,” he said.
Jade flinched, then ground her teeth together. “I will.”
Zorman nodded, then turned to leave.
The door was about to slide closed when Jade jumped up and put a hand in the gap to wedge it open. “Wait! Why are you so sure it’s Axel?” Her heart skipped a beat as she blurted out the question that had plagued her.
Zorman froze, half-turning. Jade held her breath as the door hit her hand and retracted again.
“I have sources—I can’t name them, but I trust them.” Zorman paused, his face shrouded in shadow. “Do you doubt me?”
Jade blushed. “Of course not. I just…” She looked down at the floor, suddenly ashamed for asking.
“Sometimes the truth is hard to hear,” Zorman said. Jade stepped back from the doorway, blinking back the tears that threatened to expose her, and let the door slide quietly shut between them.
* * *
“Here she is, the one I told you about.” A familiar voice startled Jade. She blinked and rubbed her neck, sore from staring upwards for too long. She’d been mesmerised by the sight of the inky night sky growing lighter as morning rose.
Nobody else was around when Jade had arrived at Our Lady’s Court and she had used the time to still her nerves and appreciate the moment.
The square of sky framed Our Lady Taraqa’s golden head looking out into the distance. It sparkled with the first rays of morning sunlight creeping over the horizon. Though barely religious, Jade spoke a quiet prayer as she contemplated the image of their Dragon-God, their creator.
As the familiar voice tore into her consciousness, Jade blinked to see other Travellers milling around the courtyard now.
“I see what you mean,” another voice replied.
Leuven and another Traveller came to stand in front of her. The other Traveller wore the same rank on his shirt as Leuven. Another Squadron Leader, her new commanding officer.
Jade saluted, standing to attention. They did not give her leave to be at ease and she shifted uncomfortably in her woollen uniform—long sleeved and fastened at her neck and under her wing joint, paired with long, fitted trousers—too hot for the Taraqan climate, even with the chill on the early morning air. When being issued it, she’d been told it was perfect for Premye’s icy climate. The heavy fabric prickled her skin, but she ignored the irritating sensation.
“Airwoman Gariq, this is Squadron Leader Vance,” Leuven said.
“I hear you’ve got a penchant for sightseeing, Gariq?” Vance said. Jade cringed. “We’ll soon teach you what active service is all about.” Vance motioned with one hand as two more Travellers moved forward. Leuven made his excuses and left. Jade wasn’t sorry to see him go.
Vance pointed to each of the men in turn. “Airman Cajun. Airman Glade. They’ll show you the ropes.” Vance turned to the two men. “Airwoman Gariq is new. Air Vice Marshall Denger knew her father, and I expect you to look out for her.”
“We will, sir,” Glade said. He was the taller of the two, his scarlet-scaled wings outlined his black hair, which was shaved almost to nothing. His eyes were set close together, narrowing as he looked Jade over.
Vance barely glanced at her before moving off.
Jade gave Glade and Cajun a small smile, hoping to bridge the gap with members of her Squadron. “Thanks,” she said.
Glade’s expression remained serious. “Your uncle is Zorman Gariq. Did some work for him recently. He’s a good friend of Special Protective Ops Division.”
She nodded. “Yes, he served before moving into the family company.”
Cajun and Glade stood in front of her, openly sizing her up. It made her feel uncomfortable, and she forced herself to lift her chin to stare back at them.
“You look warm enough,” Cajun said, a lopsided grin spreading over his face. He was shorter than Glade, but stockier. His hair was also shaved, and was so blond that Jade could barely see it. The scales over his wing joints were mottled brown and white and there was a spatter of freckles across his nose.
“Wouldn’t want you to get cold on Premye!” Glade agreed, his mouth twitching up at the edges. They both burst out laughing.
It wasn’t until that moment that Jade noticed they were both wearing lightweight versions of the Traveller uniform. Jade looked around—every other Traveller was clad in the same cool fabric. Jade scowled, there wasn’t enough time to return to Force HQ and change.
Cajun leaned over, as though letting her in on a confidence. “We know Zorman, all right. But don’t think that means we’re going to babysit, Newbie.”
“Of course not,” Jade retorted.
Glade and Cajun looked at each other and Cajun raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face. Glade shrugged, turning away as though he was suddenly bored. They both moved far enough away to leave space between themselves and Jade. She didn’t miss the implication.
“Ignore them.” The voice came from behind her and Jade turned to see a man with a relaxed smile and sparkling eyes. Jade smiled cautiously back. The infectious warmth of his manner reminded her of Zorman, though they looked nothing alike. This man wore shoulder-length hair, tied tightly at the back of his head. The bright indigo scales on his wings complemented his grey-blue eyes. “Once the action starts, it won’t matter how you got here, as long as you can handle yourself.” The man gave Jade a sideways look. “You can, right?”
Jade’s throat tightened, but he didn’t press her to answer. Instead, he held out a hand. “I’m Michael Barnard. We’ve been assigned to camp together.”
Her mouth dropped open. Together?
Michael laughed at her reaction. “Strictly platonic, of course. Unless you’d prefer…?” Michael let the offer dangle, but the look on his face told Jade he wasn’t being serious. “Don’t worry. This often happens off-world. There’s just an odd ratio of men and women—you got lucky.”
Jade’s heart paused a moment, then began to race. She felt heat rush to her cheeks. Michael was attractive, with an easy-going charm. No doubt he’d shared a tent with many of his female colleagues, not strictly platonically either. Even after just a few moments in his company, she felt the warm spotlight of his attention.
Then Axel’s face flashed through her mind and Jade looked away, feeling a moment of guilt, then she tensed. She looked determinedly back at Michael. Why couldn’t she put her feelings for Axel aside? It wasn’t as though they’d actually shared anything more than friendship. Axel had made excuses and strung her along.
And, he’d killed her father.
Her expression must have looked as conflicted as she felt because Michael hooked his thumbs into his belt. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep to my side of the tent.”
Jade’s eyes widened and she shook her head. “I didn’t mean…”
Michael chuckled, waving off her discomfort. He rubbed the palms of his hands together and looked around the courtyard. “I think we’re almost ready to go.” Michael looked back at her. “This is your first time off-world, right?”
Jade nodded, her stomach twisting into knots.
“Excited?”
Jade looked up at the Portal. Her whole life she’d dreamed of Travelling and seeing the Dragonverse. Now, she was about to leave Taraqa for the first time. Her heart soared, ac
hing to be up there.
“Yes,” Jade replied. It was true. Despite the knots in her stomach, despite the other emotions jostling in her chest—sadness, nerves, anger, fear— she was also excited to be finally, finally, traversing the Portal.
“Ready?” Michael arched one eyebrow.
Jade felt as though the air was being squeezed from her chest.
Yes.
No. She ran a hand over her uniform. “I don’t think I packed right for the climate,” Jade said.
Michael chuckled. “Don’t worry, we’ll be able to scrounge up something more suitable when we arrive. Got everything else?”
Jade’s hands automatically strayed to the pack slung across her chest, and to the belt around her waist. It held her bow and arrows, as well as the little dragonfly and dock. One of her leg pockets bulged with the rest of the docks Zorman had given her. She’d also hidden a knife in her bag. Jade nodded.
“Signed out yet?” Michael pointed across the courtyard to the Office of Portal Records.
Jade inhaled. How could she forget? She blushed, the heat of her uniform combining with her embarrassment to turn her a deep shade of red.
Michael chuckled again. “Rookie mistake. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”
Jade sent Michael a grateful look before hurrying to the Office of Portal Records.
When Jade stepped back into Our Lady’s Court with a smudge of black ink on her hand, she looked around for Michael but didn’t see him. Other Travellers greeted each other as friends. Clearly they’d trained and served together before. Nobody came up to her, though she was aware of their curiosity. Jade drew her wings around her; once again the outsider.
Then she straightened her shoulders and shook out her wings and made herself stand taller. If she wanted to be part of this group, she had to make the effort. Jade looked around for Cajun and Glade. Perhaps she’d been too quick to judge.
Before she found them, Jade felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She blinked to see Neve standing next to her. Neve wore white healer robes and Jade noticed her weak wing was strapped, and she carried a pack slung across her chest.