The Girls From Alcyone by Caffrey Cary

Author:Caffrey, Cary [Caffrey, Cary]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: page turner, YA, sci fi, Thriller, Fiction
Publisher: Tealy Books
Published: 2011-11-20T05:00:00+00:00

* * *

Two Kimura transports stood on station atop the shimmering glacier, ready to take twenty-one girls to their new assignments. Snow had fallen during the night and the wind whipped the light dusting of powder across the ice. Suko stood by the wide landing platforms, saying her goodbyes to each of the girls as they boarded the waiting ships. She was sad to see them go—well, most of them. The years of being at odds with some of the girls over their bullying had left some permanent scars.

Suko had been offered two contracts, but she'd chosen to stay at the Academy as an instructor. She was far from eager to head off into space on some perceived adventure. She felt no love for Kimura, but she did want to stay with the new girls. There was something about them; it wasn't that she wanted to protect them as such, but there was a bond there; a bond that wasn't rational or logical, but she felt it nonetheless.

This was where she wanted to be. If Sigrid wanted to find her, she would look here first, and so Suko would bide her time at the Academy.

Leta dropped her duffel at her side, lifted Suko in her arms, and gave her a tremendous hug, expelling all the air from her lungs.

"Gah—careful! The…ribs…" Suko gasped as Leta released her grip.

"I'm going to miss you, Suko."

"I can't believe they're sending you to the Naval Academy on Crucis," Suko said, with a little envy. Kimura had assigned Leta and six other girls to the Mercenary Naval Academy; there, the girls would go into officers' training to learn ships' systems and tactics. It was a much sought after position.

"I know, it's unreal," Leta said.

Suko could see how happy she was. Leta loved to fly. Then suddenly, the smile faded from her face. She touched Suko's cheek with her hand, wiping away a stray tear with her thumb. "She loves you, Suko. She'll come back."

"Or I'll go find her."

Leta glanced around quickly, but there was no one in earshot. She gave Suko a cautionary frown. "Don't do anything foolish. This…you don't just leave a job like this. They won't let you."

"I know. I'll be careful." Suko registered the obvious concern on Leta's face. She smiled and swatted her on her rear. "I said I'll be careful. Now get—go to your ship. They're waiting for you."

Sure enough, they could hear the thrusters of the transports firing up behind them. The Academy girls shared their parting moments: some with other girls; others said polite goodbyes to their instructors; and then there were the fond farewells to the Mercenary boys who'd captured their affections.

Leta kissed Suko hard on the lips and gave her one last rib-cracking hug. "See you 'round, Suko." Tears welled in her eyes as she snatched up her duffel and headed to the ship. Suko didn't leave until all the girls were on board and the transports had blasted their way up into the morning sunlight and out of sight.

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