The Star Siren by A A Woods

Author:A A Woods [Woods, A A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marduk Publishing
Published: 2019-11-20T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

I stalk into the hangar without a helmet, ignoring the incredulous eyes of the mechanics as they rake over the ridges of my hair, the dark, sweat-slick skin, the head free of any protection or support. My neck aches, but I force myself to stand tall and meet their gazes, hold myself together under their scrutiny. Iona is already out of her Mech and wearing the reinforced skeleton the rest of the workers wear, but I stride right past them, still wearing my Wasp, to where Kara waits, having just arrived on her own Boomer.

“What did you do?”

My accusation falls hard and heavy as I plant my feet, watch her spin toward me with a sharp smile.

“Excuse me?”

“You were supposed to be controlling the situation, not escalating.”

Kara’s expression is a vicious reminder of what she is. There is no empathy there, no recognition of human pain and suffering. Just the detached curiosity of a creature trying to understand the moving shapes around them.

And a vague anger at having failed in her task.

“I did my best,” she sneers.

“Clearly not.”

Iona’s glaring at us from the stairs, but I ignore her as Kara is helped into her own exoskeleton, sighing in relief as her bones are supported by iron bars and air bladders.

“You took care of it, didn’t you, Nova?” she says. “Like you always do. You should be pleased. Another gold medal for the Commander’s favorite pet.”

Kara’s eyes slice toward me and I wonder how much they see.

“Serena shouldn’t have left you in charge,” I snarl.

Kara rolls her eyes.

“Oh please, you two are getting so soft.”

I frown, feeling Iona’s glowering presence behind me.

“What do you mean?”

“I saw our sister sneaking into your room before the launch.” Kara grins at me, relishing the knowledge that she knows something I don’t. “Looks like your little plant projects are infectious. I’ll have to be careful.”

She moves to stalk away, but I grab her arm.

“What are you talking about?”

My demand comes out harsher than intended, sharper, but Kara doesn’t even flinch.

“She was planting something in your room.”

“Planting what?”

Kara snorts. “You think I care?” She yanks out of my grip. “You know full well, green isn’t my color.”

Offering me a last cruel smile, Kara swings away, marching up the steps, past Iona, into the corridor. The ground rumbles beneath my feet, accompanied by the squealing of gears that haven’t been used since the Docks were built. Everything is vibrating and shaking and groaning as the Engine touches down, but I hardly notice.

What was Iona doing in my room? Was she destroying something else, pulping another innocent plant?

Or was she filling the space my yuca sprout left?

I move to follow Kara, striding numbly up the stairs.

Is there still something left of the sister I once loved? Could we still be friends, after all that’s happened? With Lorna gone and Alvarez aging and Peter soon to learn my true colors, could I have someone in this bleak world who’s still on my side, even if she doesn’t act like it?

I want to believe that so badly my chest aches.

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