The Heroes Return by Monica Tesler

Author:Monica Tesler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

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.

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