We weren’t briefed in advance on our last mission. It is clear to see that Ender doesn’t plan to share a lick of intel with the recruits. I’m certain the rest of Black Star knows what is coming.
I nod slowly.
“How do I tell you what I find?” I ask. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be down here.”
Patch passes me an outdated comms link. The earpiece is black and small.
“It will transmit to our radios,” he says. “When you have something, tap the earpiece and speak. You got three days. No pressure.”
Footsteps echo nearby. An enforcer is moving closer.
I close my hand over the device and slip it into my sleeve in one smooth motion.
“Three days,” I confirm.
Then, louder, for the benefit of the enforcer, Patch says. “Try not to blow the relay and misclassify objects.”
“I’ll try,” I reply.
Patch walks away without looking back.
I stand there long after he’s gone. My heart pounds, and the weight of the device presses into my skin like a brand.
I wonder what my mother would think of me. Fighting for the same cause, she once did. I hope she will be proud of me. I remember how Prue looked at me that day. Like she saw in me the same fearlessness and bravery that my mother wore like armor.
This won’t be like the other times. I won’t be helping a rebel escape capture by using my powers to buy them time.
This is my first job with the Resistance.
And I hope I don’t fail.
chapter
thirty-two
Haven
Three days.
That is how long I have to give Patch the information he requested.
Spider tosses me a towel to wipe my face. The drill hall is empty at this hour, most of the recruits long asleep. I feel an inkling of guilt before I swallow it back. Spider tends to overshare, which is his fatal flaw. I know he finds it comfortable to do so because he trusts me.
But I did not come this far to make friends. I came to avenge my mother. And standing with the rebels honors her memory.
“You fought beautifully today,” he says brightly. “Whose face did you picture when you threw those punches?”
“Who do you think?” I mutter.
He tilts his head. “Ender riding you harder than usual?”
I snort.
“I wish. At least then I could look forward to the climax.”
Spider laughs, bending over to contain the force of it. “You say the nicest things about him.”
“Too bad he thinks otherwise.”
