Page 79 of Aviatrix

“I’m en route to Colorado,” I say. “I’ll be there in a few days.”

“Colorado,” she repeats, like she needs to anchor the word.

“Mom, I have to go. I love you. I will find you.”

“I love you, Kinley.”

I hang up just as Eli’s hand slips into mine.

“This just became real,” I whisper.

“This just became a war,” Eli says. “And I don’t know if we’re on the winning side.”

EIGHTEEN

FINGERTIP FORMATION

General Salamander appears on the tiny military-grade screen propped on the barn workbench. Sweat trickles down my spine as Eli stands beside me, tense in the sweltering Oklahoma heat.

“What did the aircraft that tailed you look like again?” the General asks, eyes narrowing.

“Gray. Sleek. Moved like it had no mass,” I repeat.

“And you’re certain it was identical to the one that attacked the White House?”

“Affirmative.”

“They retreated?”

“They did,” Eli answers. “We diverted to an airbase near Tulsa and are currently regrouping here, at my aunt and uncle’s farm.”

“Wise choice.” The General gives a single, sharp nod. “We need to protect the integrity of the Colorado base.”

“We’d like to take off from here in a few days to join the team in Colorado,” Eli continues.

The General exhales and steeples his fingers. “Anything else?”

Eli hesitates. “Yeah.”

I glance at him, confused by his shift in tone.

He clears his throat. “Captain Quay is flying a VAL-X.”

The General blinks. Then, nearly chokes on air. “A VAL-X?”

“Yes, sir,” Eli confirms.

The General leans back, the smallest grin cracking his usually stone-set face. “I’ll be damned. There are only two of those in existence, and they’re… selective.”

“It chose me,” I say quietly.

The General lets out a low chuckle. “VAL-X units were designed to adapt to their pilot. They’re picky for a reason.”

“I’m concerned,” Eli says, “that VAL was sent to Quay with bad intentions.”

“Impossible,” the General replies without hesitation. “VAL-X units were programmed to protect their pilot. If a VAL-X selected her, she’s safe. They can be influenced to consider certain pilots, sure, but not controlled. Once they pick, they’re fiercely loyal.”

“I told you,” I mutter under my breath in Eli’s direction.