The Apollo Academy (3 page)

“Kaylana, I’m over here,” she yelled, waving her hand in the air.

Zane didn’t know what he was thinking, dancing with a girl way out of his league. She was probably some spoiled brat just out for a night of fun. He shook his head. He’d come to Beat to get rid of the alternate-reality screens, and that’s exactly what he was going to do.

Before she turned around, he slipped away, disappearing in the crowd.

AURORA

H
eat flushed her cheeks as Aurora glided a finger over her lower lip. What would it have been like to kiss the hot guy from the club last night? The way he had looked at her, it was like he had truly seen the real her. In fact, they were probably the only two people at the club who had really seen each other.

She should have just kissed him. It had probably been her last chance to be with someone who didn’t have an ulterior motive for kissing the Titon heiress. Aurora sighed. Now she’d never know.

Beep. Beep.

Aurora glanced at her techiwatch.

Damn. She was daydreaming again.

Aurora shoved thoughts of the boy away, cramming the last of her clothing into her already over-flowing suitcase. It so wasn’t going to close. She pushed the vacuum sealing bags down, pulled the sides of the suitcase together, squeezing.

It still didn’t shut. Her arms strained as she tried to make the two pieces fit together.

There was no other choice. She sat on top of the suitcase, pushing all of her weight down.

The locks sealed closed.

No, she probably didn’t need any of the old books or half the shoes she’d packed, but she couldn’t imagine leaving it all behind. Aurora grunted as she dragged the scuffed, metallic luggage into the living room. Leaving the suitcase by the door, Aurora padded barefoot around the condo, taking a few moments to say goodbye to the place she called home. At least, she hoped this was goodbye.

With one last look, she slipped her lucky shoes on and moved toward the door, pulling her monstrosity of a suitcase behind her. To her surprise, her dad chose that time to come waltzing through the door. He was wearing a steel-gray business suit and matching striped tie, already dressed for the media storm to come. He pushed his gray hair off his forehead and moved for her bag.

“You should have asked for help.” Frustration coated his words. “I’ll arrange for someone to get your bags.”

“That’s okay. I’ve got it. Besides, I’d rather not draw any more attention to myself once I get there.”

Her dad looked as if he wanted to argue but in the end must have known she wouldn’t change her mind. “I could at least get you a new piece of luggage. I can’t believe you’re still lugging this one around.”

Aurora looked down at her bag. There was a sticker for every place she had traveled and now the bag was completely covered with flashing destination stickers. She traced her finger across the Bear Lake, Alaska, sticker. “No, I like my bag. I wouldn’t be able to replace all of my hard-earned stickers if I got a new one.”

He shook his head. “All right, but I do have a departing gift for you.”

“Dad, you didn’t have to get me anything.”

Her dad waved away her protests. “You know I’d prefer you stay here and learn to run the company, but…” He shrugged, uncomfortable with expressing his feelings aloud. “It’s your choice. Besides, it’s not every day my little girl is accepted into an elite training academy.”

“It’s not official—”

“Aurora, you’ll pass the initiation.” He motioned for her to take a seat on the couch and pulled a black velvet bag from his pocket. “And if you don’t, well, you’ll be learning the family business.”

If that didn’t motivate Aurora, she didn’t know what would. She’d rather die than be the Titon heiress for the rest of her life. Keeping those thoughts to herself, Aurora sat down on the couch.

“I thought you should get something special to commemorate the day.” He pulled out a gold necklace and hesitantly handed it to her. “Here.”

Aurora took the dainty gold chain from her father and saw that it was adorned with a vintage airplane, one surprisingly elegant and feminine. It reminded her of the Apollo Academy logo. “It’s beautiful, Dad. I love it.”

He nodded and took the necklace from her, clasping it around her neck. “I had one of your mom’s gold rings melted down to make the airplane. This way you’ll have a little piece of her with you while you’re away.”

Aurora was speechless. As little time as she and her father had spent together over the past few years, she hadn’t been sure if he really knew she existed.

“Thank you,” she whispered. She awkwardly hugged her dad. “It’s perfect.” She touched the necklace that was now secure around her neck and knew that her mother would be with her every step of the way. She missed her mom, even if she never got a chance to know who she was. Aurora had only been two when she died. She’d stolen the autopsy report a few years back and the words still haunted her.
A myocardial infarction of her atrial fibril valve that collapsed in the closed position.

The necklace was the perfect goodbye gift. Her dad usually only gave gifts as an apology. Aurora was ecstatic to begin her new journey but sad to leave her father behind when he was acting like this.

“I wish your mother were here to see this. She would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.” His brown eyes began to tear up.

Oh, please, no.
Aurora fidgeted with the little airplane. Now was so not the time for all the feelings to come pouring out of her father. Was he trying to guilt trip her into staying?

“I’m going to miss you too, Dad,” she finally admitted, realizing her words were true.

Beep. Beep.

Aurora looked down at the expandable glass screen on her techiwatch, thankful for the distraction. It was finally time.

Her dad pulled her luggage behind him and hesitantly touched the elevator screen for the lowest level.

When the elevator began its rapid descent, the usual flickering of lights and people that sailed by was so disorienting that Aurora touched the elevator’s clear door to opaque them. Aurora and her father didn’t speak on the quick ride down; too busy trying to deal with the emotional rollercoaster he seemed to be on.

The doors opened on the lower garage level floor, and Aurora spotted Kaylana and her family waiting off to the side. Kaylana lived close enough that it made sense for them to share a hovercar to the Academy.

To her horror, she also saw a small crowd of reporters had been allowed into the building. Aurora’s mouth dropped open as she turned to look at her dad. “Dad,” she hissed.

He shrugged unapologetically. “You may as well get it over with.” He put his arm around her shoulders and escorted her in front of the reporters as if this were an everyday occurrence.

Despite the fact that her father had been wonderful to her a few moments before, she hated him for dragging her into the spotlight. She was so naïve. Did her father know that he only bestowed gifts on her when he felt guilty for something? Guilty for his extended absences and now guilty for this betrayal. He knew she hated being the center of attention, but that didn’t seem to matter when it came to publicity.

“How are you feeling about today’s initiation test?” A young female reporter with light brown hair and green eyes boldly stepped forward.

It felt like someone was squeezing her chest. Aurora wasn’t sure she could speak, even if this were a life and death situation. She looked to her dad, hoping she could get out of this, but he handed off her luggage and grabbed her arm.

“Aurora, you’re going to have to face this at some point,” he whispered.

“Dad, not right now. I’m already too nervous about this.”

He pressed his lips together. “This is great publicity. You’ve hidden from the spotlight long enough.”

“Please.” Aurora’s voice cracked.

Her dad shook his head, frowning. “You’re going to have to get used to it at some point. You’ll always be a Titon. I guess I’ll take a separate car and handle this for now. I’ll see you at the Academy.” He stepped in front of her, blocking the reporters’ view.

“All right, everyone. Aurora has a test to pass. Let’s let her concentrate.”

Aurora turned and ran to the hovercar. She felt, like a physical blow, every snap of a camera. Kaylana hurried after her and slammed the door shut. The reporters followed and surrounded the hovercar, but with the windows up, Aurora knew the only picture they would get would be their own reflection. Finally, the reporters stepped back, allowing the hovercar to move.

Aurora shoved her hands back through her hair. “This is what I wanted, but . . . ” Tears burned as they tried to escape. She sucked in a deep breath. Why did all of this attention make her so uncomfortable?

Kaylana sat beside her and grabbed her hand. “Don’t worry about it. They’re obviously insane. I’m not sure hiding has made them forget about you though. It may have increased their obsession.”

“Yeah. I guess I should just let them have what they want. An all-access pass to the heiress.” Aurora rolled her eyes. “Then maybe they’d leave me alone.” Aurora wished she believed it.

Kaylana changed the subject. “So once we’re in, what do you think our area of concentrations will be?”

Aurora looked out the window. “Depends on the aptitude placement test we took last month. But I’m sure you’ll be in the astronaut medical program.”

Luckily, Aurora and Kaylana both had intelligent parents with the means and motivation to educate them. As they grew older, Aurora, of course, had immersed herself in things like Meteorology, Astronomy, and Aviation virtual studies while Kaylana had focused on medical subjects.

“And hopefully I’ll get to fly.” Aurora’s heart felt lighter with the thought.

Silence descended as Aurora and Kaylana stared out the window.

It was fifty-five miles to Cape Canaveral, a city that boasted being the Home of Sun, Space, and Sea. When the Apollo Academy began searching for a home, they decided that it would be beneficial to purchase some of the land associated with the old government space program, NASA. It was the perfect place for the Academy to build their new education and launch center as it already had massive structures in place and room for the Apollo Alliance SpacePort.

Kaylana grasped Aurora’s hand, bringing her back to the present. “Babe, we’re in this together.”

Aurora squeezed her hand in return. “I know.”

The hovercar slowly stopped outside of the Apollo Academy’s main security gate. As soon as the doors automatically unlocked, Kaylana hopped out.

Taking several deep breaths, Aurora watched her lucky hot-pink tennis shoes, as their logo flashed in an ever-changing rainbow of bright colors. Feeling more prepared, she stepped out of the car.

The humid Florida air pressed down on her like the day’s importance. Determined to make her dreams come true, Aurora marched alongside the other potential cadets toward the security gate that sheltered the Apollo Academy. Even from a distance, the Academy’s sheer magnitude was impressive. She could just make out the swirling gold Academy logo, which stood out against a brilliantly white background. Aurora stared at the delicate symbol showcasing two intertwined A’s that twirled together with a shuttle and stars. It was a tease for her, to be allowed this close without knowing if she would be admitted further.

She slowly inhaled the salty ocean air, hoping to calm the rocket ships that had just launched in her stomach.

“Anyone figure out what this year’s initiation will be?” Aurora asked no one in particular. It didn’t really matter anyway. Aurora would do anything to fly. Anything to avoid the Titon Technologies public figurehead role her father so wanted from her.

“No idea,” a blond haired-boy with a French accent answered.

“Me either,” Aurora muttered. A bead of sweat ran down her back. She wasn’t used to standing in the sunlight, especially in such an open area, but the absence of the oppressive Orlando skyscrapers was liberating.

When the news reporters began to gather around the stage beside the gate, yelling and snapping pictures, Aurora concentrated on the podium and the woman that stood behind it. She would recognize Ms. Lovell anywhere. As the founder of the Apollo Academy and from a family who had made significant marks in aerospace history, she was unforgettable. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, showcasing her olive skin and brown eyes.

Behind Ms. Lovell stood Aurora’s father, publicly showing his support for the Academy. As their largest contributor, he was allowed to be very involved with the school. She glanced away. She couldn’t even look at him right now.

Every time a camera’s shutter clicked, Aurora flinched.

“Welcome to the Apollo Academy.” Ms. Lovell smiled at the gathered crowd and potential cadets. “Each year we search for those who have a thirst for knowledge, tenacity for survival, and the courage to conquer our newest frontier. Those of you here today have passed the initial aptitude placement tests. You should be proud to have come this far.” Ms. Lovell focused on the gathered teenagers. “Those of you who make it through initiation will move into the Academy’s training facility. Those who fail will be excused immediately.”

Ms. Lovell motioned to the waiting hoverbus. “The bus will take you to the Apollo Alliance SpacePort where you will prove you belong here. This year’s initiation test will be,” she paused, skillfully building drama, “an unassisted skydive from fifteen-thousand feet.”

Aurora breathed a sigh of relief. She could do that. Hell, she was probably going to love it.