The Apollo Academy (5 page)

AURORA

A
urora felt heat rushing to her face and was certain her cheeks had flushed an ugly, bright red. She didn’t understand why everyone held her father against her, as if she had chosen to be his daughter. Hailen sauntered back to her friends, a satisfied smirk on her face.

Aurora looked over at Zane. He stared out the window and refused to look her way. After everything she’d just experienced, all she’d wanted to do was make a connection with somebody.

“Don’t worry about them,” Kaylana whispered.

Aurora scooted closer to Kaylana, needing comfort from the only person who really knew her. Aurora kept her mouth shut and tried to be invisible.

Even though Kaylana had a family she could go home to every night, she still understood what it was like to grow up with a busy father. And even that was Aurora’s father’s fault in a way. Collin Titon couldn’t have his lead scientist put in less hours than he did.

Aurora remained lost in thoughts of her childhood until the bus pulled to a stop.

It was finally time to leave her past behind her.

As soon as Aurora stepped off the bus, cameras flashed and reporters began to yell out questions. Ms. Lovell again stood in front of the podium outside the Apollo Academy’s main gate and addressed the twenty cadets left standing.

“Congratulations to all of you who had the courage to jump.” Her brows creased as if she were disappointed that they lost so many. “Because of our partnership with the Apollo Alliance, I can guarantee that those of you who complete your two-year training will become certified astronauts and be eligible for the most elite missions.” Ms. Lovell smiled, but it still held an edge of sadness. “These missions will be of upmost importance. Despite what many believe, I know those of you before me are our world’s last hope.”

Would Aurora really help save the world? She knew life in space was difficult, and that the Academy trained them young so they could handle the stress for a longer length of time, but when it was said that way, it was kind of scary.

Ms. Lovell continued with her speech, which was mostly for the reporters’ benefit. Aurora already knew most of the information she shared.

“Orientation will begin in one hour, and the first five-month semester of class eight will commence tomorrow at 0900. After completing their first semester, cadets will have a one-month break to recuperate from their vigorous schedules.” Ms. Lovell cleared her throat. “I have one final announcement to make. We’re accepting our first female student into the flight area of concentration.”

As soon as Aurora heard the words female pilot, her mind filled with static.
Please, please, let it be me.

She focused her whole heart on Ms. Lovell’s words. “This is certainly not a first in world history, but it is a welcoming first for the Apollo Academy.” When Ms. Lovell made direct eye contact with Aurora, she felt her whole body tense, freezing in place.

“Ms. Aurora Titon. Congratulations. If you make it through training, you will be the Academy’s first female pilot astronaut.”

Aurora’s heart raced, and a huge smile stretched across her face.

Every head turned her way, and camera flashes blinded her, making the news session before the skydive pale in comparison.

Aurora put her hand in front of her face. Her ears filled with a dull roar and her heart pounded. The reporters yelled a cacophony of things, but most of what she made out was her name and congratulations.

Ms. Lovell spoke into the microphone. “Aurora, would you like to come up here?” She asked it nicely, but Aurora wasn’t sure she had a choice. She was going to hyperventilate in front of all of these people if she didn’t get control of her breathing.

Kaylana grabbed her hand and squeezed.

She could do this. She had to do this.

No, she wanted to do this.

Slowly Aurora made her way to the podium. Her father proudly watching beside several news reporters could not have looked happier. She knew he was excited for all of the publicity this was going to bring the company. Aurora turned her attention to Ms. Lovell.

“I, uh . . . ” Oh no, her voice was doing that high-pitched thing again, the one that made her sound like one of her father’s squeaking lab rats. She swallowed, clearing her throat. “I’m going to be a pilot?” she whispered, covering the microphone with one hand.

Ms. Lovell calmly looked back at her, but before she answered that question, Aurora had another horrible thought. “My dad didn’t have anything to do with this, did he?” Even Aurora heard the doubt in her voice. She wanted to be accepted because she deserved to be.

Ms. Lovell pulled her into a hug and whispered into her ear. “No, Aurora.” Ms. Lovell’s head turned toward hers, and Aurora watched her brown eyes soften. “Your scores showed an aptitude for aeronautics, physics, and safety awareness. Not to mention your flight simulation went very smoothly. Isn’t this where you hoped to be placed?”

“That’s exactly where I want to be.” She hesitated. “I guess I just didn’t realize it’d be announced this way.”

Ms. Lovell spread her hands wide. “Yes, well, it is a first and makes a great story for the news.”

Aurora nodded. It’s not like the Academy had a ton of girls lining up to train which, now that she thought about it, totally sucked. There were plenty of kick-ass female pilots in world history; she’d read about them all. Yet somehow this was a first for the Academy.

A hesitant smile crossed her face. Aurora could be the girl others looked up to. One who didn’t need tech and made her own decisions. That kind of attention she could definitely be okay with.

Ms. Lovell seemed to understand her decision and stepped aside, leaving Aurora alone in front of the podium and reporters. She fought the urge to run. This time she couldn’t blame the attention on her father. This was what she wanted.

The same young reporter from earlier in the morning stepped forward. “How does it feel to be the first female selected for the flight program?”

“I, uh—” Her voice squeaked out, barely understandable at such a high pitch. She swallowed, heat rushing to her cheeks. She would not make a fool of herself.

“It’s an honor.” Aurora looked down, then forced herself to look back up and straighten her spine. “I can only hope to make the Academy proud and make a difference.” She stopped. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep her voice level. Her entire body shook. “I guess now I should gather my things and begin my new life at the Apollo Academy.” Aurora stepped back from the crowd of reporters huddled in front of her, again yelling over each other, desperate for her to answer one more question.

Ms. Lovell stepped forward. “That’s all for today. Thank you for coming. All cadets should say goodbye to their loved ones and report back to the Academy cafeteria for orientation.” Ms. Lovell waved and motioned for Aurora to follow her.

“I’m sorry to put you on the spot like that,” Ms. Lovell began. “I actually wanted to call you yesterday and give you some warning, but your father thought it would be best to wait.” She smiled. “He thought the only way you would handle all of the attention would be when it was thrust upon you.”

Aurora couldn’t find it in her to disagree with her dad’s plan. It had worked. “So I’m the only female?” Aurora asked, the enormity of this moment settling on her shoulders.

“Yes, the first and only female who has done well enough to be placed in the flight AOC. You should be proud of yourself.” Frowning, Ms. Lovell continued. “Unfortunately, not many teenagers are interested in anything beyond their tech candy these days. Most don’t even read anymore. They’re too plugged into an alternate reality—” Ms. Lovell stopped herself, as if remembering whom she spoke to. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything against your father. It’s not like it’s his fault we’re where we are today.”

“Don’t worry about it. Trust me, I get it.” The bold Titon Technologies logo practically marked everything she looked at or used. She moved back to their earlier conversation. “Despite my shock, I’m really happy with my area of concentration.” Aurora stood up straight. She had worked too hard to let fear get in the way of her dreams. She just needed to focus on what this would mean for her. She was going to be a pilot astronaut!

Ms. Lovell tilted her head toward the reporters, as if sensing her thoughts. “Once you’re inside the Academy, the attention will die down.” Ms. Lovell patted her shoulder. “You’ll do just fine.”

The steel security gate that prevented anyone from entering or leaving the Academy swung open, revealing the most beautiful grounds Aurora had ever seen.

It was green.

Aurora whirled around, spotting Kaylana standing nearby. Not giving Kaylana a chance to protest, Aurora pulled her through the open gate.

Aurora didn’t know where to look first. The grass that surrounded the Academy, the four palm trees, framing an open courtyard, the abandoned shuttle pads, the ocean off in the distance, or the massive building that stood above it all.

Kaylana decided for her. Still holding hands, Kaylana pulled Aurora behind her as she ran to the closest palm tree.

“I’ve never seen one in person,” Kaylana’s voice hushed in awe.

“There aren’t any more trees in Orlando. I had no idea they would be here.” Aurora tentatively placed her hand against the tree. The rough texture bit into her palm. “I thought the only remaining plant life was out west.”

“I wonder how old they are.” Kaylana tilted her head back.

The palm fronds way above their heads gently swayed in the breeze.

“Old. They’ve gotta be over fifty feet tall.” Aurora craned her head back, but in comparison to the enormous Academy building beside them, it was hard to accurately judge. Everything looked small next to the Apollo Academy.

Now that Aurora was closer, she could see the delicate gold logo that she had seen from a distance earlier. On the lower part of one A, a shuttle looked as if it flew directly away from the letter and up into the stars sprinkled above it. The logo was beautiful and classic in its detail.

Aurora tried to take in the massive building. She felt history pouring out of every square inch. She was there to follow in the steps of Neil Armstrong and the many brave astronauts who had made history before her. All of their sacrifice and hard work led to the opportunities she had today. Even though NASA was no longer around, its foundations were still a part of the building that housed the Academy. It was fitting that her dreams would be intertwined with the many dreams and accomplishments of those who came before her.

The facility was much busier than Aurora thought it would be. Many walked as if on some important mission, and Aurora realized they very well could be.

As she watched the people scurrying around her, the hair on the back of her neck rose. There was something different about them, but it took her several moments to figure out what.

She could clearly see their eyes. The only tech they wore were the thick white techiwatches strapped to their wrists.

“Aurora, Kaylana!” Her dad’s familiar voice carried to them as he stepped out of the hovercar. By the time Aurora and Kaylana walked over to him, their luggage was out of the trunk.

“I’m sorry about this morning. I shouldn’t have pushed you.” Her dad placed his hands on her shoulders. “You were really great today.” He pulled her into another awkward hug. “I’m proud of you.”

Aurora’s shoulders sagged as she wrapped her arms around her father. “I love you, Dad.” She was never one to stay mad for long. He always did what he thought best, even if at times it was misguided.

“Can I join in?” Before either of them answered, Kaylana wrapped her long arms around both of them.

“Mr. Titon, don’t let my dad work too hard while I’m away,” Kaylana joked, causing Aurora’s dad to smile.

“I’ll try to kick him out of the medical lab every once in awhile.” He pulled away. “I guess I’ll see you girls in a few months. Call me if you need anything.” He patted Aurora’s shoulder one last time before he hopped into the back of the hovercar. Once his car went through the security gate, the steel doors began to close. “I guess it’s time.” Aurora turned, grabbing her bag. “We better get to the cafeteria.”

Aurora struggled to climb the three stairs that led to the moving stairway. Her stupid luggage probably outweighed her. Kaylana managed hers without a problem and thankfully reached back, helping her pull the monstrous suitcase onto the motorized stairs. Aurora hopped on, following her luggage up the hundred steps to the Academy’s main door.

Cool air greeted her when she walked through the soaring glass doors. The interior of the building was just as impressive as the outside with a large vaulted ceiling that looked like it belonged to the lobby of a high-end resort. Hanging above their heads was an enormous, moving replica of their solar system. The sun was brightly lit and centered in the room, allowing the eight planets that surrounded to move slowly along their orbits.

Aurora looked around wide-eyed. Hallways covered in glass screens led people in multiple directions. The three elevators looked like they could hold fifty people easily. The place was enormous.