Hand in hand we sprinted across the moon’s surface toward the remains of our ship. Perhaps, if we could hide behind the wreckage, maybe even burrow inside somewhere behind the hull, we would survive the bioflare coming for us.
Mia tugged her hand free of mine and pulled ahead, increasing our pace. I followed, unwilling to run ahead of her. If we were going to die, I would die shielding Mia.
“I know this isn’t the best time…” Mia panted the words as we ran for our lives.
“I’m here.”
“It’s crazy. And stupid. And makes no sense. But I love you. If I’m going to die, I’m glad it’s with you. I have no regrets, Kass. I want you to know that.”
Her breathing was ragged as we sprinted.
“I love you, Mia. And I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. Sponder’s not sending someone because of me.” My visor’s alert system flashed a warning, and I glanced into space. “There it is.”
Mia looked up as well, and I knew exactly what made her gasp. The bioflare was clearly visible, its comet-like tail leaving a trail of brilliant blue light streaking behind it. “Oh shit.”
“Keep moving.”
“We’re not going to make it.” Mia ran despite her dire prediction. “And it’s not because of you. He’s working with Delegate Rainhart. Sponder. He’s a traitor, and he was afraid I was going to figure it out.”
“What?” I stumbled and nearly fell. “No, Mia. What are you saying?”
Her words came in bursts as she fought for breath. “Sponder. He’s been working with Rainhart for at least three years. Since before the original Starfighter base was attacked. He’s a traitor. He was nervous when Jennix threatened him with that audit, but after today he knows I know.”
My mind scrambled, trying to make sense of what she was telling me. “How would he know that?”
Twenty-five seconds and the Phantom was still at least thirty paces away.
“I sort of sent some information to General Jennix on the way here.”
Twenty seconds.
“Mia, why didn’t you tell—”
A blast of light rose over the moon’s horizon from just ahead of us. A starfighter. “Would you two stop chatting and get your asses over here before we all blow the fuck up.”
Mia laughed out loud as I tried to register where I’d heard that female voice before.
“Jamie? Did you just say ‘fuck’?” Mia asked between gasps of air.
That was Jamie and Alexius?
“Yes. So get your asses over here. I like my ship almost as much as I like you. Don’t make me choose.”
A small starfighter moved close, then hovered just above the ground, almost far enough away to be safely out of range of the bioflare. Almost. Neither Mia nor I slowed our pacing as a small door opened on the side. There was no ramp, just Alexius reaching his arm out toward us.
Mia reached up first, and Alexius pulled her inside as I followed, leaping behind her. Alexius made sure I was secure before slamming the door closed and squeezing past us. It was tight, but I held Mia against my chest as Alexius slipped behind her, back to the copilot’s seat. There were two jump seats behind them, facing one another, with just enough room that Mia and I might not rub our knees together.
I tugged Mia to the seats, and we sat immediately.
“Buckle up. This might get bumpy.”
“Five seconds,” I said, checking the time. Fuck.
“Hold on!” Jamie shouted the warning as their ship took off like a beam of light, racing away from the moon’s surface.
I watched the countdown in my visor.
Four.