Page 57 of Between Earth and Eternity
She nods in response. I had no idea those even existed, and I don’t want to know the details.
The whiplash of everything Sarah has revealed is almost too much to bear on top of her changed attitude. I don’t know how much more I can take, but I must learn what other information she has. Could this be what my father wanted me to uncover?
“What else?” I ask, part of me praying it can’t be worse.
“I haven’t heard a word from Earth in over a year. I’ve been sending messages when I have the extra funds. I know they can take a long time to travel the distance, but I should’ve heard something by now.”
Messages getting lost in translation is one thing, butneverarriving sets off too many alarms. Why cut off everyone from Earth?
The curtain pulls back an inch more, and I am terrified what else could be exposed, what grand reveal lines beyond.
“Look, Sarah. These aren’t the only instances of Mannox breaking promises.” Her eyes go wide. “I think there are underworking plans that they’re keeping from us. Something so secret that it’s known only by a select few. People at the very top, starting with the Mannoxes themselves.”
Now it’s her turn to look uneasy. “Like what, Sky?”
The shop looks as normal as any on Earth, people deep in their own conversations and lives, but I can’t shake the feeling that eyes and ears are tuning into our dialogue this very second. Call it paranoia, but all I can think of is Vallen’s request.
This is your last warning, Skyler.
Stay out of trouble.
Please?
“Let’s just say I’ve put a target on my back, so I’m the last person who should be talking about this with you.”
“Wait. What? Skyler, you have to tell me.”
I can’t meet her eyes, so I look through the window, and see Ori is crossing the street. Perfect timing.
“I need to go.”
“Stop.” She grabs on to me desperately, her nails digging into my forearm, but I can’t feel them, the suit protecting from more than just lack of air, it would seem.
Before Ori steps into the shop, I jump from my seat. “I gotta go.”
“Skyler!” Sarah’s voice cracks as she pleads.
“I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” I run to reach the door before she can stop me. People turn to watch us now, confused by the sudden commotion. The last thing I need is other people getting involved.
“Skyler!” she cries out one last time before I fling the door open just as Ori reaches me.
“Sky? What’s wrong?” I grab her hand and drag her with me back to the tunnel to return to Zenith. “Who was that woman?” I ignore her. “Sky!” She plants her feet, jerking me back. She may be small, but she’s strong.
“We need to go. Now.” I pull her arm again, but she doesn’t budge.
“You’re scaring me.” Her pupils are dilated.
“She’s someone I knew back on Earth and . . .” I don’t know how I can explain that sorrow to Ori right now. “I just need to get back to Zenith. Please.” I hear the resignation in my own voice.
“Okay. Okay. Let’s go,” she says, putting her hands up in surrender.
An uneasiness lies between us as we board one the shuttles lined up to ferry passengers back to the ship. I am numb, not even registering that a steward is asking me to fasten my harness until Ori nudges me. It isn’t until the zero gravity hits that I remember where I am, and to make matters worse, the ship makes a sudden drop. I scream before I can stop myself. I’m not the only one who was rattled, but I know my face is a shade of scarlet as I hold back the urge to vomit.
“My apologies Zenith passengers. There’s nothing to be concerned with. We will be boarding Zenith in a few short minutes,” the pilot announces.
Ori places her hand on my arm, her face still a wash of worry, but she smiles. I nod to let her know I’m okay.
I close my eyes and lean my head back against my seat but overhear passengers a few rows over. “Did you see her face?”
