“Bhizin, my time has gone down, I could probably do it with my eyes closed at this point.” She couldn’t believe he didn’t have anything positive to say after she’d been practicing almost all day.

  “You’re right, your time is going down. But it needs to be better. When you race tomorrow, you need to be able to beat the rest of the teams without breaking a sweat. Now do it again.”

  Finley didn’t voice the thoughts going through her mind as she sank back into the chair. As the dome slid shut, she eyed Creek still standing far out in the desert.

  “Go!”

  The ship lunged forward and she didn’t dare take her eyes off Creek. She was going to show Bhizin just how fast she could move. Creek became clearer as she neared, the ground nothing but a tan blur. She pulled the brakes just barely as she tore the ship around Creek. His eyes widened as the nose slipped by him. As soon as she was clear, Finley thrust the joystick forward and raced back toward Bhizin.

  She didn’t slow down until she passed the finish line, kicking up a wave of sand over the empty bleachers. As she got out, she couldn’t help but smile to herself. She knew it had been a good run. It was made even better when Bhizin walked over to her, covered in sand, pointing at his watch.

  “Keep flying like that and you won’t just qualify, you’ll win the whole damn race.”

  Chapter Four

  Qualifying

  Finley had trouble falling asleep that night. Her brain kept cycling through all of its racing strategies. Pull back going around a corner. Don’t push too hard at the start, that’s how you fall behind. Make sure you note who else is in the race. Eventually, she was so tired from training and strategizing that her body forced her to sleep.

  When she opened her eyes, light poured through the cracks in the curtain, catching the dust flying in the air.

  Light?

  It couldn’t be morning already. She had made sure to set her alarm clock last night. Bhizin would kill her if she didn’t show up today. She peeked at the clock next to her bed.

  “Oh my god.”

  Finley sprang out of bed and quickly got dressed before grabbing her helmet and stumbling out the door. Walking through Keveka in her racing uniform, about to start in a qualifying race was the last thing she thought she’d be doing today. But a small part of her couldn’t help but be nervous. Not only for actually racing after all this time but also for finally meeting whoever it was she was racing with.

  As she made her way to Bhizin’s office, people lined the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of a ship being pulled to the starting line. They waved different colored flags, and Finley couldn’t help smiling at the red ones.

  It wasn’t long until she was back at Bhizin’s office. Creek stood at the door once more.

  “Was worried I might have to go retrieve you again.” He stepped aside for her.

  “You wish. By the way, you owe me for the door, Finhead,” Finley said.

  The alien smirked. “Talk to Bhizin.”

  She laughed as she walked past him into the building. Bhizin was already waiting for her in the hallway. He had his arms crossed and wore a stern look on his face.

  “You’re late.”

  “I’m not the one who hasn’t even shown up yet,” she shot back.

  He smirked. “He signed the contract and is on his way. I see you still have your old uniform. No need to order another one then. Your ship’s in the garage.”

  He led her to a normal-looking door at the end of the hallway.

  “Have you loosened security on your garage since I’ve been here?” Finley asked.

  “The opposite, actually. I’ve had a lot of people who wanted to see your ship and tried to break in to look at it. Little did they know it wasn’t here anymore, being evidence in the investigation and all. And who knows if another agent is trying to find out what I’m up to. That’s why I installed this.”

  He placed his hand on the doorknob. A flash of light spun around it before beeping, and the door opened with a soft click.

  “Right this way.”

  Her ship waited for them inside. Several mechanical droids zigzagged throughout the garage, putting the finishing touches on it. Finley did her best to avoid them as she peered into the cockpit. The seats had been polished. Everything shined like it had come fresh off the assembly line. Even the smell of it couldn’t be replicated. All signs of the training she’d done from the day before were gone.

  “Good news. Your copilot is almost at the starting line,” Bhizin said.

  “Great. If he had showed up yesterday to practice, he wouldn’t be this late.” Finley climbed into the ship.

  “He had his reasons, but I’m not worried. You two are going to do great.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “At least act like you want to be here,” Bhizin said. “There’s a lot of people with their eyes on you who want to see you win. That includes me.”

  Finley nodded. “I’ll do the best I can.”

  Bhizin tapped the side of the ship as she shut the dome. It sealed with a satisfying click.

  The droids zipped out of the way as she turned the ship on. Its engine sent rumbles through the small space, vibrating the cockpit. Light poured into the garage as the door slid open.

  She went to pull the joystick back, but found herself hesitating. Could she really do it? Had she let Bhizin talk her into something she wasn’t ready for? What if something happened during the race? The thoughts pulled her out of the cockpit, away from the garage. She floated somewhere else.

  “What are you doing in there?” Bhizin’s voice clicked in her ear. The floating stopped and she was sitting in the cockpit again. Finley shook her head before grabbing the joystick.

  “Nothing. I’m putting it into drive now.”

  Bhizin waved as the droids slowly pushed the ship out of the garage into a small alleyway. Finley waved back. The ship’s familiar vibration became second nature as she rechecked everything one last time. The sun beat down on the red paint as they slowly made their way into the desert sun.

  “You’re starting in the middle of the city, right near the train tracks. I don’t know who else is racing, so keep your eyes open when you get there,” Bhizin said over the radio.

  “Got it,” Finley answered.

  She sat in silence as the ship bounced along the ground while the droids pulled it to the starting line. Everything outside was muffled, even the engine. It reminded her a bit of the silence she had grown used to in her apartment.

  “Alright, qualifying race. Let’s get this over with,” Finley whispered.

  The droids rounded a corner where crowds lined the street. They whooped and cheered when the ship came into view. Finley couldn’t help smiling at them under her helmet. Even though she was back under the worst circumstances, the truth was she had missed racing. Not enough to ask Bhizin for a spot, but now that she was here, the pre-race jitters were setting in.

  They pulled into the arena where she’d trained the day before. A train now sat on the tracks, smoke billowing out and catching the morning sun. On its right was the starting line with two pillars on either side and a large banner hanging between them that said “Start.” Keveka’s citizens were crammed onto the bleachers, trying to get the best spot to see the beginning of the race.

  Finley realized she was the last one to arrive. Bhizin’s droids pulled the ship into its starting position and unhooked it from the trailer. Three other ships were already lined up and ready to go.

  The empty seat behind her suddenly felt like it took up the whole ship. She looked around for a lone pilot, only to see the crowd and other agents talking to their team. Then, through the sounds of the ships’ engines and the crowd’s cheers, she heard a soft tap on the glass. She turned in her seat, and the anger she had been so carefully containing boiled to the surface. Someone wearing a matching red uniform just like hers stood outside. Someone she never wanted to see again.

  Garis Blackwood.

  “Bhizin, you didn’t tell me my copilot was Garis.” Finley’s voice shook with each word.

  “He’s the best pilot for the job. We can talk about this after the race.”

  Finley took off her helmet and opened the dome to get a better look at him. “Are you really my copilot?”

  Garis looked down at his uniform, his wavy black hair falling over his tan face. “We’re wearing the same color so I’d say yes.”

  Finley scoffed. “I’m not flying with you.”

  “I don’t think you have much of a choice right now. I wasn’t exactly begging to fly with you either.” His brown eyes narrowed.

  “Yeah, you weren’t exactly on time either,” Finley said, mocking his voice. “If you’re going to be my copilot, don’t be late again.” She slid into her seat.

  Garis jumped in behind her.

  “Do you know how to use those things?” she asked over her shoulder.

  “You worry about flying and I’ll worry about the computer.”

  A booming voice rose above the engines, somehow loud enough for everyone to hear. An announcer dressed in a fancy suit with a tie stood on one of the pillars. A device was taped to his mouth so he could keep both of his hands free.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the last qualifying race for The Moon Run!”

  The crowd erupted into applause.

  “The two ships who win will go on to The Moon Run and get a chance to claim the coveted prize: the medals, the money, and the fame.”

  The crowd let out a long oooooo.

  “Yes, but until we can get to that, let’s begin our qualifying race. In the first spot, we have the black ship with two newcomers, Cohner and Rak.”

  There was polite applause.

  “In the second spot, in the green ship, we have a fan favorite. The team who never gives up. Let’s hear it for Tese and Erida.”

  The crowd erupted into cheers.

  “I remember them. They were there the first time I qualified,” Garis said as he typed on the computer.

  “In the third spot is the white ship. It’s Tobe and Halim!”

  The crowd cheered again.

  “And now, folks. It’s one of the biggest shocks of the season. In our fourth spot, flying the red ship. We didn’t think we would ever see either of them back in the cockpit again, especially together. But crazier things have happened during The Moon Run, haven’t they?”

  The crowd laughed. Warmth started creeping up Finley’s neck.

  “Whatever he says, ignore it. It’s all to rile the crowd up,” Garis said.

  “Don’t tell me what to do,” Finley hissed.

  “It’s THE Finley and Garis!” The announcer yelled.

  The crowd erupted into cheers again, stomping the ground and whistling. It took the announcer a moment before he was finally able to get them to settle down.

  “Are we sure the white team is favored to win?” Garis said, ignoring Finley’s previous statement. The smirk in his voice was unmistakable.

  “For this race, we let the train go ahead. Fly past it, and then get to the other side. Whoever returns here first and second wins. Racers, are you ready?”

  It was time. Finley didn’t know what Garis was typing behind her, but she hoped whatever it was would help them. She gripped the joystick, waiting for the signal.

  “Help me with the countdown, everyone!”

  The engines of all four ships roared even louder, making it almost impossible to hear the announcer. Smoke blew out from under the train as it took off ahead of them. Much faster than she originally thought it would be. Looking up at the pillar, Finley watched as the announcer held his hand up. He slowly put a finger down as the crowd counted with him.

  5…4…3…2…1

  Finley pushed the joystick forward. The force of the engine threw her back in her seat, almost causing her to lose control. They flew away from the starting line amidst the other ships, balancing between not crashing into anyone and trying her best to gain speed. Bhizin had been right in making her practice. She knew where she was going now. Ahead of the ship, the train sped away from them.

  Sped away?

  “Why are we slowing down?” Finley asked.

  “I don’t know. Everything is working fine. We should be flying by now,” Garis said.

  The other racers had already pulled ahead, kicking up sand on the dome window. Just over the crowd, Finley could make out the announcer.

  “It looks like our veteran racers are having a bit of trouble on their first race back, folks. Who knows if they’ll even get their ship flying.”

  The radio crackled. “What the hell are you two doing just sitting there? You should be ahead of everyone else!” Bhizin yelled.

  “Give me a second,” Garis said.

  “We don’t have a second.” Finley pushed the switch for the ignition. Nothing happened. The other ships darted away from them, leaving a cloud of sand in their wake.

  “I think I found it.” Garis’ fingers traveled over the keyboard before he yelled, “Go!”

  Finley hit the switch and they shot off again. The desert flew inches underneath them as they chased after the others. In front of them, Finley could just make out the green, black, and white ships flying alongside the middle of the train. They weren’t close to the front yet.

  We still have time.

  Her heart pounded, or maybe that was the safety straps digging into her.

  “We’re coming up behind the white ship. When you pass, pass on the outside.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because they’ll have no problem pushing us right into the train.”

  Finley turned the joystick, and the ship veered to the right. Their ship’s nose was in line with the white ship’s tail. She glanced down at the fuel gauge. She didn’t have enough to get to the front of the train. If she wanted to claim first place, Garis would have to give her more.

  “I need more fuel,” Finley said.

  “We need to save it for when we pass the train.”

  Everything in front of her blurred. If she could reach behind her and strangle him on the spot, she would. “Give me more fuel.”

  “Figure it out.”

  It took everything in her power not to stop the ship right there. Garis—out of anyone—should know that she couldn’t finish the entire race on how much fuel there was in the first tank. What would he be saving it for anyway? The only thing she could do was push harder, knowing that would use more fuel. She leaned forward on the joystick, and they started inching into third place.

  “I knew you could do it,” he said flatly.

  “We still need more fuel to get past everyone.”

  Thundering next to them, the train continued on, unbothered by the race. In front of Finley and Garis, the green ship attempted to pass the black ship. But the leader swerved left and right, stopping its attempts at every turn.

  “If we can sneak by them, then we’ll be in the clear to pass the train,” Garis said.

  Finley eyed the ships up and down. She had gone through something similar with Cayne. They had passed on the outside, and it had almost cost them their race. Cayne had even talked about it for a while after, saying he wished he’d never told her to go on the outside.

  “I’m passing on the inside,” Finley said. She veered to the left so their wing was inches from the train. Even with the cockpit’s glass able to muffle outside noise, the train’s rumble jarred the small space. It filled Finley’s head until she could barely hear her own thoughts.

  “Do you want to kill us both?” Garis yelled.

  “I’m going to pass on the inside, and the second they start coming toward us, you give me more fuel, understand?” Finley yelled back.

  The two ships veered to the right, giving her the opening she had waited for. If she could pull this off without any problem, they might actually be able to win. She inched forward until they were neck-and-neck with the black ship. Almost there.

  The pilot spotted her, and without hesitation, took the bait. Forgetting all about the green ship, he veered toward Finley and Garis.

  And the train.

  “Now!”

  The fuel gauge filled. Finley pushed the joystick as hard as she could and their ship shot forward just as the black ship flew through the spot where they had been and right into the train. It ripped its wing off, and the ship rolled in the sand before coming to a stop, left behind by the others.

  But Finley wasn’t paying attention, they were flying right next to the front of the train. She could almost see around to the other side. Why did it feel like the train was picking up speed?

  “I’m going for it,” she said.

  “Green and white are right behind us. If you’re going to go, then go.”

  Finley veered far to the right. She would only get one shot at this. The sun glared in her eyes as she flew ahead of the train. She tried her best to ignore it. All she had to do was get to the other side. Easier said than done. With one final push, she turned the ship hard to the left. It flew toward the train tracks, the train barreling at them with no intention of stopping.

  “Shit, shit, shit.”

  The fuel gauge filled and Finley pushed the speed switch on the dashboard. They tore past the train, on to the other side. With no one ahead or behind them, it was smooth sailing to the finish line. No racing for a year, and she still had a little bit of skill left over.

  “Hang on. Something is coming up behind us,” Garis said.

  “How? There’s no way they followed that quickly.”

  The white ship flew out from behind the other side of the train, gathering speed.

  “Those cheaters,” Garis said angrily. “They couldn’t get up to the front of the train, so they just turned around.”

  “We’re almost there. They can’t win.”

  The white ship put on a burst of speed, rapidly closing the distance between them in a few seconds.

 

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