The middle of the night had settled deep and quiet over the Beech & Ember.

  Or at least, it should’ve been. Next door, the recruits had been dumped for the night.

  Instead, down the narrow hallway of the inn next door, a very large sack-shaped problem was being carried along between rooms.

  Corwin was being carried with a bag over his head, arms flopping awkwardly at his sides as he was dragged forward.

  Garron grunted as he adjusted his grip. “He’s a big boy, isn’t he? Not far off my size for sixteen.”

  “Shhh,” Keira whispered sharply, barely containing her laughter. “He’ll know it’s us. You’re ruining the fun.”

  “The only reason I’m helping with this,” Garron muttered, “is because I think it’ll help the ones who might actually join.”

  Keira snorted quietly. “Sure. And definitely not because you want to see the lieutenant’s reaction as much as we do.”

  Garron huffed. “Maybe. But I’ll never admit to that.”

  “Psst.” Caelan hissed from ahead of them. “Will you two be quiet? This doesn’t exactly work if you wake the whole place up.”

  He paused, then added flatly, “And if you wake Mynxi, I will personally throw both of you out a window.”

  Garron stopped walking.

  Corwin’s legs dropped.

  His boots smacked loudly into the floor.

  Keira was still gripping the top of the sack. “Oi!”

  Garron straightened and loomed over Caelan. “Try it.”

  Caelan smiled. “Oh, you fucking tease, you.”

  Keira resumed dragging Corwin down the hall. “You two can measure yourselves later. This better not take all night—this bitch needs her beauty sleep.”

  Caelan raised a fist toward Garron.

  Garron shook his head, smirking as he bumped it back. “Right. I’ll grab the next one. You work this one over.”

  “Don’t completely break them,” Garron added. “At least leave something for the lieutenant to work with tomorrow.”

  Keira poked her head out from the doorway. “No promises.”

  The door closed behind Caelan and Keira with a soft click.

  The room inside was small, bare, and very clearly a makeshift interrogation space.

  Keira dropped Corwin into the chair opposite the table and leaned back casually, balancing the chair on two legs.

  Caelan took a seat on the edge of the table in front of him.

  Slowly, he reached forward and pulled the sack off Corwin’s head.

  Corwin blinked—and then smiled.

  “Good evening, Mr Captain. Mrs Master Sergeant,” he said cheerfully. “How are you this fine evening?”

  Keira snorted.

  Caelan rubbed his eyes. “Mate. It’s a title. Drop the ‘Mr.’ Jesus fuck, how many times do I need to explain that?”

  “Yeah,” Keira added. “Because everyone should totally understand Earth's military ranks.”

  Caelan waved her off. “Yeah, yeah. I get it.”

  Corwin nodded eagerly. “Sorry, Mr Caelan, sir. Might I ask—is this the third event, sir?”

  “The fuck do you think?” Keira shot back.

  Caelan sighed. “Sort of, bud. I just thought it’d be nice to sit down and have a little chat before tomorrow. Make sure you’re all actually up for it.”

  Corwin opened his mouth.

  “Oh,” Caelan added calmly, “and if the next word out of your mouth is ‘Mr’ or ‘sir,’ I’m eliminating you right now. It’s Caelan or Captain. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

  Corwin swallowed, glanced at Caelan’s uneasy smile, then nodded. “Of course, Captain. Thank you. So what is it you wanted to talk about, si—”

  Caelan stared at him.

  “—Caelan,” Corwin finished quickly.

  Caelan smiled.

  Keira began filing her nails like nothing was happening. “Explain the thinking behind what I saw today. I’m still not exactly sure what you were trying.”

  Corwin brightened. “Of course, ma’am. It all started with that lovely girl, Lyra. After my friend Jett’s performance yesterday, she’d already planned around it.”

  He leaned forward slightly. “Using him as cover—knowing no one would dare hit him—let me protect my balloon while Katie closed the distance. Lyra went to distract you.”

  Corwin hesitated. “If I’m honest, I still feel bad about how underhanded it was. Having her say those rumours… sorry for taking part in that. It wasn’t my intention to cross a line.”

  Caelan and Keira exchanged a glance.

  “Fair,” Caelan said. “Now, Corwin—how did you meet your friend Jett?”

  He tilted his head. “Your application says you’re his follower. That’s a lot of trust around here. Why him?”

  Corwin smiled, softer this time. “Honestly? He’s been my only friend my whole life. We grew up together. Went to school together…”

  Keira frowned. “Wait—wait. Are you saying you came from the same world as him?”

  “Correct, ma’am,” Corwin replied.

  Caelan nodded. “Did you awaken in the same zone as one another?”

  “No,” Corwin said, shaking his head. “I only found him a few years ago. He’d caused a bit of bother with another group by then. Don’t get me wrong, I can see why people get annoyed at him so much—but he’s always meant well.”

  Caelan leaned back slightly. “Right. Let’s get into you then. I had a very interesting report from the Master Chief about your first trial. Care to explain it to me?”

  “Of course, Mr Caelan, sir—”

  Caelan winced.

  Corwin’s voice dropped as he hurried on, eyes lowering as his thumbs fidgeted against each other. “People have always seen me as the big, scary monster. Even when I was young. I couldn’t play with the other kids, just in case I hurt them.”

  He swallowed. “I’ve never wanted to hurt anyone. Even if I’m lucky enough and both Jett and I make it into the Revolutionary Army… even then.”

  He shrugged helplessly. “Even if it puts me out right now, I don’t think I can hurt anyone.”

  Keira scoffed. “Cap, why are we wasting our time? He’s clearly a write-off. What’s he going to do—water the unending mountain of flowers you buy from Linda?”

  Caelan smiled faintly. “What if someone wanted to hurt Jett?”

  Corwin’s eyes snapped up, sharp and focused. “Then they’d better hope they can get through me first.”

  Keira barked out a laugh. “So what, you’d just stand there and take it?”

  “Yes,” Corwin said without hesitation. “Every time. My wounds heal. I can take more than he can.”

  “So we’re meant to carry dead weight?” Keira snapped. “Not a chance. Why are we still entertaining this?”

  Caelan raised a hand. “See? She’s my problem.” He looked back at Corwin. “So what are you bringing to the table, then?”

  Corwin hesitated. “But… I was told that the white-haired woman was a member. And she doesn’t fight.”

  Caelan raised an eyebrow. “First—you’re not Elyria. Second—she has healing powers. Worth their weight in gold around here.”

  He leaned forward. “But we’re not talking about her. We’re talking about you.”

  Corwin nodded. “Honestly—outside of fighting, you name it, sir, I’ll do it without hesitation. Just because I won’t fight doesn’t mean I won’t stand beside you. I’ll put myself in danger before anyone else.”

  His voice wavered slightly. “I don’t know how much longer last out there. I just… I’m willing to do anything to work with people who might understand that. Even a little.”

  Caelan pursed his lips, nodding slowly. “That’s fair.”

  He glanced sideways. “What do you think, Master Sergeant?”

  Keira didn’t even look up. “What if we asked you to join—and not Jett. What then?”

  Corwin smiled sadly. “Then I’d know I gave it my best. But it wouldn’t be for me.”

  The door suddenly burst open.

  Jett flew into the room and instantly latched onto Caelan’s leg, sobbing. “He’s trying to eat me! The monsters are trying to eat me! Please!”

  An out-of-breath Garron filled the doorway. “Now I see why the lieutenant was so pissed off yesterday. Just you wait—you’ll be mine soon!”

  Jett squealed and clung tighter.

  Caelan sighed. “For fuck’s sake.”

  He looked down. “Right. Corwin—that was absolutely smashing, lad. Get yourself back to bed. We’ll see you bright and early.”

  Jett popped back up instantly, wiping his face. “Wow. That was close. I knew I could handle it if I needed to.”

  Corwin smiled, stepping past Garron. “Master Chief, sir.”

  Garron patted him on the back as he passed.

  “Chief,” Caelan said, glancing toward the door. “Any chance you could grab that—what was it—Artimage guy next?”

  Garron frowned. “Hopefully, he’s not half the pain of this one.”

  “THEN WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO EAT ME?!” Jett shouted as he was dragged into the room.

  Caelan smacked him lightly on the back of the head.

  “Ouch!” Jett yelped, rubbing the spot as Garron released him into the chair. “How do you keep doing that?”

  Caelan smiled. “Oh, just a special little trick, buddy.”

  Jett folded his arms, leaned back, and smirked as he looked between them. “Ohhh. I see what’s going on here.”

  “I highly doubt that,” Keira muttered.

  Jett waved a hand. “Look, if you wanted me to lead, all you had to do was ask. I know it’s hard admitting I’m the bigger man here, but coming under my banner—well, you’re basically guaranteed success.”

  He winked at Keira. “And the new captain’s going to need certain… things. If you know what I mean.”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  Caelan started laughing.

  Keira gagged. “Oh god, it’s happening. Is this how Elyria feels?”

  “Hey, not cool, Master Sergeant,” Caelan said, then turned back to Jett. He placed a hand on Jett’s shoulder, smiling widely. “That’s not happening. And wink at my sister again, and I’ll break every bone in your body—or burn the whole city down trying. Want to start again?”

  Jett waved him off. “Look, you’re just too old for this now. You knew this day would come. Don’t fight it. You’ll still have a place under me. A few changes, sure, but you’ll adapt.”

  Caelan and Keira stared at him.

  “He’s out?” Keira asked flatly.

  Caelan sighed. “What a shame. Better luck next time, bud.”

  Jett dropped instantly to the floor, clinging to Caelan’srry! I didn’t mean it—please, just give me another chance!”

  Caelan looked down. “I don’t know. What do you think, Master Sergeant?”

  “I think the bone breaking sounded good,” Keira said.

  Jett slowly released Caelan’s leg and sat back in the chair, deflated. “Sorry.”

  Caelan smiled. “That’s better. Right—why should I put up with this mindset? What can you actually offer us?”

  “Nothing,” Keira added. “Don’t know why you’re still here, honestly.”

  Jett stared at the floor. “Because I want to be better than you all. All I’ve ever done is talk a good game—I know.”

  “That’s a good game?” Keira cut in.

  “But it doesn’t mean I don’t want to change,” Jett continued. “I’ve told everyone my whole life I was going to be something. And people just… never believed me.”

  Keira snorted. “So far, I’m with them.”

  Jett slammed his fist on the table. “DON’T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT? All I’ve done since we got here is screw things up. And then this place dragged the one person who ever stood by me into this damn war thing as well.”

  He swallowed hard. “When we started hearing about you lot years ago… I got hooked. You were everything I wished I could be. And all I’ve done is make Corwin’s life harder.”

  “And joining us fixes that?” Keira shot back. “Maybe try fixing yourself first.”

  “I KNOW!” Jett shouted. “But I have to do it for him. Put me through a hundred more trials, I don’t care…Or…or just eliminate me and keep Corwin. He deserves better than dead weight from his childhood.”

  Caelan tilted his head. “Why him?”

  Jett smiled faintly. “Because he never judged me. Ever. He just… took me as I was.”

  Caelan glanced at Keira.

  She sighed. “Fine. But we’re getting a gag. I’m not dealing with that all day.”

  Caelan nodded. “Fair. Right, Jett—off you go. Get some sleep.”

  “So I’m captain now?” Jett asked hopefully.

  Caelan laughed. “Not in a million years, lad.”

  Jett stood, fixed his hair, and strutted toward the door. “Huh. Nailed it.”

  Keira stared after him. “What even is he?”

  “No idea,” Caelan said, grinning. “But I think he’ll gel in nicely.”

  Keira smirked. “You know the lieutenant’s going to be busy.”

  Caelan’s smile widened. “Oh, I know.”

  “You cruel asshole,” Keira said fondly. “That’s why I love you.”

  Garron came back a few minutes later with a man slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, a bag tied over his head.

  “Honestly,” Garron muttered, “I don’t understand how you didn’t break his legs while you had the chance.”

  Caelan waved him in. “Ah, he’s harmless now. Put our little friend down, and we’ll crack this out nice and quick.”

  Garron set him in the chair with a grunt. “Perfect. Immortal bodies are a joke, man. I still feel tired like an old guy half the time.”

  Keira leaned back, smirking. “Aw, babe, you’re not an old man. You’re just sporting some salt and pepper.”

  Garron let out a small laugh. “There’s a reason I put up with you.”

  Keira stuck her tongue out.

  “Right,” Garron said, already turning for the door. “I’m going next door to kidnap the next one.”

  Caelan called after him, “Oh—and can you bring that for me as well?”

  Garron paused. “Your funeral, Captain.”

  The door clicked shut.

  Caelan reached forward and pulled the bag off.

  “Artimage, bud,” Caelan said. “How’s it going?”

  Artimage blinked, then grinned. “Pretty good, honestly. Damn—where did you find someone as large as him? I still can’t get over it.”

  Keira leaned in immediately. “Right. Drop the tough guy act. Don’t think because you passed with that weakass shit today, you get to walk in here all cocky.”

  Artimage just smiled at her. “I’m well aware of that.”

  He nodded once, polite. “And might I say—honestly—in my entire military career, you might be one of the most impressive soldiers I’ve ever seen.”

  Keira bit her lip as she hated herself for enjoying that. “Thank you… I guess.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Now what makes you think you’re hot shit?”

  Artimage leaned forward. “Guys, let’s stop beating around the bush. You’re here to figure out what makes each of us tick. Smart choice. No point wasting time on everyone until the numbers were down.”

  He spread his hands. “So why don’t we skip right to what you actually want to know?”

  Keira nodded once. “Fine. Dig your own grave.”

  Artimage crossed one leg over the other, clasped his hands, and started like he’d done this speech in a mirror a thousand times.

  “Born into a long line of military family. My great-great-great-whatever saved our world during a war, and we’ve been coasting on that name ever since.”

  He shrugged. “Private lessons. Officer school. The usual.”

  He looked between them. “I made a few splashes on my way up. By thirty, I’d reached the rank of lower fleet Concord—about three thousand starships across four systems under my command.”

  Silence.

  Caelan and Keira just stared at him.

  Artimage hesitated. “…Are you two alright?”

  Caelan and Keira exploded at the exact same time.

  “How big were the ships?” Caelan blurted. “How fast did they go—HOW BIG WERE THE CANNONS?!”

  Keira slapped the table. “Does it have a big chair?! Have you ever crashed one into a planet?! YEAH—HOW BIG ARE THE GUNS?!”

  Artimage laughed, holding both hands up. “Whoa, whoa, calm down. One at a time.”

  He grinned. “Some of the carriers? Loading bays as large as Virelith. Some of the faster ships could jump galaxies in a few hours using slip drives.”

  He nodded to Keira. “Yes, I’ve seen them crash into a planet. They just… crash. Nothing special.”

  “And weapons?” Caelan asked like a child.

  Artimage’s smile turned sly. “Planet-killers exist. If needed.”

  He leaned in, voice dropping like he was sharing holy scripture. “And yes. The chair was the coolest thing on the ship.”

  “So cool,” Caelan and Keira said together.

  Artimage sat back, waving it off. “You’d think that life would’ve been enough, right? It was the dream in my family. My parents worked their asses off to get me there.”

  His expression softened. “But I know how people looked at me. ‘Another Falkal walking straight up the ladder.’ Used to annoy me when I was younger.”

  He shrugged. “Over time, I accepted it. They weren’t wrong. People who could’ve been ten times the leader I was got overlooked again and again.”

  Caelan tilted his head. “So why join us then? You’re more than able yourself.”

  Artimage exhaled. “Because out here, everyone moans about how unfair it is. Even knowing they’ll reawaken on their homeworlds after the war—no memories unless they follow one of the Seven.”

  He looked down at his hands. “I can’t disagree with them. But no one wants to throw it away.”

  He looked back up. “When I found out what this place was… I felt relief for the first time in my life. Like maybe this time I could build myself into something I actually believe in. Earn it myself.”

  He paused. “Then it happened. Just over four years ago. I realised my experience doesn’t close every gap.”

  Keira blinked, a little too soft for her usual self. “What gaps? You’re… annoyingly perfect.”

  Artimage pulled back, looking between them. “What’s got into her?”

  Caelan coughed. “Never mind her. She’s just hoping you’ll let her fly a spaceship after all this.”

  Keira sat there with a huge grin, waving at Artimage.

  Artimage laughed. “If we all get through this, I’ll let you both fly whatever ship you want.”

  Keira slammed her palms down. “Fuck yeah, bitch. Captain—get the man his jacket.”

  Caelan laughed. “Calm down for a second. Artimage—anything else?”

  Artimage stood, suddenly formal. He bowed his head.

  “Only this,” he said quietly. “Because of all of you, I finally saw I can be more than a family name. Since that day in the plaza, I’ve worked every moment I could to catch up.”

  He met Caelan’s eyes. “If I get the chance to serve alongside you… It would be my honour to show what I can give to your cause. Not just my past.”

  A soft thump came from the other side of the door.

  All three of them froze.

  Caelan opened it to find Katie on the floor, already zipped into her sleeping bag.

  “Can we hurry up and do me already?” she mumbled. “You’re making so much noise.”

  Caelan blinked. “…Erm. Yeah. Sure.”

  “Thanks,” Katie said, rolling herself straight into the room.

  Artimage stepped around her like this was the most normal thing in the world. “Thank you for the chat. I hope we get to talk more.”

  He smiled. “And if you ever want, I can tell you a few old war stories.”

  Caelan and Keira high-fived.

  “Have a good sleep, Artimage,” Keira said brightly. “Hope it goes great for you tomorrow.”

  Artimage waved as he stepped over Katie again. “Good night, everyone.”

  The door closed.

  Caelan stared at it for a beat, then exhaled.

  “Fuck,” he said quietly. “Such a man crush right now.”

  Keira cracked her neck. “Right. Can we get on with this before I need to go warn Elyria?”

  Caelan slid back onto the edge of the table.

  Katie half-unzipped her sleeping bag, one eye barely open. “Right… so?”

  Keira slammed her fist into the table.

  “WE are asking the questions here, little miss—” she stopped, peering down. “Oi. Is that quilted on the inside?”

  She leaned forward, rubbing the lining between her fingers. “Nice. Captain, think we should consider these as standard issue?”

  Caelan hummed thoughtfully. “You know the rules. Put the request into the lieutenant.”

  “That’s what you always say,” Keira grumbled, sitting back down. “Where’s the balls, man? Set them free. Do you not remember the Great Argument Week, pure Heaven it was?”

  Caelan snorted. “You mean the week you threatened to wreck the entire city if we didn’t buy a water feature?”

  Keira waved him off. “Don’t remember you stopping me. Right—back to you. Obvious question first. Bag. The fuck?”

  Katie shrugged inside the sleeping bag. “Wouldn’t expect you to understand. Grew up being told to sleep when you can.”

  Keira blinked. “Wait. That’s it?”

  She frowned. “What about those threads? In the first trial, you completely misread the room. Honestly, I’m surprised you’re still showing your face after how embarrassing that was.”

  Caelan raised an eyebrow at Keira. “You’re just mad, aren’t you?”

  “Well, no shit,” Keira snapped. “Weakass stuff like that makes me look bad. No chance.”

  Caelan turned back. “Where’d you learn the thread trick anyway?”

  Katie yawned. “Family thing. Dad showed me.”

  Caelan sighed. “Jesus. Like blood from a stone. Anything else?”

  Katie’s head dipped. “Used to long hunting days. Helps.”

  “Hobbies?”

  “Sleeping when I can.”

  Keira groaned. “I need water. This is so fucking dry.”

  Caelan smiled. “Two more questions. First, you knew we were in here because of the threads you set up around the inn. Why?”

  Katie shifted slightly. “Makes sleeping easier. Knowing what’s coming. Not that I loved staying up half the night lining this place—thanks for moving us all at the last minute, by the way.”

  Caelan nodded. “Last one. You know it won’t be all naps with us. So why even bother?”

  Katie cracked one eye open. “I’ll be honest.”

  Keira scoffed. “Oh, that wasn’t already?”

  “I don’t want to climb ranks,” Katie continued. “Too much effort. But I’ll pull my weight when you need it. All I ask is that when I’m free, I get to nap now and then.”

  She shrugged. “Most groups are just fighting, fighting, fighting. Sounds exhausting. Looting zones is an effort too. You lot sounded… tolerable.”

  Keira stared at her. “Soooo boring.”

  Caelan smiled. “Well, Katie—thanks. We’ll try to keep it down. Enjoy your sleep.”

  Katie sighed in relief. “Finally. See you tomorrow.”

  Keira waved as Katie hopped—rolled—out of the room in her sleeping bag. “Yeah. See you then.”

  She exhaled. “Damn. That’s what they mean by watching paint dry. Right—who’s—”

  The door burst open.

  Garron stormed in with a kicking, screaming recruit slung over his shoulder, a bag tied tight over her head.

  “LET GO OF ME!” the girl shouted. “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?! LADY SOLARA WILL SAVE ME—JUST YOU WAIT AND SUFFER HER WRATH!”

  Garron dropped her into the chair and yanked the bag off.

  Lyra blinked at all three of them.

  Then grinned.

  “Ooooh,” she said brightly. “The lieutenant’s going to beat yous tomorrow.”

  Keira smiled slowly. “Ah. Lyra. That’s right.”

  Garron glanced between the three of them, then sighed. “I hope you’re sure about this.”

  He tossed a small bag toward Caelan.

  Caelan caught it easily and winked. “Thanks, Chief. You rest up, bud. Think we’ve done enough damage for one night.”

  Garron raised an eyebrow. “Surprised that’s coming from you. Thought you’d be up all night thinking about tomorrow.”

  He shrugged. “Not saying no, though. Have fun.”

  He paused at the door and looked back at Lyra. “Oh—rule one of the unofficial handbook.”

  Lyra perked up. “Oh?”

  “No one,” Garron said calmly, “and I mean no one, wakes the lieutenant while she sleeps. Do with that what you will.”

  He closed the door behind him.

  Lyra stared after it. “What does he mean by that?”

  She turned around.

  Caelan and Keira had both gone completely pale.

  Keira nodded slowly. “That’s… strong advice.”

  Caelan winced. “Wish we’d known that sooner. The amount of walls I thought Joss was going to level…”

  Lyra frowned. “Have you two been up all night? We finished the hunt like six hours ago.”

  She squinted at them. “Please tell me you haven’t been doing this the entire time. You’ve got, what—six hours till morning?”

  Keira straightened. “High-strung? That’s rich coming from you, little Miss Perfect.”

  Caelan tilted his head, smiling faintly. “Let’s make this easy. One question, and that’s it.”

  Lyra sat back, suddenly composed. “Alright.”

  “You’ve been with us six months,” Caelan said. “What do you think?”

  Lyra took a breath. “Based on the lieutenant’s reports—”

  “If we wanted the lieutenant’s reports,” Keira cut in, “I wouldn’t keep throwing them in the bin. Your thoughts.”

  Lyra sighed. “You asked for it.”

  She rattled it off fast. “The Revolutionary Army is the most back-to-front, overly cocky, unpredictable force I’ve ever seen. You can’t even run a meeting in a bar without half the city being at risk.”

  “Rich coming from you,” Keira muttered.

  “Let me finish,” Lyra said, holding up a hand.

  Caelan nodded. “Out with it.”

  Lyra slowed. “That’s what everyone else sees. But what I see is people who know what it’s like to be helpless.”

  She looked between them. “Every dumb, flashy thing you do? It’s all built to stop people from being crushed by unchecked power. You make others hesitate before they hurt someone weaker.”

  Keira scoffed. “Soppy won’t cut it.”

  Lyra smiled at her. “Shut up. You’re the heart of this, whether you like it or not.”

  Keira blinked.

  “You care more than anyone,” Lyra continued. “You gave me something I thought was impossible. Something as small as reading with you meant the world to me.”

  She swallowed. “I’ll work as hard as I can to repay that.”

  Keira looked away. “Great. So I got shafted.”

  “Sis,” Caelan warned gently.

  Lyra turned to him. “And you.”

  Caelan raised an eyebrow.

  “You pretend you don’t put effort into anything,” Lyra said. “But you’re never really off. Everything’s always building toward something.”

  She smiled. “From the day you answered the door, you’ve been pushing me to be better without me even realising it.”

  Her voice softened. “You gave me a home. Friends. And taught me how to survive here on my own.”

  She met his eyes. “That’s what the Revolutionary Army is to me.”

  Silence.

  “Fail,” Keira said flatly.

  “Oh yeah,” Caelan added. “Definitely.”

  Lyra panicked. “WHAT? I practised that in the mirror for a week!”

  She froze. “You knew.”

  Caelan pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “Sis found it.”

  They all laughed.

  Lyra groaned. “Right. You got me. Can I go back to bed now, you assholes?”

  Keira stared. “Did she just—”

  “No one will ever believe you,” Lyra said quickly. “I’m off to—”

  “Fail,” Caelan repeated sharply.

  The room went cold.

  Lyra froze. “What… why?”

  Caelan tossed her the small bag. “What do you think I had Garron bring in?”

  Lyra opened it.

  Her breath caught.

  She dropped the bag and slapped Caelan’s arms. “YOU ABSOLUTE PAIN! No wonder you stress the lieutenant out!”

  Keira leaned in. “What is it?”

  Lyra held it up.

  A Revolutionary Army jacket.

  Keira winced. “Oh, Chief was right. You’re dead tomorrow.”

  Caelan waved it off. “Pfft. I can handle the lieutenant.”

  “Pfft,” Keira and Lyra said together. “You wish.”

  Caelan cleared his throat. “There’s a condition. You’re already in—but you’re still taking part tomorrow.”

  He met her eyes. “That’s your first order, Specialist Lyra of the Revolutionary Army.”

  Lyra pulled on the jacket, then hugged him hard. “Sorry, Elyria.”

  “Why do all you women try to break my ribs?” Caelan wheezed.

  Lyra turned to Keira, arms open. “Master Sergeant.”

  Keira hugged her tight. “You did fuck good today.”

  Lyra grinned. “I’ll report all the swearing infractions in my morning report.”

  She headed for the door, squealing once it shut behind her.

  Keira exhaled. “You know she’s going to be a monster, right?”

  Caelan smiled. “You can never have enough Solara around.”

  The room went quiet.

  Keira glanced at him. “Want to break into Whaa Whaa’s and get shitfaced?”

  Caelan grinned. “Get the fuck out of my head.”

  They laughed as they headed out.