Space Race (Space Race 1) Nathan Hystad (ebooks children's books free .TXT) 📖

aimed for Luna Corp’s private hotel, and I flew toward the Race headquarters.

“I’ll never get used to seeing corn growing on the Moon,” Luther said.

“It was quite the feat,” Bryson admitted.

Five Racers were already parked near a giant warehouse, and when landed, facing the structure, I saw Sage Industries’ craft through the open bay doors. Robots and drones surrounded it, checking the specs and system.

“Bryson, you’re one hundred percent sure we’re going to pass?” I asked, feeling nervous about leaving my new ship in these people’s hands.

“We have some unorthodox modifications, but everything falls within their parameters,” he told me.

“What do you mean, unorthodox?” I unstrapped and rose from the pilot’s chair. The rest of the team looked anxious.

“Nothing to concern yourselves with. I have a feeling our friend Jade Serrano has already discovered some of them.” He smiled at our engineer.

“I did find a few things, and the power converter under the—”

“Let’s not worry about that,” Bryson said, heading for the exit.

I stepped into his path. “If there’s something you’re leaving out, tell us now.”

Luther looked ready to intervene on Bryson’s behalf, but he stopped short, siding with me. It felt great to have a team at my back.

“Safety is a priority for this crew, Arlo. I may have added some weaponry, and perhaps a booster for the Core,” he started.

“You did what?” I asked. “They’re going to find it and kick us out! This is a friendly competition.”

“Impossible,” Bryson shouted. “I don’t understand why you have an issue.”

Jade set a hand on my forearm, and I lowered it. “I do. You’ve given me the option of rerouting systems to activate the weapons and Core improvements.”

“Is that good?” Luther asked.

“It’s damned well brilliant. I saw something off, but couldn’t pinpoint it. If I couldn’t, there’s no way these rookies will be able to spot them. The modifications won’t be visible, not as they are.” Jade smiled, and the expression relaxed me.

“I highly doubt their AI robots and the Luna Tech team lack fundamental skills, but whatever you say,” Luther told her.

“I worked there. They won’t catch it.” Jade closed her mouth, meaning the discussion was over.

“Okay, but what are we going to need high-powered ion pulses for?” I asked.

“With Eclipse threatening to intervene at the end of the Race, we must be prepared. Nothing will stop us from claiming our winnings.” And Bryson was off. Holland shrugged and trailed after his father.

Luther sighed. “I don’t like his tone.”

“Neither do I, but he’s not wrong. This Race has the potential to unite our people for a while, but I have a feeling it’s going to end in bloodshed. With Liberty involved, you never know.”

“What did you say?” Jade asked.

Luther took a step toward me. “Have you been holding out on us?”

“I told you about Eclipse and her viral video that was confiscated after a couple of hours, and you were there when she attacked Primary City. She’s not playing games. Bryson wants us to focus. Winning is all that matters, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

Jade leaned against her seat. “You make it sound so simple, Arlo.”

“R11, you stay here with Jade. Do what she says,” I told the black and red painted bot.

“You want me to interface with the drones, don’t you?” he asked glibly.

“Whatever you have to do. Just don’t catch a virus,” I told him.

“Captain Lewis, I have the highest security software…”

“I was kidding, R11.”

He stared at me and slowly turned toward his console. Luther left, and I stayed behind for a second with Jade. “You going to be okay here?”

“Sure. I can handle myself, Arlo. Have a good dinner. Try not to punch anyone without me, okay?” She smiled, melting the tension that kept creeping into my shoulders.

“No promises there.”

Bryson and Holland were already at a private transport, waiting for us, and I jogged to catch up. As we started to lift off the ground, another Racer arrived, darting in our path. It was Travis and the Oasis team.

Our preprogrammed pilot adjusted its path, and carried us to the awaiting reception at LunaHotel.

 

 

 

Thirteen

My buzzer sounded, jolting me from my PersaTab. “Who is it?” I shouted, and Holland’s youthful face appeared on the screen near the entrance. Had I ever been that young and enthusiastic?

“Coming!” I let the guy in, and he walked past me excitedly, an object in his grip. “Nice suit.”

It was red, with the SeaTech logo on the breast pocket. A black dress shirt finished off the design. He’d actually color-coordinated with our Racer.

“Don’t worry. You have one too.” He shoved the bag at me, and I unzipped it, seeing a matching suit.

“You’ve got to be kidding.” I held it over my clothes, looking in a floor-to-ceiling mirror.

“Nope. Dad made them for everyone. Nice touch, hey?”

He was so thrilled, I couldn’t tell him how I really felt about the apparel. “Sure. Let me try it on.”

It was later than I’d thought, and I hurried. Holland stuck around while I finished, trying to comb my hair, and I used the fancy razor in the bathroom to clean up. When it was all done, I stared at myself, not recognizing the man in the reflection. I looked younger, and I tested a smile.

“Doesn’t it feel good?” Holland was behind me, nodding at the results.

“To what? Choke ourselves with these tight buttons and force awkward conversations with our rivals all evening?” I asked.

“You’re way too cynical, Arlo. Can’t you just let it go for once and enjoy yourself?” Holland had a point, but I didn’t think I could be like him.

“I’ll do my best.”

We departed and found Bryson at the end of the hall, he and Luther each holding a glass of liquor. “We make quite the team,” Luther said, indicating our matching suits.

“What are we waiting for?” I asked, advancing for the elevators.

“Her,” Bryson said, and I followed his gaze as Jade exited her room. She walked down the hallway with practiced perfection, and I tried to compose myself. Her dress was form-fitting,