Molly of Mars: The First Seven

By Wyatt Davenport

Get the first seven Molly of Mars books under one cover. Join Molly, Vicky, and Pirra as they fight to save Mars from an evil Alien Syndicate, and then hold on as they face-off in Pirra's World against evil aliens.

Books included:
Molly of Mars and the Alien Syndicate
Molly of Mars and the Alien Nebula
Molly of Mars and her Alien Sister
Molly of Mars and the Alien Creature

Molly of Mars in Pirra’s World: Alien Spacegates
Molly of Mars in Pirra’s World: Alien Cages
Molly of Mars in Pirra’s World: Alien Revolt

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wyatt Davenport
• Release date: Aug 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311338396

Wyatt Davenport

Wyatt Davenport was born in 1977 in Kingston, Ontario, and grew up in London, Ontario, and Atlanta, Georgia. He currently lives in Seattle with his wife Colleen and their two Siberian Huskies. An avid fan of science fiction and fantasy, Wyatt is inspired by authors like Timothy Zahn, Michael Crichton, Robert Aspirin, and J. R. R. Tolkien.

Book preview

MOLLY OF MARS

AND THE ALIEN SYNDICATE

Chapter 1

Boring Parties

Hello, I’m Molly of Mars.

Nice to meet you, the old man said as he shook my hand. We were inside the main dining hall of the Atrocia mansion on Mars. Do you like the music?

I luv it! It was dreadful music, by the way, and frankly, the old man really didn’t care about me or what I liked. I was just a little teenage girl, but he was interested in kissing up to my adoptive mother, Naomi Ravenswood. She was a former spy and currently on the Martian council. These old men thought becoming my friend would help their political careers.

But I’d been to plenty of these parties, and I’d never helped any of them with anything. It wasn’t my job to put in a good word for them. My mom told me I didn’t have to listen if I didn’t want to. I took her advice quickly.

I crossed my arms. I didn’t say anything more to the old man. He moved over to the leader of Mars’s dentists and left me alone. I was thankful.

Stand up straight and be nice, Pirra said. She was standing beside me. Mr. Donner is the head of a huge accounting firm on Mars.

You know him? I asked.

No, Pirra said, and tapped her chest. "His name tag said, Eugene Donner, CEO of Donner Accounting. I told you to pay attention to details."

I shot her a glare. I’m doing my best not to freak out.

If it isn’t the Ravenswood sisters. Conrad Crawley walked up to us. He was the head of Giga Corp, the biggest corporation on Mars, and Mr. Crawley was the richest man in the solar system, with the largest fleet of spaceships.

Mr. Crawley, we’re the Lennox sisters. Adopted, remember? I replied, stepping closer to Pirra. I’m surprised to see you at this party. One that benefits science.

If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought I was talking to your mother, Crawley replied. Her contempt for my apparent bad behavior holds just as much underlying wrath.

The Martian Fun Land was one of my favorite places on Mars. I turned my nose up at him, not wanting him to think he could charm me. I saw through his deceitful words. His recent acquisition of the land near my home, Acadia City, had closed down Vicky Valentine’s family theme park. It was a big loss for one of my best friends. You bought it for no reason. You have all of space to make your ships. It’s infinite.

Crawley leaned in closer to me, clearly annoyed. I was proud of myself for irking him. I don’t have to explain business to a little girl, but you can tell your friend that I closed the park so other parents could have jobs.

At the cost to my best friend, Vicky. You gave her family half the value that land was worth. People lost jobs there. So I don’t see how your reasoning works.

The Valentines were given what the court mandated.

My mom says you control the court.

Crawley’s angry eyes shot lasers through me. I’m a good Martian citizen. I pay my taxes, and I contribute to charities.

I heard you only pay a fraction of the taxes other people pay, and your charity donations are for massive tax breaks. Don’t try to fool me. I’m not some dumb kid.

I wasn’t dumb, but I didn’t entirely understand taxes. I knew my mom paid them, and I’d heard complaints about how the rich only paid a little because they could afford to control the laws. I didn’t think it was fair.

Molly of Mars, Crawley kidded. Isn’t that your hero name?

Yeah, so what?

Crawley put his hand on Pirra’s shoulder. You should behave more like your sister. So elegant, so controlled, and so beautiful.

Pirra twisted away from Crawley. He was always pawing at her because of her specialness.

Hello, Mr. Crawley, Pirra said. How’re you today?

Your manners are progressing, he said. No more pulling up a chair at the buffet table.

Pirra blushed in embarrassment. I understand now, sir.

Crawley smiled, showing his gnarly teeth. I knew you’d adjust to our culture on Mars.

Pirra shifted uncomfortably. With the odd gleam in Crawley’s eyes, I didn’t blame her. He was fascinated with her, like most people on Mars. I’m trying, she said.

Mr. Crawley, Galen Atrocia said. He was the father of Aston Atrocia, the host of the party. He was older, and the Atrocia fortune had been built on the company he’d founded years ago. I’ll save Molly of Mars and Pirra from any more arguments.

Crawley seemed annoyed. His face tightened at the comment. I’m able to handle a couple of girls, Galen.

Doing a bang-up job of entertaining us, I muttered, but they ignored me.

Could you meet these two scientists? Galen Atrocia asked. They work on the air processing plants on Mars. Brilliant men.

Excuse me, girls. A pleasure as usual, Crawley said sarcastically. Another opportunity for Mega Corp awaits.

Wouldn’t want to miss making another buck, I muttered as he walked away.

Be nice, Pirra said.

Pirra, I’m bored, and he did hurt Vicky’s family, I complained, kicking my foot against the hardwood floors. I can’t stand those rich types stepping on everyone. You didn’t see Vicky cry when they shut down the park.

I did . . . later. She’s my friend, too, and I’m not blind to the way Mars works. Remember, grace isn’t a cover for ignorance. It breeds control and respect.

Pirra kept her rigid poise as she practiced enjoying the party. She was my sister, but we were unrelated. We shared a room in our new mom’s apartment in Acadia City, Mars. I loved her to death. However, she did have one annoying habit that I hated. She was always making me look bad because she always told the complete truth.

Now, telling the truth is important, but sometimes when it didn’t matter, she found a way to admit more than was necessary. Like the time when Naomi asked what happened at school. Pirra proceeded to tell the story about how I got into a fight with some of the girls. All she had to say was that we went to classes and talked to friends, which would’ve been a perfectly honest story to tell. Not for Pirra.

I shook another person’s hand, ignoring completely what he or she said. They moved on.

Molly, Pirra said, continuing her rant, we’ve been over this a million times. Mom needs us at these parties so she can help Mars. She’s on the council. She talks to the president. She’s important, and we’re doing our part.

We’re doing our part? I tilted my head at her. You’ve been watching too many of the president’s commercials about Martian loyalty.

It’s true!

Don’t tell me you buy into the baloney about us helping Mars. We’re at a party with a bunch of rich snobs. I would rather be doing laps at the hoverboard park.

Our duty is here. Stand up straight.

I pretended to care for a second to stop the lecture. She could be so difficult, especially when she was following orders from Naomi. You aren’t a Sephian warrior anymore.

Pirra raised her chin with pride. I still carry its nobility and honor of my people.

Pirra was a former child warrior from another solar system. Yes, Pirra was a teenager like me, but she was an alien girl. She wasn’t human but rather was called a Sephian. Well, she was sorta Sephian. She wanted to be human now.

She was the only one we knew about, and she looked entirely human. She had black hair and big green eyes. And she was very beautiful. My gosh, she was beautiful, with the most annoyingly perfect beauty mark above her left lip. I’d climb the highest mountain on Mars for an ounce of her looks.

She always had a flower, beads, or some sort of decoration in her hair. A custom from her alien past—one of the few she still followed. Three daisies lined either side of her head this evening.

Nobility is practiced. Her head moved back and forth as she posed like a rigid soldier.

I laughed at her because she had no idea how funny she was being.

Nobility and honor. She tucked her arms against her sides and did a trot.

I laughed again. Maybe she was being a clown on purpose. Stop it. I don’t care about nobility when it comes to these parties. I leaned back on the table. And Naomi told you to be less rigid. You aren’t fighting any more battles. Remember when the war ended, everyone ordered you to be a normal child. I was told to enforce it.

Pirra scoffed. Crawley complimented me on being more human. I think I should just keep the same path.

I rolled my eyes. A Crawley endorsement makes me wonder where I went so wrong in teaching you about being human.

Funny, said Pirra and stuck her tongue out at me. Mom wasn’t referring to events like these. We should be on our best behavior.

Pirra, I replied and pressed my curly, blondish-red hair against my head. My fair hair had always grown wild. Controlling it was harder than controlling my impulse to avoid boredom. When I looked at Pirra with her perfectly straight feathered style, her beauty always made me self-conscious. I shifted a bit as I thought about it.

Relax, be a kid, I said to her. You need to sit like this. Put your butt against the table and relax. Your back is going to lock if you’re any more rigid.

"I’m not going to sit like a slob. Like the lunchroom cool kids."

Fine, I said. Let’s talk about eating. You don’t have to eat everything with utensils. Your fingers work best for some things.

Again, Pirra stuck her nose up at me. It’s more refined to eat with a fork and knife. Miss Manners—

Not that book again. They call it finger food for a reason. Like earlier, you tried to eat crackers and cheese with a fork.

And I did, she said proudly.

Hardly. You scooped the cracker up on the fork with the concentration of an eagle spotting its prey. I raised my hand, shaking it as she had. Jittering hands, as if you’re mixing a can of paint, and then you slowly pull it up to your mouth. Total time, two minutes.

Did I spill? Did the cheese fall?

Ahh. Ahh. Ahh. With my mouth open, I mocked her concentration in trying to get the cracker on the fork up to her mouth. So refined. So graceful.

Oh, shut up. Pirra laughed. I wasn’t that bad. I do fun things.

I know, I replied. But guys like Crawley see you as an alien. He said what he said with contempt. I don’t want that, because Mars has a history of being scared of those who are different. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.

She nodded. I understand. So I should sit back with my back less rigid. Like I’m tired.

Sorta, I instructed her. But don’t make it sound so lame. It’s just relaxing and not taking everything so seriously.

Pirra nervously shifted her feet. I’d hate to disappoint Mom. The party is going so well.

You won’t. She wants you to be a kid and probably wishes you got into trouble.

Pirra shifted again. I knew she was conflicted, and I also knew she’d give in.

Like this, she said, leaning back.

Lean back more and slacken your back.

Oh, this. With a jump, she sat with almost all of her weight on the tabletop of food and drinks. The table buckled instantly, and everything crashed to the floor, including Pirra. The rattling of metal trays and lids echoed through the room.

I looked into the crowd. The music screeched to a halt, and everyone’s eyes turned to look at a soaked Pirra on the floor. Food was everywhere. Pirra froze in fear or embarrassment. I snickered a bit at the jelly that was jiggling on her butt.

As the eyes in the room grew larger over us, I realized that I needed to save my sister.

I put my hands over my cheeks. Out of nowhere, the table just collapsed!

I’m so sorry, said a butler for the Atrocia estate, who had come rushing over. He handed Pirra a towel.

A towel is not going to be enough, I snarled at the butler. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but Pirra and I needed to make our escape with the least embarrassment possible.

Of course, said Mr. Aston Atrocia, the host of the party, as he hurried up to us. His two nasty children, Aiden and Aubrey Atrocia, were snickering from behind him. Show Pirra to the twins’ bathroom so she can clean up.

Not our bathroom, Aiden said. She’ll make it dirty.

Aiden and Aubrey went to the same school as Pirra and me, except they were in the advanced classes. Pirra and I were in the applied kids’ classes, and everyone in the other classes picked on the dumb kids. And for whatever reason, the twins seemed to like picking on Pirra and me the most.

Don’t say that, Mr. Atrocia replied to Aiden. Show them to your bathroom.

Fine, Aiden replied. Aubrey, go find the hose.

Aiden! Mr. Atrocia scolded him. He pointed down the hallway. Show them.

What happened here? Naomi, our mother, demanded as she walked up, looking directly at me. She was about to blame me for something. Molly, what did you do?

I didn’t do anything! I shouted, not entirely honest. The table just fell.

Pirra. My mom tied back her blond hair as she did when she was about to blame me for something. Is that true?

The table did fall, Pirra replied as she got to her feet.

With Molly’s help? Naomi led her on.

I hated when she did that. My adoptive mother always wanted to find something I did wrong.

I didn’t do anything, I snapped. My mom’s blue eyes flared, and her tall statue hovered over me. But I continued without intimidation. Pirra did it herself. Stop trying to get me in trouble. I came to this stupid party so you could look good in front of your friends. So you could show off the orphan you rescued and the alien you saved.

She was about to speak, but I was beyond angry and could not listen to another lecture from her. It seemed to be her favorite hobby. Without listening further, I stormed down the hallway toward the bathroom. Tears were welling up in my eyes by the time I reached the door, but no one else saw them. I’d never let that happen.

Chapter 2

A Thief in the Night

I wept in the bathroom as I tried to collect my thoughts, wondering why Naomi blamed me so much. She was supposed to be my new mom, but she’d changed. We were friends before the alien war. Now our friendship was gone.

A short time later, someone knocked on the door.

Who is it? I asked after a few seconds.

Pirra, alone. I need to clean up.

Come in.

The door slid open, and Pirra walked in. She didn’t say anything. Immediately, she undressed and began cleaning her clothes in the sink.

Give me your skirt, I said to her. I could never stay mad at Pirra. For all of her honesty, she had tried to cover up my mistake with the table. I appreciated it when you said that the table fell over.

I didn’t say it was you. I remembered what you said about too many details.

Unfortunately, I sighed, in human society, everyone knew that I had something to do with it. It’s my track record.

How? I knocked it over.

But it was my dumb idea to make you less . . . I don’t know . . . stiff. You don’t make mistakes. Only I make mistakes.

Don’t be so hard on yourself, Pirra said. You have fun when you make mistakes. That’s the point of being a kid.

I’m just so angry these days, Pirra. Suddenly, Naomi doesn’t think I should make mistakes. She wants me to be like . . .

Like what?

Like you. I didn’t much like admitting it, but Pirra should know what type of pressure our adoptive mom put on me. I never liked how perfect Pirra could be. Naomi gave her plenty of freedom because she was an alien.

When we were finished, I snatched Pirra’s shirt from her and began to dry her clothes. Most people would’ve been mortified that they had crashed a table, ruined the feast, and covered themselves in food. Not Pirra. She’d fought in wars, and everything about her screamed adult. Except she wasn’t. She had plenty to learn about being a kid and interacting with humans.

And that was where I came in. Like a big sister—only I was a year younger—I felt an obligation to help her fit into her new society. She told me tales of the nightmare wars she had fought. But she wouldn’t have to fight anymore. Now she was free to do what she wanted. I would always make sure that she could on Mars.

You aren’t perfect, Pirra said, and you do make mistakes. But more than anything, I want to be like you. You understand how Mars works and how people think.

Apparently, not well enough. Naomi still likes to make my life miserable.

I’ve asked her why she is so hard on you. She says she isn’t. She’s looking out for you. It’s a human parenting thing. If anything happened to you . . .

I know, I objected. It’s the same tired excuse as always. The aliens kidnapped me during the war and if anything happens to me, my real mom would be mad at Naomi and disappointed in me. My real mom is dead, and her disappointment and pride died with her.

It didn’t. It’s called honor. My parents are dead, too, and I try to honor them.

I waved my hand at Pirra. Don’t start talking like Naomi. She isn’t my mom. I don’t have to listen to her guilt trips about my real mom. I don’t do drugs or anything like that. Just let me be me.

Pirra gestured. I think my clothes are dry.

I handed her back the skirt and top. Pirra slipped them back on.

We were about to leave when I noticed a small crack in the other door leading into the bathroom. It hadn’t been there when we arrived, but someone had moved the door slightly open. And then I noticed something far more disturbing: two eyes, one on top of another, peering through.

Pretending to walk out, I pushed Pirra along toward the other door, and just as we were passing, I kicked out and knocked the door into the spies.

Groans sounded from the room. I flipped open the door to find the twins cursing, holding their foreheads. They rolled on the bedroom floor.

You have some nerve, I said to them. Spying on us. And you, Aiden. Pirra had most of her clothes off.

It’s our bathroom, Aubrey replied. We wanted to make sure you didn’t break anything.

That sounds perfectly reasonable, Pirra said.

No, it isn’t, I replied. People don’t spy like that.

Aiden helped his sister to her feet. Just because you’re having problems with your parent doesn’t mean we have to suffer for it. Stop using our stuff.

Anger stirred, and I lunged at him. But Pirra grabbed my waist before I could reach him. I’ll knock that smug smile off your face, Aiden.

Aubrey snickered defiantly.

And I’ll knock you in the nose, I replied to her. Make you uglier than you already are.

I’ll still be better looking than you and your ridiculous hair, Aubrey said. It’s like a poodle was left on your head in the rain.

This time, I jumped toward Aubrey, but Pirra’s hold on me was tight. She was experienced enough to know that the twins and I never got along.

Let go of me, I barked at Pirra. I won’t do anything.

But she didn’t believe me, nor should she have. I wanted to rip both of their faces off.

It took a few more seconds before my rage simmered and the twins backed away. Pirra loosened her grip, and I stepped away from them.

I shivered with contempt. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the party seems better than talking to them. Let’s go.

Agreed, Pirra said. The twins don’t seem to be welcoming us.

The twins snickered and seemed genuinely happy they had accomplished their mission of tormenting us. I was torn between being the better person and seeking revenge on them. I really wanted to teach them a lesson, but I thought better of it—or at least I would get them outside of their home turf.

Bang! A noise rattled outside of the twins’ bedroom. Immediately, I moved over, but Aiden blocked me from seeing outside.

What’s out there? I demanded.

Nothing, Aubrey said. Go back to the party. We were ordered to stop you from snooping around.

Aubrey— Aiden snapped.

I pushed into him, but he placed his hand on my shoulder, stopping me.

I want to see, I objected.

No.

I grabbed Aiden’s thumb and twisted it around—a trick I had learned from Pirra. He whimpered in pain. You’ll let me see, or I’ll break it off, Aiden.

Don’t hurt me! Father! Aiden whined.

I twisted further to bring him to his knees, and then I shoved him over. He fell without any injuries, but he dared not cut me off again. I moved to the window.

Outside, several men were moving around, loading something into a transport ship. It was one of the smaller ships for shipping between the Martian colonies. At almost midnight, it seemed to be an odd time for transporting cargo, especially with partiers like famous athletes, premier scientists, and council members in attendance. Not the type of crowd you wanted to disturb with workers and loud ships.

Pirra, I said. What do you think’s happening?

They’re moving something out in a hurry.

Too fast. We’ve been to plenty of parties, and I’ve never seen anyone do business like this. Everyone in the staff is always on their best behavior. No loading ships or construction.

My grandfather and father do a lot of business at all times of the night, Aubrey said. That’s why our family is successful. He isn’t doing anything wrong.

I turned to Aubrey, who was helping Aiden to his feet. I didn’t say that, but someone is transporting something off your property in the middle of the party. Pirra and I are going to figure out what.

No, you won’t, Aiden protested. We’re to escort you back to the party. You can ask my dad.

I didn’t say anything to Aiden. I held my temper because an Atrocia wasn’t going to tell me what to do. I looked outside again. The men moved to the back of the ship, and I couldn’t get a good look at the cargo from where I was. I had to know what was going on. If they were stealing gold, jewels, or anything from the Atrocia estate, I wanted to be the one who figured it out. Maybe then Naomi would get off my back and treat me with the same respect as she treated Pirra.

They’re powering up their ship, Pirra stated.

I didn’t need another moment. I sprang toward the twins’ balcony doorway, but Aiden stopped me by grabbing my arm.

Aiden was right. A part of me wanted to stop. I didn’t want to be grounded again. Hurting Aiden would get me another month in my room, and I’d just finished a stretch for hoverboarding through Acadia City’s sacred park.

But I was just too curious, and I knew something wasn’t right outside. With a quick strike, I elbowed Aiden in the gut to knock the wind out of him. He doubled over.

Don’t touch my brother. Aubrey grabbed my hair from behind, and I instantly fell over backward, wailing in pain.

Pirra silenced Aubrey by grabbing her around the neck with a locking hold. Aubrey wasn’t hurt, but she couldn’t free herself from the bigger and more powerful warrior girl.

Put them in the closet, I ordered. We wedged a chair against the door so they couldn’t get out. For as tough as they talked, the Atrocia twins were easily overpowered physically. I assured Pirra we would come back and free them after we checked out the surface.

She agreed, and we headed to the balcony. Pirra helped me over the edge, and we were on the surface of Mars a moment later. A chill rippled over my skin, as Mars was typically colder than Earth, and without my coat, I started to shiver and rub my arms.

And unlike Earth’s atmosphere, Mars’s was thin, and the air machines scattered over the planet hadn’t created enough air for Pirra and me to breathe properly. We slipped on masks that fit snuggly over our mouths and noses to give us enough oxygen.

Do you see them? I asked Pirra.

Pirra’s warrior eyes focused. We moved through the rocks toward the thundering engine. I was scared, but with Pirra behind me, I felt as though I didn’t have to worry. She wouldn’t have followed if I were going to endanger myself. She would’ve stopped me. My golden rule with adventures was that if Pirra was scared, I should stop.

The house was set in a low plateau. On the right, an embankment of tumbled rocks and boulders sloped steeply to the canyon below. Stretching out the back of the house, a jagged cliff stopped anyone from leaving on foot.

They’re ahead, I said, peering over a rock.

Pirra knelt beside another rock close to me. I see them.

The men looked like typical deliverymen. The twins might be telling the truth, after all. Each man wore a uniform with a yellow owl on it. I counted three men, each pushing a crate into the ship.

I’m having a hard time breathing, Pirra said, even with the mask. It’s cold, too.

She wasn’t going to shake my focus. I feel it, too. These filters are new. Just rub your arms to warm up.

From my point of view, I couldn’t see what the cargo contained, so I moved up to the top of a pile of boulders for a better look. Pirra stayed below, waving at me to come back. I guessed my sister was scared of one thing: Naomi. She didn’t want Naomi to catch us outside at night. She hated being in trouble. If I was right, though, and we found them stealing something valuable, Naomi would be apologizing to both of us.

From the top of the rocks, I saw the container better. Oddly, each of the crates had frosted glass on the top. One of the men, who seemed to be the leader, brushed his hand over the glass and it cleared away. Not frosted glass, but it was cold. Colder than a Martian night.

The man cleared away even more of the icy frost. I gasped.

Inside the crate was a man! He was frozen and unmoving, but it was a man.

Pirra! I called through gritted teeth. I didn’t want the men to hear me, but Pirra had to witness it. Get up here. It’s a man.

Pirra shook her head. I waved my hands for her to come up beside me, but she refused.

Get up here, you big baby! I shouted again, but I leaned too far over the edge of the boulder, slipped, and toppled to the ground. My arm bent underneath my body, and I heard a crack.

Instantly, the pain was blinding. I couldn’t even breathe, the stabbing pulses up my arm were so intense. I rolled to my knees, screaming to warn the pain away, but it was useless. My arm was broken.

What’re you doing here? one of the men shouted. Who’s there?

Get away, Pirra warned them, or I’ll scream!

The ship’s engines revved a moment later as Pirra put her arm on my back. She tried to comfort me, but I couldn’t even understand her. The pain was so fresh.

I— I tried to stand, but my head clouded over with spots. I knew I would faint if I moved any farther, so I fell to my knees. No.

Stay on your knees, Pirra said. Don’t try to get up. I’ll get Naomi—

I saw a face in those cargo containers, I told her. They were taking someone away.

I didn’t see anyone, Pirra said as she pushed on my back to keep me down. Maybe it was shadows.

It was someone, two people, I replied. Trust me. We won’t get in trouble for this.

A few seconds later, a group of people with flashlights came through the boulders.

What’s happening out here? Naomi said as she and several of the guests, including Mr. Atrocia, came running up. Why’re you outside in the middle of a Martian night, Molly?

Molly broke her arm, Mom, Pirra replied. She fell from those boulders.

Why’re you climbing rocks without a safety harness? Naomi barked at me. She had her Molly-was-completely-wrong attitude going.

That ship, I said, pointing toward the sky at the afterburners. They took two people and are escaping. Call the police.

You saw them take someone? Naomi asked, not bothering to hide her skepticism.

Yes, I replied. Call someone before they escape.

Pirra? Naomi had to get confirmation, because believing me would be impossible.

I didn’t see anyone, but my view was obstructed, Pirra said in her brutally honest way. If Molly says someone was in those crates, I believe her.

Aston, what has your security seen? Naomi asked Mr. Atrocia.

He walked up, rubbing his fake electronic leg. He had lost his leg in the war. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit this, but our caterer didn’t supply the party with enough food, and we had to fly in more just a few minutes ago. I told the caterer to park in the back of the estate so my guests wouldn’t see. That was his ship. I don’t know anything about people being transported.

Don’t worry about it, Aston, Naomi said. Your party has been splendid—apart from a troublemaker. Her blue eyes fired lasers of guilt directly at me. My hatred for her was growing by the second.

I had hoped no one would see the caterer fly in and out, Mr. Atrocia said. I apologize again for putting Molly in danger.

I wasn’t—

Molly! Stop it! Naomi cut me off. Aston, you did nothing of the sort. It was her fault and her fault alone. I’ll handle her punishment, if you don’t mind.

Of course, he said.

Naomi’s face compressed with anger and angst. I knew at that point that she’d ground me for another month. I lowered my head as the medics attached a brace around my forearm. I felt entirely defeated.

Chapter 3

Missing Men

So you decided to come out of your room, after all, Pirra said. She was beaming as she bit into her toast with huckleberry jam. She had an affinity for jam and toast that was foreign to anything her alien culture had formulated in its thousands of years of space travel. Somehow, her home planet had never invented the toaster.

I’m up, I grumbled. You said something about going to the hoverboard park?

Yes. Pirra sipped on her glass of orange juice. Vicky and Luke are coming here, and we’ll head over. I can’t believe you got out of being grounded.

Me, too.

It had been an odd conversation with Naomi two days ago after I was caught snooping around the Atrocia estate. Naomi hadn’t yelled at me, and she hadn’t even grounded me. Instead, she looked at me for a long time, muttered something I didn’t understand, and then said she was looking into other options for me. I really didn’t know what that meant. Maybe instead of grounding me, she’d make me clean up the apartment. I wasn’t in trouble, so I didn’t really care what Naomi thought.

How is your arm? Pirra asked.

It’s healed. I unwound the bandage around my broken arm to reveal a perfectly stable bone. A miracle of Martian medical—or as we called it, a medical regenerator.

Pirra rubbed it to make sure. I’m glad.

I think I’ll try a triple flip today, I said. I can’t stand not being able to land it.

Don’t break your arm again, Pirra scolded. Hoverboarding is dangerous.

Yeah, I know. That’s kinda why I do it.

Hoverboarding was Mars’s biggest hobby for teenagers. The hoverboard consisted of a board with a handle attached for acceleration and braking.

I’m going to shower and change, Pirra said. I got a new outfit and pair of boots I want you to see.

Naomi bought those for you?

Yes, we went shopping yesterday while you were moping in our room.

I shook my head. Figures that you would get a new outfit, and I can’t even get a down payment on a new hoverboard.

Get? Earned, Missy, Pirra protested. I sorted paperwork in her office and cleaned up her reception area. If you did a little work, maybe you could get a new hoverboard.

I let out a long breath. Work for Naomi? I don’t want to hear her complain about what a terrible job I did.

She wouldn’t. And please, call her Mom.

No. Let’s go shower before I get angry with Naomi again, I said to change the subject. Pirra was right about me getting out again. I did feel dirty after two days of sitting in my room, listening to music and writing.

I showered first and changed into my usual outfit: a pair of slip-on kicks and a full-body thermal suit for the Martian outdoors. Over the skintight thermal suit, I wore a plaid twelve-inch sports skirt. This time it was pink and purple. And my usual white top with my favorite Martian band’s eagle-and-guitar design on it.

Check me out, Pirra said as she walked into the bedroom. This is the latest Martian fashion.

It’s okay, I said, still a bit angry that Naomi had purchased it for her. But really, she looked cute and stunning as always.

Perhaps it had something to do with the way my hair was always disheveled, or with the fact that I was living with a stunningly beautiful sister, but I always had been small and scrawny compared to Pirra. She made me uncomfortable when she would show off around the boys. I kept to the side as they gave her the attention.

And ironically, she had no idea she was doing it, either. I knew exactly what she was doing to them, and it infuriated me that I couldn’t. But it made me realize what I liked best about myself. I could read body language and the subtle cues people gave. Pirra was oblivious to these.

Pirra kicked her leg out to show me more. Knee-high boots, pink thermo suit, dark green top and shorts with the same dark green pinstripes, and you say ‘okay’? This is the top of the line.

I laughed at her enthusiasm. Fine, you look fabulous. Runway quality. Happy?

Pirra had always had an affinity for fashion, especially hairstyles. It didn’t surprise me she was kissing up to Naomi for the extra credits for new outfits. She loved nothing more than to debut it to the crowd at the hoverboard park, especially to Vicky and her other girlfriends. They talked endlessly about it.

I moved to the couch to check the messages on my phone. Over my shoulder, Pirra dangled my hoverboard bag over me. I got your helmet and hairpins. What would you do without me?

Crack my head open on the pavement, I replied. Or maybe I would’ve picked the bag up when we were about to leave. Don’t think you saved me. I would’ve remembered. When are Vicky and Luke getting here?

The doorbell buzzed on cue.

Pirra hopped over to the door and opened it. Vicky! Luke!

Wow, Vicky Valentine exclaimed.

With her hands on her hips, Pirra moved her butt from side to side. Pop! Pop! See how I look.

Vicky chuckled. Her blue eyes dazzled as they took in Pirra’s funny show. I can’t believe you convinced your mom to get that for you. That store is even out of my league, and my family owns theme parks.

I earned it. Pirra tilted her legs up to show off her boots. The buckles are what I like.

Vicky brushed back her blond hair. You’re growing into such a ham.

I was ordered to be less of a warrior, Pirra replied. I thought you wanted that.

We do! Keep it up. Vicky put her hand on Pirra’s shoulder to encourage her.

I stared at my sister for an extra moment. I did that from time to time. She was an alien, and I had been impressed lately with her enthusiasm for school and life. For the first two years, she had had a difficult time, but lately, she was showing signs she could fit in. I was proud of her.

Pirra, I would’ve loved to see you in your warrior outfit, Luke Lautner said, pushing past Pirra to get to me. Too bad it was all destroyed with the other alien tech.

You saw her as a warrior last week, Luke, Vicky contested. She fought off those bullies.

Oh right, Luke said, half turning as he moved toward me. His hazel eyes softened. Thanks again.

Pirra chopped her hand and kicked her foot through the air. Those bullies were no match for your Earth kickboxing.

I spar with you, I said to Pirra. You couldn’t have mastered it yet.

I beat you fairly easily. Don’t underestimate my alien blood, Pirra said ominously, raising her hands like a monster would do. I’ll assimilate your culture and make it my own.

Vicky and I got a good laugh out of that. For all of her toughness and heroism during the war, Pirra was just one of our friends, and I’d never seen her hurt anyone. Those bullies got off easy with a few twisted arms. If I hadn’t seen it during the war, I would never have believed she was a warrior.

Luke shook his head at us. The gawky, fair-haired boy was never one for nonsense. I’d known him the longest of our group. He was never comfortable with himself. I told him he was cute from time to time to give him confidence. He laughed, saying a compliment from someone who was sisterlike was charity. I understood. He was as close to a brother as I’d ever have.

Did you fix it? I asked Luke as he placed my hoverboard on the table.

Yes, but I could only squeeze a little more speed out of it, he replied. I worked on it all week. I changed the power amplifiers and exchanged them for a larger carbon converter.

So more speed and better air intake. What about the engine?

Luke’s face drooped, twisting it in disappointment. I cleaned everything, but it’s just an old board.

I know you did your best, I said. But I was secretly saddened. We had planned to improve my old board to beat Aiden. I’m a former hoverboard champion, remember. I need to stay with the top equipment.

Vicky waved my comment off, as usual. You call yourself a champion because you won a gold medal for quickest run. But it wasn’t the adult division or the teen division. It was the youth division.

I rubbed the medal Luke had fused to my helmet. I loved to show it off, but Pirra and Vicky always gave me a hard time about it. I had won it before the war.

We lost to Aiden Atrocia last time, Luke said. It isn’t helping our reputation.

I bristled. Don’t you think I don’t know that? His father buys him the newer Galaxy model, and every time I save enough money for it, Naomi makes me buy something ‘sensible.’ What am I going to do with a telescope?

Not fail astronomy? Vicky said. See beautiful things?

I have the network to do that. I can download pictures.

And the telescope wasn’t your money. You blew it on something stupid, Pirra said. Like—

I cut off my sister. And forget Naomi ever purchasing a new hoverboard for me because she insists I learn the value of a credit, whereas Aiden and Aubrey always get what they want.

No one replied because I was right.

In the group of the four of us, Luke and I got along the best because he was a techno-geek. He loved to fiddle with my hoverboard or any of the devices we managed to find along the way. Three weeks ago, he had repaired a really expensive phone and sold it back to the owner. He used it to pay for my entrance fee into the last hoverboard tourney. He never asked to be repaid. Well, not with money. His only request was to clean and fix my hoverboard so we could win the next race.

But it didn’t look like it would happen until I secured my new board. This one was just too slow.

On the other side of our friendship, Vicky and Pirra were close, as they were both into fashion and the things that Luke found entirely too girly. I enjoyed Vicky’s and Pirra’s interests, too, but they were entirely too beautiful for me to compete with clothes, hairstyles, and shoes. The blond bombshell and the raven-haired beauty intimidated me, the dorky, mc-skinny girl. So I never involved or tried to compete with them.

And a part of me didn’t want to be like them. Luke and I were the ones who started adventures. Pirra and Vicky always joined us, but if it wasn’t for Luke and me, we’d be entirely too boring.

Molly, Vicky said, Pirra told me you dragged her out into the cold Martian night and tried to find someone stealing something. What were you thinking?

Dragged Pirra? I knew Vicky liked to exaggerate.

I can read between the lines, Vicky replied. Pirra can’t handle the cold like you and me.

I know her better than you. That was true, but I had forgotten on that night that Pirra did have an aversion to the cold. Her alien body didn’t produce internal warmth as quickly as humans. Her planet was warmer than Mars or Earth. Her body would shut down if exposed long enough. She called it a cold coma, and that was scary to see.

You can’t risk her like that. Vicky reiterated Naomi’s speech about Pirra.

Pirra and I exchanged glances without saying a word. I nodded my apology, and her gaze was of forgiveness.

Pirra had her extra thermos on, no doubt, Luke said.

I nodded.

It’s still risky, Vicky replied.

Molly thinks she saw a face in the cargo, Pirra stated, to rescue me from the lecture. I didn’t see it, but those men sure left in a hurry when Molly broke her arm.

We could’ve caught them if I hadn’t been so foolish, I replied, rubbing my arm, still a bit embarrassed by the fall. I don’t care what Naomi or Mr. Atrocia said. I saw men in those crates.

Have you tried looking for them? Luke asked. Been to Trivium Port and searched the cargo ships along the surface?

No, I replied. Trivium Port was our major spaceport. Thousands of ships docked there, and it was the place to be if you wanted to get off Mars. I’ve no way of tracking them. I hardly remember what the pilots look like.

That’s too bad, Luke said. I was looking for an excuse to go to Trivium. They have the best junk.

That’s how we want to spend our day? Jumping through garbage and spaceports? Vicky objected. I understand you saw something, but it seems impossible.

I echoed Vicky’s thought, but Luke had me a bit intrigued at the possibility of finding those men. Pirra shook her head at me. She was right, of course, because of Naomi.

We have to practice for the big event in two weeks, I said to Luke. Maybe another time. If they did steal from the Atrocias, what do I care about their things? I should be stealing one of Aiden’s boards myself.

Pirra raised her hand. You don’t steal, Molly.

I wouldn’t, I assured her, but it was tempting, as Aiden and Aubrey would never miss one of their dozen boards. Let’s get to the park. I want a lot of practice for the big race.

I grabbed my bag, and we filed out of the apartment on our way to the park. As we were nearing the elevator, Naomi exited and came toward us. Her face was tight and concerned.

Mom, Pirra shouted. I bought the outfit. Do you like it?

It’s lovely, Naomi said, but something was concerning her, and I suspected it was me.

I’m finally out of my room, I said to her.

But she ignored me without saying a word. Instead, she continued to walk down the hall.

Excuse me, I said, annoyed with her. You can acknowledge me.

Naomi continued to walk down the hall without so much as a turn toward me or a nod.

You can’t hate me that much! I screamed at her, giving chase. What’s your problem?

Naomi stopped but didn’t turn toward me. At least she stopped, though, which showed that I had hit a nerve with her. Where did we go wrong?

We didn’t go wrong. It’s you. You don’t trust me or have any faith in me.

She turned. You don’t give me many opportunities. Naomi’s eyebrows bowed downward. Breaking your arm and pressuring Pirra into dangerous situations isn’t funny. Pirra can’t handle the cold, and you take her out in the middle of a Martian night. Immature and stupid, Molly.

Are you upset about Pirra’s welfare? Or are you upset that you never got to see the scientists fix the Martian air problem? I know why you went to that party. It was political, as usual.

I’m upset about both. I still haven’t spoken with those men because I had to attend to you. It’s important business. Mars is running out of air, and you don’t seem to care.

Everyone cares about Mars, I said angrily. I helped you rebuild it after the war.

Naomi stomped her foot. I work hard for you and Pirra to bring you a better life, and you hoverboard all day!

I was taken aback. I was young, but I did help rebuild Mars. I was one of the survivors who worked hours upon hours to clean up the colonies. Everyone had. Hardly true. Your reelection is all that matters to you. Not us.

Don’t you dare, Naomi said crossly. I took you in after the war.

I threw my hands up, mocking her. Naomi’s great charity. Helped you win the seat on the council. Great for your commercials and the posters.

I’m your mom, she barked. Address me as such.

My nose flared. My mom died.

Pirra stepped up to me and pushed against my chest to move me down the hall. Mom, we’ll go to the park and let you both calm down. We’ll be back for dinner.

Thank you, Pirra. But I’ll be dining with the council tonight.

Surprise, surprise, I muttered as Vicky turned me around and we headed toward the elevator.

But I heard Naomi say to Pirra. I can’t live with her like this. Talk to her or I’ll do something about it.

The ominous tone in her voice scared me. Would Naomi give me away? It didn’t seem possible. I hadn’t done anything wrong to warrant it, but Naomi’s political career trumped everything, and I didn’t doubt that if she considered me a liability, she’d drop me off in some dark corner of Mars.

Pirra took a few minutes to get back to the elevator, and she put her arm around me on the ride down. Pirra held back tears and sniffled a bit. Naomi and I had fought many times before, and it didn’t bother me as much as it did Pirra.

Chapter 4

Shut Out Inside

I didn’t say anything on the walk over to the park. The conversation with Naomi distracted me, and it wasn’t because of our fight. We fought plenty. It was what she’d said about the scientists. It wasn’t like Naomi to lose targets like Dr. Siskin and Dr. Mantha. She’d been so dead set on meeting them. If I were the cause of her missing the meeting, it would’ve only delayed her a few hours. She would’ve flown to wherever they were. Naomi’s anger had given me a clue that the air situation on Mars was more serious than everyone knew. It stuck in my mind.

The hoverboard park was packed with teenagers of all ages.

I knew many of them, as Luke and I were popular. Not because they were interested in us personally, but Luke and I would fix their boards in exchange for time on the track. Luke was the expert. I had greasy hands sometimes and knew my way around the tiny engines.

Four different mile-long tracks made up the park. The red Martian terrain was used for much of it, as the surface contained many naturally sloping hills and curves.

Do you really have to put so many pins and clips in my hair? I barked to Pirra as she squeezed another braid into my hair. She’d turned my overly curly, bushy head into a compact set of braids in the shape of a heart, no less. I’m not fighting a war.

It’s not only for war, but for competition. It’s tradition among my people, and the hair ritual is a must. You can’t get hair in your eyes, or it might cost you the win.

I’m just practicing.

You must practice in tournament conditions.

Are you done?

Almost.

To my right, Vicky was talking to a group of friends from school. The sun showed off her blond hair and fair skin. She had an unusual fashion style. She usually wore a pair of cargo pants or jeans, but on top she usually wore a flowery dress. She always said it was so she could mix her parents’ rules with her own fashion style.

Vicky, Aiden said, coming up from the side, why do you hang out with these losers?

Losing the races doesn’t make us losers, Pirra retorted.

Aubrey laughed. You just defined what a loser is.

Don’t try to help us, I whispered to Pirra.

My friends aren’t losers, Vicky said. Why don’t you get out of here and build your own hover track if you hate us so much?

I don’t hate you, Vicky, Aiden said. You don’t belong with them. We’re in the advanced classes together.

They’re not advanced classes, Vicky replied. We are in a different career path. Pirra, Molly, and Luke have no interest in being politicians or business owners.

Aiden looked at us with contempt. They want to be losers. Fixing my hovercar so I can go to work.

Being an engineer isn’t a loser, Luke said as he turned his head from the hoverboard he was fixing.

Riches don’t make the man or the woman, I said. Pirra and I will be starship captains. I’d rather be dead than sit up in the council all day with your dad.

Or your mom, Aiden replied. Aubrey, Vicky, and I will change Mars while you abide by our rule.

I stood and took a menacing step toward him. Don’t think I won’t punch you in the nose, even if you’re the leader of Mars.

Aiden took a step back. You’re a psycho.

I laughed. Are you afraid of me? Who’s abiding by whose rule now?

I can’t wait to leave for Neptune, he snapped back.

You’re going to Neptune! Thank the stars, I said. Give everyone on Mars a break.

Our parents are sending us to the academy on Neptune’s space station, Aubrey said. It’s the most prestigious school in the solar system.

I knew about the school. All of the normal kids on Mars dreaded the idea of going there. If the advanced kids bullied you on Mars, on Neptune station they would murder you for being seen as different.

Get out of here, Atrocia! I yelled back. No one cares that you’re leaving, and everyone is glad.

Aubrey huffed. Jealousy always made you angry. I’m glad you broke your arm—teach you a lesson about locking people up.

And I’ll be back for all of the races, Aiden added. Don’t think you’ll get off easy.

We’ll know you’re back by your stink, Pirra said.

What? Aiden said.

I turned to Pirra, who had never insulted anyone in her time with me. What has gotten into you?

He smells, Pirra replied. Not like other kids.

Everyone around the group laughed, including some of the kids passing by.

Aiden didn’t like it. He bristled. Shut up, freak. My grandpa says no one trusts an alien.

I do, I protested. Get out of here.

Are you coming, Vicky? Aiden asked. His eyes softened toward his crush.

Vicky raised her nose at the twins. Not today.

The twins left without saying anything further.

Thanks for having our back, I said to Vicky.

Don’t think twice. I don’t need it, but the twins always feel they need to rescue me. At one time, before the war, I was their friend, and they can’t forget about me leaving them.

They can’t handle rejection, Luke mumbled. Basic psychology.

I think they’re just spoiled, Pirra said. Getting everything they want. It’s ruined them. His championships haven’t given him honor.

I pointed to my helmet. I’m a champion.

Of the toddlers’ division, Vicky replied. Babies competed in carriages when you won it.

You know that isn’t true, I protested. I won it fair and square.

Vicky shook her head playfully. I don’t doubt that, but your biggest competition was in diapers.

Why do you torture me like this? I asked.

Vicky chuckled. Because you’re so funny.

Luke, save me!

We’ll get the proper glory, Luke said. No one in our age group has a binky this time.

I threw up my hands. Now Luke is making fun of me. My own pit crew. If Pirra starts, I’ll have to rip the medal off.

Pirra turned her head up, pretending to look wise. There’s an old saying in my culture: Defeat of a weaker foe is no victory at all.

Vicky and Luke giggled at the joke.

A spark of anger rippled over my skin. I wasn’t mad at them. I knew they were just joking, but I wanted to prove I could do it. I wanted the jokes to stop, because the twins held it over my head every chance they got. I didn’t need my friends’ jabs, too.

I guess I’d better practice, then. I moved toward the difficult track. My competitive rage was peaking, and I wanted a small victory over my friends today. I’d run the track, showing them I could beat Aiden.

You can’t run the difficult course! Vicky wailed. It’s for adults.

They let hoverboard competitors run it. Aiden does it. I can, too.

Your arm, Pirra replied. If you break it again, Mom will do something drastic.

I’m not sure your board is powerful enough, Luke said, but I knew he was lying.

I stopped and began to shout at them: I’ll—

The track is closed today! an announcement over the speaker bellowed, interrupting my rage. The air over Acadia City is too thin for outdoor activities. Please move into the domes for your protection. Anyone outdoors will be fined.

What? I screamed at the track safety official, George Morrow. He was just off to the side. What do you mean, the air is too thin?

By order of the Martian council, the large man said, Mars has instituted air restrictions across the planet. You will have to go inside, Molly Lennox.

George, when can we race again?

When we’re cleared for it. He pointed toward the plaza doors. Go inside now.

Luke, I said. Do you understand what is happening?

Yes. Mars’s atmosphere isn’t as thick as Earth’s, and recently, it has been losing oxygen at dangerous levels. The council must’ve voted for the ban.

I looked across the empty track and down the hill to the barren lands of Mars. It broke my heart to think my home planet was in trouble. They can’t take away hoverboarding from me!

I guess we know why Mom never bought you a new board, Pirra replied.

Is that supposed to be funny? I questioned her. Naomi was probably behind this.

Pirra looked hurt. You can’t believe Mom would restrict all of Mars to take away a hoverboard from you.

My hands were shaking, I was so angry and frustrated. I don’t know what I believe. I’m just not happy.

Then let’s go over to Valley’s and get a cheeseburger, Vicky said. My father is working today, so I can get us each a plate without any trouble.

I nodded in agreement. I had no better options. Although I knew Naomi hadn’t done this to hurt me, I couldn’t help but see it that way. She knew I was heading to the park and never said anything. She should’ve mentioned that these restrictions were coming.

I slammed my helmet to the ground. The medal rattled off and fell next to a garbage can. Pirra picked up my helmet, and I never bothered to retrieve the medal. I hurried into the dome.

Chapter 5

Burgers with a Side of Mystery

We ended up at Vicky’s family’s restaurant a short time later with a huge pile of hamburgers and French fries. This was Earth junk food, and we didn’t get it very often, other than when Vicky wanted to cheer us up.

Thanks for the burgers, Mr. Valentine, I said. How’s business?

The loss of Martian Fun Land has hurt our big business, he said. I won’t lie to you, and I appreciate you getting your mom involved. We had too many other council members against us. The shipyard for Mega Corp had to be built!

I’m sick that I won’t get to see you and Vicky open the gates for the summer season next year. But I did tell off Crawley for you when I saw him at the party the other night. He was pretending nothing happened.

Mr. Valentine looked concerned. Don’t go getting in trouble with Conrad Crawley. He’s a powerful man, and when you’re an adult, you might need powerful friends.

I’ll never need him, I insisted.

Well, you never know, Mr. Valentine said again, but this time he looked at Vicky.

My father is right, Vicky said. Can’t burn too many bridges, or you’ll never get anything done on Mars.

See, he said. Vicky knows how to play the game already. She’ll make a great CEO of Valentine Entertainment.

Vicky blushed. I hope so. It might not matter at this rate. Fun Land would be off limits with the oxygen levels as they are. So are our other parks on Mars.

Really? I said. "What about the