Starfire Rising (Star Pilot Series, Book 2)

By Phoebe Conn

When star pilot Desmond Sanchez's account of a near fatal crash in the experimental Eclipse isn't believed, he's demoted to instructor at the Alado Academy.

But before classes begin, Desmond falls for Blaise Quinn, and then abruptly ends the hot affair when he learns she's a cadet.

In retaliation, Blaise shares Dez's secret codes to the Eclipse with her twin brother who then vanishes with the experimental plane.

Now Dez and Blaise must work together to save Blaise's twin from a web of interstellar treachery, and maybe find a way to forgive each other.

AWARDS
Winner, Rom-Con Best Futuristic Romance

REVIEWS:
"The heavens blaze with excitement as bestselling author Phoebe Conn takes us on an adventurous flight to the stars." ~Melinda Helfer, Romantic Times

STAR PILOT SERIES, in order
Outlaw Rising
Starfire Rising
Cyborg Rising

Also by Phoebe Conn...
THE HEARTS OF LIBERTY, in series order
Savage Destiny
Defiant Destiny
Forbidden Destiny
Wild Destiny
Scarlet Destiny

HEARTS OF CALIFORNIA, in series order
Hearts of Gold
No Sweeter Ecstasy
Tempt Me With Kisses

• Language: English
• Publisher: ePublishing Works
• Release date: Sep 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781614177845

Phoebe Conn

Phoebe Conn Bio Always a passionate lover of books, this New York Times bestselling author first answered a call to write in 1980 and swiftly embarked on her own mythic journey. Her first book, LOVE’S ELUSIVE FLAME, was a Zebra historical in 1983. Her 33rd book, a contemporary, DEFY THE WORLD TOMATOES was a November 2010 release from Samhain. Her 34th, WHERE DREAMS BEGIN, debuted at #1 on Samhain’s Romantic Suspense bestsellers list in June, 2011. With more than seven million copies in print of her historical, contemporary and futuristic books written under her own name as well as her pseudonym, Cinnamon Burke, she is as enthusiastic as ever about writing. A native Californian, Phoebe attended the University of Arizona and California State University at Los Angeles where she earned a BA in Art History and an MA in Education. Her books have won Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Awards and a nomination for Storyteller of the Year. Her futuristic, STARFIRE, won a RomCom award as best Futuristic Romance of the year. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Novelists Inc., PEN, AWritersWork.com and Backlistebooks.com. She is the proud mother of two grown sons and one adorable grandson, who loves to have her read to him.

Book preview

Starfire Rising

Star Pilot Series

Book Two

by

Phoebe Conn

New York Times Bestselling Author

STARFIRE RISING

Reviews & Accolades

Winner, Rom-Con Best Futuristic Romance

The heavens blaze with excitement as bestselling author Phoebe Conn takes us on an adventurous flight to the stars.

Melinda Helfer, Romantic Times

Previously titled: Starfire

Published by ePublishing Works!

www.epublishingworks.com

ISBN: 978-1-61417-784-5

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PART I

Chapter 1

Alado Flight Academy, Autumn, 2258

Darkly handsome, Desmond Sanchez was accustomed to drawing admiring glances from strangers, but the looks coming his way this afternoon were as subtly disparaging as the whispers echoing off every corner. A native of Earth in a room filled with the sons and daughters of star travelers, he felt not simply uneasy but suffocated by a deadening sense of alienation. The printed program for the reception listed his name with the other new faculty members at the Alado Flight Academy, but that did not begin to tell his story.

He was talking with the commandant's wife, Jasmine Quinn. A typical Skychild, she was fair and slim with an elegant charm that flavored her comments and gestures. Unlike her solemn spouse, Edric, she was gracious. Her smiles contrasted sharply with the undercurrent of contempt that flowed around them, but Dez could not ignore it. Just three weeks ago he had held an enviable post as Alado's premier test pilot, but after nearly crashing the experimental spacecraft entrusted to his care, he had been banished to the academy. That the ship was named the Eclipse had certainly proved prophetic, for it had swept him into the darkest period of his life.

Dez set his empty glass on a passing waiter's tray and apologized to his hostess. You have a lovely home, Jasmine, but I'm afraid my presence is dampening the mood of your party. I hope you won't think me rude if I excuse myself.

Jasmine would have argued had she not been as acutely aware of the hushed murmurs his recent notoriety had inspired. Believe me, Major, you're not the one lacking in manners. I'll look forward to seeing you at our next faculty gathering.

Grateful he had made a friend, Dez managed his first smile of the day. Rather than run a hostile gauntlet through the other guests, he slipped out a side door unobserved. Eager for the silent tranquility offered by the artfully arranged gardens surrounding the commandant's residence, he loosened the uncomfortably stiff collar of his dress uniform and drew in a deep breath. The day was warm, but a refreshing breeze ruffled the leaves. Escaping the party hadn't dispelled the darkness of his depression, but it had certainly lightened it a few shades.

After a moment's hesitation, he chose the closest path. The extensive flowerbeds had been planted in ever-widening arcs with the lush blooms of each set of six semicircles producing a range of color, from red, through orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet creating an immense display of floral rainbows. The colors harmonized so perfectly, Dez found strolling through them almost as soothing as meditation. There was a lone gardener working nearby and when she looked up and smiled, he walked over to her.

Rainbows belong in the sky, not on the ground, he commented with a broad gesture that swept over the colorful surroundings. Then feeling very much like a fallen rainbow himself, Dez dropped his hand to his side. I'm sorry. This is a splendid garden. I shouldn't have criticized your work.

The gardener brushed a long wisp of honey blond hair out of her eyes and stood to face him. Six feet in height, she was almost as tall as he. She yanked off her right glove and extended her hand. Major Sanchez, it's an honor to meet you, sir.

That he would be recognized by a gardener startled him momentarily, but then remembering she worked at the academy, he realized she would be privy to the same insulting speculation that had made the commandant's party such an unbearable ordeal. Her gaze was admiring, however, and he was pleased that someone remembered his former accomplishments. He took her hand. Her fingers were long and slim, the nails frosted with a shimmering pink. Her handshake was surprisingly firm. Believing a gardener's grasp would scarcely be otherwise, he waited for her to end the exchange.

Thank you. I didn't realize anyone would still feel that way, he said.

The gardener's long-lashed eyes were more gold than green and widened slightly at his remark. I doubt that one bad flight will permanently damage your reputation. Noting another plant needing her attention, she knelt and picked up her pruning shears. Do you really feel disgraced?

Her voice was low, with a seductive warmth that invited conversation. There was a bench a few steps away, and intrigued by her, Dez sat down, leaned forward and rested his elbows across his thighs. It wasn't just a bad flight, he explained. It was—

The gardener's hair was twisted atop her head in a careless knot, leaving her nape bare. She had an elegantly long neck and even in a bright yellow jumpsuit, her slender figure was delightfully feminine and enormously appealing. Completely distracted by her enticing presence, Dez longed to ease the dark burden of his memories in the warmth of her delectable flesh.

The gardener glanced over at him. It was what? she coaxed.

Ashamed of the erotic direction of his thoughts, he hauled them back to the subject at hand, but unwilling to put the hideous experience into words another time, he straightened up and shook his head. I won't describe it again.

Immensely intrigued, the gardener waited a few seconds and when he didn't say more, she got up, took off her gloves, and joined him on the bench. Tell me what you can, she urged.

Surprised by her persistence, Dez stared at the attractive gardener. Obviously a Skychild, she projected an ethereal calm that was as soothing as her garden, but at the moment he needed something far more primitive. The steadiness of her amber gaze prompted him to speak. This garden must take an enormous amount of effort to maintain. What if you were to come out here one morning and find all the plants uprooted and crushed, the faded blossoms strewn all about? How would you react?

She looked out over her well-tended beds. Things aren't nearly as perfect as they first appear, she mused softly. We've plants from each of Alado's colonies throughout Altair's system, and while they were chosen for the brilliance of their blooms, they aren't truly compatible. The carnivorous plants are seldom content. If they don't eat regularly, they won't bloom, which leaves gaping holes in the floral spectrum.

Is it such a tragedy?

Amused by his question, she responded with a low, musical laugh. In my opinion it is. To answer your question, I'd be devastated if the garden were maliciously destroyed. Is that how you feel about your last flight?

Her glance was serene, yet curious, and Dez found it impossible to look away. He had been forced to tell his story repeatedly to the engineers involved in the development of the Eclipse as well as to the officers responsible for his performance, but no one had bothered to ask how he felt. Not wanting to be sucked into that painful void, he shook his head. Let's just say no one ought to come that close to death. It was like being buried alive.

Paying close attention, she saw not merely a handsome pilot whose exploits she had admired, but a deeply troubled man. His dark eyes were filled with an unmistakable sheen of pain that would have frightened lesser women, but she was touched by his anguish. While the innovative technology involved in Project Eclipse was classified, that something had gone dreadfully wrong was common knowledge, as was the fact that Desmond Sanchez had been blamed. She couldn't help but feel compassion for him.

You didn't want to come here, did you? she asked.

He knew he ought not confide in a gardener, even one who was as pretty as one of her exotic blossoms, but having been shunned by the upper echelon of Alado's officers, he felt so terribly alone he didn't care how inappropriate a companion she was, or how improbable their conversation. I'd have rather continued being a test pilot.

Have you been forbidden to fly?

No, there aren't any restrictions on me at all. It's just that—

Again he stopped, as though the words were impossible to speak. The sympathetic gardener finished his sentence for him. You're afraid the same thing will happen again?

He breathed a dejected sigh and rubbed his neck in a vain attempt to relieve the tension tying his muscles in knots. The Eclipse has been cleared for flight, and despite what some feel is evidence to the contrary, doctors can't find anything wrong with me. He paused briefly and then, fully aware he had nothing more to lose, added the opinion the others working on Project Eclipse had stubbornly refused to accept.

That means something else caused the problem: another ship, a beam operated from land, something. Something, or someone unknown, was flying the Eclipse the day I nearly crashed. It controlled the ship. There wasn't anything I could do but sit there and take it. At present, I'm the only pilot qualified to fly the Eclipse, so it's been based here temporarily. I can take it up whenever I want, but my duties at the academy won't allow me much time for test flights.

You've a week before classes begin.

A week to finish the job, you mean, to get myself killed?

Startled by the note of hostility in his voice, the gardener sat back slightly. Are you saying someone sabotaged the Eclipse in an attempt to murder you?

Unnerved, no matter how remote that possibility, Dez stood and took several steps away before turning back to face her. No. The security surrounding the project was too tight, and an exceedingly thorough investigation after the disastrous flight turned up no evidence of sabotage. Besides, if I'd been the target, I could have been killed far more easily than during a test flight. Killing me wouldn't have stopped the project, anyway. Other pilots could be trained to replace me.

Perhaps, but you're clearly the best.

He responded with a rueful laugh. "I was the best. No one would grant me that distinction now."

I just did.

A slight smile crossed his lips. You have a marvelous voice. It's as smooth as honey.

Thank you, but I meant what I said.

Dez had always been popular with women, so it didn't surprise him that this one still admired him but no gardener, and not even an exceptionally pretty one, had any influence with the officers who could so easily end his career. Having been born on Earth, he had never been fully accepted by the Skychildren who ran Alado. Even after he had graduated first in his class from the very academy where he was now posted as an instructor, he still had to aggressively compete for each new assignment.

Unlike the other promising young officers, he had never had a mentor to provide guidance and ease his journey through Alado's ranks. He had been promoted entirely on his own merits. The achievement made him proud, but he couldn't deny that except for a few brief and entirely forgettable liaisons, his life had been lonely. Still, he wasn't prepared to play the bitter role of outcast.

What do you know about Earth? he asked.

Surprised by the sudden change in topic, the gardener shrugged before replying. What everyone knows. We can all trace our origins back to Earth. This planet was chosen as the site for the academy because of its remarkable similarity to Earth. We even have a few Earth plants in the garden. Azaleas they're called. They're part of the violet bands.

Dez unbuttoned his jacket and still attempting to work off tension, flexed his shoulders. What do you know about the people?

The gardener's expression grew thoughtful, and she continued in the low, provocative tone that encouraged his rapt attention. I know many are influenced by the teachings of the Paladins, an exclusively male group dedicated to preserving the old ways. They refer to us as Skychildren, the assumption being that we aren't as fully human as those born on Earth. She lifted her chin proudly. Are you a follower of the Paladins, Major? Do you share their prejudice that Skychildren are a different species, only slightly more valuable than androids?

Having just left a party where he had been greeted with scorn rather than a warm welcome, Dez grew defensive. First of all, the Paladins are historians and philosophers, not fanatics. I've attended their retreats and they project an aura of calm rather than maniacal zeal. Their views can't merely be dismissed as prejudice. Those of us born on Earth don't just look different, we are different. We're the direct descendants of the first men to conquer space, not genetically engineered hybrids like the Skychildren. You're man's creation, and we're God's.

The gardener had heard enough. Initially, it was the blindly chauvinistic fools who believed Skychildren to be superior who forced those on Earth into taking such a ridiculous stance. I'm disappointed in you, Major. I expected better of you. I really did. She rose and tugged on her gloves. As I understand it, test pilots are chosen for their superior reflexes and unfailing courage. It's obvious where your weakness lies.

Dez had suffered a lifetime of abuse in the last three weeks and he wasn't about to take more from a gardener. As she started past him, he caught her arm. I'm no coward, he swore, but it's impossible to fight an invisible force.

She looked him in the eye. Nothing is impossible, she replied with equal fervor.

He yanked her close. You suggested I fly the Eclipse. Do you have the courage to come with me?

Her heart leapt to her throat, but it was due to sheer joy rather than fright and a warm smile lit her expression. I can't think of anything I'd rather do.

Having called his bluff, she was daring him to make good on an invitation he had not even imagined she would accept. Too proud to back down, he nodded as though he were equally pleased. Good, let's go.

Now?

Yes, now, unless of course you're too busy with your plants. He held his breath, hoping she would refuse, but she continued to smile.

They'll be here when I get back.

Silently cursing his own arrogance, Dez released her and started off down the path. If she failed to realize she might not be coming back, he'd not tell her.

The gardener left her gloves and shears on the bench and hurried to catch up with him. The instructors' quarters were within easy walking distance, and he led her through the maze of stark glass and concrete buildings to his apartment. Due to the party at the commandant's home, the rest of the complex was deserted. He removed his jacket as he entered. Leaving her waiting in the front room, he walked down the hall to his bedroom.

Even expecting the same type of starkly furnished quarters most bachelor officers occupied, the gardener was surprised to find Dez hadn't even unpacked his belongings, let alone done anything to make the small apartment reflect the uniqueness of his personality. Black cases stenciled with his name sat stacked along the far wall, and what few pieces of furniture there were had been provided by the academy. The view was pretty, however, and she moved to the window to enjoy it.

You have one of the best units, she called out.

Dez sat down on the bed to remove his boots. Aren't they all the same?

In design, yes, but not location. You have a marvelous view of the Sapphire Mountains.

He snorted derisively. This must have been the only unit available. It couldn't have been assigned to me out of respect.

The gardener turned away from the window, and after briefly debating the wisdom of following him into his bedroom, decided for the time being against anything more personal than a ride in the Eclipse. Have you always been so cynical, or is your current attitude something new?

He replaced his dress uniform in the closet, but as he donned an iridescent silver flight suit, his hands began to shake. He took a deep breath before he replied. Let's just say recent events have given me a cynical bent.

The gardener glanced into the kitchen. Spotless, the room still held the biting odor of the industrial cleanser used after the last tenant's departure. Entering, she leaned back against the counter and folded her arms over her chest. Bachelors, she murmured to herself. She had met a few with an appreciation of aesthetics which showed in the handsome way they furnished their quarters, but she doubted Desmond Sanchez ever did more than unpack his uniforms before calling the rooms assigned to him home. Of course, he was a test pilot, a man fascinated by speed and risk rather than the type interested in making a home, but the emptiness of his apartment depressed her.

When Dez didn't find the gardener in the living room where he had left her, his first reaction was disappointment, closely followed by an intense sense of relief. He hadn't really wanted to fly the Eclipse again, and now that she had apparently decided she didn't want to ride with him, he wouldn't have to. Disgusted both with himself and his elusive companion, he entered the kitchen for a drink, and finding her there, had to struggle not to show his surprise.

I'm sorry, he greeted her. I should have offered you something. Not that I have much, but I should have offered.

She didn't apologize for snooping. I'll take a glass of water.

He thought the young woman remarkably composed considering the challenge she had accepted. Taking a jug from the cooling compartment, he poured glasses of water for them both. Wanting to get the flight over with, he quickly finished his and nodded toward the door.

Come on, let's go. It wasn't until she placed her glass on the counter and moved past him that he realized he had failed to ask her name. This wasn't the first time he had asked a nameless woman to his quarters, but he was disappointed that he had done it again. The academy wasn't like a space station, where pilots came and went so often names were more easily forgotten than remembered. He was expected to behave in an exemplary manner here, and that included being polite to pretty gardeners.

What's your name? he asked as they left his place.

You may call me Rebel.

Amused, he couldn't help but smile. You're well named. Not many women would fly with me now, and most especially not in the Eclipse.

Rebel glanced over her shoulder to send him a teasing wink. I'm not like most women, Major.

My friends, when I had them, called me Dez.

Dez it is then. Pleased with herself, she matched his stride on the walk and while he didn't speak, she now felt more comfortable in his company.

He walked on past the first and second hangars, that housed the fleet of Scorpions flown by the cadets attending the academy, and led her to the third. At the side entrance he pressed the numbered buttons on the security panel in the proper sequence and the door slid open. As they entered, the lights came on, illuminating the single ship moored there. Designed for exploration, the Eclipse was a sleek two-man vessel with rear-mounted engines. It resembled the Scorpion in its triangular shape but was slightly larger, and reputed to have far greater speed and range.

While the Scorpion was often compared to an arrowhead, the wider wingspan of the Eclipse reminded Dez of a stingray. Doubtful Rebel would know what a stingray was, he didn't point out the resemblance to her. Have you ever been up in a Scorpion? he asked.

Yes, a few times.

Good. You'll find the Eclipse gives a similar sensation in flight, but from a pilot's standpoint, it has more sensitive controls. Or at least it's supposed to exhibit that feature.

He was surprised that just having someone to talk to made approaching the craft easier. He used another code to open the hatch, entered the Eclipse first, and then turned to offer Rebel a hand. It's not too late for you to change your mind, he added considerately.

Are you joking? she asked. Even after the Eclipse receives final approval and goes into production, it could easily be a year before more than the prototype is housed here. Maybe that doesn't mean much to you, but it certainly does to me.

Dez nodded and secured the hatch. I suppose being the first gardener to fly in an Eclipse will be seen as an honor by your coworkers. He donned his helmet and handed her the spare meant for a co-pilot.

Rebel pulled it on, waited for him to take the pilot's seat, and then slipped into the copilot's at his right. A quick glance revealed that the navigational computer was identical to that of the Scorpion, but the instrument panel contained several new dials. She wondered as to their purpose. It will be seen as an honor by everyone, she assured him, but if you'd rather I kept quiet about it for the time being, I will.

He took a moment to consider her offer. He wasn't authorized to take passengers on test flights, but the prospect of having a witness on board should anything go wrong again was too appealing to ignore. Still, if he did encounter additional problems, having Rebel along would get him in even worse trouble than he was in already.

Are you any good at keeping secrets? he asked.

Yes, I am.

Then I'll trust you not to mention our flight to anyone.

She turned to study his expression and couldn't help but notice the faint beads of perspiration forming on his upper lip. She hadn't thought test pilots were ever frightened, but clearly he was. Surprised by that discovery, she found him no less appealing, only attractively human. She reached over and gave his wrist a comforting squeeze.

I won't even mention I met you in the garden, she promised. Now, this ship is sound and so are you. Let's go.

Impressed by her courage, Dez couldn't show any less. He turned on the navigational computer and accessed the code to open the wide doors at the end of the hangar. He received clearance from the tower to take the Eclipse on a brief flight, then fired the ship's powerful engines, keeping them at minimal thrust to merely float the Eclipse out to the launching area.

I'll keep her low and slow, he vowed as he eased the experimental craft into the air.

As they gained altitude, the rainbow gardens slipped by in a blur of color and Rebel squealed with delight. You needn't use any restraint on my account. I love to fly. Let's see what she can really do!

While amused by her excitement, he wasn't even tempted to test the limits of the ship's performance as he had on the day the controls had ceased to respond to his commands. Instead, he flew at a leisurely pace, not straying far above the planet's surface. On the day of the incident, he had taken off from one of Alado's test bases and had had unlimited space in which to fly. Now he hugged the rocky slopes of the Sapphire Mountain range, content to appreciate the sparkling blue peaks.

Do the cadets still visit the beaches? he asked in an effort to distract himself and conquer his lingering fears.

Yes, of course. I doubt habits have changed much since you graduated from the academy. After all, it wasn't that long ago.

He regarded his attractive passenger with a sidelong glance. He was twenty-nine years old, but felt a thousand. I didn't realize you knew more than my name.

She shrugged. You mustn't be so modest. Everyone knows who you are.

"Well, now they certainly do."

He looked far from pleased about it too. The Eclipse was responding so well to his commands and confident the flight would continue to go well, Rebel made a suggestion. Do we have time to fly out to the coast? she asked.

He nodded and began a slow, banking turn that took them up over the deep blue mountain range and then on a straight course over the verdant valley for the sea. You said you'd been up in a Scorpion. How does the Eclipse compare?

Very well, and it looks just as easy to fly. Will you give me a turn?

Her reactions were a continual surprise, but Dez was no fool. There were plenty of men with more bravado than sense, and if she were that type of woman, he knew she would relish the challenge, but he doubted she had the skill to accomplish it. He had already come too close to dying in the Eclipse to allow her to kill them both.

Take hold of the copilot's controls and just mirror my actions for a while. Let me see how you do.

Sitting forward slightly, she took the controls in an easy grasp. Scanning the instrument panel, she pointed to the gauges she didn't recognize. Tell me about these dials.

Impressed by her observation, he considered her request a long moment. The chances of her being a spy for Alado's competition was highly unlikely, but he still supplied a suitably vague answer. The Eclipse has the same basic instrumentation as a Scorpion, but the modified engines require additional gauges to monitor their performance.

She nodded and waited for him to relinquish control of the experimental craft. The coast had already come into view before he was satisfied with her competence and did. She kept to the course he had set and then asked his permission to cruise at a lower altitude. I'd love to skim the waves! she enthused.

Sorry, he countered. He glanced down at the near-blinding expanse of white sand. There doesn't seem to be much activity along the shore, but we can't go down any closer.

Have you been out to the islands?

He had paid such close attention to his studies while he had been at the academy, he had not had much of a social life. Trips to the coast had been few, and he had never visited any of the offshore island resorts. Not yet, he replied. Seeing his companion's golden eyes take on a mischievous gleam, he shook his head. Not today, Rebel. He had expected her to display the tentative touch of a novice pilot, but she had surprised him with the firmness of her hand on the controls. He began to wonder just how expert her touch would be stroking him. Knowing such a digression was dangerous, he immediately rechanneled his thoughts.

Still apprehensive, he reassumed command of the ship and flew parallel to the coast until the islands Rebel had mentioned came into view. Reached by sleek hovercraft, the largest were home to expensive resorts. His limited resources while at the academy had provided another reason to avoid them. It being early autumn, most of the summer guests had departed. They sighted only a sprinkling of vacationers on the beaches.

Take us out a little further, Rebel begged. My favorite island lies just ahead.

Like the Caribbean on Earth, the Paraiso Sea was a clear aqua that beckoned invitingly. Long overdue for a vacation, Dez wished they did have time to land and explore the islands. Rebel had proved to be surprisingly good company and he was sorry he couldn't take her where she liked to go. Which one is it? he asked.

The last in the chain.

He circled slowly. It looks uninhabited.

That's what I like best about it.

Really? Dez was used to women who played as hard as they worked, and their type wouldn't consider any but Aurora's most expensive resorts for a vacation. What do you do there?

She appeared surprised that he had to ask. Come with me sometime and find out, she invited with an enticing smile.

Grateful that she had forced him to fly the Eclipse, Dez glanced toward the heavens. After a few more flights as uneventful as this, he would take the ship out again to test its potential, but for now, he just wanted to go home. With a final nod toward the island she admired, he set their course for the academy and eased back in his seat.

I'm going to let the computer take us home, he announced after keying in his request.

She would have preferred another turn to fly the new craft, but wouldn't beg. Another test? she asked.

You might say that, he responded, but his glance intimated more. He could not recall the last time he had been with a woman who wasn't either aggressively competing with him or blatantly attempting to seduce him, and Rebel provided a welcome change. As a test pilot, he had been popular, but it the reception earlier he had been ignored by the attractive young women who would once have welcomed his attentions. That had hurt. The party had provided a grim preview of what the rest of his stay at the academy would be like and he was not looking forward to it.

Rebel cocked a brow slightly, prompting him to say more.

It's a matter of regaining confidence in the ship, he explained, of just letting it do what it's built to do.

After the fright you suffered, that can't be easy.

No, it isn't, he agreed, but I'm doing it anyway.

Good for you.

She looked away to take in the view as they streaked across the valley. He checked the instruments to make certain the Eclipse was performing as designed, then turned to watch her. It was plain the women at the academy wouldn't want to spend any time with him, but none that he had met had interested him nearly as much as this lovely gardener. She had both a sophisticated elegance and a childlike innocence, an enormously intriguing combination. He waited until the Eclipse was safely moored inside its hangar and they'd removed their helmets to ask to see her again.

Yes, I'd love another chance to fly the Eclipse, she replied.

He closed the hatch and took her hand as they walked toward the exit. I wasn't talking about the Eclipse, he chided. "I was hoping you'd like to spend some time with me. "

She stopped and turned toward him. A clear light of admiration shone in his glance, but also a mist of apprehension. That he wasn't certain of her response surprised her, and she leaned up and kissed his cheek. His skin was damp and tasted faintly salty. Before she could move away he turned and caught her mouth in a demanding kiss. His tongue slid smoothly over hers, coaxing a far deeper response than she wished to give a man she barely knew.

Abruptly pulling away, she put her hands on her hips and adopted a far more serious manner. Your choice of profession makes it plain you thrive on risk, Major, but I don't like to be rushed. You'll be at the academy a semester at least, so we'll have plenty of time to get acquainted.

Embarrassed by her scolding tone, he shrugged. Sorry, but I find being alive a lot more enjoyable than I used to, and you're a very attractive young woman.

Oh, now I see. You intend to celebrate life with whomever's handy?

No! He took a step toward her, but she moved back to maintain the distance between them. It isn't like that at all. I like your spirit. That's why I want to see you again, not just because you're gorgeous.

Thank you for the compliments, but I'd hate to disappoint you. Perhaps we should say goodbye now.

This time Dez crept forward so slowly she didn't think to retreat. How could you ever disappoint me? he asked.

She laughed. You don't really expect me to tell you, do you?

Yes, you could at least provide a hint. Have dinner with me tonight, and we can discuss our expectations at length.

Sorry, I have plans for the evening, but you know where to find me. Ask me again. She blew him a kiss and then turned and sprinted out of the open doors at the end of the hangar.

Wait! Dez called, but by the time he reached the doorway she had disappeared from view. He certainly wasn't looking forward to dining alone again, and since a week remained before classes began, he thought he just might camp out in the rainbow gardens until Rebel found him as exciting as he found her. He stood out of the way as the hangar doors slid closed, then walked back toward the Eclipse.

The ship had flown as beautifully that day as she had on his initial test flights, but even if no one believed him, the threat of disaster still existed, and somehow he would have to find its source. He smiled as he thought of Rebel. Knowing that one person believed in him, he vowed to convince all of Alado he was right.

Chapter 1

Sunday morning Blaise awoke early and stretched lazily in her bed. While she hadn't dreamed about Desmond Sanchez, her first thoughts of the day were of him. Dark and dangerous, he was nevertheless enormously appealing, but she doubted she had made a mistake in rejecting his advances yesterday. A test pilot with his fame would expect to get whatever and whomever he wanted for the asking, and she refused to be just another shapely conquest.

Not that she wasn't spoiled herself, she mused slyly, for boys had been tagging after her since she had first begun school. Adult males had a far more sophisticated approach, but she still drew a great deal of attention. Understanding men were capable of the same depth of emotion as women, she had never taken advantage of those whose affections she could not return. As a result, she had had only a few serious romances, and although they had come to their natural end, she still treasured the bittersweet memories.

As she recalled the sadness in Dez's eyes, she felt a twinge of guilt for leaving him so abruptly. If he were truly the kind of man she believed him to be, however, his interest in her would survive. When she had learned he was coming to the academy, she had expected him to be brash, if not arrogant, but he had proven to be unlike any of the other pilots she knew. She was anxious to see him again, and hoped he had no plans for the day.

She had promised he could find her in the gardens, and did not want to miss him should he be inspired to seek her out. Confident that he would, she rose with a sparkling burst of energy and anticipation. Others would admire the beautiful plants she tended as carefully as children, but on that morning, her true interest would be in a handsome man with a haunted gaze.

* * *

Dez had not really expected to find Rebel at work in the garden on a Sunday, but she was there. Not wanting to startle her, he waited until she looked up and saw him to approach. Don't you ever have any time off? he asked.

Pleased he had not disappointed her, she rose and removed her gloves before wiping her forehead on her sleeve. I have the whole day off, she replied. I'm just making up for the time I missed yesterday afternoon.

He scanned the floral rainbows. The garden looks perfect to me.

Yes, it does, doesn't it? Unfortunately, the plants need a great deal of attention to keep it that way.

I didn't see anyone else out here yesterday, and you're alone today. Are you expected to tend the flowers all by yourself?

She knew precisely what Dez was doing: