Sterling Squadron (28 page)

“Here.” Ethan traced the edge of the radiation zones. “Near the big old cities. Just on the edge where it’s safe. The Ch’zar won’t be there.”

Dr. Irving nodded.

The colonel was right. The Ch’zar had learned how to learn (thanks to him). His tricks wouldn’t work next time. The Seed Bank would eventually be destroyed. The
only hope for the Resistance was to not be here when they next showed up.

He glanced at Madison, Felix, and his sister. They nodded and looked absolutely confident in him. They’d follow him anywhere.

Even if that meant following him into certain danger … and maybe death.

There was no time to lose. They had to get out there and explore the crumbling remains of the human world before the Ch’zar came.

Ethan and Sterling Squadron had to find the Resistance a new home.

“Just one more thing,” the colonel told Ethan.

She presented him a black carbon-fiber patch. It was the size of his palm and much like the patches they’d taught him to use to repair a flight suit.

Ethan turned it over. On the other side were crossed insect wings, a bundle of arrows underneath, all surrounded by a semicircle of gold stars. The insignia of a real Resister pilot!

Ethan’s heart pounded wildly, and despite everything, he couldn’t help but grin.

“With all the commotion, we forgot about these.” Colonel Winter actually managed a slight smile back at Ethan. “You’ve earned your wings, Lieutenant Blackwood.”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS  

Profound thanks to Syne and Kai, Diane Landolf, and Richard Curtis.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR  

ERIC NYLUND
is a
New York Times
bestselling and World Fantasy Award–nominated author. He is also director of narrative design for Microsoft Game Studios, where he helps create blockbuster video games.

Eric has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. He graduated from the prestigious Clarion West Writers Workshop in 1994. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his family. You can learn more about Eric and contact him at
ericnylund.net
.