“Manual override. Worked it into the design. Figured they’d pull this kind of shit. They’re going to send up a Dragon or send people from the Gateway to come arrest us. You want to be here when they do? Now’s your chance to speak up.”

Silence save for the insistent beep from the men trapped on the crust of the Earth.

“Suit up,” Valerie said, giving them another wide, white smile. “Spacewalk.”

CHAPTER TWO

3 Years Before Launch

Sutherland, Scotland

Valerie appeared out of the mist like a spectre.

Naomi recognised her former guardian as soon as she left the doors of the Sutherland Spaceport, tucking her employee badge back into her purse. There was no mistaking the tilt of those shoulders, the confidence emanating off the silhouette in waves.

Naomi halted by her car, waiting, hands deep in her pockets. Valerie wore a floor-length, dark green coat, a large umbrella shielding her from the worst of the Scottish wind and rain. Only tourists used them. Those who lived in Scotland long enough simply acknowledged that any umbrella was bound to be blown inside out, and it was better to resign yourself to getting a little wet.

“Valerie.” Naomi didn’t reach out for a hug. Valerie Black didn’t do hugs.

“Hello, Naomi,” Valerie said, as if she’d run into Naomi by chance around the corner from her mansion in the Santa Ana mountains rather than flown five thousand miles and travelled up to the remote north of Scotland. As if the last time they’d seen each other in person hadn’t resulted in a fight that meant they hadn’t spoken in a year. “Happy birthday. I thought I’d treat you to dinner.”

Valerie stood before her, but so many other versions of her floated in Naomi’s memory, like overexposed photos. The first birthday after she’d come to live with Valerie, a silent nine year old with smoke-scorched lungs who saw soot drifting down like snow every time she closed her eyes. There had been no candles on the cake. Her twelfth birthday at a theme park, Valerie buying the most expensive ticket so they never had to stand in line. Valerie had waited for Naomi at the exit of each ride, saying she saved her thrills for things that were more dangerous. Valerie had always loved birthdays and Christmases. A chance to watch others light up with joy and then grow bashful at her extravagance no one else could meet.

Naomi glanced behind her at the glass dome of the spaceport, still skirted with scaffolding. Naomi worked for Lockwood on a contract for the UK Space Agency. People already whispered at her being raised by the CEO of their prime competitor. If they saw Valerie here…

Valerie opened the door to Naomi’s car, as if reading her thoughts. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s get out of the rain.”

Naomi settled inside, pulling the door shut.