Page 66

Xantha spheres were equipped with rudimentary artificial intelligence which allowed them to detect people moving nearby and conceal themselves. The goal was to find them.

“But when you do,” Vahn had said, “you have to grab them and hold on while they try to shake you off. And they’re strong. They’ll drag you round at breakneck speed until they deactivate. Or an irate adult yells out the shutdown code.”

“Sounds dangerous.”

“Yes. But exhilarating.”

Ela’s voice brought her back to the present.

“You will all wear one of these. Do not take them off until you are told to do so.”

She walked down the line of Potentials, handing each one a hinged metal bracelet. Kara snapped hers shut on the wrist which didn’t have Vahn’s braid. She was careful to keep that concealed under her sleeve.

“The area where you stand now is the finish line,” Ela continued. “You will rendezvous here when you complete the challenge, or when you hear the siren signaling that the challenge is over. Co-ordinates and a GPS map are in your rucksack.” The general paused. “The first nine who return with a sphere will pass through to the next round. Everyone else will be eliminated. Questions?”

Hespia raised her hand.

“How long do we have? Is there a time limit?”

“It will take as long as it takes. Hours, days, it depends on when you find the sphere. Yes, Vysh?”

“What about food and water?”

“As I said before, you have everything you need in your rucksack. Inyria?”

“What if we get into trouble and need help?”

“Then you’ll be disqualified.”

“Yes, but…”

“The bracelets are monitoring your vitals. Any untoward changes and we’ll come get you. Layahn, you have a question?”

“Yes, general. Are there any rules? Anything we’re not allowed to do?”

Ela gave a cool smile.

“The only requisite is to return here with a sphere. Now if that’s all, there are transport pods waiting for each of you. Take the one bearing your number. And may good fortune walk with you.”

Kara and Vysh clasped hands.

“Good luck,” said Kara. “If you see me out there, say hello.”

“Good luck to you too. Wait for me here if you get back first.”

Kara climbed into her pod. Nerves knotted her stomach.I can do this, she thought.It’s just a kid’s game, that’s all.

The hatch closed and the pod lifted smoothly. Its engines accelerated as it headed towards the Verudian Forest. She clutched at her rucksack tightly.

This was it.Shaa’baarahad begun. She was about to play the most important game of hide-and-seek in her life.

Twenty Nine

The pod hovered two feet off the ground, hatch open. Kara took a swift look round before jumping to the ground. No-one else was in sight.

The craft zipped off as soon as she exited. She watched it go with a mixture of trepidation and excitement.

The forest felt strangely familiar to her. The thick trunks, the green canopy overhead, the call of birds and insects… it reminded her of Minerva-6.