Stars Gods Wolves by Dan Kirshtein (good books for 8th graders .TXT) 📗

complained, looking at her the way Ula’s brother used to look at their mom during such arguments.

But Josie didn’t respond the way a mother did; she responded in a confused and humored tone. “They’re the same helmet.”

“No, they’re not!” Boomer replied before his eyes snapped back down to her. He must have thought he was out of range of the translator. But he wasn’t. Ula turned back to her food, giving it a triumphant grin as Boomer stormed off. “Doesn’t fit right,” she heard him grumble as he walked away.

She heard Josie return to cleaning her sidearms, and the lack of voices brought out the hum of the battery pack charging nearby. Eventually, Josie spoke again, a smile behind her voice. “What kind of books do you like?” she asked, as if the past few seconds had never happened.

Ula instantly leapt into the conversation. “All of them!” the translator crackled as she nearly yelled into it. Then, Ula remembered the boring books she’d read since she left home, and felt it necessary to add a requisite or two. “As long as it’s a good story. And a happy ending. And the girl is smart.” She took time to think and chew at the same time. “But the girl can be dumb sometimes. Everybody’s dumb sometimes.”

“Not Boomer; he’s dumb all the time,” Josie said, just loud enough for Boomer—who was only in the next room—to hear. The two mercenaries shot each other looks, and Josie took a piece of her sidearm and pretended to fire a disassembled gun at him. He responded by showing her the piece remaining of what used to be a middle finger.

“HAH!” Ula leaned her head back, and the helmet fell off. Josie just made out the words as they fell out of earshot of the translator. “Dumb Boomer.” The helmet crashed to the floor, and Ula took a moment before going to collect it. Her long braid hit the floor, and she swept it up. Josie waved a hand in a ‘come here’ motion, and Ula did, tripping over the too-big suit a few times before slumping between the mercenary’s legs. She leaned her back against the mercenary’s stomach, and Josie began to fix her braids.

The hair was damaged, dirty, and hadn’t been tended to in months. Herulean hair was thick, more like hay than hair. Yet, somehow, it still laid the same, still dirtied the same. As Josie combed out the braid, Ula wondered how a bald girl would know how to do these things.

But as she combed, Ula felt more relaxed, calmer, more at home. It was something she hadn’t felt in months. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her voice cracked. “I miss my mom.” It was in Herulean, and she was without her translator. She didn’t expect Josie to understand the words, but the mercenary seemed to understand the sentiment. Her hands grew gentler, and rather than try to fix the braid, she just continued combing as Ula cried.

Josie stared at the girl, trying her best not to think of her own parents, her own rough upbringing that made her want to join the military. These softer moments that crept into her life made her think of the civilian life she had left behind. She wondered what would have happened if she’d stayed; who she would have become.

Breaking the silence, Nitro’s voice burst over the coms; he was shouting and sounded as if he was running. “Purple Company! Initiate Send-Away protocol Alpha! We are hosting a surprise party for guests coming from the west!” Josie snapped into action and collected her things. She patted the girl’s back and stood up to gather the rest of her equipment. Ula, of course, had plenty of questions that went unanswered.

Boomer kicked open a bathroom door to find Doctor Howlette terrified and only half-finished shaving. “Time to go!” he yelled as he entered. “Go! Go! Go!” Boomer kept repeating as he pushed the doctor, whose face was still half-covered in shaving cream, from the room.

Harper, whose helmet was off when Nitro gave the orders, watched everyone spring into action from the most comfortable couch he could find. He stood up, realizing he should do something. Finding nothing after putting on his helmet and environmental suit, he rushed up to Josie. “What can I do?”

Her tone was appreciative but firm. In truth, he was the most capable one outside of the Company, and she knew it. “Round up the doctors and lead them east.” Harper nodded, looking around for Lee and Mitch. The instructions were easy enough. “Make yourself seen. Don’t go too fast unless they start shooting.” The nodding stopped, and he looked at her. For some reason, he never anticipated anyone to start shooting. She looked back at him. “Don’t think about it. We do our jobs, and they won’t make it that far.” She punched his arm to make sure he was paying attention, and he nodded again before departing. “And grab the girl!” she shouted as an afterthought.

“Nitro’s got her,” he called back.

“Idiot,” she called out, eyes closed in frustration. “The blue one!” Harper froze and reversed, scooping Ula into his arms before hustling around the building.

7

Bale,

I don’t have time to explain how bad of an idea this is.

I know it’s hard. Nobody else wants to leave either. But we have to. Or we’ll die.

You need to come with us.

I convinced Madda not to leave right away. We’re gonna try to wait for you, but we can’t wait long.

Think of your family. Your kids.

You don’t want them growing up here. It’s not what it used to be, and it’s only going to get worse.

Think about it. Please.

-D.

Sabile:Ruins, just outside of the hotel

Boomer lay in waiting, grumbling that he was unable to use his weapons of expertise. Apparently, the captain had a plan that called for every one of his demolitions. Not a single one could be used on these scouts. “Appetizers,” he grunted, looking through the scope of his