I bat my lashes at him and for the first time since my death, I’m without even the minutest hint of despondency. “Is that because I’ll be your superior one day soon?” He’s a General, yes, but a Conduit outranks him. A fact I think I’m going to enjoy. A lot.

    He looks up at the exquisite heavens, a sky of dappled water that surrounds the entire realm. “Take me into the Rest! Please!”

    “She’s definitely Archer’s recruit, isn’t she?” Meredith asks with a chuckle.

    The pang of grief returns to my chest.

    “Miss Lockwood,” Levi says and pushes out a heavy breath. “A single thought can lead to absolute destruction or ultimate victory. Close your eyes and imagine staying inside the Shell. If you can see it, you can do it. So repeat after me. See it, do it. See it, do it.”

    “See it, do it. See it, do it.” To humor him, I picture my spirit remaining inside the Shell...to my surprise and delight, a bolt of power hits me. A tide of determination and excitement buoys me. I can do this! I can stay inside the Shell.

    I step into my Shell...and this time, I stay put.

    TROIKA

* * *

    From: T_L_2/23.43.2

    To: L_N_3/19.1.1

    Subject: rwat trey

    Soed

    A

    S

    S

    Seow gpc/ehceo fo e y echd iiiii

    EOC.SOECC EPOS.Sdl clwo dowleo wos w w ro.s

    kr.

    TROIKA

* * *

    From: L_N_3/19.1.1

    To: T_L_2/23.43.2

    Subject: Your message skills—or lack thereof

    Wow, Miss Lockwood. You really know how to insult a man. Too bad I haven’t learned to read complete gibberish. But keep practicing. You (obviously) can’t get any worse.

    Light Brings Sight!

    General Levi Nanne

    PS: I usually end my transmissions with Light Brings Sight! For you, I’m ending with: Bend or Break!

    TROIKA

* * *

    From: T_L_2/23.43.2

    To: L_N_3/19.1.1

    Subject: Tesy Tesr Test

    Yo cab shove yor light ip tour add.

    But srrioualy. hiw ia yhis??//?

    General-in-training,

    Twn Lockqood

    TROIKA

* * *

    From: L_N_3/19.1.1

    To: T_L_2/23.43.2

    Subject: Yawn!

    I guess you’re ready to admit Killian isn’t the right partner for your Everlife. Obviously you don’t want to see him again. And perhaps that’s for the best. At this rate, the reunion will happen when you’re both in your six thousands. A diaper is never a good look.

    Light Brings Sight!

    General Levi Nanne

    MYRIAD

* * *

    From: K_F_5/23.53.6

    To: T_L_2/23.43.2

    Subject: Tenley Lockwood

    This is a test. Try to ace it.

    ML, KF

    MYRIAD

* * *

    From: K_F_5/23.53.6

    To: T_L_2/23.43.2

    Subject: Some days I think I hate you

          But only because I miss you more with every breath I take.

     Never forget your messages are monitored. Do not reply to this.

     You’re probably wondering how I contacted you. Archer gave me a Troikan comm before he died. And don’t worry. His rep won’t suffer. The action was approved by his superiors to help us help you.

     I’m awesome. You like numbers, you get numbers.

     I know you had trouble with your dad, but I also know you’re the forgiving type. Something I’m grateful for only when it applies to me. But. You’ll be happy to know he’s being treated with nothing but respect. On the flip side, your mother requested a court date, hoping to defect to Troika, and she’s currently in hiding. I have friends seeing to her protection every second of every day. No harm will come to her, you have my word. You will, of course, owe me big-time, and I will, of course, expect payment. I’m sweet like that.

     You said you’d always trust me. Never forget.

     Guess who gets to mentor Sloan? I’ll give you a hint. He dreams about you every night.

     You are the best friend I’ve ever had. I miss looking at you, talking to you, laughing with you. If I could sneak into your room and watch you sleep, I would. Screw the creep factor.

     The next time we’re together, we will fight. There’s no way to avoid it. Be ready.

     143

    ML, KF

    TROIKA

* * *

    From: T_L_2/23.43.2

    To: K_F_5/23.53.6

    Subject: o miss you top

    1) Thank you gor caring dor my mother.

    2) I am heafed to land of Harvess—I will see you therr and thank you properly.