“That’s impossible.”
“No. The official story was impossible.”
“Ethan’s aircraft failed.”
“No.”
Adrian shook his head.
“His aircraft did exactly what it had been programmed to do.”
Maya’s voice became very quiet.
“What are you saying?”
Adrian looked toward the F-16 outside.
“I’m saying somebody remotely altered his guidance system.”
Maya could barely speak.
“And mine?”
“Yours too.”
A memory returned.
Warning lights.
Ethan shouting.
Two aircraft banking toward restricted airspace.
Then Ethan ordering her to disengage.
She had believed he was trying to save her from her own mistake.
Adrian leaned closer.
“Ethan didn’t d/i/e because you ignored him.”
Maya’s eyes burned.
“He vanished because he saved you.”
The radio crackled.
“Maya.”
Ethan.
Adrian turned toward the speaker.
His face changed.
Not fear exactly.
Something more complicated.
Recognition mixed with dread.
Ethan’s voice continued.
“Do not listen to Adrian Vale.”
