We fly out of the chute into the arrival trough. My head bangs roughly against the stopper. I know it’s bad. But it’s actually worse. Three other cadets fly into the chute cube, piling on top of me and Mira. They bounce off surprisingly fast. And who can blame them? They’ve found an unexpected treasure. “Well, what have we here?” Regis grins down at us, flanked by Hakim and Randall. You have got to be kidding me. I guess my luck has turned. Regis laughs. “The King of the Blast Pack and the Dancing Queen having a little alone time in the chutes? Priceless.” My brain flips. There’s no getting out of this mess. We’re doubly busted. The admiral and Regis. I don’t know which is worse. And I have no way to spin it. Mira is so freaked, she clutches my hand for dear life. The only silver lining is Regis and his minions will be busted, too. In fact, I don’t think Regis realizes the admiral is standing just outside the chute cube. “Is this what you two lovebirds do?” Regis says.
