Aluna limped slowly, each step causing an explosion of pain through her thighs, backside, and ribs. Tal had simply trotted off toward the food troughs when they were done, no worse for their day of exercise. Aluna felt mushy and weak, like a lobster without its shell. She lifted the tent flap with a groan. Somehow she’d managed to bruise her arms today, too. Not since the day High Senator Electra had taught her the basics of the Aviar spear had she so wished for a bottle of stinging jellyfish goo to ease the pain in her muscles. “Aluna! Where have you been?” Calli said. “You look terrible. Is that cactus in your hair?” “Food,” Aluna said, stumbling inside. “Wash.” “I’d suggest grabbing some food first,” said Calli. “Hoku’s been taking all the best morsels for his teacher.” “Food,” Aluna agreed. “Have you met Rollin yet?” Calli asked. “I was nervous at first. I’ve never met a nice Upgrader. Er . . . and maybe I still haven’t. But Hoku likes her.”
