Broken Wings by Viola Grace Page B

had lunch, talking about her learning experiences, and when he was gone, she finally wrote her account of the attack on Decla and sent it in.
    She went on assignments as pilot and animator but always returned to her new home with a sense of relief.
    Months passed and Poppy got a little taller, but she didn’t make a move toward her own wings, which was the signal that Minerva was waiting for.
    The sessions with Kibor came to an end when there was nothing more he could teach her about how to react to her talent.
    One morning Kibor called her. “I was wondering if you would allow Poppy to take part in a little assessment.”
    “Will she be in danger?”
    “No, she will be perfectly safe.” Kibor winked. “I hope.”
    Minerva silently asked Poppy if she wanted to do it and the response was enthusiastic.
    “We are all yours.”
    He grinned, and he gave her the details of where they were to meet.
     
    The sonar talent moved well through the maze with the explosive charges creating interference. When Yllin had Poppy, Minerva smiled at the excitement that was coming through the link.
    Her companion’s body was wiggling with excitement as she was carried through the mock battle. As Yllin tumbled over the finish line, Poppy squealed and flapped her wings in delight.
    “How are you doing, Poppy?”
    Yllin stroked Poppy before letting her go.
    “Well, Master Kibor, how did I do?”
    Minerva looked down to where Poppy was butting her fluffy head against her calf. She scooped her up and put her on her regular perch.
    “You are a disappointing student, Yllin.”
    Minerva could see the woman’s heart sink. “What do you mean?”
    He smiled slowly. “Usually, I get to teach for at least three months and I get to chastise my students along the way. You were far too eager to learn. Congratulations, Specialist Yllin Gerocard.”
    Yllin’s shoulders slumped with relief.
    “Now, you need to continue your combat training, but your instructors have given you a survivalist grade, so you are free to go on missions whenever you gain an assignment.”
    Minerva grinned and adjusted Poppy on her shoulder. “That is high praise. It took me six months to get through his training.”
    Kibor grinned. “You were a hard case in another way. You had no motivation to succeed, so we had to work on that. Poppy did a wonderful job there.”
    Poppy lifted her fluffy head and chirped proudly.
    Minerva laughed. “Well, I am glad I stopped by today. Citadel Ohkhan is my home, but I haven’t been back in a while, so I thought a visit with Kibor was in order. I had no idea that Poppy was going to volunteer to be a living target.”
    Poppy settled on her chubby toes and wiggled her stubby wings. She was obviously sticking by her decision.
    “How sentient is she?” Yllin looked at the creature she had so recently been holding.
    Minerva grinned. “Pretty smart. She has the emotional drives of a child about eight years old. She is concerned for my emotional and physical welfare, but when I am safe, she does what she likes. Today was just fun for her.”
    “I am glad; it was rather hair-raising for me.” Yllin grinned.
    Master Kibor straightened. “Well, I have sent a list of items for the quartermaster to your pad. Specialist Yllin, it is time to gather your kit and be prepared for your first assignment.”
    Hopeful, she looked away from the Yaluthu at the instructor. Minerva knew that look. “You think I will go out soon?”
    “You never know; so be ready when it happens.”
    Yllin shook her hand, bowed to Poppy and gripped Kibor’s arm. “Same time tomorrow?”
    “Of course. You are going to need to train with the equipment list I gave you. Now, get going. Minerva is taking me for tea.”
    Minerva grinned and put her arm around his shoulders. “Come along, Ancient One, you need to get some hot tea in you to warm those bones.”
    He smacked her in the arm and they laughed while Yllin packed up.
    Minerva walked slowly with him, aware of his