Space Station Crisis: Star Challengers Book 2 by Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta, June Scobee Rodgers Page A

difficult or merely cautious.
    “How did you get here?” Song-Ye asked.
    Mira ran her tongue along the inside of her lips to moisten them. “Most likely, just the same way you came.”
    Song-Ye said, “That’s not an answer.”
    “The fact that you need to ask tells me that I shouldn’t answer.”
    Tony spoke up. “Don’t you think Mr. Zota would have told us if he’d sent somebody else here?”
    “I don’t know anyone named Zota,” Mira said.
    “Then I’m pretty sure you didn’t get here the same way we did,” JJ said pointedly. “We’re asking who your commander is.”
    Mira’s eyes did not meet hers. “No one commands me. I do have a guide, however: Mentor Toowun.”
    The Star Challengers exchanged curious glances. Dyl said, “So Commander Zota’s not the only one?”
    “But there can’t be others like Commander Zota!” King whispered.
    JJ thought the same thing, but if Zota had managed to escape into the past, why not others? Like Mentor Toowun. Zota’s mission was to help the younger generation prepare for and prevent a terrible future. Did it make sense that the whole human race would need to trust its fate to just four or five Star Challengers, no matter how dedicated they were?
    “Well, with such a big problem, shouldn’t we be glad for all the help we can get?” Tony asked.
    King nodded. “Saving the world’s a big job.”
    “Where’s your mentor from?” Dyl asked, “Or should I ask when?”
    Mira’s expression didn’t change. “Those are both excellent questions.”
    “The plot thickens,” Dyl murmured, looking intrigued by the girl.
    “Which Challenger Center did you come through?” Song-Ye’s voice held a hint of resentment.
    Mira gave her a sharp look. “Again, your lack of knowledge indicates that I shouldn’t answer. That information is on a need-to-know basis.”
    King gave a low whistle. “You’re tough. Remind me to stay on your good side.”
    For an instant, JJ thought she saw Mira’s lips curl upward ever so slightly, then the moment was gone. JJ had a million questions, but Zota had warned them not to reveal too much about themselves and their mission. Mira seemed to have similar instructions. The Star Challengers did not belong here in the future, and now was not the time to ask for too many details. Their questions had already told Mira quite a bit.
    “But aren’t we allies?” King went on. “Don’t we have the same goal?”
    Mira gazed around at them. “Is your purpose to change situations so that billions of humans won’t need to die in the future?”
    All of them nodded except Tony. “Billions? Isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?”
    JJ winced. “I wish it were, but she’s right. That’s why we’re here, too.”
    Mira focused on Tony. “How is it that your team knows this, but you don’t?”
    Tony ran a hand through his hair. “I’m new. I kind of joined this mission at the last minute.”
    The girl arched an eyebrow at him. “Last minute? Convenient.”
    “Not really. I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on.” Tony shook his head in disbelief. “What on Earth could kill billions of people?”
    “Nothing on Earth,” Mira said. “It was the Kylarn. I was not there when it happened, of course, but I know the stories. I’ve heard terrible descriptions that no one should have to hear, much less experience.” Now her flat voice turned urgent. “Someone must have told you the stories— that part can’t be a secret. It will happen not long from this time period.
    “When the Kylarn come to take over Earth, humans will fight them with anger, frenzy, and fear—but not with intelligence. Millions and millions will be slaughtered by Kylarn laser shredders—like a mesh of hot wires that cut people to ribbons. Humans will try to retaliate, and the war will go on and on, while millions more die painful deaths—not just from the shredders, but from disease and starvation, until nearly two billion humans are dead.”