I knew there would be no escape from the relentless cameras on the day of Rowan's arrival, so I made no attempt to avoid them.

"And here, before this momentous occasion, we'd like to speak with you, Miss Breaker."

"Morning, Sal!" I did a double take to check that it really was him: I figured they'd have sent Maurice after me again. Sure enough, it was Sal's stout figure beneath salt-and-pepper hair standing beside me.

Sal was the one newscaster that had always taken a special interest in me. He had featured me on his news channel since I first arrived on Alpha years ago, and I felt genuinely comfortable speaking with him. I actually looked forward to his almost-daily conversations with me, whereas with any of the other newscasters the discussions were only interruptions.

"And to you. So, Jada, the question burning in everyone's minds: What do you think of the transfer student?"

I laughed. "I think I'll decide that when I actually meet him." So, I hadn't watched Rowan's interviews. Sal knew that I never watched the news, but that wasn't something I needed to share with the public. Letting out his typical hearty, bellowing laugh, he helped me glide right over that topic.

"We all will, I guess. Mind if we escort you to the shuttle bay?"

"Not at all." I started walking, very aware of the cameras following me, ready to detect any sign of anxiety or excitement in my steps. While I didn't allow them to creep into my gait, both emotions battled in my mind. From what I had heard, Rowan was enthusiastic, personable, even charming.

Charming. Now there was a word I used infrequently.

At any rate, I was looking forward to meeting him. Although I missed Alex and Dana, I was ready to begin my new project; since he was a transfer, I knew my work was cut out for me. I was excited to acquaint a new pair of eyes with the technology, regulations, and curriculum of Alpha.

At the same time, though, another part of me almost dreaded the meeting. By the end of the year, we would be separated in one way or another, and I'd have lost yet another friend. And that was assuming we even got that far. Being a Breaker, most students were either afraid of me or trying to outshine me, to the point where it was impossible to get close to them.

"Another question I've personally been wondering about, Jada."

"Yes?"

"How does the thought of competing with this impressive young man make you feel? I thought this transfer might be kind of hard on you, after Max."

Max. His name hit me like a solid wall, nearly stopping me in my tracks. I hadn't spoken of Max in months. I felt a suffocating wave of grief wash over me, the intrusive memories pressing in.

"I'm so sorry, Max. I- I don't know what to do."

"Jada, don't do anything. I'll be fine. And I will find a way back to you, I promise."

I hugged him, leaning into his compact form and breathing in his familiar scent. "Don't waste promises like that on me."

He took my shoulders softly and turned me to face him. His strong, commanding eyes caught mine, and I found I couldn't shift my gaze. "I'm not wasting anything. You're worth it, Jada, and I mean that."

I nodded, and he gave me a light, curious look. Just as I began to wonder what he was smiling for, he leaned down and kissed my forehead gently. "You're the best friend I've ever had. I'll miss you."

It took a moment to register that he had just kissed me. I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time, at the unfairness of it all.

"I'll miss you too."

He took my hand, squeezed it, and flashed me his signature smile. "Be brave, Jada Breaker."

"You too." My voice cracked unintentionally. It was getting harder and harder to swallow, and I felt my face heating up.

"Maxwell Reed, please report to shuttle bay 14. Maxwell Reed to shuttle bay 14."

He gave me a final, tight hug before walking away.

I had to stand behind velvet ropes, just like everyone else, to watch him board and depart.

The headmaster's voice, usually loud and clear, was quiet, full of sorrow, even breaking every so often. "Maxwell Reed, you have failed to meet the requirements for continued residence on Station Alpha. Prepare to be deported."

Max turned around to wink at me, then gave the crowds a two-fingered tap to the forehead that was his halfhearted salute. The shuttle doors stole my last glimpse of his light hair and mischievous eyes.

As soon as his shuttle was ejected from the bay, I started crying. I ran out of the bay, sprinting all the way back to my dorm. Thankfully, no one followed me. I honestly didn't even care what anyone else thought of me at that moment: my worries were with Max.

Out of my window, I had a perfect view of his shuttle, en route to Earth.

It all happened so quickly. A blue shuttle approached his white one and fired a shot. His shuttle began to smoke, lightly at first, gradually building to plumes. The world turned to slow motion, and I couldn't even react. I stood, watching, as his ship blossomed into flame, then disappeared.

Nothing felt real. It couldn't be real, nothing was real...

"Interface?" I asked after a long time.

"Yes, Miss Breaker?"

"What is the biological status of Maxwell Reed?"

It took a moment to respond. "Deceased."

"As of what time?"

"10:37 AM, today."

"Why?"

"Altercation with Terra Shuttle L-518."

"Oh," I said.

I stood for hours, numb and disbelieving, before I realized that my prism was bleeping. I had a new message.

From Maxwell Reed at 10:37 AM

I LOVE YOU

I had to contain a shiver. I missed Max, my Max, so much, and I hated reliving that day.

I realized that I had paused for too long, and needed to give Sal a quick answer. "I'm excited to meet Mr. Miles, but I could never forget Maxwell Reed."

"Will your experiences with him shape your interaction with Mr. Miles? Perhaps encourage more caution on your part?"

I felt my eyes getting hot. I couldn't cry, not there, not then. I almost cringed at how shaky my voice sounded when I began to speak. "I would never trade my memories of Max. Memories are valuable, and I hope to make more this year, no matter the price."

I knew I had been too outspoken, but I was also too upset to care. Sal was only pushing me for the cameras, I understood that, but it was still painful.

"I'm sorry, Jada. We all miss Max. I hope that this year exceeds your expectations."

I breathed deeply for a few moments. "Thank you, Sal. Now, if you would excuse me." I started walking faster, until Sal and his crew were far behind me.

I arrived at the entrance to Shuttle Bay 27 more quickly than I had planned. I tried to collect myself -- I couldn't be seen in front of any more cameras looking as rattled as I felt -- and opened the doors.