CHAPTER 73
The Last Qualifier
AVERY
The last qualifier required three decisions and rewarded only one.
First Light launched into a weak eastern layer. The target lay north beyond a low ridge. Windline showed a narrow northbound current at five hundred feet, but it weakened toward the landing zone. The safest alternate field sat west, away from the score.
Nolan asked, “Recommendation?”
“Climb to five hundred. If north track is not established by the quarry road, descend west.”
“Agreed.”
They spoke like colleagues.
The balloon reached five hundred and turned north. First decision: continue.
At the quarry road, speed increased. Target confidence rose to seventy-four percent. Second decision: hold.
Beyond the ridge, surface flags near the landing zone began showing gusts. The target remained reachable, but the planned field was deteriorating.
“Alternate west,” Nolan said.
Avery checked the score. They needed the target to guarantee a final-stage position.
Then she looked at the flags.
“Alternate west,” she agreed.
Third decision: land.
First Light missed the target cylinder by half a mile and landed upright in a broad alfalfa field. Avery expected disappointment.
Sam’s voice came over radio. “Other teams also diverted. You qualified in second.”
Kira shouted. Priya cried. Nolan closed his eyes briefly.
Avery laughed with relief.
After the fuel was secure, they stood outside the basket.
“You trusted the flags,” Nolan said.
“You trusted my first route.”
“We have always done the work well.”
“Not always honestly.”
“No.”
Avery looked at him. “I am not ready to ask for us back.”
“Neither am I.”
The answer hurt less than it once would have.
Nolan held out his hand.
“Partners for the final?”
Avery took it.
“Crew,” she said.
His smile returned. “We will see.”
The words mirrored their first agreement, but neither of them was the same person who had spoken them then.