Read Galactic Battle for Free Online

into John’s mind. Maybe no leader could possibly whip this team into shape. Tarope couldn’t keep hold of his LaserPro, Kritta was literally falling over herself, and Dyfi couldn’t even lift her weapon. Maybe they were just a team of duds.
    I’m the leader. I have to say something.
    â€œOkay, Tarope, let’s go over that again,” he said. “Maybe if you pace yourself a bit? Instead of an all-out attack, try a few cuts and thrusts—”
    â€œOh, save it,” Tarope said angrily. “These stupid things are probably defective.” He kicked his turned-off LaserPro across the room, then sat down and gazed over at Monix.
    John could see that Monix and Kaal were actually doing pretty well. The floating oblong was able to zip and weave in the air, dodging out of the way of Kaal’s swipes, while Kaal seemed cool and confident, blocking Monix’s sudden lunges.
    â€œAt least some of us know what we’re doing,” Tarope grumbled.
    At first John thought Tarope was just admiring their skill, but then he began to wonder. Was Tarope making fun of him?
    The thought made him feel miserable. I’m in way over my head. Monix would have made a much better leader than me.
    From the way Tarope and the others were watching Monix perform, he guessed they were thinking the same thing.

CHAPTER 4
    The bell sounded for lunch, and not a moment too soon. John felt ready to collapse.
    â€œAll right, everyone. We’ll break for lunch in the Center, then the team sheet says we have to go and meet Master Tronic in the Belly.”
    â€œI’ve never been down to the Belly,” Dyfi said, sounding worried. “Is it as scary as everyone says?”
    John had no idea, but he didn’t want to say so. “Let’s sort out our own bellies before we worry about that.”
    It was a lame joke, but Kritta giggled anyway. As soon as Kaal noticed, he joined in, too.
    John felt a little better after that. It made him glad to know his friend was trying to cheer him up.
    He still felt so tired he could barely face the walk. A whole morning of trying to improve the team’s weaponry skills had really taken it out of him. They had practiced for hours and hours, with John urging them to change partners, try techniques suggested by the team sheet, and rehearse a few flashy moves that John thought would impress the parents.
    It wouldn’t be so bad if I were any good with the LaserPros myself, John thought glumly. Kaal and Monix are much better than me. But it’s my job to make sure we all put on a good performance. What was it Lorem said? “Every student gets to shine in the Space Spectacular.” But how can they shine if I don’t get them to shape up?
    â€œGalactic standard credit for your thoughts?” Kritta said, falling into step beside John and Kaal. Tarope, Monix, and Dyfi lagged behind, talking among themselves.
    â€œRight now, I’m hoping Zepp’s arranged something I can actually eat,” John said. “He tries his best, but he’s still not an expert at making Earth food yet.”
    Lately, Zepp, Hyperspace High’s computer system, had been experimenting with desserts. John had really looked forward to the “apple turnover,” but to his disappointment had found an upside-down apple on his plate.
    Even worse, he’d nearly broken his teeth on the Mars bar made from a piece of rock from the planet Mars. Sometimes Zepp could be way too literal.
    Kritta chatted all the way to the Center, asking John all about his Robot Warriors victory. It was weird talking to someone who had such huge, inhuman eyes and who clicked and buzzed between words, but she was very friendly.
    Her odd looks didn’t seem to bother Kaal; the huge Derrilian was listening to her intently. He’s probably hoping she’ll mention his own victory in Robot Warriors, John thought. He and Kaal had been the first-ever joint winners, after