to the skydiving competition in France. I’ve got some business of my own in France so I’ll head out earlier, but I’ll meet you there.’
‘What skydiving competition?’ asked Ethan.
‘The one in France,’ said Johnny. ‘The one Sam’s talking about. Jeez, how you gonna learn anything if you don’t listen?’
‘So how come you all know about it and I don’t?’
‘Because I didn’t tell you about it,’ said Sam.
‘But I’m invited?’ asked Ethan, unable to hide his smile.
Sam gave a nod. ‘Not just invited; I’ve booked your ticket.’ Ethan wasn’t given a chance to respond as Sam was already speaking to the whole team again. ‘Let me make one thing clear,’ he said. ‘You’re not there to compete as a four-way team, with Ethan instead of Jake, and Johnny filming. Despite what you all might think, Ethan isn’t ready to take Jake’s place just yet . . . He will be soon enough, but we’re not going to rush it. Got it?’
Everyone nodded and Ethan grinned. A skydiving competition in France! Fantastic! Ethan realized he’d progressed quickly, but knowing that Sam was considering him as Jake’s replacement felt amazing. He opened his mouth to say something, but the look Sam gave him made him shut it immediately.
‘You’ll all be doing this for the experience. Go out there, get a feel for how a competition runs, and check out what you’re up against for when you do eventually enter as a team. Right?’
Nods all round.
‘Good,’ said Sam. ‘Now, to make it interesting . . .’ He paused, and everyone leaned closer. ‘I’ve already entered you in a couple of categories – call it your instructor’s prerogative.’ He looked at the gang, one by one, then explained, ‘Johnny, you’re in for freestyle solo, Luke you’re on accuracy, Kat and Natalya, you’re on two-way.’
Ethan looked at the team. They were all smiles.
Sam stepped back and winked. ‘And if you find a way to win something in the process, that’s a bonus. Right, travel arrangements . . .’
Ethan, like the rest of the team, was hooked on Sam’s words. He knew he’d have to get his mum to agree to let him go, but couldn’t think of a reason why she’d say no. This was such a great opportunity – he knew she’d understand that. And Dad wouldn’t have any say in the matter.
‘As I’ve said, I’ll meet you out there,’ said Sam. ‘Everything is arranged and paid for. Your tickets are in my office, as are details of the accommodation. If you don’t mind, I’ll leave Luke to deal with all that, as usual.’
‘Don’t you trust me?’ asked Johnny.
‘In a skydive, yes,’ replied Sam. ‘In my office, no.’
‘It’s a fair point,’ said Johnny.
‘And well made,’ added Kat.
Ethan couldn’t help himself. ‘But how’s all this being paid for?’ he asked.
Sam’s look was steely. ‘I have my contacts. They like sponsoring the right team. Perform well, they’ll stay on board.’
‘They the same contacts who covered my AFF?’ Ethan wanted to know.
‘They are. And before you ask, they like staying anonymous.’
‘But you booked my tickets without asking,’ said Ethan. ‘How’d you know I’d be free?’
‘I didn’t,’ said Sam. ‘I just made a big assumption.’ He turned to leave, but stopped and looked back at the team. ‘One more thing,’ he said. ‘Any takers for a night jump?’
19
‘Night jump?’ asked Ethan. ‘I’m guessing that’s exactly what it sounds like, right?’
‘Absolutely,’ said Sam. ‘These guys haven’t done one for a while and it’ll do them good to have a little refresher. You’ve not got enough experience yet so I’ll take you tandem.’
‘When are we doing it?’ asked Ethan.
‘At night,’ said Johnny. ‘That’s why we call it a night jump.’
‘And to think I once found you funny,’ said Ethan, sighing theatrically.
‘I’ll arrange it for tomorrow evening,’ said Sam. ‘I’ve already checked with the pilot and he’s free. Luke?’
Luke looked at him enquiringly.
‘Can you sort out the LEDs and glow sticks?’
Luke nodded, and Ethan asked what an LED was.
‘If you’re flying a plane at night, spotting a skydiver is pretty impossible,’ said Sam. ‘LEDs – light-emitting diodes – are bright enough to make sure we stand out well enough to be avoided.’ He turned back to Luke. ‘Give Ethan an idea of what a night jump involves. The rest of you read up on it. I doubt any of you can remember much about the potential effects of hypoxia on your night vision, or anything about the dark zone.’
Natalya spoke up. ‘Hypoxia is a restricting of oxygen to the brain that happens