Attending to her Mother’s beckoning wave Octavia joined the small family group which currently included Claudia. 

“I wanted to take a moment while we are all together to wish you good luck in your air race, Claudia. We are sure you will perform well. I am already planning a dinner so you can come and tell us all about it when you return.”

“Thank you so much Mrs. Dorrsett,” Claudia beamed at the praise and the shared excitement.

“You’ve been a dear friend to Octavia, especially lately.” Mrs. Dorrsett paused meaningfully. “We can’t think of a better way to show our appreciation of you, and encourage you in your own pursuits, so Hubert has agreed that next year the Prime Aeronatutical Society will sponsor your new airship.”

Both young ladies gasped. Claudia reached out to hug Mrs. Dorrsett. She gushed gratitude to Hubert.

Octavia could feel the color drained out of her face and threw her hands over her cheeks, hoping to appear delighted. “Are you serious?”

“I’m surprised you hadn’t suggested the PAS sponsoring her before.” Hubert leaned over his younger sister, an accusing tone lacing his words, “I could have done something for her this year.”

“She doesn’t need your help. Her airship is beautiful.” Octavia retorted.

“But the PAS,” Claudia exalted. “Next year we won’t be piecing things together, I’ll have the best technology available. No one will be able to compete! Next year I’m going to win. This year I just” she stopped herself from saying anything about ‘coming back in one piece’, “have to do the best I can with what I have.”

“You will, and your ship will prove to be grand.” Octavia proclaimed. 

Try as she might, Octavia could not coax Claudia away from making future plans with Hubert. Octavia’s feigned headache was turning into a real one. She retreated outside. 

Octavia knew Claudia was going to be safe and careful and do beautifully in the race. But without the need to compete for a sponsor she would lose rankings. Her performance would be lacking. If any other sponsors did happen to show interest Claudia would shun them in favor of the PAS. Claude would never have the chance of a first race again, and she was going to squander it.

This very week Octavia was taking down Hubert, and the PAS itself might not survive. But the destruction would not culminate before the race was over. The opportunity for other sponsors would be lost. Octavia was putting Claudia’s dreams on the guillotine. 

“What should I do?” Octavia lamented and swiped tears away as quickly as she could. Grown as she was, she desperately needed her Papa with her. But he was long gone. When the tears were all replaced with a heavy dryness, she left the evening breeze behind and returned to the birthday party. All traces of the cry were gone, she forced a smile but her youthful exuberance had been sobered.

The first person she saw was Maximillian Fischer. Father had prized and honored the young engineer. Hubert loathed him.

A wave of relief rushed over her at the sight. Now she knew. Someone’s dream was going to live through the week. She would make sure it was her father’s. She set her gait and didn’t alter the pace even when doubts bombarded her. No hesitation. This was the beginning of her contest. Now she was the one vying for support. Start friendly, Octavia decided, then get into the bleak business.

“Mr. Fischer, how good of you to come.” Octavia stood before the man, anticipation brightening her face. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you again. Where are you working these days?”