And I was about to leave it all behind to chase a signal that might be nothing. That might be everything.
Bea was in our quarters when I arrived, reviewing medical files on her datapad. She looked up as I entered, and her expression shifted immediately from professional to concerned.
"Dana messaged me," she said. "You're going on the rescue mission."
"Yes."
"That's dangerous."
"Yes."
"You could die."
"I'm aware."
Bea set down her datapad, studied me with those calm gray eyes that saw way too much. "You're going anyway."
It wasn't a question.
"Those are my people out there, Bea. Liberty crew. Command-track officers. People I might have worked with, eaten lunch with, shared transport with during the voyage. I can't just ignore?—"
"I know." She stood, crossed to where I stood frozen by the door. "I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I'm trying to make sure you come back."
She pulled me into a hug. Not fierce like Dana's. Gentle. The way she did everything, with precise care and absolute competence.
"I'll come back," I promised into her shoulder. "Zor'go's coming too. He'll keep me safe."
"Zor'go." Something shifted in her tone. "Dana mentioned you two have been close."
"We're in love." The words felt strange and wonderful. "Just figured that out about an hour ago. Terrible timing."
"Perfect timing, actually. Nothing motivates survival like new love." Bea pulled back, smiled slightly. "Make sure you both come back. I'd like to meet him properly. The romantic version, not just the brilliant architect version."
"There's a difference?"
"Oh yes. Dana says Er'dox becomes substantially more ridiculous when he's in love. I'm curious if Zor'go follows the same pattern."
Despite everything, the fear, the mission, the signal from people who might already be dead, I laughed. "He uses probability calculations to express emotion. It's terrifying and adorable."
"That sounds very Zor'go." Bea squeezed my shoulders. "Go get ready. And Jalina? Trust your instincts. You're good at reading people. If something feels wrong out there, listen to that feeling."
"I will."
I changed quickly into practical clothes, sturdy boots, the survival pack we'd all been issued when we first arrived on Mothership. Added my notebook, because even in the middle of a rescue mission I might need to sketch something. Checked my data pad for messages.
One from Dana:Don't be a hero. Be smart.
One from Elena:Kick some ass. Bring everyone home.
Nothing from Kim. She was still in detention. Still working through her own complicated relationship with loyalty and survival and obligation.
I wondered if she'd sent the signal. If this was another trap. Another betrayal.
Then I pushed the thought away. Kim was brilliant and broken, but she wouldn't do that. Wouldn't use our hope against us.
Probably.
The shuttle bay was chaotic when I arrived. Vaxon stood at the center, coordinating the security team with crisp efficiency. Six Zandovian warriors in full tactical gear with armor, weapons, scanning equipment. Everything needed for combat operations.
