Logan emerged from his strategy session accompanied by his officers and noncoms. He found Kyle, the corporal guard, waiting in the corridor. “Did the twin return?”
“Twenty seconds late.” Kyle handed over the timepiece. “He asks to speak with you.”
“Where are they now?”
“Scouting the market area over by the tunnel. Sidra’s with them. I hope that’s okay, sir. You didn’t say nothing about holding them here.”
“You did right, Corporal.” He signaled for Vance and Nicolette to join him. “Let’s move out.”
They found the twins standing in the middle of the broad avenue leading to the tunnel’s entrance. When they came into view, Logan halted where he and his officers could observe the two off-worlders. He watched Sean and Dillon huddle, their hands shaping structures in the cavern’s dusty air.
“They’re working on something, sure enough,” Vance said.
Logan nodded. “Have they discussed a strategy?”
“Not with me.”
Kyle said, “The quiet one, Sean. He said he had half an idea.”
“Looks like more than half to me,” Vance said.
Logan disliked the feeling this gave him, having his authority challenged in such a way. Their survival rested on a knife’s edge. It was unsettling to think that their existence might come down to trusting these two.
The twins chose that moment to break off their conversation and come trotting over.
Sean said, “Dillon has a plan.”
“It was your idea,” Dillon corrected. “I just put meat on the bones.”
“Tell me,” Logan said.
Sean did most of the talking. He sketched out a concept that had promise, but only if Logan was willing to place these two off-worlders at the center of their unit.
Logan wished he had a chance to step back and ponder. For days, if need be. His entire life had been built around the secrecy that was only possible when all outsiders were treated as potential foes.
When Sean stopped, Logan decided he had no choice but to accept their plan. His uncle’s refusal to offer support had stripped him of the freedom to take an alternate route. It was either this, or die. Of course, they could still retreat. Which was . . .
Logan realized there was something he had to do. Now. Before the battle. While he still could claim a breath as his own. He needed to seek the counsel of a general who understood the risk involved in trusting strangers.
He said to Vance, “I need to report in.”
“You mean, talk with Gerrod?” Vance frowned. “I doubt you’ll find any help in that quarter. The general’s adjutant wants to watch you fail.”
“Which is why I intend to go directly to General Brodwyn.” He turned to Sidra. “Can you take me back to Cygneus?”
The fierce young woman showed an instant’s dismay. “Cross space? With you?”
“You’ve taken prisoners to Aldwyn’s far side. You’ve jumped from the surface to Hattie’s ship. The only difference is the distance you’ll be covering.”
Vance asked, “You’re sure that’s necessary?”
“Vital,” Logan said. He turned back to Sidra. “Well?”
Before she could respond, Sean said, “I volunteer.”
That turned them all around. “You can do this?” Logan asked.
“Indirectly. I’ll bring you in contact with the Assembly’s representatives. They’ll take you where you want to go.”
“Can I trust these off-worlders?”
“With your life,” Sean replied.
Vance asked, “You’ve crossed space with others in your care?”
Dillon replied, “Hundreds of times. More.”
Logan saw a sudden confluence of forces, a drawing together of multiple strands of fate. He said to Dillon, “Put your plans into action.”
The twin showed a warrior’s grin. “Immediately.”
Logan turned to the others. “Nicolette, Vance, Sidra, you will accompany me?”
It was Nicolette who replied, “To the galaxy’s hidden depths.”
“Let’s hope that won’t be necessary.” Logan reached out a hand to Sean. “Quick, now. Time is not our ally.”