Chapter Fifteen

 

"We're gonna have to leave someone with the ship."

I shook my head. "Zenla, that was about as interesting as the past thirty times you've said it."

"Well, no one responded!" She let out an irritated huff. 

"You're basically stating the obvious," Kristern added. She turned to smirk at Zenla. "Are you volunteering?"

"No?" Zenla sighed. "I just wanted to make sure you guys were listening."

"Well, I was trying to focus." I turned back to the front and examined the looming ship. "I think Kristern should stay on the ship."

"Why?" She frowned at me.

"Because we'll probably need a good pilot if something goes awry." Reaga shrugged. "It probably will."

"Then why doesn't Winera stay behind? She was the one who was inconscience a few minutes ago. And, it's her ship and she's the better pilot." Kristern raised an eyebrow at me. 

"I need to go, so I can sense Reyjin if she's here."

"What if she isn't?"

"Well, we won't know that until we get there will we?" I gripped the control yoke tighter. 

"You can't sense her now?" Zenla moved to stand behind me, also studying the cruiser.

"I haven't been able to, because no one is letting me focus!" 

Reaga sighed. "Alright, I have an idea. Kristern, you'll stay with the ship. If anything goes really wrong, then we'll need some kind of diversion. That'll be you." She turned to me and Zenla. "We're gonna have to fast here, okay?"

I nodded and got up. "I'm ready." I turned to Kristern. "I suppose you can take us in."

She grinned and slid into the pilot seat. 

A few minutes later, she maneuvered us against an airlock. Reaga, Zenla, and I climbed out of the Silver Blade and into the ship. The hallway was silent, so we hurried along it without too much need for stealth. 

Reaga pointed to a small alcove. "Try to sense her."

I closed my eyes to focus and reached out with the Force. A second later, I felt something click.

Is that you, Winera?

It's me. Are you okay?

Not really, no. Where are you?

Looking for you. Are you on a cruiser?

So many questions. I don't think so. You got away? I thought you were in trouble.

I was. Reaga and Zenla found me.

Oh. Reyjin's voice grew quieter. I'm not on a cruiser, I'm not quite certain where I am, but I've learned that Aera is somewhere around Dantooine. Try and find her, then come get me please.

Bossy.

Hey, cut me some slack. I don't like being a prisoner very much.

I sighed. Alright, hold on a bit longer. I'll  find you sooner rather than later.

Pleeeease hurry. I can't pretend to be unconscious much longer.

I opened my eyes and met the gazes of Reaga and Zenla. "Reyjin isn't on this ship, but we think Aera is."

Reaga nodded slowly. "Alright then, here's what we're going to do, and you are not going to argue. We're going to find Aera and bring her back to Courascant. Then we'll grab a few more people and try to find Reyjin."

Zenla and I exchanged looks. We didn't like the idea of having to leave Reyjin behind, but we didn't really have a choice.

Finally, I nodded.

It might take a bit, Reyjin, but we ARE coming for you.