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The warship’s engines roar and they shove me into a seat The men don’t set their weapons down The Gold and the Obsidian both touch razors on their forearures are still escorting us I glihth the rain

“Company yet?” Holiday asks the helmeted Blue pilot

“Sky’s clear, ov alt in ten seconds” My ears pop Then it’s silent except for the engines Everyone is edgy Are they worried about another attack from the kidnappers? How far could their reach possibly extend?

“Distance to Citadel?”

“Fifty klicks”

Soies At fros”

“How many?”

“Fourteen rippers Two gunboats Shall I call SkyLord support?”

“That damn woman,” Holiday mutters “No Alert the Citadel but tell SkyLord to hold I was ordered to keep this quiet; a dogfight over the city ain’t exactly whispering”

The Blue carries out her commands as the co-pilot speaks into his headset “Attention Barca aircraft, this is the HAF Pride Seven, you are in violation of Republic Governn’s warrant Deviate your course immediately to civilian altitudes You have ten seconds to comply”

They’re not deviating I see theh the cockpit Little black dots s in a line to prevent us fro the Citadel

“Inco transmission”

“Nakarowls over the coines and deliver me the Red terrorist”

A Blue hands Holiday a remote com “Victra, the witness is under arrest Do not interfere with Republic jurisdiction I’ve been authorized by the Sovereign to deliver her using any and all means at my disposal You don’t want this trouble”

“Darling, I am the trouble”