Page 72 of Rogue Starfighter

“With no weapons.”

“They do not know we are empty.”

“For how long?”

I did not answer.

“For how long, Vesh?”

“Long enough.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It is the only one I have.”

She released the controls and turned toward me. “No. You do not get to do this. Tavik put his side of the cockpit between you and a gun, and it destroyed you. Now you want to put me in a pod and make me watch you do exactly the same thing? No.”

“Tavik saved my life.”

“And broke your heart.”

“Both can be true.”

“We go through together or not at all.”

“Then the data dies with us.”

“We’ll find another way.”

“There is no other way.”

She flinched. I hated the words. I hated the truth more. The interceptors fired again. Priya grabbed the controls and dove beneath the volley. The Wraith’s hull screamed.

“Core at five percent,” I said. “Three minutes of air.”

“I can make the Gate.”

“No.”

“Twelve ships. No weapons. One engine. The formation is complete.”

“Then help me break it.”

“I am.”

I armed her escape capsule. The harness locked across her chest and hips. Priya looked down, then at me.

“Unlock it.”

“I cannot.”

“Liar.” She fought the harness. The emergency system held. “Vesh, don’t.”

I took control of the Wraith and turned us away from the Gate. The four approaching Scythes changed course to follow us.

“The plan will work,” I said. “I will head toward the debris field. When they break formation to follow, the Gate will be exposed. Your capsule launches and runs straight through.”

“I don’t care about the plan.”