Kijani focused on the holomap while Eskel laid out the plan. There were so many ins and outs, so many places for an enemy to hide. This could go wrong, very fast. It would rely on a great deal of deception on her and Eskel’s part.

“Adam, keep in mind that we won’t be able to act until that’s in place. We have to make nice and hope against hope that his father doesn’t call our bluff.” That was going to be the trickiest part by far. “If he just up and attacks us, knowing that Eskel’s not supposed to be there, we’ll be in trouble. But – if he acts ignorant of the matter, that’s all we’ll need.” She felt her stomach flutter and twist. 

“I have a bad feeling about this.” She sighed. “But it’s the plan we have. If it goes south…” She studied the map once more before tracing a path with her fingertip. “We exit this way and wrap around back to the ship.”