Bad Shape

I shot a look at my team.

Rachel growled menacingly but had stepped back to lean against the wall.

Marco was on the floor. The protruding sword still stuck out awkwardly in front of him. The pain must be awful beyond imagining.

Cassie held her front right paw off the ground, her body trembling.

Tobias favored his left wing.

This was insane! An impossible situation!

Maybe. Maybe not.

<Everyone,> I said privately. <I'm going to ask the visser to turn off the security protocol.>

<Yes, Prince Jake.>

<Jake, are you nuts?> Rachel hissed.

<Sometimes,> I said. <Let's hope now isn't one of those times. Timing is everything.

Be ready. Be very ready. The moment will come.>

I turned to face Visser Three.

<We accept your. . . offer.>