Chapter Ten

Jimmy still felt a weakness in his knees as he stood near the helm where Hima was seated. Julz was right behind him, her watchful eyes careful not to miss any sign that Jimmy might falter.

Mul-Rok sat in the Captain's chair, leaning forward with his elbows planted squarely on his knees.

"Du-Voz is coming. He's coming fast."

Hima's massive fingers played skillfully across the flatscreen keyboard in front of him. "There's nothing on the scanners, kid. Not a blasted thing."

Jimmy turned to Mul-Rok. "He's following, staying just far enough behind us to remain undetected. If the Council give him the authority he needs to make his move. We'll be too late to react. There will be no escape."

Mul-Rok glanced quickly at his daughter. He could sense the bond she'd created with Jimmy. He'd deal with that later. If Jimmy was right...

"Hima, how quickly can you get us to Earth?"

Hima stared at Mul-Rok for only a second before responding. "I've got the coordinates already set in the Nav-Com. All I need is your override code for the jump to the system."

Mul-Rok turned his gaze to Jimmy. "Our lives are in your hands, young one." He took another look at Julz, then rose from his chair and went to stand next to Hima. "Here's your code, Hima. H4TY890S1Z. Get us to Earth, now."

...

Pausha stood rigid, trying desperately to process what he'd just heard and how he would deliver the news to Du-Voz. There wouldn't be any easy way to tell him Mul-Rok's ship had made it's jump without warning.

"Maintain your present course. I'll be with the Captain."