>>5415622“So what do you think we should do then?” You ask, “I thought it would be better to stay here, but this changes things.”
“I’m working on something,” Jimba says cryptically, glancing over to the last soldier lingering nearby. Is he just being paranoid?
“...Would it have to do with what you were discussing with Ramba last night?” You ask, deciding to err on the side of caution. The question came out a little more vague, but you think he understands that you mean an escape plan.
“How-” Jimba starts to question you but then breaks out into a grin, “Yes, yes it does. He’s off, eh, finding the way, you could say.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.” Your mother says, utterly puzzled.
“...Perhaps we should speak somewhere more private.” Jimba offers up, leading you back to his office. He orders the remaining men to secure the perimeter, or whatever is left of it. Once you’re secured from potentially treacherous ears Jimba speaks with considerably more candor.
“Ramba is speaking with some associates of his in the city.” Jimba explains, “Astraia, you’ve met Ms. Hamon before, haven’t you?”
Your mother nods slowly, “In passing. Can she be trusted?”
“As much as Ramba can be. She would never betray him.” Jimba states matter-of-factly.
“And she’s working on finding us a way out?” Casval asks, “How long will she need?”
“I’m not sure, but Ramba said he would be back in a few hours with details… A few hours ago. With the colony the way it is right now it’s anybody’s guess when he’ll return. I wouldn’t dare call him right now though, the Zabis have the communications network monitored and they might put together what he’s up to.”
“So what does everybody think we should do then?” You ask, leaving the question hanging in the air.
“I still think we should go home,” Casval says, “Especially now. It will buy time for Ms. Hamon, and the Zabis will get suspicious if we don’t go soon.”
“...Could… Could we move along this escape plan? Do it faster, somehow?” Your mother asks, looking at Jimba. He seems uncertain.
“We could attempt something hastier, but I can’t guarantee your safety.” He finally answers, fists clenching again, “I’m sorry, Astraia.”
What to choose, what to choose…
>Go with Casval’s plan. You still don’t like it, but if it’s just to buy time maybe it will work. A few days or weeks might be fine.>Press for a more immediate escape. It sounds like things are going to be dangerous either way.>”Is there somewhere else on the colony that we could hide until Ms. Hamon and Ramba’s plan is ready?” 