Project Boussh: Not Again
by Vickie Boyd

Vickie took a step back and put up her hands defensively. "Whoa, wait a
minute. Don't fire."

Dorset lowered her blaster and looked shocked. "What are you doing here?
I just left you in the hangar!"

"What are you talking about? I just escaped medical. They were going to
poke me with a damn needle again. I HATE NEEDLES!"

"No, you were leaving with Wedge and Quiara."

"No, I wasn't."

"Excuse me, Ladies," Brad finally intervened. "But, perhaps we should
think about getting out of here before more troopers show up."

The two women looked up at the man, then to each other. "He has a
point," Dorset said.

Vickie nodded and looked down at the mouse droid. "Ok little guy. Show
us the best way out of here."

The little droid squeaked and squawked before rolling down the hall
opposite the way the troopers had gone. He led them down several
corridors before they came to a dead end. The droid acted confused.

"Great," Vickie said exasperated. "Now what?"

"Don't move," a muffled voice said from behind them.

The three turned to see a squad of troopers blocking their only exit.
"Well it's about time you showed up," Brad said to the lead trooper.

"WHAT," Dorset and Vickie screamed at the same time. Both turned to look
at Brad, flame in their eyes.

He turned and looked at Vickie, speaking softly. "I've done all I can
do. I'm sorry I couldn't do better, but I have my own problems."

Her brow furrowed for a moment before she gave him a quick nod.

Dorset was not quite so calm. "How could you?!" She pulled her hand back
to strike him.

Vickie reached out with lightening reflexes and stopped her. "He's not
worth it."

The Polearm pilot pushed hard against the hand holding her, but could
gain no ground. She shot the Terran a hateful look.

*He is not a traitor. He has a plan.* Vickie continued to look her in
the eyes as she spoke telepathically. *Give him a chance.*

Dorset relaxed and lowered her arm. The Jedi let go and they turned to
face the troopers. Brad moved over to speak with the lead. "Are you sure
about this," she asked Vickie

"As sure as I have been about him the entire time," she replied.