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immediately quiet down. “Twenty minutes ago, we sent an emergency transmission to the Core to let them know our position and request assistance. We have yet to receive a response. It’s possible they heard our transmission and the signal’s interference is preventing their response from reaching us, or our transmission may not have reached them at all. But as long as we stay on the Surface, we remain in danger. So, we’ve decided to prepare for immediate departure. The corporals and head pilots will pass out your mission assignments.”
    Four soldiers move through the door behind Sam and head down the staircase. Beechy and Skylar aren’t with them; they must’ve been assigned as the hovercraft pilots.
    â€œWe’re hopeful the flight path to the Pipeline will be clear,” Sam says. “But we need to prepare for the possibility we’ll run into enemy raiders. It’s imperative you all stay alert and follow any commands you’re given. If you have any questions, direct them to your assigned mission leader.” He casts a solemn look around the room. “Good luck.”
    Turning on his heel, Sam heads back into the main cabin. Dean steps out onto the landing a moment later.
    The corporals and head pilots begin shouting everyone’s mission assignments. There’s a flurry of movement around the cargo bay. Soldiers roll up the beds and stuff them back into the supply crates. Others hurry into the weapons locker to arm themselves with better guns before heading down the boarding ramp to go to their assigned X-wing.
    â€œCan you help me up?” Darren asks, wincing as he tries to stand up on his own.
    I take his arms and help him to his feet.
    â€œThanks,” he says.
    Lieutenant Dean’s coming down the staircase. When he reaches the bottom, he walks over to the two of us. “You were both assigned to the hovercraft crew. Head upstairs and buckle in. Switch on your ear-comm.”
    I twist the dial at the base of my helmet. Static comes through the speaker, but there’s a lot less than there was earlier tonight. Whatever Fiona did to strengthen the radio signal definitely helped lower the interference, thank goodness. The hovercraft pilot needs to be able to communicate with the X-wings once we’re up in the air.
    Darren starts for the staircase, limping on his wounded leg. I move after him so I can help him climb the stairs, but Dean touches my shoulder to stop me. “Wait.”
    I turn around. “What?”
    He glances over his shoulder, then beckons me to follow him behind a supply crate, out of view of the other soldiers. I hesitate, but go with him. Once we’re there, Dean pulls out one of the small pulse guns he carries in his holster belt and pushes it into my hands. “Keep this with you. Don’t let anyone take it.”
    I tuck it into my holster belt. I doubt Sam wants me carrying a weapon, but I don’t care. I feel much safer with a gun on my person. “Thanks.”
    Dean takes a step closer to me and drops his voice. “If anything goes wrong on our way to the Core, promise me you’ll do everything you can to stay unharmed.” He touches my shoulder, and I frown. His eyes are intense, almost fearful. “If we’re shot down, you need to get yourself as far away from the ship as you can and take cover. Don’t worry about anyone else. Just save yourself. Understand?”
    I frown. He wants me to abandon the other rebels—my friends—if we end up under attack. I couldn’t possibly do that.
    â€œDo you understand?” Dean repeats.
    I can see he’s not going to take no for an answer. “Yes, I do,” I say. “I will.”
    â€œGood,” he says, releasing his grip on my shoulder. He pauses, as if he might say something more.
    â€œLieutenant Dean!” A soldier calls his name.
    Without another word, Dean moves past me. I almost stop him. I want to ask him why he