We're Even Now

Needless to say, it wasn't mere complacency that gave Jake such a sense of contentment. Even if he failed and died in the end, it didn't really matter. What mattered was that he outlived them.

At that point, no matter what bullshit he told them back on B842, they would be forced to take his word for it or torture their minds sorting out the true from the false. Either way, it was a great victory for Jake.

"This time we're trying to stay together. "Jake warned them in earnest, gauging their attitude with the corner of his eye.

Despite his desire to believe them, the fact that they had been exempted from the previous trap, unlike him and his cousins, unfortunately called for mistrust. As long as he had not found the reason for this, he would be on his guard, although their sincerity remained as likely a hypothesis as any other.

"Stay close to me, Enya. "Hakkrasha suddenly spoke in a deep and ancient voice. "I cannot protect you both this time."