“Korgan always gets his technical calculations right,” Alisa said as she came to stand beside her. “And if he said those drones will get through this blasted jungle without crashing, they’ll do it.”

“Such faith,” Margaret murmured.

“You said yourself he gets things done. I knew if I could get him to commit, that would be half the battle. And the other half was you. You get things done, too. I know every one of those measurements you took was correct.” She was frowning, her gaze searching the darkness. “Where’s Juno? I haven’t seen her for the past two miles.”

“She’s close. She probably ran ahead. You know she’s gotten used to checking on Sasha whenever we’re near the camp. She seemed particularly anxious tonight.”

Her gaze flew to Margaret’s face. “Why?”

“I don’t know. It might be nothing. Dogs don’t always think the same way people do.” She paused. “But I think we’ll wait for a moment or two before we start back. Juno has become very attuned to Sasha during these last weeks. I don’t want to—”

Worried. Should I go to her?

Margaret broke off, her head lifting. Juno?

Alisa tensed. “What’s happen—”

“Hush.” She held up her hand to stop the flow, her expression intent as she concentrated. Where are you, Juno?

Sad. Worried. Want to go to her. She says no. I should go to you and tell you. Can I go to her anyway?

Is she hurt?

Not hurt. Worried. Afraid. Needs me.

If she’s not hurt, then do what she told you to do. She’ll know best.

Needs me.

Stubborn as always. Come back. You can help her later. She could sense reluctance that might soon become rebellion. She concentrated firmly: Come back, Juno.

Wrong.

But she was coming reluctantly, Margaret sensed with relief. Now reinforce it with what Sasha had told Juno to do. And while you’re on your way, will you tell me what Sasha wanted me to know?

*  *  *

“Am I allowed to speak now?” Alisa asked as Margaret turned back to her a few minutes later. “Is Juno okay?” She swallowed. “And please tell me nothing’s happened to Sasha?”

“Juno will be back any minute. She’d staked herself out in the forest watching Sasha’s tent, and she didn’t want to leave. I had to persuade her.” She looked her in the eye. “I’m not going to lie to you. Something probably did happen to Sasha that wasn’t good. But Juno said she wasn’t hurt, only worried and afraid and sad. She wanted Juno to give me a message. I think the reason Juno was so on edge coming here is that Sasha managed to reach her.”