Eli grimaced. “I just love attacking an unknown number of soldiers in a fortified underground bunker,” he said. “It really livens up my day.”

“At least we have a telekinetic on our side this time,” Anja said with a grin. “They’ll run away from us.”

I didn’t exactly share her optimism, but I hoped she was right. “Do we have everything we need, or do we need to make a trip to Starlight?”

“Going to your ship is not a good idea,” Torran murmured. “Chira will get you whatever you need, and it would be best if you wore Valovian armor.”

“We’ll need the armor soon, then, so we have time to get used to it,” Eli said. He glanced out the window at the dark sky. “It’s already after midday, so tonight will be cutting it close, even if Kee and Lexi can get us in.”

“Not tonight,” I said. I held up a hand to ward off the protests. “You know I don’t want a child to suffer for any longer than necessary, but if we go in half-cocked, then we’re more likely to run into problems. We’ll plan for tomorrow night when most of the guards will be asleep. That gives us a day and a half to come up with a solid plan, do some training together, and get used to the armor. If Lexi and Kee can’t find a way in, then we’ll reevaluate tomorrow afternoon. Objections?”

No one objected.

“Okay, Kee and Lexi, you’re on access. Figure out a way to get us in without being seen. Take Varro with you if you need to be on-site.”

“I’ll go with them,” Nilo said. The charming grin was back, filled with mischief. “I know a thing or two about getting into a building unseen.”

Lexi rolled her eyes but didn’t object.

I turned to Eli and Anja. “Work with Chira to get us the weapons and armor we’re going to need.” When they nodded, I moved to Havil. “Gather medical supplies. I know you can heal, but if you are hurt or overtaxed, then we’ll have to triage injuries ourselves, so we’ll need bandages, medicine, and trauma kits.”

He dipped his head. “I will have everything ready in an hour.”

“Torran and I will do some initial planning, then we’ll talk everything through once you all are done with your individual pieces. Sound good?” Everyone nodded. “Then let’s get to it. Good luck. Be careful.”

Torran and I retreated to his office so we could talk without interrupting Lexi and Kee, who were trying to find a remote way into the underground bunker. We pulled the blueprint up on the wall display, and I stared at the little squiggle that was going to be our entrance point.