Every one of Caledonia’s plans started with a feeling, a small kernel in the pit of her belly that felt like the center of everything. When that feeling bloomed, she knew she was in the right place. She had that feeling now.

“If a ship tries to leave the bay without clearance, will the jetties close?”

Gloriana nodded. “They can close inside five minutes.”

“Good. And it will take five minutes for them to reopen?”

“Yes, but a small ship can get through in three.”

That was less good news, but Gloriana didn’t need to know it. “What about setting explosives? Can you help us sabotage the arms?”

“If you can get me the bombs, I can place them,” she said with confidence. “I just need some time.”

The plan bloomed a little more. “I’ll get you the bombs, and after that all I need from you is to open the jetty walls on my signal.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it. Open the jetties and get to the ship. We’ll take care of the rest.”

Gloriana crossed her arms over her chest, and with a shake of her head said, “I’ve heard stories about you, you know. How you started by picking off bale barges in the south and took on Fiveson Lir in the north. In nearly every story they tell, you lurk beneath the waves like a many-headed hydra and are out there, biding your time before you strike again.”

“A hydra?” She laughed at the image.

“I think I see what they mean.” Gloriana reached for the door, pausing with her hand on the latch. “And I hope you’re as unkillable as the stories suggest.”

She pulled open the door and led the way back through the hallway and up the stairs. It was just as quiet as when they’d arrived, only this time, Caledonia moved with confidence. Everything was falling into place. All except one piece.

“One more thing,” she said, stopping Gloriana just inside the door to the alley. “Do you know where they’re holding Or—Fiveson Oran?”

Now Gloriana frowned. “I don’t,” she said solemnly. “Nor do I wish to.”

Caledonia recognized the same mix of fear and anger she’d seen in her Blades whenever Oran was mentioned, but she pushed on. “Can you find out?”

The woman’s frown deepened, and she nodded reluctantly. “I can try.”

“Good. Do it.”

Gloriana’s frown dug in as she nodded her agreement. She turned suddenly, ripping the door open and stepping through. They emerged into the same alley to find the day was in its full stride.

“I’ll wait for your signal,” Gloriana said. “In the meantime, keep to your sector. I can’t watch you all the time.”

“You were following me?”

“Of course,” she answered with true surprise. “Did you think that was luck?” The woman laughed. “There’s no luck in Slipmark, friend.”