for two reasons.
Firstly, and most importantly, so I could answer Jinx question, and secondly, for the first time ever, I could hear background 'mind whispers'.

"You know the drill far better than I do," I said to Jinx, "you decide who needs to be briefed about this, get them all together and I'll come and tell you all why we have to do this."

Jinx was looking at me as if I was in danger of losing the plot completely, and truth to tell, I wasn't entirely sure if I wasn't.
"Look, I'll be over there in my lean to, just give us a shout when you're sorted alright?"

I started walking, not really taking in my physical surroundings.
I got to my lean to, and sat down, ready for whatever was going to come at me.

"I'm sorry if I offended you, but I'm a plain spoken person, and I don't really have the patience for fiddling around when we're all caught up in a situation we don't understand. Am I forgiven?"

"Yes, you are forgiven, but as you've realised, I have something else to tell you. You must tell no one why you are to go on this rescue. To do that will guarantee failure. Your group has someone in it, who is an unknowing conduit to your enemies. I have yet to ascertain who it is; but it is vital not to reveal that we can communicate. I will help you in every way I am able to find Hecate, but no one can know of my presence at any time."


To say I was shocked was an understatement.
"How will I convince them that we have to do this?", I asked, "I'm not even military, I just can't order these people to follow any orders I give. I'm not even allowed to give orders for f*** sake, how can I swing something as big as this?"


Before any kind of answer was forthcoming, I heard Jinx calling my name.

'I know what to do,' I thought as inspiration suddenly dinged in my brain.

I got up and went to the opening of my lean to. Jinx saw "Come on Trini, we're waiting for you"

"Is Kir there with you all?" I asked

"No he's over there, why?"

"Just give me second and I'll be with you all in a moment" I replied, making my way over to Kir.

He looked up, and smiled wearily when he heard my approach.

"Ah Trini, what can I do for you?"

"Sir, you need to organise a search and rescue for Hecate, on my say so, with no questions asked. Do you trust me enough to do that?"

Kir just looked at me saying nothing.

"Our window of opportunity is very limited, and we need to be moving sooner rather than later to find her. I also have to go with you while you search for her. I can't tell you anything more than that."

At that moment, Jinx joined us.

I was still looking at Kir expectantly, waiting for a reply, when he and Jinx both started to speak at once.