Farewell

Jaina stood next to Zekk, desperately searching for the right words, as he stood on the boarding ramp of the Lightning Rod. She had to say something before he left.

"I'll see you soon, I promise," Zekk said. "But right now I'd better be on my way. Maybe I'll even find Bornan Thul before IG-88 does. The least I can do is take him a message from Raynar."

Jaina swallowed. "Remember, Zekk, we're always willing to help you - to talk or listen, if you need us."

"I know, Jaina." He smiled at her, and before she knew it, she found herself caught up in a fierce hug, right there on the rooftop. She returned the hug for a long moment. Then Zekk backed into his ship waving a farewell. "Maybe I'll drop in to rescue you again sometime soon."

"Unless I rescue you first," Jaina countered. She stood with stinging eyes on the rooftop as he sealed the hatch of the old freighter. "Don't fly through any black holes, Zekk," she said in a hoarse whisper.

The Lightning Rod soared off into the sky, doubling back in a complex loop as Zekk showed off his flying prowess before taking the ship up into the atmosphere, and deep space. (213-4)

[ RETURN TO EXCERPTS ]