"You're right," said Ulysses. "I don't like it. I also don't think it'll work."
"When I was taken over by one of those...things, it was obvious that their primary focus is
finding Nera. They believe she poses an existential threat to them. She's public enemy number one, as
far as they're concerned." O'Flannery paused when the server came by and placed his sandwich in
front of him. "We can use their fixation on her to our advantage in the short-term. But if this drags out
too long, we actually have no idea what they'll do next to try to get her. One thing they won't do is give
up and go home." He took a bite of his sandwich.
Ulysses began to argue, but Nera shushed him.
"He's right," she said.
"But Nera," said Ulysses, his voice hoarse, "even if this plan works and you manage to kill all the
hyssopshebolith, you'll still be stuck in a government facility. If you hand over your ship, you won't be
able to get away."
She put her hand on Ulysses's cheek and looked into his eyes. "There are many ways this plan
could go wrong. Even if it goes right, I'll be trading enslavement for prison. I know these things. Yet
despite them, what makes this plan worthwhile to me is the time we've had together, and my fear of
the hyssopshebolith doing to your people what they have done to mine."
Tears welled up in Ulysses's eyes. "Then I'm going with you," he said.
"Come again? Are you mental?" Said Giles.
Ulysses wiped at his eyes, trying in vain to dry them. "Well?" he said looking at O'Flannery.
O'Flannery shrugged with his hands spread wide. "Suit yourself." UJ