FORESIGHT and SCOPE: BOOK TWO

C H A P T E R F I F T Y-S E V E N

"Like I said, Tiny, I got tied up and now I got a new problem." Cid rolled her eyes before waving her scaly hand, as if to shoo the issue away. "Now, do you want to continue moping or make some money? This morning, I got a tip on a downed ship, which means cargo ripe for the taking. I'll even give you 30% of the cut."

"That is our standard percentage." Tech noted bluntly.

"All right. This one time, let's say 35%." I snorted and boosted my thumb up.

"Okay, 40." Everyone exchanged unapproved glances before slapping her with a 'no' with our eyes.

"Fine," Cid groaned. "50% as a token of my goodwill, that you seem to have forgotten. I'm sending you the intel now. Don't come back unless you scavenge something valuable."

"What makes you think we'd come back at all?" Hunter scoffed.

"Don't test me, Bandana. Just get it done." I figured the Trandoshan would cut off the transmission after that threat, but then she shot another glare at me. "I've got something to discuss with you, Princess. Alone." Her tone signaled me she was very serious. Deciding to listen for once and not test her, I waved my hands. "Alright, you heard the 'boss'. Everyone, out." While I was acting nonchalant with their dismissal, the longer I retained eye contact with Cid, the more nervous I became. I briefly glanced up just in time to notice Hunter giving me an assuring nod. I exchanged it with a small smile. Finally, I pressed a button on the console and sealed the cockpit in so that my old friend and I were completely reclused.

"Fern," She cut right to the chase. "your twin was here yesterday. In my office. Looking for you."

It was merciless how viscerally instantaneous my heart stopped. My eyes bulged so wide they would've popped out of my skull if I hadn't choked on my sharp gasp. I reared up from my seat, clutching my chest as I violently cleared my throat. I wanted to retch. Every nerve in my body went into shock. When I nearly tripped over the other swiveling chair behind mine, I prayed to the Force Hunter didn't barge in. I caught myself, my trembling fingers gripping the arm rests. Once I heaved a few deep breaths, a drop of sweat trickling down my temple, I rotated my chin parallel with the floor, staring at Cid with frightful eyes. "What did you say?" My voice shuddered.

"Athena Quinn—"

"Stop." I thrust my hand out. No, no, no...I'm such an idiot...After Coruscant, I had finally begun swallowing down my anxiety on Athena Quinn. I was finally beginning to move on from my paranoia. And she has come back to haunt me for it... "Wait, did she threaten you?"

"Not necessarily." Cid said grimly. "But she was very interested on your whereabouts."

"Did you tell her?! What else did she say to you?" I questioned urgently. "You need to tell me everything, Cid!"

"First of all, get a hold of yourself!" The Trandoshan snapped at me. Her holographic image flickered. "You keep shrieking like that, Princess, and we'll have Bandana and Goggles breaking in! Second of all, no! Of course, I didn't tell her where you were—who do you think I am!?" She paused to lower her tone. "So, you haven't told them about this woman, have you? Look at you. You got that same look in your eye like you did on Safa Toma. You're scared."

"Enough stalling, Cid." I swallowed the lump in my throat. She complied, sighing heavily. "She didn't say much of importance. I don't know if that is concerning for you." She paused again. "She did said you were off the hook. Whatever that means."

"It means, she won't be watching me anymore..." My head pulled back in utter confusion.

"She said you would understand that. But from my speculation, she never was watching you." Cid shrugged, her brows sinking. "She said that whatever she told you on Safa Toma was a threat, and that she never acted upon it."