Choice of the Gallant - Paradox Equation I by Sharon L Reddy

  ****

  "I can't find them, Elaine. I know they're here. I can feel it, but I can't find them."

  "Mick, the note he left said he was going to try to heal her. You can feel she's still alive."

  "Yeah, and still unconscious. This ship is huge. I only found my way back because I could feel you."

  "What?"

  "Surprised me too. The link just grew with the love. Elaine, they're thirsty. At least she is. Terribly thirsty."

  "Mick, this may sound weird, but ask the ship to help you find them. Told you it was weird."

  "No, you're right. Come with me, Elaine. Pack food. I'm not kidding. We could end up dozens of Ks from here."

  "All right. Give me five. Find a pack."

  They packed food. Mick said no to water. Gallant wouldn't have taken his mother anywhere they couldn't find it. He took Elaine's hand, then a deep breath.

  "Alice, they need us. Please, help us find them."

  They set out hand in hand. Elaine squeezed his and smiled. All the corridors, but one, were dark.