Didi's head is down, eyes on her feet as she tries to focus on walking and not thinking. The last of the day's sunlight is waning, washing over her shoulder in a stunning pattern of color she's not in the mood to appreciate. A dumpall rumbles overhead, its familiar shadow falling over her and she's lost in the steady whoosh of the sound of its thrusters when two hands grab her from behind and lift her into the air.
She doesn't have time to squeal when the gunslinger heaves her into his arms, for a moment terrified his mind has finally snapped and he's turned into some crazed and uncontrollable menace. But, when she looks over his shoulder and sees the skimmer heading for them, a familiar face in the back seat, Jackus's arm pointing over the driver's shoulder, she understands just how valu
