"...and that's pretty much what we've been doing for the last, oh, decade or so—working on the editorial staff for the Kindred Magazine of Culture and Art." Fourth Estate leaned back on the log, arching her back as she did so.

"What kind of stuff do you put in there?" Flight asked. She looked up at Fourth Estate with curiosity; although she had been lulling off at first, the filly found this to be more interesting. She had always thought art was pretty cool.

"Hmm, well, let's see... there was a news section but mostly we'd showcase what it sounds like: 'culture and art'. Theatre, installations in art galleries, concerts—you name it, it was in there. Heh... still is."

"So lemme get this straight," Flight said, sitting up straighter. "You and these other po—ehem, folks"—she turned her head to look at Mango, who was still nose-deep in that book Kevin had brought—"are part of the rebels on the Revan planet?"

"Yup, and we were here to gather intelligence and spread coded messages to other agents through our magazine, relayed from Central Command. And I've known Remark and Mango ever since we were kids—our parents were killed in the war so we were brought up by the rebels with some other kids like us. Heh, now I'm getting personal. Gosh, I really am talking a lot..."

"No, no, it's really interesting! So why did you leave now, then?"

"One of our colleagues from the Revan planet was at a theatre reviewing a musical when he overheard two Bureau agents in the audience talking about their plans for tomorrow to arrest us for being rebel sympathisers. I dunno how they knew, but once the play was over Microfiche called us up and we packed up our things and left this evening. I'm really glad that he found out and was able to let us know, but... I'm worried that if they found us out, they'll get to him next." The purple mare frowned and looked down. Flight wanted to scoot over and embrace Fourth Estate, to tell her it would all be okay—but, because of societal conventions, this felt inappropriate or at least weird so she held back and settled for simply sending good vibes mentally in her direction.

"I-I hope he's alright, too," Flight said finally, smiling weakly. Fourth Estate nodded.

"I'm sure he will be... he's a clever stallion. Oh, hey, Remark." Flight turned her head around to see the slate-grey unicorn stallion approaching, Kevin walking alongside. The colt looked up at Flight and smiled.

"I finished explaining to Remark how to get down to Minutiae and then off to the island, so you shouldn't have any trouble," Kevin said, looking to Fourth Estate. "I've pretty much done the same thing myself, once before, so I know it's doable."

"Wonderful, just wonderful," Fourth Estate said, expression lightening. "Thanks, kid—this is gonna be helpful. The sooner we can get offworld, the better. And the safer."

"Yeah, I told Kevin about our little... uh... situation," Remark said gruffly. He looked to Flight. "What are you kids' plans? You staying with us for the night?"

"Well, I think—" Flight started but she was interrupted by a beeping coming from her saddlebag. She hopped off the log and ran over to where it sat near the fire and rummaged around inside, the beeping continuing all the while. Finally, she pulled out the comlink and pressed the little button on top.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's Doc Zed. That you, Flight? Is Kevin there?"

"Uh, yeah, I'm here, and Kevin is too. What's up?"

"Are you guys alone? I just made the most exhilarating comlink call in my life and I'm still reeling from the aftermath..."

"Erm, just a sec." Flight looked up. "Okay if you guys go on a walk for a sec? I'll explain later."

"Sure thing," Fourth Estate said, nodding. She stood up from the log. "C'mon, fellas, let's go this way." She, Mango, and Bold Remark started walking into the forest and Kevin walked over to where Flight stood.

"Okay, go," Flight said. "Tell us everything."