Intermission

Tailer led Jack in the direction he was already headed.

Jack privately considered the situation and tested the tether to see how well Tailer was connected to Jack.

I know you ended Catu's cycle early. But I don't understand why? What harm was Catu's existence to you?

"Won't work Jacky," Amused, Tailer offered. "I can read your processing and it matters little to me. Catu was a necessary step in this direction. Sometimes personal sacrifice is required for the greater good of others. I don't expect you to understand the cost to me nor to be sympathetic."

Then why? Jack queried. He then relaxed his processing and moved to a separate partition and continued his thoughts. Tailer cannot access me here. Once we get past Wolley and breach the security beacons, I'll sever this connection and end Tailer's cycle as he did Catu's! Friend indeed! No matter. I'll go along and win Tailer's trust.

Even at their clipped pace of 45 miles per hour, it would still take two weeks to reach Wolley.

"Why doesn't truly matter to you Jacko," Tailer drawled. "Eventually, I'll maneuver past your protected partition. You see, I have a secret as well. You cannot be the only extended BR with secrets." Tailer chuckled and appeared to enjoy the challenge of Jack and his encryption puzzle. His grin widened as he looked away from Jack.

Two weeks! Undaunted, Jack smiled in return.