'You got a plan, Vives? ' I ask from the duck I find myself astride. For some unearthly reason the goddamn camel gets a whole duck to himself, so I 've got Chopper tucked in front of me on the saddle, and my cannon case settled and strapped behind me.

Vivi gives me a bright smile full of mischief from atop Karoo. 'You bet your ass I do! ' The smile drops just as quickly as it spread. 'Ah! But only if you guys are ok with it! '

Half of us scoff and the rest groan. 'Stop second guessing yourself! I asked 'cause I wanted to hear it! ' I jeer good-naturedly.

She laughs and rubs the back of her neck. 'Sorry, sorry. Old habits. ' Then she 's reaching back to riffle through a bag. 'I picked up these cloaks, and I think they 're gonna come in handy. I 'd like to cause a diversion so I can speak with the rebels undisturbed, if you guys don 't mind playing decoy. '

Aw, I 'm so proud of her for putting herself first in a plan! She 's

growing!