(tentative chapter 8, story and events will not change but I may change some of the words I use to describe them and possible add dialogue.)

Chapter 8

"… treason, kidnapping, terrosim…"

Zoe whispered, "About how many you think are behind us?" to Simon as the officer, bounty hunter, or whoever he was listed Simon's 'crimes'.

"Four… or possibly five, I'm not sure about one," Simon answered. How do I know that? he wondered.

"I'm impressed Doctor," Zoe complimented, "Too bad we didn't notice sooner."

"… impersonating an alliance officer, impersonating a doctor…"

"Hey, I am a doctor!" Simon shouted indignantly.

Zoe whispered, "When I call you 'sweetie' I want you to fall as if your legs gave out and grab my gun. I'll roll in the other direction and use my backup."

"…now place your hands on your head and turn around slowly." The officer said.

"Man's injured," Zoe stated as they slowly turned around. "Not sure he'll remain standing long after I let go of 'im."

"Shall I charge you with obstructionn of justice?" the officer inquired pompously.

After turning around, Simon saw four alliance officers. The portly officer holding a warrant and listing his 'crimes' appeared to be the one in charge. His weapon remained in its holster. The other three however were young and fit with sonic rifles drawn and trained on them.

"Don't worry," Zoe said soothingly as her entire body tensed in anticipation of imminent violence, "Everything will be just fine, sweetie."

Simon dropped to the ground as commanded. His dexterous surgeon's hands nimbly plucked Zoe's 'mare's leg' from its holster on his way down.

Zoe spun around and drew a pistol concealed at the small of her back.

Time slowed, much as it had back in that bar on Beylix. This time, Simon was not suffering from a concussion and was fully aware of what was happening.

An invisible link formed between Simon and Zoe's mind. Simon's motor neurons borrowed Zoe's reflexes and muscle memory as he raised her arm cannon and fired with surgic