They were very efficient earlier. They've earned themselves some cautious flying.

And less cautious celebration.

Downright reckless celebration. 

Alas, even the cautious scenic route will see them arriving back at the base eventually.

Tragic, that.

But, the sooner they win this kaggath, the sooner they'll have some real alone time...

Perfect.

It is.

So - where's Occlus?

Making her own way back, apparently. There was an attack by Thanaton on a fuel refinery serving the fleet that she had to thwart.

Lily and Brin will wait, then - and gather more information on the state of the field while they do so. 

Overall, things seem to be going well for them. Occlus being able to split up from her apprentices and still have them able to act effectively was not something Thanaton had planned for, and he's now having to play catch up.

And a short time later, Occlus arrives as well.

A better and more thorough image of the battlefield is forming in her mind, now.

And, when it's just her, Occlus, and Brin: "What's our next move?"

"Thanaton's initial plays have been countered. Now, we take the fight directly to him."

"About time."

"The order of action must be believable, apprentice. We are playing not only for ourselves, but to the audience."

She laughs. "Of course."

"That being said, I do not wish to waste more time here than necessary. Therefore, we will plan for this blow to be the killing one."

"Another chance for me to test myself?"

"Indirectly, perhaps. I will confront Thanaton myself- It is important that I be the only one seen to strike a killing blow. He will attempt to flee when he senses he is losing. Your assignment will be to prevent this, as well as weaken him, should his desperation drive him further than I anticipate."

"Roger."

Then on to discussing specific details, choreography, location, and so forth.

Lily's a lot more powerful than even her destruction of the Academy hinted (and she hadn't revealed everything to Occlus, of what it did to Skar, and she hasn't revealed everything she's realizing, but... Even what she has revealed is very, very telling), but more than that - she's flexible.

Outmaneuvering Thanaton is going to be perhaps even easy.

That would be a nice change.

They'll set the time of the attack for the early hours of the morning. Enough time for a short rest then to move into position.