Kira struggled out of bed. She was less than graceful as she fought free of the covers.
"Nope, not happening. Stay in bed," the dark-haired woman snapped, one hand landing on Kira's shoulder as she put pressure on it, forcing her into the bed. "You're barely healed."
Kira tried shrugging the woman off. Unfortunately, the stranger wasn't inclined to let her. It resulted in an odd tussle where every touch or shove was gentle but firm. The woman's face had turned murderous by the time she finally trapped Kira in the bed by wrapping the blanket around her torso and tugging it tight before sitting on the ends.
Every person in the room regarded the show with disbelief and no small amount of amusement.
"As I was saying before someone so rudely decided to interrupt," Kira huffed, jerking an arm free and glaring at the woman.
"Oh hush, you shouldn't even be awake. You still have another twelve hours before I would even think of letting you out of this bed," the woman snapped. "I don't know what it is about warriors. You're all idiots. You don't know when to stay down. You'd think being nearly eaten would knock some sense into you."
Jin cackled. "I like her. She's feisty."
The woman started to glare up at Jin where he hovered by the ceiling. Her eyes widened in fascination. "I've never seen a human AI up close before. I thought their technology hadn't advanced to the point of make thinking sentients."
"The abomination should be used for target practice and destroyed," Roderick muttered, eyeing Jin with distaste.
"Jin is one of a kind," Kira said, diverting the attention back to herself. "He's a test model."
She allowed the stranger to keep her misconceptions. Somehow, she didn't think she could say the soul of a long-dead friend had taken over Jin's body. That would probably cause all sorts of questions, and given how touchy the Tuann felt about some things, she didn't want to give them a reason to decide Jin constituted more of a threat than he already was.
"Enough of this," Roderick said. He lifted his hand and beckoned his men impatiently. "We're taking the human into custody."
"Who authorized this?" Kira asked.
"The Overlord,” he answered. “And you’re lucky you’re not being taken, too. It’s only because our House would never overcome the scandal, that you've been spared."
He jerked his chin at the rest before striding out of the room without a backward glance.
Raider gave her a slight head shake when she sucked in a breath. She bit her lip as he gave her a wink before walking out of the room flanked on either side by the Luathan warriors.
"They won't hurt your friends," the woman said, standing. She watched Kira for signs of rebellion, relaxing when Kira stayed put. "I'm Shandry. I'm the one responsible for putting you back together. Try to show a little gratitude."
Kira didn't move, waiting as the woman bustled around the room, straightening things.
"Where is Liara now?" Kira asked.
Shandry cocked her head. "She's likely in the Nexus. I heard House Roake sent a delegation. She'll want to receive those brutes from a position of strength."
"The Nexus?" Kira asked.
Shandry nodded. "It's the heart and brain of the Citadel."
Kira nodded as if any of that explanation made sense. She flicked a glance up at Jin. He moved up and down in a yes. Good, he knew where this Nexus was. That would help.
All she had to do was wait until the healer was reassured enough to chance leaving her alone.
It wasn't lost on Kira that Roderick had taken her guard and left her with none to replace him. Given she'd survived two assassination attempts, she had to wonder if that was purposeful and if Graydon or Finn knew.
She was guessing not.
There was a knock at the door as Joule stuck his head in, looking around in confusion when he found only the two of them present.
"Please, just come on in. It's not like this is a place of healing, or anything," Shandry grumbled.
"Pardon me, master healer. I’d hoped to visit my friend and reassure myself of her safety and good health," Joule said gravely, dipping his chin at the woman.
Shandry waved her hand, dismissing his words. “Never mind. Do as you wish.”
