She arched an eyebrow at them. "What is it now? You were perfectly happy when I left you yesterday."
The two traded a look. “They’re not going to offer the rest of our House a position here.”
Kira was quiet, blinking at them. She could see how that news would be upsetting—especially since she knew how desperately Joule and Ziva wanted to ascend so they could ensure the safety of those they had left on the ship.
She and Graydon exchanged a look, each understanding what a blow this would be for the children. “Can they refuse Luatha’s claim on them?”
Graydon shook his head. “No, not without another House putting forth an offer to take them. He’d need to pass the highest level of theadva kato be able to form his own House.”
“That’s not likely to happen if she gets her way," Ziva said sulkily, glancing at Alma.
Kira was silent as she took in the situation. Ziva was likely correct. Alma had already proved she liked the status quo and she wasn’t likely to make the lives of two orphans easier when there were full blood Luathan children needing the same resources and guidance.
“It wouldn’t matter anyway. Not after we take the tests,” Joule said quietly.
"Why not?" Kira asked.
"You're afraid your affinity will prevent you from pursuing your goal of ascending to the position of Overlord for House Maxiim," Graydon said from beside her.
Joule’s nod was reluctant.
Kira looked up, surprised. "Why would it?"
You could be a warrior and be good at other things. Take Blue. She had a near genius level intelligence, could dismantle any machine and reassemble it better than new. She was also one of the best shooters Kira had ever worked with, and handy to have around in a pinch.
“In our House, the affinity didn’t matter as much, since we were so small. You could do several things as long as you proved willing and strong enough,” Joule explained.
"Here, everyone has a place and a task to fulfill," Ziva said sulkily.
Kira didn't respond for a long moment. "You're right."
The two's faces grew more morose.
She leaned forward. "But sometimes you need to make your own path despite what anyone else tells you."
Their expressions brightened.
Kira straightened. "One test does not decide your fate."
No, you had to work toward your goal day in, day out, even when times got hard or things seemed impossible.
"I'm not sure you should have told them that," Graydon said when they drifted off, distracted by one of the floating lights.
"Why not?"
"Because they're right. Everyone has a place in our society. It’s not so easy to buck tradition."
"Hmm," Kira said, glancing around at the splendor around her. "You're right if a talent is so rare no one else could take their place, but one less artisan won’t destroy your civilization."
"People should play to their strengths," he said.
"Yes, but they should also decide for themselves what those strengths are," Kira returned. "Take Jin. He is one of the most advanced pieces of technology humans have ever created. He can analyze a million different problems at once, track hundreds of data streams while problem-solving. His purpose should have been to serve as the AI of one of the space stations."
Graydon gave her friend a skeptical look.
"He's also responsible for saving nearly three million souls," Kira stated. "If he'd performed the function he'd been designed for, those people would be dead, as would I. He didn't and because of that, the universe is a better place."
"That's an intriguing perspective," a low, soothing voice said from behind her.
