"But we have you," Jace pointed out.
Raider straightened, an evil grin lighting up his face. "And as you said, the ships are coded to your kind."
"I'm needed here," Finn said through gritted teeth. "I have no intention of helping you escape."
Raider watched Finn carefully, his expression considering.
"Don't even think it," Kira warned.
The rest looked at her.
"You attack him, and you'll have to deal with me," she told Raider. "That's if these three don't kick your ass first."
Raider made a tsking sound before settling.
"Some loyalty you have there," Noor said, eyeing the human with dislike. "We're the reason you escaped."
"Don't fool yourselves," Raider said. "We had an exit strategy within fifteen minutes of being placed under guard."
"This isn't our fight," Blue said bluntly. "It's yours. Can't blame us for wanting to make it home in one piece."
"Your people have certainly done the same in our place," Tank observed. "Or did you forget how four of your kind snuck out of Atlas during the bombing. They could have helped those people. They didn't because they deemed their own safety more important."
The Tuann glared at the humans.
Kira stepped in before things could degenerate further. "You're not going to overpower these three, so give it up."
Jace's expression darkened. She took it as a good sign when he didn't argue. It meant he hadn't been seriously considering that path.
"But it does make sense to split up," Kira continued. "I know Himoto has a ship out there. Signal it and let them know what's happening. We may have need of them. If nothing else, they can send a drop ship for you if things get too heated."
Jace's nod was grudging. He'd probably have come up with the plan himself if he wasn't so bent on antagonizing the Tuann
"Send one of your people as guide with the Curs. The rest of us will find Graydon and warn him," Kira said. She looked at Finn. "You're so convinced he won't betray us—prove it."
Finn nodded, flicking his fingers at the other two. Kira waited as they dipped their heads in agreement.
The two groups began splitting apart as they prepared to separate.
Jace walked toward her. He hesitated when he reached her, his back to the Tuann. "What will you be doing while the rest of us are trying to prevent an invasion?"
Kira debated how much to tell him. In the end, she decided to keep her plans to herself. There was too much risk he'd try to stop her. "I'll be doing the same."
The look he bent on her said he didn't believe her, but he didn't plan on wasting time by arguing.
"Good luck with whatever scheme you've cooked up," he said.
"You too," Kira said. "Try to make it out of this in one piece."
He gave her a crooked smile. "Somehow I think you'll be the one in more danger."
True.
Jace didn't move for a long moment. Kira could tell he wanted to say something and waited, her expression curious but patient.
He sighed and shook his head. "Try not to die or disappear again. There are things I need to say to you."
She didn't speak for several moments, her throat tight with suppressed emotion. She jerked her head in an affirmative.
