"Ten ships for the Consortium," she said in a rush. "And you rescind your House's claim."
In front of them, the stranger's head turned slightly. Kira narrowed her eyes at him. Could he hear her?
"I can't do that," Liara said. "I would be doing you an unimaginable disservice."
Kira gave her a crooked smile. "You seem to think I want a part of all this. I don't. This is a good deal. You lose nothing but a few ships."
Liara was quiet for several seconds. Kira let her think, knowing pushing wouldn't garner her the results she wanted.
"You might not be one of us now, because you don't understand who we are, but one day that might change," Liara said.
"Maybe, but it won't be today," Kira said.
The arched doors burst open and several Tsavitee strode inside, dragging small figures with them. They dumped their cargo in front of the cages.
Kira's heart gave a painful thump at the sight of Ziva and Joule, their faces terrified as they scrambled to their feet.
"It seems your Overlord was smarter than we gave her credit for," the general said, addressing those inside the cage. "We've brought incentive for her to give us the codes."
He gestured at the six children. Only Ziva and Joule had gained their feet, facing the Tsavitee with determined expressions.
"Your window is quickly shrinking, Liara," Kira murmured, her gaze locked on Ziva and Joule.
Their bodies were coiled tight.
Don't do it, she mentally warned them. Blend with the others.
Her words didn't reach them. Joule stepped in front of a Tsavitee when it would have reached for a child where she cowered on the floor.
Damn it, Kira cursed. He was brave. As the oldest, he'd feel it was his place to stand before the rest. At least he had that part of being anoshotadown.
She wished he'd had a little less backbone in this moment.
"A volunteer," the general said silkily as he watched Joule. "Very well. Bring him."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
