The Tsavitee grabbedJoule and hauled him over to the general.
"Let him go," Ziva screamed, throwing herself at the Tsavitee.
She became a dervish, furiously attacking with no regard to her safety. Kira thought she recognized some of the moves as ones Kira and Graydon had taught her. What Ziva lacked in skill and precision was made up for by enthusiasm.
Kid had a gift, if she lived long enough to cultivate it.
One of the Tsavitee swiped at her, his large paw sending her crashing to her knees, her screams abruptly silenced.
Something in Kira broke. She stood. "Lothos, I am hurt you didn't recognize me."
The Tsavitee words rolled off her tongue. She hadn't spoken the language in over a dozen years, but her work on their ships had kept it fresh in her mind.
The Tuann in the cage turned incredulous expressions on her, all but Graydon and the two cloaked strangers drawing back as if they sensed a snake in their mist.
Kira didn't let their doubt affect her, remaining focused on the true enemy.
The Tsavitee around the cage peered closer at her before hisses of dismay rose. There were screams and screeches of fury as recognition spread.
The general had gone still.
"Perhaps I have not killed enough of your kind to make a true impression,"Kira said."I will be sure to correct that oversight today."
"What are you doing?" Graydon asked.
Her eyes flicked to him and she gave a slight shake to her head. He needed to let her do this and not interfere.
His lips flattened and his eyes narrowed to slits. She had a feeling he wasn't going to let her walk out of here. This could be a problem.
Graydon based his entire notion of self-worth on protecting those around him. He was a leader in every sense of the word. If he knew how she planned to sacrifice herself, he'd try to stop her.
He might ruin her plans—possibly even get himself killed. Neither option was one she could allow.
She tensed, prepared to drop him.
He flicked his fingers as if to say he was waiting.
She released a breath when he moved a half-step away, not far, but enough to show he was trusting her. For now.
"The scourge," Lothos said in human standard. There was little emotion in his voice. "We thought you were dead."
Kira tilted her head and waved her hands. "Surprise."
He stared at her thoughtfully, taking in the rest of the group then looking at the children.
Kira stiffened.
No, don't look at them. Look at her. She was the real threat. The children meant nothing.
"Leave them and bring her,"he said in Tsavitee.
Kira's breath whooshed from her. Good. He'd taken the bait.
Liara grabbed her leg. "Protect all Tuann here, including yourself, and you have a deal."
Kira looked at her cousin. Liara's face held understanding. Of all those in the cage, she understood what Kira meant to do.
Funny how her cousin knew the inner workings of her mind the best. Maybe there was something to this family thing after all.
