Kira didn't react as her painful history was recited for Graydon's benefit. She didn't often like to think of that place, the memories painful and of a time when she didn't have the power to protect herself.
Himoto left out the experiments and the belief among some of her rescuers that her unique qualities stemmed from those experiments.
Now apparently, her oddities had an explanation. She was from an alien race.
She ignored the look of sympathy on the face of the Tuann behind Graydon, her attention locked on the real threat as she stared him down.
His face remained expressionless as Himoto continued, no sign of a reaction to give her a clue to how this was being received.
"As far as we knew, Kira was human. She grew up human and joined our military during the war. No one knew she was Tuann until today," Himoto said.
Thoughts moved behind Graydon's eyes as he processed Himoto’s words. He turned and looked over his shoulder at the other man. His guard nodded and left the room at a fast clip.
"You can prove this, I assume," Graydon said, lifting one eyebrow arrogantly.
"You could take our word for it," Kira drawled.
Graydon's smile was slight, as if her statement amused him. Arrogant, and convinced he would come out the winner in every confrontation, Kira concluded.
"We have documentation, video of her discovery, as well as photos of her growing up," Himoto said. "I'll be happy to provide a copy for you."
"Do that," Graydon said. He lifted himself out of his chair. "This does not change the fact that when I leave here, she will be coming with me." He held up a hand when Himoto would have spoken. "I will, however, not advocate for an immediate termination of the alliance at this time. I warn you this matter has reinforced some of our concerns."
Kira shifted in her seat, tensing before relaxing. She didn't like that he was on this whole “Kira must go to the Tuann's territory,” nor did she like the way they were using the excuse of her existence as a threat to pull out of an alliance they obviously wanted no part in.
Waiting for a better time to act, when conditions were more favorable to her, was the best option. Fighting her way out of this room with the Tuann standing guard and Jace having no doubt ordered a parking lock put on her ship, meant she had to be patient and wily.
"However she might have come to you, since then, it should have become clear what she was. We should have been informed immediately of her existence," Graydon continued.
"By the time the suspicion was raised, Kira had moved on from her position in our military," Jace said, his head propped on one hand. "For a long time, we had no idea where to look for her. It was thought best to leave this issue alone until the situation changed."
Graydon gave him a cold look. "And that is why we will never trust you. The terms of our treaty were quite clear. That you didn't notify us because it was inconvenient to you shows exactly how far you will go when a fact puts your agenda in jeopardy."
Strangely, Kira found herself in agreement with the Tuann. Admitting guilt once you're caught means nothing. A last-minute apology meant to save face and placate the Tuann made humans look worse. Had Centcom meant to deal honorably with their allies they would have let them know about Kira as soon as the suspicion crossed their minds.
She knew why they didn't. They didn't want to lose control of their leverage. They would have done everything they could to hide her existence.
She would have helped them too. Too bad she had stumbled straight into the Tuann's path, setting them on their present course.
"The past is done, and mistakes were made," Himoto said, his expression grave. "But, we cannot in good conscience let you take her without some assurance of her safety."
Graydon's eyes narrowed slightly. "What is it you want?"
"We'd like to send a team with her," Jace said. "They can make sure she's settled before returning."
Graydon watched the two men and then jerked his head down. "Done. Baran is contacting her House, but I cannot guarantee they will be as accommodating."
Himoto bowed his head. "We understand."
Graydon turned his attention to Kira. "I’ll give you time to say goodbye, then our ship will be leaving."
He didn't wait for her to respond, striding out of the room without a backward glance.
Once the door had shut, the room was quiet for several beats as Kira turned to Himoto, murder on her face.
"Explain what just happened."
Not the part about where she was Tuann—she got that—but the part where Himoto had agreed to let them take her like she was a piece of luggage that could be passed around. Not a person with thoughts and opinions of her own.
