"That's right. The odds of it being coincidence are so infinitesimally small it's not worth calculating. If one symbol was similar, maybe, but I've seen at least ten." Blue stared at both of them before slapping the doorframe. "These originated on Earth."
Or they originated with the Tuann, and Earth's ancient people appropriated the runes for their own use, Kira thought.
She kept her speculation to herself as Raider shook his head and walked away, saying over his shoulder. "Let's move on. I don't care about a bunch of lines."
Blue's gaze went to Kira, pleading in them. Kira shrugged at her. "There's a lot to see. We can come back later."
Blue sighed and then trudged after Finn.
Jin took up his spot over Kira's shoulder. "It could explain their seemingly deep-seated dislike of humans."
Kira nodded as they shared a glance. Each of them sank into their own thoughts as they followed Finn.
After several minutes of awkward silence, Kira quickened her footsteps until she was walking by the terseoshota. "Since you're the resident expert, tell us about this place."
Finn stirred, shooting a veiled look her way.
She shrugged. "If these people really are my family, I should probably know something about them."
And if it would distract Blue from her pouting, even better.
Finn sighed. "The Citadel is ruled by House Luatha."
"Is everyone in it Luathan?" Blue asked.
"Most, but not all. Some smaller Houses have settled here. Others have sent their most talented to study under Luatha’s masters."
Blue's mouth opened on another question.
Finn answered before she could voice it. "Luatha is known for its artisans and inventors."
Kira hid a smile as Blue settled in with a frown.
"How much of the planet belongs to Luatha?" Kira asked.
"All of it."
She frowned at him. "What do you mean?"
"This is the Luathan home planet. Everything you see here is under their protection."
Blue leaned forward, her expression intense. "How many worlds do the Tuann claim?"
Finn was quiet as he considered Blue. His gaze shifted to Kira. She lifted her eyebrows. She was curious as well.
Raider had stopped short, his interest in the topic obvious.
Finn appeared uncomfortable for the first time. "Many."
Kira blinked.
How was that possible? Himoto was going to be very upset, when he learned how badly first contact had erred.
Kira could see Blue doing the math. There were five powerful Houses, each likely to have at least one world if not more. Add in an untold number of branch Houses and the less powerful unaffiliated Houses and there was no telling how many worlds were claimed by the Tuann.
They might even rival the Haldeel's empire for size.
"Ta Da'an is one among many territories Luatha claims. They also have a considerable presence on the emperor's world," he said.
