Kira picked the lizard up. He had a surprising heft to him, his body warm and lifelike despite the metallic sheen to his skin. Had he been green, she might have thought he was real.
She set him on the edge of the bed. "Do I want to know what you used to make him?"
"Probably not."
That meant he'd appropriated Tuann technology for the lizard's construction.
"Did you hear my conversation with Harlow?" Kira asked, changing the subject.
She'd lost. Resisting further would only result in a loss of dignity.
"I did."
"Your analysis?"
Jin was quiet for several moments. "I found it interesting he chose to share this information with you."
"You think it's a trap? Meant to lure us into doing something that tips our hand?"
Jin made a thoughtful sound. "That's unclear, but I suspect your uncle is skilled at political games and intrigue. He will be one to watch."
That had been Kira's assessment as well. "At least we now have an idea of how Odin got on the planet."
She probably used the distraction by the Tsavitee on Luatha to slip through the Tuann’s security net along with the other ships Graydon had told her about.
"But we can't assume," Jin was quick to add.
"No, we can't," Kira agreed.
Assumptions had a habit of leading you to mistaken conclusions that inevitably got you knocked on your ass or staring into a Tsavitee infantry squad.
The two of them shared a look. They'd been down this road before.
Kira stretched out on the bed. "I'm getting sick of this."
"Watch for the betrayal from behind. That's how they always come for us."
Kira grumbled an agreement, resting her hands on her belly. "Just when I was getting comfortable."
"Yes, I heard how comfortable you were getting with the commander," Jin teased.
Kira sent him a flat stare. "Stuff it, Tin Man, or I'll have to comment on this weird flirting thing you and Odin are doing."
Jin made a choked sound of denial. Kira hid her grin. She'd thought that might work.
TWENTY
Kira trudged into the Warrior's Hall, feeling out of sorts and tired. The night had been long, but her sleep short. A headache lingered behind her eyes, likely a result of the lack of sleep and thekeevashe'd consumed.
Most of her fellow initiates were already present, many of them practicing diligently with their wooden swords. The announcement by Wren seemed to have lit a fire in them. No one knew for sure when the trial would take place, but they all wanted their shot at advancing.
Kira didn't blame them. She did too. Hence the reason for her presence despite her need for more sleep.
Blue sat against a wall, tinkering with a device between her legs. She looked up, her expression unwelcoming as she caught sight of Kira.
Guess Blue was still upset about last night.
Kira ignored the small pang the thought brought, telling herself it was better this way. Blue and Raider were part of the past. There was no going back, no matter how nostalgic she'd found last night.
