A murmur broke out among the initiates.
Wren held up a hand, and they died down. "One of the most difficult things a warrior learns is when to usekiand when to conserve. On patrol, you can be out for hours, often over the ocean, or in other environments where walking isn't an option. That's why we have flyers and other methods of transportation. Each requires skill and discipline to use."
Graydon's gaze found Kira's, his lips curving in anticipation.
Her eyes narrowed. "I have a feeling I know where this is going."
"In addition to the traditional options, our human guests have consented to teach those willing to learn the art of their waveboards. I caution you to choose your transportation wisely. Each has its own merits along with negatives. You will have to decide what is most important to you."
Wren stepped back as a deep cry of approval ripped from the throats of those around them.
"This is unexpected," Jin muttered. "How much do you want to bet Graydon had a hand in it?"
"Why would I take a bet I know I'll lose?" Of course, Graydon had a hand in this. That was who he was. His warning to be here last night as good as said so.
Jin harrumphed as Graydon's oshota, flanked by Roake's, moved into the hall carrying several contraptions, some familiar, many not.
There were devices where Kira was hard-pressed to figure out how they would allow the user to fly. Others resembled stripped hoverbikes, their frame made of wood, fragile-looking sails poking out the back.
Another contraption reminded Kira of butterfly wings, beautiful, but she suspected impractical.
Kira found what she was looking for cradled in Amila's arms. A waveboard, one of the nicer civilian models.
A tingle of anticipation filled Kira, her hands itching to relieve Amila of her burden. It had been ages, and she missed her old friend.
A broad smile crossed Amila's face as she handed Kira the board.
Kira took it, clutching it to her as if it might try to fly off. "Hello, my pretty."
"He thought you might like that one," Amila said, tilting her head up at where Graydon waited, not having taken his gaze off Kira. When he caught her looking, his lips broadened, reminding her of the things they'd done beneath the moonlight.
Jin whistled softly. "That man is playing for keeps."
Alarm filled Kira as her attention shot to Amila. Luckily, the other woman had already moved on and didn't hear.
"What did I say about making sure you weren't noticed?" Kira ducked her head and examined the board in her hands. It was different than the one she’d had during the war. Likely it would be less powerful since that version wasn't available to civilians. Once, she would have known the specs of every single model, civilian or military. No longer.
It was another aspect of her former life she'd allowed to slip away.
Technology had a habit of never standing still. It always progressed. Learning the ins and outs of this board would be like familiarizing herself with an old friend who had grown in the years since their last meeting.
She looked forward to the challenge.
The board was simple, she found, sharing only a passing resemblance to the monster she'd ridden into battle. For one thing, it was much lighter than her old board, its lines sleek and streamlined, designed for form as well as function. She had no doubt it would cut through air resistance like butter.
Kira flipped the board over, pressing the pedals with her hands and watching as the engine kicked on with a light rumble. The board rocked in her hands as the thrusters idled.
Yes, this thing was a beauty. Attractive. Fast. Agile.
Its only flaw was its delicacy. Judging by its light weight, Kira knew it wasn't a workhorse. There would be no battering the enemies' front line with this. A single piece of shrapnel would likely shred it.
But then, this board wasn't designed for battle. Her purpose lay in other areas.
Kira couldn't wait to see what she was capable of.
"I think I'm in love," Kira said.
The lizard bit her. Kira jumped and glared at him.
