Kira stopped. "And who decides the criteria needed to pass."
His look was significant. "The Mea'Ave."
Kira's frown was troubled as she took in the room and its doors. She didn't like the thought of trusting the fate of an entire people to an entity she understood so little of.
"Come on. We should continue," Wren said.
Kira hesitated, glancing around one last time. She had a feeling these doors were only the beginning. What kind of power would they bestow on a person?
A dozen worlds existed here; a dozen chances to conquer.
Or to escape into.
They drew to an abrupt stop as they sensed another's presence at the same time.
Kira frowned as a figure stepped out of the shadows. "Joule, what are you doing here?"
He didn't answer, stepping further into view, his hands held up, palms facing them.
"Behind him," Jin warned.
Wren crouched, his hand sliding to the pommel of his en-blade as Aeron moved into view, a Tuannzuipiaimed at Joule's back.
"Surprised?" Aeron asked.
Kira shrugged. "Not really. Having someone pose as an initiate is the most logical choice if the Tsavitee planned to infiltrate Roake."
The initiates were essentially strangers to Roake. Any idiosyncrasies would be easy to overlook.
"Lothos did say you were clever." Aeron's smile lacked its normal cheeriness.
Kira struggled not to look at Joule. His terror would only slow her reflexes and make her job harder.
"I had a feeling you would find your way here.” Aeron nudged Joule. “It’s why I brought insurance. The others were clear that you had an overdeveloped need to protect people. Threaten someone you care about, and you're powerless."
This time Kira held quiet as the lizard slowly slipped from around her neck, making his way under her jacket and onto her back as he headed for the ground.
Kira hoped Aeron didn't notice.
It was possible. The room was dim, and he was far away.
"No response?" he asked. "Not even a sarcastic quip or a meaningless attempt at convincing me he doesn't matter to you?"
"Why waste my breath? It's obvious you've got me. Let him go and then finish the job."
Scorn filled his expression as he abruptly pointed thezuipiat her. "Do you think I'm here for you?"
Kira blinked. Was that a trick question?
"I take it you're not?" Her tone rose, making the statement a question.
Rather than answer, Aeron fired thezuipi, a bolt heading straight for Kira. Wren appeared in front of her like a ghost, his blade deflecting it.
"Joule, run," Kira shouted.
Joule wasted no time, darting behind one of the doorways.
Aeron cursed, letting him go. Joule was the least of his problem right now.
