House Roake. Her father's people. A man she had never met and hadn't given much thought to while struggling to survive the hell of her childhood.
Until recently, Kira had thought she was the product of experiments to create a super-soldier. Someone whose DNA had been tinkered with before birth to create a killing weapon, meant to be aimed at the enemy and fired.
Turned out she was wrong. Instead, she was apparently a member of an alien race called the Tuann. Technologically advanced with social customs more suited to the feudal societies of old Earth, they had odd notions of how long-lost members of their race should be treated. Few of their people strayed from the accepted molds, which made Kira something of an anomaly.
"Let's all stay calm," Jace cautioned. The words might have been said to the room, but they were meant for Kira. Her former commander knew about her temper. "I'm sure there’s an easy solution to this."
"Yeah, Kira is once again humanity's bargaining chip for their continued survival," Jin said.
Jace slid him a quelling look. "It's not going to come to that."
But it would. Humanity was between a rock and a hard place with their old enemy the Tsavitee back on the galactic stage. They'd barely come out the winner during their last war with the alien race known as the scourge. There was no guarantee they'd triumph again—especially with Kira not quite up to her old standards.
The price for losing would be annihilation.
Neither humanity nor the Consortium would risk that, not with the Tuann offering ships and people to operate those ships.
The walls threatened to close in on Kira. Not a good feeling for someone who'd just transformed back from a monstrous creature that had ripped dozens of Tsavitee apart.
"Calm," Jace said, meeting Kira's gaze, his expression saying trust me.
Kira consciously relaxed, forcing panic and helplessness away. For someone used to controlling every aspect of her life—for soldiers, losing control usually resulted in death—it wasn't easy having that independence threatened. Jace had earned her trust. She’d give him a shot at this.
When he faced the Tuann again, Jace was poised, his bearing that of the rear admiral he’d become. "This news is unexpected. I'm sure you understand if we need a little time to process."
Silas's smile was conciliatory. "Of course. We want to make this transition as easy for the child of our House as possible."
"You could always let her go," Jin muttered.
"Jin," Jace warned.
Jin grumbled but didn't say anything else.
Silas acknowledged Jin before turning to Kira. "I'm afraid that is the one thing we cannot do. Your father was a special person for our people. His daughter will be welcomed with open arms. Please let us get to know you as you get to know us. That's all we're asking."
Kira stared at him with narrowed eyes.
He seemed earnest. Caring even.
"Why do you care?" Kira asked.
Silas's smile was peaceful and tranquil. "Because you're one of us and shouldn't face this world alone."
Raider snorted. "Good luck with that."
Kira had a long history of going it alone—as evidenced by her heading off to live in a ship by herself rather than face the remnants of her old team.
"We are aware accommodations need to be made for your circumstances," Silas continued. "We're willing to arrange what you need to be comfortable with this."
Mighty big of him when he had driven a space cruiser through Kira's plans.
"This is a highly unusual ask," Jace said, carefully not looking at Kira. "We will need to contact our superiors. They need to be present for this conversation."
Raider crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, a neutral expression on his face.
Silas inclined his head. "We understand. The Emperor's Face anticipated this request and has a deep space connection standing by."
Jace's smile didn't reach his eyes. "How very thoughtful."
