Rebellion sparked.
Kira's rifle clattered to the ground as she stepped out of formation, locked on the man who'd had the boy dragged forward. He took in her insubordination, not smart enough to be afraid.
He started to speak. Kira lunged with a primal scream, her smaller body flying at his.
The man's hands raised, the familiar scent ofkisaturating the air.
"Tuann," Graydon whispered, horrified at his discovery.
Kira never paused. She was on the man in the next second, the weapon she'd disguised in her hand slashing across his throat.
She landed. Her gaze flickered as she spotted Graydon.
"You see me," he said, starting. She was aware on some level of what was going on. He could use that to call her from her memories.
The world slid sideways, the memory replaced by the flight deck of a ship. Humans jostled Graydon, whistling and hollering at where Kira stood on a cargo container. She held a spoon up to her mouth, singing to the accompaniment of a few humans playing instruments.
Kira's voice washed over him, teasing and sensuous. Her pleasure in the act was obvious, written across her face and carried in every note she sang.
The humans were enthralled, held spellbound as she wove her web. A few held up flashlights or glow sticks, waving them in time to the beat.
Her mother was said to have been able to do that. Luatha had long been known for their artisans. Music and art were a part of their daily lives. Kira's mother had won Roake's heart with her voice. She'd been nearly as treasured as Harding.
Graydon knew if he let himself, he could get lost in her music. Instead, he opened his eyes and forced himself to pull away. It was a distraction, meant to lull him into lowering his guard.
As if on cue, the scene shifted back to the bridge.
Kira limped into view.
Graydon padded after her, a hunter on the prowl. "It's not going to be that easy,coli. What is it that you don't want me to see?"
The barest semblance of defiance flashed across her face.
There she was, Graydon thought with satisfaction. "You can run all you want. I'll still find you."
"Bring me some space dust," Kira said as the scene started to slide sideways.
Graydon held firm, anchoring himself in place with a flex of his will. Not this time.
The dreamscape hiccupped.
"Something is interfering with Whiskey four’s signal," someone shouted.
"Abort, Whiskey one," Kira said. "Elise, get out of there."
"There's something here," Elise argued.
"I don't care what it is. Get on your board and get your ass back here," Kira ordered.
The atmosphere on the bridge shifted, tension ratcheting up.
"Four class three bogeys just appeared on scope," a human said, the voice showing the slightest hint of strain.
Kira looked up. Her expression horrified as the commander’s face tightened.
"They're here to stop the alliance," he said.
Kira nodded. "Sunshine, forget about what's out there. You have new orders. Rendezvous with the fleet and provide support. They'll go for the ambassador's ships."
