Raider bared his teeth at her but didn't respond. She smothered her laugh.
Blue bounded out of the gate seconds later, her eyes bright and enthusiastic. She spun in a circle, nearly toppling the Tuann stepping through after her. She darted toward Silas, questions pouring out of her.
"How does it work? I mean, I know the theory, but how really? Do you need two points connected via the gate to travel, or can you go anywhere?" She didn't give him a chance to answer, already peering closely at the gate runes while muttering to herself.
"Great. It's going to be a nightmare trying to keep her focused," Raider griped. He sent a look at Kira.
She shook her head. "Don't look at me. I'm not her commanding officer anymore."
Raider grinned, his expression sly. "Actually, that's not quite right."
Kira stiffened, her focus sharpening. "What are you talking about?"
"You never finished submitting your exit papers." Raider inspected his nails. "That means you're still a captain of the Space Force and as such, hold the highest rank of any here."
Kira's eyes widened. "Ah, damn."
Raider leaned forward, his smile gloating. "Welcome back to the fold, Boss."
Kira's eyes narrowed. She'd miscalculated. Raider was a chief petty officer; she was a captain. As the highest-ranking officer, it left her in charge. Somehow, she'd forgotten that, her interactions with Jace and the Curs on Ta Da’an lulling her into believing she existed outside the rank structure.
If the military could issue orders to her, it meant she still had rank. With rank came responsibility. And leadership.
All things Kira had no interest in anymore. She had no intention of allowing herself to get sucked back into the trap of being responsible for others.
"Corral your subordinate, Chief," Kira said through gritted teeth.
Raider's smile widened, and he snapped a salute. "Sir, yes, sir."
Kira growled as he stalked toward the other Cur. She didn't like this. She didn't like it one bit. If Jin was here, he'd have had some funny quip to annoy her out of her snit.
"Blue, leave it alone. I'm not getting arrested for you again," Raider said.
Whispers pulled Kira from her frustration of being maneuvered into a role she'd had no intention of taking up again. She glanced around, finally noticing Graydon and his people weren't the only ones present. Over a dozen Tuann milled around the edges of the ledge. They were a variety of ages, some not much older than Joule, others Kira's age or more.
They were dressed in a variety of styles, from simplistic to luxurious. Some were clad in a plain, lightweight armor, their vital spots covered but not much else. Not oshota, Kira guessed. Their armor lacked the slick sophistication of Graydon's warriors.
Bags were set at their feet. Travelers?
Kira's gaze caught on one who had a look of distaste on his face as he studied Raider and Blue. He was young. A human would have guessed around twenty-two or twenty-three. His face still held the unrefined edges of youth, and his build was slim but muscular. One day he'd fill out, rivaling Graydon for size and height.
He caught Kira looking at him, and his expression smoothed out, arrogance descending.
She raised an eyebrow, impressed in spite of herself. Not many could pull off that look so easily. He must have imbibed the trait with his mother's milk, or else he was taking lessons from Graydon.
Next to him was a boy, similar in age, his expression open and curious as he took in the platform and the ocean below. His hair was a curly mop on his head, and his limbs had a coltishness about them that said he'd yet to fill out. His clothing was less refined than the first Tuann, but it contained a quality that was unmistakable even at this distance.
Seeing Kira studying him, he waved and smiled. His companion murmured something. The boy's hand dropped as they exchanged several words, not even the other's rebuke seemed to dull his bright cheeriness.
"What are humans doing here?" one of those behind the two boys asked.
"They should go home," was the not so quiet response.
Kira observed the group, not exactly surprised at their reception. The Tuann had made their thoughts on humans clear more than once, by both word and deed. This lot was only echoing things she already knew, cementing the fact Jace had made a smart call sending Raider and Blue here.
Hate and prejudice flourished in ignorance. It was easier to believe a stereotype when you never had anyone to compare to your misconceptions. It was harder when you had a living, breathing person challenging them.
The headache that had started from the moment she stepped onto the planet surged, piercing in its intensity until it felt like someone was jabbing a red-hot poker behind her eyes.
