"Told you," Odin sang.
"He will, however, deploy his oshota to keep an eye on the crowd," Finn finished in a cool voice.
"It's already done," Kira warned when it looked like Odin was going to argue. "And don't think we're not going to have a conversation about Elena later."
Odin's mouth snapped closed. "Fine. Do you want to know about your competitors?"
Kira made a gesture to continue. Data scrolled across Kira’s optics. Names were attached to photos, along with their finish times during the qualifying races, and their preferred tactics.
Kira scanned the files quickly, sorting them into those who might present a threat and the non-threats. Unlike last time, there were quite a few strong contenders.
"Most of the field aren't much better than trash," Odin said. "Their skills are mediocre, but they could be annoying if they banded together."
And because of Kira’s actions in the last race she was probably first on their list to target.
"From the information I gathered, these three will likely be the ones to cause the most trouble on this section of the race."
Images formed in front of Kira's right eye courtesy of the small lens Odin had given her. Unlike other lens computers Kira had tried, the images on this were crisp.
"Do you see them?" Odin asked.
"Yes."
"Good. The one on the left is the former disciple of the current champion. There was some type of falling out, but I couldn’t find out over what."
"I'm surprised. Is the great Allfather slipping?" Jin taunted.
"Should I tell you a story then?" Odin teased. "I don't mind, but I thought you wanted to stay focused. My mistake. I didn't realize you were such a glutton for gossip."
"You shape-changing bastard," Jin hissed.
Finn's gaze met Kira's for a brief second.
"Don't suppose you could do anything about those two?" she asked.
If she had to listen to endless arguments during the race today, it would drive her crazy. No one wanted a homicidal Kira on a waveboard.
Finn’s smile held menace. "It would be my pleasure."
Kira immersed herself in studying the dossiers, not paying any attention even after the loud crash and subsequent grumblings of the other two.
"There won't be any further issues," Finn informed Kira happily.
She paused on two dossiers she found interesting. "Devon and Raider are in this race?"
Odin sent a sulky expression toward Jin. "See what you did? You ruined my big reveal."
"Maybe next time you shouldn't get so distracted," Jin retorted.
Finn coughed. The two retreated to opposite sides of the table.
Kira flipped through the rest of the dossiers, only finding one other of interest. The one Devon had said used the same technique as her. Moonbeam.
The only image included in the file was one where the racer’s face was hidden by a mask similar to the one Kira used.
As she finished up, Raider joined them. Like Kira, he wore flight armor—though his wasn’t as advanced as hers.
He cut a fine figure in it. He had a sort of roguish appeal. A little bit dangerous and a lot dashing. He had the sort of charm that made him easy to love, even as you kind of hated him too.
