You’d never tell from looking at her, just how scared and worried she was.
Wren and Auralyn had a note of pride in their expressions as they looked down at her.
"You have too much confidence in that woman," Admiral Kent murmured.
Those who heard had varying reactions.
Graydon caught the faint movement as Elena squeezed Auralyn's hand a little tighter but otherwise didn't react.
Good girl.
Kira's influence on her showed.
Elena had all the arrogance of youth—that indestructible notion that she'd always come out of any situation all right—but she acted with the caution and cunning of someone much older.
It was a trait that would benefit her well in the future.
On the human side, Jace was an impassive rock, watching everything that happened from behind a blank mask.
Himoto was the one who surprised Graydon the most. Though it wasn't obvious, Graydon thought he caught the flash of frustration and impatience at the other admiral’s words.
The Consortium was growing more and more fractured. Without a common enemy, the natural tendency of humans turning on their own was beginning to show.
The Tuann and the Haldeel shared that weakness. The only difference between them and the humans was that the Tuann and Haldeel could withstand such internal pressures. Humanity was a fledgling race that likely could not.
If they didn’t fix that weakness, a crafty foe such as the Tsavitee would find a way to take advantage of the division.
Himoto's eyes met Graydon's briefly before lifting to focus on Kira again.
Graydon might have believed the facade if he hadn't caught the break in his mask seconds ago.
Himoto cared for Kira. Much more than he let on.
What Graydon found interesting was the lengths he'd gone to conceal that care.
"Za na ri na, since your people are having difficulties, I think it only fitting as your guests that we offer our assistance," Admiral Kent said.
What a waste, Graydon thought, shaking his head.
Raider’s abilities already proved humans were stronger than the Tuann had previously thought. Even Himoto and Jace showed promise. They were respectful while still not losing themselves.
If they had the proper backing, they would both go far on the galactic stage. It just was too bad the rest of their party didn't understand the subtle intricacies of diplomacy on this level.
Graydon would be tempted to ignore such a short coming—if only for Kira's sake—if humans weren’t so short-lived.
Kent's offer of assistance was impertinent and far too obvious an attempt to incur a sense of obligation on the Haldeel's part.
The Haldeel had been part of the fabric of power in the universe since long before humans took their first step into space.
If they accepted now, it would be tantamount to admitting they couldn't handle their own affairs. They'd lose face in a very public manner.
The admiral had to know this.
"That’s not necessary, Admiral." Though the royal’s tone was mellow and her expression hidden behind the veil she wore, her posture spoke of reproach.
"Za na ri na, I understand you want to keep control of this matter, but if the culprit is not caught, it will reflect poorly on your people," Kent said.
From the stands, awed gasps erupted as Kira and Raider flipped so the bottom of their boards were facing each other.
