"I already sent the message."
Kira released a breath. Good. One less thing to worry about.
With that, she stepped off the platform and followed Alexander, battling conflicting feelings of anticipation and anxiety.
It had been so long, and she was so close to the goal she'd made the day she learned Elise wasn't as dead as she'd assumed.
Now she could only hope she was ready.
*
Kira didn't mind theoppressive silence as they traveled through the station, instead using it as an opportunity to study the man next to her.
At first glance, he was nondescript. Everything about him, from his wire-frame glasses to his conservative clothes, went toward projecting the persona of a scholar. Someone easily overlooked except when it came to the depth of their knowledge.
He was tall but lean, lacking the muscular physique of the oshota Kira was now used to.
While not handsome, he had the sort of features that inspired trust in others. Because of it, he likely made new acquaintances without difficulty.
It was easy to see how he rose to his current rank. In a society where skills and talent outweighed wealth and family status, someone like him would go far.
Yet for the life of her, Kira couldn't figure out what he was doing here.
Such a high-profile position was the complete opposite of what Alexander had gone after in the past. He was someone who preferred remaining in the background, letting others weather the eye of the storm while he slipped along the edges.
Alexander stopped. "If you have a question, just ask it."
Kira considered before shaking her head. "I wouldn't be so presumptuous."
He started walking again.
"I have a colleague I wish to join us," Kira said seconds later.
Alexander peered at her, his glasses helping to hide his emotions. "Do you think that's wise?"
Kira's smile was fleeting. "Everyone keeps asking me that."
"Then perhaps you should take the hint."
"I can't do that."
Alexander sighed. "No, you never could."
They reached another corridor, turning left and heading toward the center of the station where security was much more stringent.
Kira debated bringing up Raider's presence again when Alexander interrupted her. "I've already sent someone to escort him to our destination in advance."
Relief caused Kira's shoulders to loosen.
"You don't have to worry we'll ruin this thing you have going," Kira assured him. "As soon as we've finished our business, we'll be gone again."
Jin was a silent observer as Alexander looked from Kira to Finn where he shadowed them from a few feet away, giving them the illusion of privacy.
"I don't think you ever intend to cause trouble, Kira. Yet somehow, that's always what ends up happening," Alexander said at last.
Touché.
Kira could have argued, but what was the point? Alexander had long since made his mind up about her. No amount of discussion would change that.
