In the dealings Graydon had had with this human, he could see the man was different from the rest of the Consortium. Graydon even held a measure of respect toward him.
Himoto was a man of principle and duty—devoted to the greater good rather than the lesser few.
Such a man would be admired as a leader but hated by friends and family.
It took a strong person to endure the recriminations of others when they were forced to make the difficult choices that would ensure the safety of so many.
In this, Graydon thought he understood Himoto better than Kira.
Her first instinct was always to save everyone. Himoto was more pragmatic. He'd save who he could and silently bear the burden of those he couldn't.
"We meet again," Graydon said in greeting as Himoto reached him. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Himoto didn't beat around the bush. "Judging from your actions, you've been informed of the same thing I have."
Graydon didn't confirm or deny, waiting to see what Himoto would do.
The human didn't disappoint. "What you may not know is that I have intel that an attack is imminent."
"You're sharing this with me why?"
"We have something in common. We both care for the same woman," Himoto said simply.
Graydon bared his teeth in a smile more suited to a dragon. "Are you sure that's the only reason?"
A man like Himoto always had more than one reason for doing things.
Graydon believed he really did care for Kira and wanted only the best for her. That didn't negate the fact Himoto had other motivations for sharing.
"There are some concerning developments on my side. I thought it best to reach out," Himoto said with a faint smile.
In other words, he no longer trusted his own people.
After the display by Admiral Kent, Graydon couldn't say he was surprised.
Seeing Graydon's acceptance, Himoto lowered his voice. "They'll go after Kira first. Under no circumstances can she be allowed to fall into their hands."
Graydon's eyes sharpened. "Why?"
"That is an old story that would take too long to tell."
Before Graydon could ask anything more, the floor under their feet bucked and rolled as explosions rocked the station.
Screams sounded around them as a second explosion made people stumble.
"Those were internal explosions," Himoto said.
It was the worst nightmare of any station master. Fear of sudden depressurization was one of the reasons projectile weapons were universally banned in space.
Most ships wouldn't even let you on board with one.
The frame of the station was self-repairing, but it wouldn't prevent loss of life from those in the immediate vicinity of the explosion.
Movement above pulled Graydon's attention upward.
"It looks like that’s the least of our problems," he observed as dozens of Tsavitee warships dropped into orbit around the planet.
With no time for anyone to react, bright beams of light erupted from the ships as they immediately started firing on the cities below.
