"This ambush is exceedingly well planned," Graydon admitted with a dark look.
They'd waited until the strongest warriors were on the station before attacking, increasing the likelihood of landing a decisive blow against those remaining.
"The Tsavitee have always been good at striking when you're at your weakest." Himoto's face was creased in deep thought as he stared at the attacking ships.
Graydon detected no fear in the human general. It was as if the specter of death and defeat held no sway, his mind already devising scenarios likely to lead to optimal outcomes.
"You two are very alike," Graydon murmured.
Kira got that same look on her face when she was up against the wall. When others would lose themselves to panic, she always had this calm about her, as if by taking in the different variables of a situation she'd find a way through.
Himoto sent Graydon a questioning look.
Graydon shook his head, ignoring it. Now wasn't the time to be caught up in such things.
"I find it strange the station’s defenses haven't come online yet," Solal remarked.
"It's likely the first explosions targeted those systems," Himoto said. "It's what I would do in their place."
Above, the Haldeel had finally scrambled a response to the threat, several cruisers firing at the enemy as they arrowed toward them.
The smaller size of the Haldeel ships against the massive frames of the Tsavitee ships made it seem like they were minnows up against a shark.
Defeat was inevitable. The best they could hope for was to delay the bombardment and buy time for the rest of the fleet to intervene.
"Isn't this an interesting development," Torvald said, joining Graydon and Himoto, his eyes on the stars and the battle taking place there.
Graydon scowled at him. "Shouldn't you be with Yukina?"
"It's so cute how you thought I'd obey such an order."
It would certainly make Graydon's life easier if he had.
Forget it. The man had always been capricious and only did what he wanted. Nothing Graydon could say would change that.
"How delightful, the enemy has decided to come and test us." Torvald sounded happy as two of the Tsavitee ships broke off from the bombardment to head in their direction.
"Most wouldn't find that a cause for celebration," Himoto observed as the previously stunned crowd finally woke up to the danger they were in.
They stampeded for the exit. The Haldeel guards who'd remained after the royal's departure immediately following Kira’s exit tried to maintain order.
"Admiral, shouldn't we leave too?" one of Himoto's aides asked.
"You could try, but I doubt you'll make it out." Torvald stepped forward as the Tsavitee ship spun, lining up their cannons. "Your toys have blocked the exit."
The Tsavitee ship fired.
Torvald raised a hand, goldenkisnaking up his arm and spilling out of his palm. It shot up, spreading across the bubble in a split second.
Light seared the eyes of those present as the shot from the Tsavitee ship impacted.
"You're a thousand years too young to challenge the great me," Torvald shouted with a cruel grin.
"You look like you're having fun," Graydon drawled.
Torvald's eyes sparkled. "Of course. It's been ages since I played."
Because the rest of the Tuann no longer dared entertain him. They'd already learned their lesson, Graydon added privately.
