Above, silvery ribbons swarmed out of the ship, darting toward the station. They moved as if they were organic, their patterns hard to predict as they slithered in a sinuous glide as if they were swimming through space.
"Strigmor eels," Himoto supplied, sounding unruffled. "If even one reaches the station, they'll eat through the hull and burrow into the electrical systems. Once that happens, it'll only be a matter of time before this station dies."
"That's the least of our problems," Solal said, his focus on the room's exit where those who'd tried to evacuate were being forced back by Zepher's androids.
Pools of blood painted the floor, prone bodies sprawled next to them guarded by androids.
Their faces were eerily blank, and the gunmetal gray of their bodies was splattered with streaks of red as Kent joined them.
Humans wearing the insignia of Zepher stood behind him.
It was obvious from their body posture who had ordered the androids to act.
A wide circle grew around the interlopers.
Graydon looked around, finding it curious some Houses who’d attended were now missing, including Remie and Asanth.
Those who had remained had fallen in on each other, their oshota working together to set up a small perimeter.
A short distance away, Liara and her people weren’t panicked. They’d already taken up defensive positions to safeguard those who had attended with them.
Liara caught his eye and nodded, saying without words they were ready for anything that came.
Faint approval filled Graydon. The Overlord had grown into her position nicely.
Himoto moved toward Kent, stopping on the edge of the crowd and regarding the human calmly. "I always warned you your ambition and greed would lead you into disaster, but I never thought it would come so soon."
Kent sneered. "I've done what you weren't brave enough to do. The alliance brokered with the Haldeel only hampers our evolution. We cannot become what we were meant to be when another holds our leash. I'm simply rectifying the mistakes of you and the old guard."
"By working with an enemy who wants to drive us to extinction?" Himoto asked.
Kent drew himself up. "The Tsavitee’s methods are harsh, it's true, but sometimes you need to go through a crucible to achieve your true potential. Our race must become strong. Don’t forget, you’re the one who taught me that sometimes sacrifices need to be made for the greater good."
While he was speaking, Graydon sent several hand signals to his people, warning them to get ready.
Solal and Amila touched their sides where their en-blades were hidden. They watched intently for their moment, their stance defensive.
Himoto's expression was pained as he closed his eyes and shook his head. "You stupid boy. You had such promise."
There was pity in the way Himoto watched his fellow human. His gaze held a kind of ruthlessness that made it clear he wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice the other man, no matter their prior relationship.
Graydon and Torvald exchanged looks.
"What do you say we go a little wild today?" Torvald asked.
Very well. If the man wanted a little excitement in his life, who was Graydon to deny him.
"Leave the small fry to us,” Graydon instructed. “You concentrate on those ships.”
Torvald's bloodthirsty smile faded. "Why do I think you got the more interesting task?"
Despite his obvious disappointment with his task, Torvald was already moving to take care of those outside. His hands flowed swiftly through several runes.
Pressure built in the air. The molecules around them seemed to scream as with a clap Torvald finished his formation. He threw a hand toward the scene above. Dozens of lights arced up, spearing the approaching strigmor eels.
“I’ll take care of the trash,” Graydon said, starting toward the androids and the humans around them.
Kent’s face contorted at the destruction taking place above. He looked over his shoulder at an android. “Kill him.”
