Graydon moved before he’d even finished speaking the order. His en-blade drawn in one second and the android’s head falling onto the ground in the next.
"What’s that you were saying?" Graydon asked. "I didn't quite get it the first time."
Kent snarled, backing away as the two remaining androids charged.
The bzzt of azuipisplit the air, killing the androids instantly.
Jace walked into the room. "Sorry I'm late. I got a bit hung up."
Torvald raised an eyebrow. "Why does that weapon seem familiar?"
"This?" Jace held up what looked to be a modified version of thezuipi, only smaller and much more compact. "It's an invention of Blue's; it’s the first of its kind. Raider passed me the schematics a few days ago. Isn't it fun?"
"That's one word for it," Graydon said, his predatory gaze turning to Kent.
The human stumbled back, fear and the self-preservation that had been missing earlier finally returning.
Too late now.
“What should we do with him?” Graydon asked.
“Take him into custody,” Himoto answered, no mercy on his face. “Death is too good for him after this betrayal. He should be given a trial, his rank stripped, and live in shame for the rest of his days.”
The words seemed to give Kent a backbone as he stopped and straightened. “I’m not the only one who believes the Haldeel are a threat as great as the Tsavitee.”
Himoto ignored the words, glancing at Graydon. “I also want the chance to interrogate him to root out the rest of his followers.”
Humor touched Graydon’s expression as Kent stiffened at the revelation.
“We can help,” Torvald said, peering over Graydon’s shoulder. “The Tuann have many interrogation methods.”
Himoto’s eyes gleamed. “I look forward to exploring the possibilities.” To his people, he said, “Take him into custody.”
They moved toward Kent. He didn’t resist as they reached for his arms.
“You are a disappointment who doesn’t deserve your rank,” Himoto told him as the humans secured his wrists behind his back.
The stamp of many sets of feet announced the arrival of reinforcements.
Anticipation and a ruthlessness twisted Kent’s expression.
Jace grimaced. "I thought I took care of those.”
“Looks like there were more,” Graydon told him.
“What are your orders?” Torvald asked.
"I’m up for killing them all,” Graydon said.
Then when they were done, they could address the betrayal by the human admiral and all those who’d helped him
Jace pointed thezuipiat the androids. "Can’t argue with that."
Graydon cracked his neck. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to this.
He grinned at the androids, a dangerous light in his eyes. "Now. Who's first?"
*
