They didn’t know all that happened, but judging by the androids involvement, Zepher and the faction supporting them likely had a lot to do with the attack.
As distant as her relationship had become with the Consortium and humans, Kira had no interest in watching them fall.
Even if there weren’t still some among their ranks she cared about, she felt they were essential for the coming war.
A war the Tsavitee had just demonstrated they were already preparing for.
Kira stiffened as Lorcan wandered into the shipping dock.
“Graydon,” she warned quietly as his oshota let the man pass. “He was with Remie when they attacked us.”
Hearing her words, Lorcan’s smile widened. “Such a stiff greeting for someone who saved your ass.”
Kira’s mouth snapped shut as her hands flexed. Reaching for her primus orkiwas out, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t do some damage if needed.
Graydon’s held a hand in front of her to stop her. “It’s fine. He was acting under our orders.”
Lorcan made a kissy face at her before sauntering toward Torvald. He slung his arm over the bigger man’s shoulders before turning to say several things into his ear.
Torvald nodded several times before Lorcan dropped his arm and sauntered off.
Kira watched it all, feeling a sense of disconnection.
“He’s a Face,” she said softly.
A clandestine Face from the looks of things.
She knew he reminded her of Graydon. She just hadn’t been able to put her finger on why.
Graydon didn’t confirm or deny, instead changing the subject.
“Your Himoto volunteered to stay behind and provide cover so we could reach you,” Graydon said after a beat. “The Haldeel will take his sacrifice into account before making any decisions.”
The somberness in Graydon’s expression told her even if they didn’t, the Tuann would.
Kira didn’t have to ask how serious the situation had been. Graydon’s expression and the rest already told her.
She didn’t know how to handle the thought of Himoto in danger. It wasn’t the first time, but a cold feeling in the pit of her stomach told her this time was different.
“Liara and your rear admiral are with Himoto,” Graydon said. “Your admiral was wounded, but it’s possible he survived.”
But not probable, Kira knew, reading his tone.
A feeling of inevitability filled her. She’d always known one of them would go out this way.
Funny thing—she thought it would be her.
Kira stared outside the docking membrane, watching the battle rage as reinforcements rushed into the fray. The advantage the Tsavitee had was eliminated as the ships cooperated, working together to turn the tide.
A Tsavitee cruiser turned, preparing to flee.
The rest refused to let it. Several split off from the main pack to harry its sides.
It wasn’t long until they’d dealt critical damage to the ship. Seconds later, unable to defend against the sustained power of the allied ships, the cruiser exploded.
The surviving allied ships turned their attention to the remaining ship.
“What now?” Raider asked, joining her and Graydon as they watched the destruction.
