"Either way, stay on guard. If we're caught here, they're going to go after Elena."
Kira didn't have to explain how bad it would be if Elena was spotted so close to her other protectors.
Certain people would find that information interesting. They could even decide to investigate further. The results of such a fact-finding mission would endanger a whole lot more than the safety of her niece.
"I know."
They moved out of the corridor that connected the shipyard docks to the station.
Kira flicked her eyes up and to the right, accessing the map Odin had uploaded into her optics.
Tiny glowing lines formed in the upper right of her vision, a representation of the station and its features.
Their destination was the docks where drop shuttles would ferry visitors planet side.
Seeing they were still heading in the right direction; Kira dismissed the map.
"You'll find this interesting," Jin chirped. "Luatha is here."
Kira dodged around a slow-moving clump of humans, noting the insignia embroidered on their uniforms. Two crossed swords framed by a sunburst on either side.
Zepher.
Kira’s lip curled. She could have done without seeing them ever again.
"What's my cousin's House doing here?"
"Probably the same thing everyone else is."
Kira couldn't catch a break. One more group capable of recognizing her and Jin at a glance.
She'd known the chokepoint of the station would pose a problem, but she hadn't thought she'd be so thoroughly surrounded on all sides.
Kira forced her pace not to quicken.
This little deception hinged on going unremarked. She was one of thousands of hopefuls looking to earn recognition and praise through her own skills and talent.
For that reason, she needed to act the part of tourist as she admired the interior of the station.
It mimicked a city. Tall buildings were framed by the same swooping metal arches she'd seen on the exterior. Here, she could better appreciate them. The loops weren't simply flat metal. Instead, they twisted and turned in a relaxed spiral.
It made it easy to show fascination as she walked.
Although technologically advanced, the Haldeel had an appreciation for beauty, entwining form with functionality.
It was apparent in this brief visit how ingrained that mentality was in the Haldeel mindset.
It wasn't enough to build something. It had to be effortlessly beautiful as well. Extra points if it was also insanely complicated.
Too soon, Kira and her companions reached their destination, a massive room filled with small ships arranged in neat little rows.
On one side of the room was the black of space, the planet taking up a large chunk of the view. A small membrane ensured those who entered weren't immediately sucked into the vacuum of space.
A disturbance mere feet away drew Kira's attention from the breathtaking view.
A group of humans faced off against a Haldeel.
The person in charge was a short man with a barrel chest. He, like his companions, was dressed sharply in a uniform of tailored pants and a tight-fitting jacket.
