Then again, there were those among the Tuann who shared the same obsession with the races, Kira thought just as Ziva bounced forward.
"He is too." Ziva gestured at Devon.
"It seems this ship has several contenders for that race.” Jace patted Kira on the shoulder. "This one is also competing."
Kira stiffened under his hand. "What do you think you're doing?"
Jace leaned closer to her. "Remember on Duo when you and Raider antagonized that gang and then left me to deal with the consequences? Consider this my long-overdue revenge."
Kira choked down her response. "You've gotten a lot braver over the years."
Jace patted her on the shoulder again. "I learned from the best." To the rest, he said, "I hope you can show my friend some interesting things."
Devon regarded Kira with suspicion. "You're a racer?"
Kira shrugged.
Devon looked about to say something when the Haldeel steward approached. "We'll be landing soon. Please take your seats."
The Haldeel girl sketched a small bow before making her way to her seat.
Devon and the others followed suit, leaving Kira and Jace alone.
"That's one thing I've never envied about you—having to deal with Jin," Jace mused.
Finn's shoulders jerked next to her.
"Rude, meat sack," Jin grumbled from Kira's shoulder.
From his own position, Devon eyed their trio with a contemplative look.
"Both of you be quiet. We've already drawn enough attention."
Jace glanced in the direction of the Haldeel teen. "I do find it interesting that anilsaappeared here and now."
Kira didn't have to ask what he meant.
Theilsawas a rare breed that not many had the opportunity to befriend. Although it looked like an adorable pet it was much more. Some knew theilsaby its less common name—thealja. Or spy.
Jin's actions on the surface may have seemed like that of an idiot, but there had been purpose behind them.
If he hadn't acted in such a way, there was no telling how long theilsawould have sat there and listened.
Kira could only hope Jin had noticed him before they revealed too much.
*
Graydon contemplatedthe Tuann in front of him, trying to decide if he cared about the repercussions that would come if he ripped the man’s limbs from his torso.
He could already envision how that conversation with the emperor would play out.
"And why did you feel it necessary to maim one of my most loyal subjects?"
The emperor wasn't likely to be satisfied with the excuse "Because his face offended me".
Pity. Such an action was sure to satisfy and work out some of this tension.
It had been weeks, and there was still no word on Kira.
