They took in the many bodies again.
"Just you?" the Haldeel asked.
Kira indicated Jin. "He helped."
Their gazes went from Jin to the bodies whose only evidence of injury were the singe marks marring their flesh.
"Incoming from your three o'clock," Jin murmured.
Finn sped into the clearing, freezing at the sight. A second later, he aimed an accusing glare at Kira.
Her gaze slid away. "I can explain.”
Finn's expression didn't shift.
Without hesitation, Kira pointed at Jin. "It's all his fault."
Jin protested.
Kira shrugged at him. "It really is."
"Some friend you are," he shot back.
"In situations like these, it's every person for themselves."
"I'll remember this," he muttered.
"You should. It's your rule."
The leader walked forward, interrupting. "You're going to need to come with us while we sort this out. “
Kira moved slowly, careful not to startle the Haldeel as she withdrew her blade and set it on the ground.
"He needs to come too." The Haldeel indicated Jin.
Reluctantly, Kira nodded. "J1N, power down."
Although Jin would give the appearance of shutting down, in reality he would still maintain full control, aware of everything going on around him.
"I appreciate your cooperation," the leader said.
The Haldeel beside him shifted. "Za, I'm still sensing an energy output."
Kira cursed internally. She’d hoped they wouldn’t pick up on that.
"Jin has backup systems. That's probably what you're sensing.”
Kira held her breath, waiting as the Haldeel consulted each other.
An entire conversation passed without a word being exchanged.
At last, a Haldeel with cobalt markings withdrew a device from a pocket. A buzz invaded her mind seconds before a wall slammed between her and Jin.
The place Jin occupied in her psyche went dark.
Kira flinched, horror and fear rising.
"What did you do?" Kira demanded harshly.
