Despite the grim circumstances, the question made Kira smile. Same old Jin. If that was what he was concerned about, he would be fine.
“No, that’s exactly what you’re seeing,” Kira said softly.
The piece of jewelry was delicate looking and formed from two interwoven strands of bronze and silver that met in the center of his forehead to cradle a jewel no bigger than the nail on Kira’s pinky finger.
“He should be quiet or he’ll get us all killed,” Raider sang in a soft voice.
Much as Kira hated to admit it, Raider had a point.
“Comms only, Jin,” Kira instructed softly as Jarek and his oshota reached them.
To Kira’s surprise, the oshota didn’t stop with Jarek. Several split off to head to the ship.
Raider moved to block their path. “What are you doing? You can’t go in there.”
The oshota pressed forward, treating Raider’s words like air.
“A human has no say on Ta Sa’Riel. Remove yourself from their path or suffer the consequences.” Jarek’s voice was every bit as cold and disdainful as his appearance suggested.
Kira stepped forward. “Maybe he doesn’t, but I do. This is my ship, and I am a daughter of Roake.”
The oshota paused, sending questioning looks in Jarek’s direction.
A part of Kira wanted to sneer at their actions. They disregarded Raider because of what they thought he was and treated Kira a little more respectfully for fear of what her House might do if they trespassed too far.
When really Raider was the greatest threat in this situation.
With Elena on that ship and the secrets her existence created, there wasn’t much Raider wouldn’t do to safeguard her—making an enemy of the inquisitor included.
“No introduction?” Kira mocked.
She needed to keep them distracted and the situation from deteriorating until reinforcements could arrive.
“Even humans aren’t so rude,” Kira said, knowing these Tuann would view the statement as the ultimate insult.
Raider took advantage of the oshota’s hesitation to maneuver himself between them and the ship again.
“Your ship set off the defense network. That coupled with the fact you’ve landed on sacred land makes you and this ship suspicious.” Jarek flicked his hand at the two waiting oshota.
Raider shifted as he lowered his center of gravity, preparing for a fight.
“If you were paying attention, you would know your defense network broke off their attack once we identified the source and eliminated it,” Kira said, attempting to keep the situation from descending into violence. “As for this being sacred land—does it look like my ship had a choice in where it crashed?”
Kira could see the consideration on several of the oshota’s faces as they took in the wreck. Anyone with half a brain would know the Wanderer had no control over its landing.
“Remove your human or see him hurt,” Jarek ordered again as if he hadn’t heard—or cared—about Kira’s logic.
Raider braced as the oshota started forward.
“Why is it you always encounter assholes on a power trip?” Jin griped from Kira’s arms, his words bringing the action to a halt. “You’d think we’d eventually run into a normal person who doesn’t feel the need to throw around threats in front of someone as crazy as you.”
Silence descended as Kira looked up at the sky.
Why? Was it something she did in a past life? Was that the reason she was saddled with a best friend who was no better at taking orders than herself?
Raider’s stance relaxed. “As always, great timing, Tin Can.”
Jarek’s gaze landed on Jin’s sphere. “What’s this?”
