They wanted someone to pay. The Consortium made for a ripe target.
Though he’d been trained to assume Admiral Himoto’s mantle, no one thought he’d have to do so under such tragic circumstances or so soon.
Himoto had been both their mentors. Losing him was a blow there was no time to recover from.
Kira lifted her chin at Jace in greeting. “What are you doing here?”
“We were summoned.” Jace’s stance relaxed, his tension seeping away as he acknowledged her presence.
Kira had assumed something to that effect. The Haldeel and the Tuann were unlikely to let humanity sweep their involvement with the attack under the rug. There would be meetings. Negotiations. They’d want concessions that humanity might not be willing to give.
Kira looked over at the contingent of Haldeel and inclined her head in a respectful nod at their leader. “Lieven, it’s good to see you again.”
The Haldeel were an interesting race. From the waist up, they resembled humans except for the lack of hair and the dual-toned pigmentation of their skin.
Lieven, for instance, had an undertone of ink black skin with violet markings that swirled along his exposed arms and shoulders. Those markings marched up the outer edge of his neck, lining his temples and jawline in a strange tattoo that wasn’t a tattoo at all.
It was from the waist down where the Haldeel were truly unique. Built like a cephalopod, the Haldeel had eight prehensile appendages that pointed to their evolution in the oceans of their home world. A place whose landmass comprised one tiny island.
“As it is to see you, za na ri.” Lieven’s stance shifted in query. A silent way of asking if she had been well.
An interesting facet of the Haldeel language was that it went beyond the verbal, relying heavily on subtle, nonverbal cues of body language along with the emotion you tied to your words and gestures.
It was this last piece that tripped up most when learning the language. The Haldeel were mildly empathic, and, as such, emotion underpinned every aspect of their communication.
It was why Kira leaned into the warm burst of surprise and happiness at seeing an old friend before focusing on Jace again. “Is this about the treaty?”
“You could say that.”
Kira’s gaze flicked to those standing behind him. A man and a woman. Neither of whom held the rank or authority necessary for talks of this nature.
By now, enough time had passed for the Consortium to have sent personnel skilled at handling these types of discussions. An admiral or a diplomat at the very least.
Except Jace was the highest ranked person in his group. The other two not even coming close to his station. A fact that could be considered an insult in a very delicate situation.
Jace’s look was wry as he read her expression. “The Haldeel closed their borders to all human ships. No one in or out until this matter has been resolved.”
No wonder Jace was on his own.
It was never a good sign when your ally shut their borders to you. The effects of which could have far reaching consequences.
“I hope the Haldeel are taking into consideration that while some humans joined hands with the Tsavitee there were many more who fought against them.” Kira’s tone was careful as she radiated sincerity and concern. She didn’t want Lieven or those behind her to take offense. At the same time, she needed them to hear her words.
“Some humans paid the ultimate price to protect the vulnerable on this station,” Kira finished, changing her stance to one of sorrow.
Himoto was one of those. As were many of the soldiers he’d led.
It was ironic but the Tsavitee’s attack on Almaluc was the first time the Haldeel, Tuann, and humans had fought on one battlefield. Side by side as they protected each other’s back.
How sad would it be if they let themselves be divided in the aftermath.
Lieven’s body flowed into a stance that spoke of understanding as well as firmness. “We remember, za na ri. It is why we have yet to purge the survivors.”
Kira caught the warning in his words. The Haldeel would play nice for now because of the actions taken by Jace and Himoto, but it would be a mistake to assume the Haldeel would take this lying down.
Though the Haldeel preferred peace, they wouldn’t hesitate to bare fangs capable of tearing out humanity’s throat if crossed.
Before Kira could think of a response to that, the door she’d come through opened again.
