“No Tuann would wear armor like that. Even someone in low standing with their House rates something better,” Finn instructed.
You could tell a lot about a person based on how well they cared for their gear. Someone lazy would skip steps in favor of expediency. They were the type you wanted to avoid entrusting your life to.
These Tuann treated their armor like it was something precious. Previous damage had been carefully repaired and the metal polished until it shone. There were also long swords strapped to their backs, the hilts sticking up over their heads.
“We don’t wear our weapons like that either,” Finn continued. “That method is favored solely by wanderers.”
“Or people who want to look like wanderers,” Jin pointed out.
Finn’s lips flattened.
Kira glanced at him. “I thought the wanderers weren’t an accepted part of your society. How could they be here?”
Finn hesitated. “The adva ka is open to all Tuann who have not broken our laws. For those who wander, this can be a chance for re-entry into our society by winning the favor of a House through their performance.”
Kira studied the frozen images. “I can’t imagine that’s easy.”
Even as the heir of House Roake, she’d faced resistance. Some thinking she was insane for living alone on a ship except for the company of a drone.
She imagined it was worse for the wanderers. The exiles of their society.
“It is rare that such an endeavor succeeds,” Finn admitted.
A short silence fell as Jin shut off the hologram.
“When is the last time a wanderer has attempted the adva ka?“ Jin asked.
Finn paused, looking away as he considered. “Over a hundred years.”
Jin bobbed slowly.
“Either these six are anomalies or Elise is using the identity of a wanderer hoping for redemption to conceal her movements,” Kira said slowly.
“That about sums it up,” Jin responded.
Kira grimaced. “I’m assuming confirming either one will be difficult.”
Finn’s nod didn’t make her feel any warm fuzzies.
“Maybe if he hadn’t drawn the attention of the inquisitors,” Finn told her. “They’ll be watching him now. Any signs of aggression or anything out of the norm and they will destroy him.”
Kira looked up at Jin. “Do you hear that? It’s danger close. No shenanigans.”
“You worry about yourself.”
Kira planned to.
“A little more caution before you jump off the deep end is all I’m asking.”
“Right back at ‘cha, Miss wants to play chicken with a ship.”
One side of Kira’s lips tilted up in a wry acknowledgement. “Then we’re agreed.”
They would both think twice before throwing themselves into danger.
“Not yet—when are you planning to inform Raider of Elise’s current status?”
Kira looked away, wishing she could delay the coming conversation a little longer.
