"By 'source', I assume you mean the prisoner you liberated with the help of my Face."
Kira's expression settled into bland lines as she met the emperor's gaze.
"Still unwilling to admit it, I see. That's smart of you. This way you don't have to take responsibility later." Torvald glanced at Graydon. "She's better at politics than some of the Overlords."
Graydon inclined his head. "My coli is a woman of many talents."
Harlow sat forward. "I would still like to know how you managed to get separated from your ship in the first place."
"It's a long story," Kira said tiredly.
One Kira wasn't entirely sure she wanted to share. She still felt embarrassment over how Pallas had gotten the drop on her.
Not to mention the damage it could do to her uncle's confidence in her skills.
"We have the situation under control. My source is in good hands with Wren and Finn. As soon as they arrive, we'll work on obtaining the final location."
Harlow regarded Kira steadily. "I'm going to assume you're telling me the truth and not pry any further. In the meantime, I'm re-routing Caius's unit. He'll be on standby near the border of that territory."
There it was. His caveat.
"Harlow—" Kira tried.
"Caius is the person I trust the most with matters of utmost secrecy. Those I'm deploying are under his immediate command. All of whom have sworn fealty to him. They won't betray you."
He was putting her in a difficult position.
"Treachery isn't the only thing I'm worried about."
Harlow's smile was small. "They'll be discreet. You have my word."
"I hope so," Kira told him.
If they spooked the Tsavitee, this would all be for naught.
"We'll look forward to your next update," Harlow said at a signal from Torvald.
The holograms snapped off as the feed ended.
"I think that went well," Graydon said, collecting the communication stone from the table and reinserting it into his armor.
"How long do we have until they expect another update?"
Graydon folded his arms over his wide chest as he considered. "A day. Maybe two."
"We're running out of time."
Odin's instruments still hadn’t picked up the Wanderer anywhere in the vicinity of the solar system.
Graydon pulled Kira's hand away from her forehead, tugging her into his front. "We're not out of it yet."
She buried her face in his chest, releasing a long breath. "You're right."
This wasn't a dead end. Not even close.
Torvald's information confirmed they were on the right track. Assuming nothing had happened to Raider and the rest—and she was convinced they were absolutely fine—they just needed to wait.
"Yes, I am," Graydon agreed.
