"When have I ever done that?"
"Do you want a list?" To Wren, "Keep an eye on them."
Wren's nod was as formal as always. "That was my intention."
As Wren led Odin away with his oshota, Graydon glanced at Kira. "I need to catch up with my people and send Harlow and the emperor a report. We're overdue. Will you be fine without me?"
"Somehow I think I'll manage." Kira looked at the place where Jace and Raider had gone. "It's probably best this way anyway."
They could use the privacy. Some things were harder to say with an audience, and this was likely to be one of those times.
"Alright. But watch yourself. I'm with Pallas on this. I still don't trust most humans."
"Most? Not all?" Kira slapped his shoulder playfully. "Why Graydon—you softy. I knew I was growing on you."
Graydon rolled his eyes, stalking toward his oshota as Kira snickered to herself. She did so love teasing that man whenever she got the chance.
"Jin, let's go," Kira ordered, starting toward the base's entrance.
"Whatever you say, Nixxy poo."
Kira paused to glare at the drone. Of all things Odin could have taught it. They had to teach it that.
She was going to kill them. Just as soon as this was all over.
Mark her words. Odin was a dead Sye walking.
Kira, the J1N and Finn following close behind, stepped onto the base to find a woman waiting impatiently for them.
Everything about the woman—from the way she was dressed in a militaristic jacket with a high collar, strong shoulders over a high-necked blouse with a keyhole located under the hollow of her throat, to her dark brown hair being swept into a soft looking side tail—was carefully curated to amplify her femininity while also projecting strength.
The thought and care she'd put into her appearance was obvious at a glance. As was the faint antagonism lingering in her expression as Kira and Finn walked over to her.
"Grace, isn't it?" Kira said by way of greeting. "It's been a while."
The last—and only—time Kira had seen the human had been on O'Riley station before she and Jace had set off to Ta Da'an to meet her cousin.
Grace acted like Kira hadn't spoken, focusing on Finn's presence. "He's to remain here."
"Sorry. He goes where I go," Kira responded, managing not to sound the least bit apologetic.
"We're heading to a restricted area. And he's not human."
Kira's expression went cold. Until that moment, she'd found the other's attempt at making her feel inferior adorable. A touch sad—but ultimately inconsequential.
However, if she was going to target Finn—and use his species as a way to do it—she would show this person just who she was dealing with.
"He does not leave my side," Kira enunciated carefully. She didn't want the woman saying she hadn't understood when Jace questioned her later. "You can either accept that and fulfill your responsibility or you can explain to Rear Admiral Skarsdale why you failed in the execution of your orders."
Kira knew who Jace would blame if Grace chose the second of those options. And it wasn't her.
Grace's mouth tightened before she spun on her heel. "Follow me, then."
Finn moved up beside Kira. "It's not like you to be so reasonable when it comes to my presence. Did something happen during your time away?"
Kira patted Finn's shoulder without looking back at him. "A few near death experiences is all. Nothing to worry too much about."
His growl made Kira smile as she sauntered after Grace. She'd thought he would appreciate that.
