Raider pushed to his feet. "On that note, I have some matters to take care of. I'll leave you to it."
"Traitor," Kira said softly, not looking away from Graydon's gaze.
"Always know when it's time to stage a tactical retreat. You taught me that," Raider returned.
Aeron followed his example. "In this, I'm in agreement with the human. I have no need to listen to your petty squabbles. I wish to be returned to my cell."
"Amila, go with him," Graydon ordered.
Wren nodded at Zoella as well.
The two women glided forward, escorting the general out of the room after Raider.
Odin hesitated at the end of the table. "I'll see you soon, Nixxy."
Kira nodded. "See you on board."
The room was quiet as Odin pulled the door closed behind him, sealing Kira inside with the Tuann.
She was quiet as she looked around the table, knowing what they were afraid of. In all that planning, no mention had been made of what role Graydon and the rest of the Tuann would play. Their opinions hadn't been asked. Their presence ignored.
Intentionally, on Kira's part.
"When you were listening to our plan, did any of you hear mention of an exit strategy?" Kira asked, making herself comfortable in her chair.
She waited, a mysterious little smile on her face as they came to the realization she'd been hoping they’d make.
"That's because there is none. To get onto the planet without tripping the energy cannons, we'll have to use waveboards."
While waveboards were versatile, able to maneuver easily in the void of space and be used for insertion into a planet's atmosphere, they wouldn't be able to get them back off again. This was meant to be a one way trip.
That's where the Tuann came in.
"I was hoping you and your pod would take care of that part," Kira told Wren.
From prior experience with Finn, she knew he wasn't leaving her side from here on out. She'd be lucky if she got bathroom breaks without either his or Talon’s presence.
As for Graydon, she didn't even need to ask. He was with her. All the way.
That left Wren and his oshota.
Funnily enough, she had a feeling it was the perfect task for them. Anyone managing to get a ship down there would then need to defend it long enough for Kira and the rest to reach it after rescuing Elena.
The oshota in Wren's pod were all elites. Talented warriors who should be able to hold their own against the Tsavitee for a short period of time.
"Consider it done," Wren said gravely.
Kira was a little surprised. She'd been expecting a fight. In his shoes, she'd want to be part of the team that went in after her granddaughter.
Wren's smile was wry. "Your judgment in this matter is accurate. My pod and I are the best choice for this role. We will secure you transport off the planet and hold it until your arrival."
Kira nodded in relief. "Thank you."
She had no fear of her seon'yer failing her. Wren would die first. He was a demon with his blade so the chances of that happening were small.
Maksym winked at her. "Don't worry, youngest. We do this sort of thing all the time."
Kira shook her head.
