"I'm also not sure what this will do to them. The power surge could destroy them."
Kira's stomach dropped.
"They're not him, Kira. They're not Jin," Raider said gently.
No, they weren't. And if they could aid in getting her even a little closer to her objective then their sacrifice would be worth it.
"Do what you have to, Blue," Kira instructed.
"Standby."
The same sharp buzzing that had come from the rods started. The spawn levitated off the ground as pressure built.
Raised voices came from outside.
"Looks like they're onto us," Raider said, glancing at the door.
"Come on, Blue," Kira whispered as the spawn emitted the same electricity as the rods.
The door rattled.
There was a crack as a sheet of blue burrowed into the stone. Raider raised a hand to shield his eyes as the floor grew transparent.
There was a violent heave from the door, dust particles exploding outward from the force.
"Time to go," Kira said.
"See you on the other side." Raider dropped through the floor as the door flew off its hinges. A woman wearing synth armor stepped into the room. Shock replaced her fierce expression as her gaze landed on Kira.
"Sorry about this, Amila," Kira said, offering her a wave. "Blue, self-destruct as soon as I'm through."
Ki gathering around Amila as she started forward. "Wait!"
Kira dropped. Her heart in her throat as she landed. The floor closed an instant later.
"Close one," Kira said, staring up at the ceiling.
If Blue's timing had been off, that would have cut her in half.
"It certainly was," a man rumbled, the familiar voice washing over Kira.
She froze, her gaze locked on the ground as her breath hitched. It couldn't be. He couldn't be here. He was supposed to be recovering. Not pulling guard duty for a Tsavitee general.
An eternity passed before Kira gathered her courage to turn. Her world tilted as her gaze locked on the man next to Raider.
Suddenly, she could feel everything. All the anger and pain she'd been suppressing. The rage that felt like it might incinerate her if she breathed wrong. The heartache of impending loss. A part of her already preparing for what might come.
The odds weren't in their favor. She knew that.
But if the Phoenix was ever to pull off the longest of long shots, she needed it to be now.
Kira wobbled as she rose. Her nerves raw and exposed, leaving her a little off balance. Uncertainty holding her in check. Even as his name fell from her lips like a benediction.
"Graydon."
Her lover. And the man who'd probably be arresting them in the next few seconds.
Four
