Kira could feel a headache taking up residence in her temples. Of course, Ziva wasn't going to act according to reason.
Like drew like. Much as Kira hated to admitted it, the kid's personality was as stubborn as her own. She was also a survivor. She'd gravitated to Kira's side, drawn to her strength and grit and had made it her mission to bedevil Kira ever since.
Kira's accusing stare landed on Joule. As Ziva's brother, shouldn't he be trying to talk her out of this madness?
He straightened, the resolve forming telling her she'd have to drag him off this ship herself if she wanted him to leave.
Not much of a challenge in reality. Even with the pointers Selene had given him regarding his shielding affinity.
However, the use of direct force was likely to ruin their friendship. A friendship, she realized to her chagrin, that she was beginning to cherish.
"My seon'yer has given permission for my presence," Devon said when Kira's gaze drifted to him.
Of course, Graydon had. The man seemed determined to vex Kira.
"Besides, you have to take us with you or else we'll tell everyone about the criminal you have on board," Devon finished.
Unbelievable.
"You're threatening me?" Kira asked, raising her eyebrows at him in challenge.
"Bold move, kiddo," Blue said with a whistle.
Devon's gaze shifted to her. "I'm older than you—by decades at least."
Blue's smile was dangerous. "Time is meaningless if you don't have the experience to back it up. Would you like a demonstration?"
"Okay, that's enough out of you." Raider nudged Blue toward the corridor. "Go get us ready to take off."
Blue went without objection, heading for the bridge.
Raider tilted his head to the other side of the room. "Kira—side bar."
"In a moment."
"No, now."
Raider was already moving when Kira looked back at him. Talon watched the show from his place along the wall.
"Fine," Kira growled under her breath, stomping after him.
He didn't wait for her to reach the other side of the room before rounding on her. "We should bring the kid."
Kira stopped and glared. "Are you kidding me?"
"You've seen what he can do. We could use him."
"He's still a kid. They all are."
"He's not much younger than you were when you started fighting the Tsavitee," Raider pointed out.
"That's different."
"I don't see how." Raider folded his arms over his chest, widening his stance as he squared up with her. "He's faced several dangerous situations in the past few months and acquitted himself well each time. If I thought there was a chance, I'd recruit him for the Curs."
Raider remained calm as he offered several rebuttals. Entirely reasonable as he laid out his argument. One whose logic even someone as stubborn as Kira couldn't fight against.
"Furthermore, he and Devon are no longer considered children by the Tuann," Raider added.
