Raider didn't want to risk it.
"We just received the docking coordinates. Whatever we're going to do, we need to do it soon," Talon drawled.
Raider stared at the view of space, thinking. Worst case scenario—Jace impounded the Wanderer and reassigned Raider and Blue to the Curs in preparation for deployment. Chances were that he'd allow Wren and the rest to continue on their way afterward.
Of course, they'd lose valuable time. And if Jace found out about the prisoner they had on board all bets were off.
That brought him to the real problem.
Finn was good, but there was no guarantee he'd be able to locate Kira on Rothchild. He didn't know what signs Kira might have left for them to find and follow.
Raider did.
Finn and the rest also weren't prepared for the nuisance that was Odin.
Raider was part of the team originally tasked with hunting that criminal. They would have caught Odin too if not for Kira's sabotage.
Something Raider was still sore about.
"How soon until your people can arrive?" Raider asked Wren.
"An hour. Two at most."
Raider nodded. "Okay then."
"Okay then?" Blue asked in an outraged voice that betrayed her upset. "What does that mean?"
Wren's gaze was steady. He nodded once. As if to say it was already done.
Appreciation rumbled through Raider. He and his father-in-law seemed to share the same mind when it came to this. Maybe there was hope for them after all.
Raider focused on Blue. "It means that if Jace becomes a problem, they'll be there to get us out. By force, if necessary."
Blue sputtered. "That's—"
"Mutiny. I know," Raider agreed grimly. "I'm really hoping it doesn't come to that."
Twelve
Kira – Haldeel Abandoned Planet
An hour later Kira slammed her hands down on the console in frustration. "Why isn't this working?"
Since sitting down, she'd gotten nowhere. Every attempt to penetrate the computer system in charge of the ship's controls—things like piloting, navigation, and life support—had been rejected. It left her stuck firmly at square one with no path forward.
She didn't think this was a problem of time either. One hour. Two. It would make no difference. She could try for the next five days and be no better off.
"You won't be able to access that. Pallas thought you might try so he locked the system down before he left."
Kira's hands clenched, her only reaction to the unexpected intrusion as she shot the J1N a narrow eyed look. "Seriously? No warning at all that we're about to have company?"
The J1N spun, his 'eye' ending up pointing somewhere in the vicinity of the ceiling. "The owner of the ship has returned. This can no longer be classified as a salvage operation. I cannot be of any further service to you."
Kira slumped in her chair. "Don't worry—you were never 'of service.'"
"What's wrong with your friend?" the intruder asked, venturing further into the room.
Kira leaned her head against the chair. "Where should I start?"
