Page 398 of Trials of Conviction


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Kira was quiet, wondering if that was what they had in store for humanity.

"When they have the answers they seek, they throw their broken toys to the horde. Whether those toys survive and find a place for themselves or are destroyed is up to the toy."

"What's their purpose?" Kira asked.

There had to be one. It might not make sense to Kira, but it was there.

"Who knows? Maybe to create a perfect race? Their own evolution? All I know is that they've designed evolutionary paths for hundreds of species, including my own. The Tuann were the ones they were most proud of." Odin looked over at Kira. "I'm pretty sure the soul bound are a big reason for that."

Eighteen

Odin was ordering the J1N to power down as Kira took her leave. The growing frustration in Odin’s voice when the drone failed to comply made her feel a little better about the past few days.

At least she wasn't the only one the J1N gave trouble.

Kira stepped into the corridor, scanning it for Pallas.

He wasn't far. Just a dozen feet down the corridor. Right next to an intersection, examining the wall and floor.

Kira stalked toward him. "What are you doing?"

In answer, Pallas tossed a rock he'd picked up from somewhere directly in front of him. There was a flash. Followed by a rat a tat tat as an SP4500 fired nearly three thousand rounds in the span of a second.

"Cute," Pallas drawled.

Kira stopped in mid step, suddenly aware of the danger she'd strayed into.

When Brie warned her of traps, she hadn't quite figured on them making use of military grade weapons. That was her bad. She really should have. This was Odin they were talking about, after all.

"Your friend has been busy." Pallas tapped a wall as he glanced around. "It makes one wonder what they’ve hidden down there. It must be important given the level of defense."

"Odin's secrets are his own," Kira said in a flat voice.

"Are you sure about that, little sister?"

Kira held his stare for a second longer before shaking her head and striding back the way she'd come.

Pallas joined her. "You always were a fan of dangerous games."

"Those are the only types I know how to play."

Pallas prowled beside her, making Kira feel like she was keeping company with a wild animal. There were no safeguards in place to keep that beast from devouring her whole either.

"I'm disappointed in lover boy. I didn't think he'd be stupid enough to let you meet the Sye on your own."

"Graydon isn't my keeper."

"Does he know that?"

Kira exhaled a low laugh. "Why are you trying to get under my skin?"

"Because I find it fun."

Kira finally stopped to face the other man. "I need to borrow your ship."

If he wanted to play, she'd be happy to indulge him.

"My ship?"