"He's coming with us," Jace instructed, rising. "If he's lying about any of this, he'll be the first to die."
A dangerous rumble came from Aeron. "Keep dreaming, human."
"I do. Every night." Jace focused on Kira. "I can only commit three ships to this attack. The rest of the fleet will still deploy according to Centcom's orders."
Kira inclined her chin. "Understood."
That was three more than she'd been expecting when she flew onto this base.
Jace jerked his chin at her. "We'll ship off in three hours."
The officers rose as a sign of respect as Jace strode out of the room.
"Phoenix, it'll be good to fly with you again," Hollis drawled with a twinkle in her eye.
"Same to you," Kira said as the commander rose and followed Jace.
"We should get going too," Bechler told Shepperd. "There’s a lot to prepare."
The other captain nodded distractedly. "Do you think they'll court martial us for this too?"
Bechler snorted and shook his head as they moved toward the door. "We're probably all going to die so I don't think worrying about what comes after is necessary."
Shepperd shrugged in agreement. "Going out in a blaze of glory doesn't sound so bad."
Graydon waited as their voices faded before focusing on Kira. "Heart of my soul, all these months together has made me aware of your intelligence. Despite the occasional reckless action on your part which challenges that conclusion. Which is why I'm going to give you one chance."
Finn and Wren took seats on the other side of the table next to Aeron. Talon found a wall to lean against as the other oshota spread through the room, their stances much more relaxed now that there were no humans present.
Joule and Devon held their breaths, afraid that drawing notice would see them evicted from the room.
"And if I don't do what you want?" Kira asked.
Graydon lips curved, his smile a little evil. "I act unilaterally in your best interest. You won't be a fan of my methods, I can assure you."
Twenty Five
"You're probably right about that," Kira drawled, canting her head.
After all, Graydon enjoyed getting under her skin as much as she did his. He would take it as a personal challenge.
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."
