The room was quiet as Odin pulled the door closed behind him, sealing Kira inside with the Tuann.
She was quiet as she looked around the table, knowing what they were afraid of. In all that planning, no mention had been made of what role Graydon and the rest of the Tuann would play. Their opinions hadn't been asked. Their presence ignored.
Intentionally, on Kira's part.
"When you were listening to our plan, did any of you hear mention of an exit strategy?" Kira asked, making herself comfortable in her chair.
She waited, a mysterious little smile on her face as they came to the realization she'd been hoping they’d make.
"That's because there is none. To get onto the planet without tripping the energy cannons, we'll have to use waveboards."
While waveboards were versatile, able to maneuver easily in the void of space and be used for insertion into a planet's atmosphere, they wouldn't be able to get them back off again. This was meant to be a one way trip.
That's where the Tuann came in.
"I was hoping you and your pod would take care of that part," Kira told Wren.
From prior experience with Finn, she knew he wasn't leaving her side from here on out. She'd be lucky if she got bathroom breaks without either his or Talon’s presence.
As for Graydon, she didn't even need to ask. He was with her. All the way.
That left Wren and his oshota.
Funnily enough, she had a feeling it was the perfect task for them. Anyone managing to get a ship down there would then need to defend it long enough for Kira and the rest to reach it after rescuing Elena.
The oshota in Wren's pod were all elites. Talented warriors who should be able to hold their own against the Tsavitee for a short period of time.
"Consider it done," Wren said gravely.
Kira was a little surprised. She'd been expecting a fight. In his shoes, she'd want to be part of the team that went in after her granddaughter.
Wren's smile was wry. "Your judgment in this matter is accurate. My pod and I are the best choice for this role. We will secure you transport off the planet and hold it until your arrival."
Kira nodded in relief. "Thank you."
She had no fear of her seon'yer failing her. Wren would die first. He was a demon with his blade so the chances of that happening were small.
Maksym winked at her. "Don't worry, youngest. We do this sort of thing all the time."
Kira shook her head.
"I notice you didn't mention Roake's fleet," Graydon drawled, looking at her playfully.
"Always hold something back. They're my trump card. You heard Aeron. The Tsavitee have spies everywhere in the Consortium and Centcom. It's best not to reveal more than we have to."
Graydon's grin was slow, reminding Kira of how they'd spent the morning. "I do so love this side of you."
"I know." Kira's smirk faded as she looked at Devon and Joule. "You'll be with the drop teams."
She would have preferred to leave them out of this, but she had a feeling they'd be needed. Joule's shields would come in handy during the insertion when the drop ship would be at its most vulnerable.
Devon wasn't one to be left out either. He could act as an extra sword while they were down there.
"Finn and Talon, you'll be in the drop ship with me as well," Kira told them.
Graydon set his chin on his fist and fluttered his eyelashes at Kira in expectation.
She gave him a disgusted look. "Are you really going to make me say it?"
