"Jace had good reason to find you suspicious," Kira said, steeling herself against Blue’s hurt expression.
"What does that mean?" Blue asked.
"I never questioned your presence on the planet where I found you. Even though I knew how difficult it would be for a child alone to survive in the hell the Tsavitee created in that place. I didn’t want to look too deep for fear of what I’d find."
Blue’s presence had been a source of warmth and comfort to Kira. The Curs mascot. The little sister of their unit. Kira hadn’t wanted her paranoia to disrupt the potential good Blue offered.
"Miracles happen and you had been through enough."
Blue’s eyes narrowed. "What is this?"
"Your only chance."
Kira watched Blue intently. Every flicker of emotion. The anger. The disbelief. Under it a thread of hurt. So sincere and real, it was impossible for Kira to believe the other woman was a double agent. Even knowing what the Tsavitee were capable of.
"If you say it’s all a coincidence, I’ll believe you," Kira told her.
Blue’s expression was guarded as she met Kira’s gaze.
"But it had better be the truth, Blue. If I find out later that you’re holding back, that you lied to me when I’m giving you a chance to come clean, I’ll kill you."
This was a one-time offer. Never to be repeated.
It would hurt to learn that the girl she’d rescued all those years ago was nothing more than a plant the Tsavitee had placed by her side.
Kira could let it go, though.
Of course, Blue would have to be strictly monitored from here on out. She knew too much to be let loose. Her status as a Cur would be yanked as well.
But she’d be alive. That was more than Kira thought she’d ever offer anyone who worked for the Tsavitee.
"I’m not a traitor, Kira. I’m exactly who you’ve always thought I was."
Kira nodded. "Alright then."
Blue’s forehead furrowed. "That’s it?"
"That’s all I need."
"You’re going to let me out, right? You’re not going to leave me in here?"
"It’s not that easy. I don’t hold any power in Centcom now."
And even if she wasn’t the one responsible, her actions had placed everyone in danger. Jace wasn’t happy about that. He saw it as a breach of security. Until Kira could find a way to prove someone had authorized Blue to send those communications, her friend would have an uphill battle trying to win back his trust.
Kira would do what she could, but Jace was the ultimate decision maker in this matter.
Leaving Blue behind, Kira moved toward her second reason for this visit. Aeron looked up at her as she stopped in front of his cell.
"I didn’t expect you to come personally," Aeron drawled, his expression changing to one of confusion as Kira opened his cell door. "What are you doing?"
She tilted her head. "Come on. There’s a gift waiting for you. Consider it a thank you for what you did on the Reliance."
Aeron’s face still held suspicion as Kira knocked on the hatch to request they be let out.
She raised her eyebrows at Aeron when he still didn’t move. "You coming or not?"
He gathered himself, rising. "I am not a dog to be summoned whenever you’re bored."
