Raider sighed. "I'd be angry you kept this from us if not for the fact it's probably going to save our asses."
He'd take the Tuann's interference over being captured by the Tsavitee any day.
"Whatever we're going to do, it should happen soon," Talon announced, firing the Wanderer's weapons. "Their ships are closing fast."
The Wanderer jerked under their feet, a boom echoing.
"I take it Harlow upgraded her weapons too," Raider said as the laser hit one of the smaller Tsavitee ships, destroying it.
Kira's little pea shooter wouldn't have been able to do that.
"Not bad," Finn said, looking over at his friend with a half-smile. "Looks like you're less rusty than I expected."
Talon’s smirk was small. "There are some things that are impossible to lose. Excellence is one of them."
"Arrogant," Finn murmured as he went back to concentrating on flying.
"Call your people in," Raider ordered Wren, coming to a decision.
Wren nodded, touching the communication panel on the forearm of his synth armor.
"Oh. Oh. Not good," Blue cried. "Another set of ships just came into range."
"Your people?" Raider asked Wren.
His seon'yer shook his head. "Doubtful. They were instructed to keep their distance until otherwise directed."
Shit.
"You two—go strap yourselves in," Raider ordered Devon and Joule.
"We can help," Joule argued.
"Go!" Raider pointed. To Wren, "How soon can your people get here?"
Wren shook his head grimly. "Not soon enough."
"Looks like it'll be a fight after all," Talon murmured.
Finn arched an eyebrow at him. "You did say you thought you were getting flabby."
Talon's chuckle made Raider shake his head. They were as crazy as the Curs. No wonder Kira and Finn got on so well.
"Wait a minute. They're human,” Blue called.
Their comms beeped, announcing an incoming hail.
"I don't believe it," Blue said, a stunned look on her face as she looked over her shoulder at Raider. "It's Jace. Those are his ships."
"Put it through," Raider ordered.
Blue tapped a button.
Jace's face appeared on one of the displays. "This is the CSS Reliance, hailing the Wanderer. Phoenix, if you're there—answer me."
Thank the God Raider no longer believed in.
"Jace, it's me. We hear you loud and clear," Raider said. "You sure are a sight for sore eyes."
