It'd be better for him to know so he had time to make alternate plans rather than relying on her later and her not showing up.
Blue made a face. "Don't be stupid. Of course, I'm going to make it with you. I know what's at stake. I'm here to the end. Stupid plan or not. I just feel the need to let you know how much I dislike this."
Raider's expression eased. "Brat."
Blue stuck out her tongue at him.
Raider glanced at Wren. "How long until your people are in place?"
Wren's lips lifted in a faint smile. "When you need them, they'll be here."
Blue aimed a disgusted look at the Tuann. "Can you be any more enigmatic?"
The skin around Wren's eyes creased slightly. "It is a skill acquired with age."
Raider chuckled lightly under his breath. His father-in-law's humor was as sly as ever.
A dark haired man standing next to the flight deck's exit raised his hand at Raider in greeting. "Look who the cat dragged in. It's about time you two found your way home."
"Nova," Raider said, clasping the other's hand and giving him a brief one armed hug. "It's good to see you."
A Cur, like Raider and Blue, Nova was part of the new generation. Handpicked by Raider and Jace when Admiral Himoto decided to resurrect the unit a few years ago, he was a good waveboard pilot. One of the few who'd made the cut and survived the hellish training Raider required of each of his recruits.
"Not as good as it is to see you. Thanks for the chance to exercise, by the way. I've been itching to taste Tsavitee blood since we found out the alliance had ended."
Releasing Raider's hand, Nova cast a look at the Tuann standing nearby. "What's with the wizards? You haven't changed sides, have you?"
Raider's gaze cooled at the faint deprecation in the other's voice. "Where's Jace?"
Nova pointed behind him. "Waiting for you in his ready room."
Raider nodded, preparing to head there.
Nova stopped him with a raised hand. "About that—he instructed that the wizards wait here."
Raider stared the other Cur down.
Nova met his gaze with a bland expression. "Admiral's orders, boss man. You know how it is."
All too well. If Nova had orders, there was no getting around this.
Raider glanced at Wren.
His seon'yer nodded. "We'll wait for you here."
Nova smirked, looking the Tuann up and down. "Don't worry, boss man. I can keep an eye on your friends."
This idiot.
"Nova." Raider waited for the Cur to give him his full attention. "Let's not be stupid, shall we? Picking a fight with either of them will end poorly for you."
Nova's grin was foolhardy. "You know me, boss man."
Yes, Raider did. Hence the concern.
"You don't have to worry. I'll keep an eye on him," Maverick said, walking up to them from the other side of the deck.
Raider relaxed at his arrival, knowing he could count on the other man to keep this hot head in check.
