Part of the new blood like Nova, Maverick had a steadying presence that helped balance out his friend's recklessness. The two actually made a pretty good pair despite the drastic differences in their personalities. One of the reasons Raider had chosen them for his unit.
"Alright then." Raider started past them. "You coming, Blue?"
Blue rolled her eyes as she dropped the fist she was bumping against Maverick’s. "Yes. Yes. You don't have to shout."
"Later, little genius," Nova called.
Blue twisted, walking backwards for several steps. "Later, dumbass."
Nova's chuckle followed them as they disappeared into the corridor leading into the rest of the ship. A few minutes later Raider thrust open the door to Jace's ready room, stalking inside without bothering to knock first.
"Excuse me!" A woman rose from the chair where she'd been seated, an outraged look on her face. "You can't just barge in here."
Raider acted like she hadn't spoken, focusing on Jace. "We need to talk."
Jace took in Raider and Blue's entrance with a neutral expression from his chair. A second later, he signaled for the woman to leave.
"Grace, give us the room."
Grace's lips flattened as she sent Raider a nasty glare before sliding past him. "I'll be outside if you need me."
"Hey, Gracie," Blue called with a sugar sweet smirk.
"Once again, it's Grace, Ensign Yuki Ikeda."
Blue's smirk widened. "Whatever you say, Gracie."
Jace steepled his fingers in front of him as the door shut behind Grace. "I must say that was quite the entrance. If you were anyone else, you'd be in a lot of trouble right about now."
"Good thing I'm not anyone else," Raider shot back.
Jace studied him. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't have you counseled for insubordination."
Raider's smile was sharp. "I didn't have the time for niceties."
"Oh?" Jace dropped his hands. "That's funny. I wasn't aware you had anywhere to be."
Raider planted his hands on the desk and leaned over it. "You need to let us and the Tuann go."
Jace's face hardened. "I can't do that."
"Raider—" Blue started.
He cut her off with a look.
She closed her mouth, chastised.
Raider faced Jace again. "I know I'm asking a lot, but I need you trust me."
The intercom on Jace's desk beeped. He held up a finger to signal them to wait before activating the channel. "What is it?"
"We're ready."
"Alright, let them in."
Jace rose, smoothing out his uniform jacket as the door to the ready room opened, allowing one officer and three lower enlisted dressed in the uniform of the ship's military police into the room. Grace followed at the rear, the look of victory on her face sitting ill with Raider.
"What's going on?" Raider asked.
