Kira narrowed her eyes, knowing what he was referencing.The books regarding the Osiri and soul bound.“I have.”
“And?”
“My answer remains unchanged.”
As it would always.
The skin around Jarek’s eyes tightened.“That’s disappointing.I had hoped we could work together in this.”
“That will never happen,” Kira vowed.
“We’ll see,” Jarek said with a thoughtful look before focusing on Graydon.“My subordinates and I will accompany home those traitors still breathing.They will be interrogated for details of the rebellion and then tried for their crimes.”
“I’ll be damned,” Jin whispered.“He’s planning to take all the credit for apprehending them.”
Jarek gave a faint smile but didn’t respond to Jin’s accusation.“See you at home.”
The transmission ended.On screen, the Tuann ships that once belonged to Sariah’s side streaked away.
Kira sent a worried look Graydon’s way.“Are you going to be alright?”
Technically, the emperor had given the responsibility of dealing with the rebels to him.She didn’t know what it would do to his position for Jarek to claim credit.
“I’ll be fine.The emperor already knows my contributions.Besides, the real masterminds behind the rebellion aren’t on those ships.”
Despite his assurances, Kira couldn’t help feeling that Jarek had managed to get one over on them.The inquisitor was a problem she’d have to deal with sooner or later.Sadly, for her, this incident was likely to put him back on level ground.She had no doubt he’d use it to his advantage to reclaim some of the status and power he’d previously lost.
“Well, Phoenix—as always it’s been interesting,” Jace announced, reminding her of their audience.
Jin swiveled to face their friend.“I was under the impression the weapons on those ships wouldn’t be ready for another few months.”
Startlement showed on Jace’s expression.“How did you—Odin!”
“You really should do a better job of safeguarding your systems,” Jin said sympathetically.
“Thanks for the assist.I owe you one,” Kira said before Jace could turn apoplectic.
Jace snorted as he let himself be sidetracked.“You owe me more than one.”
There was a rumble from out of sight.
“Oh, right.We picked this guy up on our way.”
Maksym’s grinning face appeared.“Little heir, did you miss me?”
Kira’s mouth dropped open.“You’re alive!”
“Of course, I am.One little primus isn’t enough to keep me down.”
“I’m so happy I could facilitate your reunion,” Jace drawled, sounding a little too sarcastic for those words to be believable.“Phoenix, I warned you about staying away from Titan’s trees.The station master isn’t happy about the damage you and your people are responsible for.”
“The station master, huh?”
Flame stepped into view.“Yes, the station’s master.”
Next to her, Jin stiffened.
Kira saw it but didn’t comment, instead focusing on Jace.“What is that man doing with you?”
