Kira was quiet, blinking at them. She could see how that news would be upsetting—especially since she knew how desperately Joule and Ziva wanted to ascend so they could ensure the safety of those they had left on the ship.
She and Graydon exchanged a look, each understanding what a blow this would be for the children. “Can they refuse Luatha’s claim on them?”
Graydon shook his head. “No, not without another House putting forth an offer to take them. He’d need to pass the highest level of the adva ka to be able to form his own House.”
“That’s not likely to happen if she gets her way," Ziva said sulkily, glancing at Alma.
Kira was silent as she took in the situation. Ziva was likely correct. Alma had already proved she liked the status quo and she wasn’t likely to make the lives of two orphans easier when there were full blood Luathan children needing the same resources and guidance.
“It wouldn’t matter anyway. Not after we take the tests,” Joule said quietly.
"Why not?" Kira asked.
"You're afraid your affinity will prevent you from pursuing your goal of ascending to the position of Overlord for House Maxiim," Graydon said from beside her.
Joule’s nod was reluctant.
Kira looked up, surprised. "Why would it?"
You could be a warrior and be good at other things. Take Blue. She had a near genius level intelligence, could dismantle any machine and reassemble it better than new. She was also one of the best shooters Kira had ever worked with, and handy to have around in a pinch.
“In our House, the affinity didn’t matter as much, since we were so small. You could do several things as long as you proved willing and strong enough,” Joule explained.
"Here, everyone has a place and a task to fulfill," Ziva said sulkily.
Kira didn't respond for a long moment. "You're right."
The two's faces grew more morose.
She leaned forward. "But sometimes you need to make your own path despite what anyone else tells you."
Their expressions brightened.
Kira straightened. "One test does not decide your fate."
No, you had to work toward your goal day in, day out, even when times got hard or things seemed impossible.
"I'm not sure you should have told them that," Graydon said when they drifted off, distracted by one of the floating lights.
"Why not?"
"Because they're right. Everyone has a place in our society. It’s not so easy to buck tradition."
"Hmm," Kira said, glancing around at the splendor around her. "You're right if a talent is so rare no one else could take their place, but one less artisan won’t destroy your civilization."
"People should play to their strengths," he said.
"Yes, but they should also decide for themselves what those strengths are," Kira returned. "Take Jin. He is one of the most advanced pieces of technology humans have ever created. He can analyze a million different problems at once, track hundreds of data streams while problem-solving. His purpose should have been to serve as the AI of one of the space stations."
Graydon gave her friend a skeptical look.
"He's also responsible for saving nearly three million souls," Kira stated. "If he'd performed the function he'd been designed for, those people would be dead, as would I. He didn't and because of that, the universe is a better place."
"That's an intriguing perspective," a low, soothing voice said from behind her.
Graydon’s body stiffened, his expression going blank. It was enough to put Kira on edge.
She turned to find a man looking at her, the faintest trace of crow’s feet around his eyes as they smiled at her. His expression was pleasant. He wore a cloak which covered his body from neck to feet.
"You know the rules, Silas," Graydon rumbled in warning.
Silas waved his statement away. "Relax, old friend. I don't intend more than this. I just wanted to see the lost gem you were so kind to see returned to Luatha."
Kira watched the stranger, not trusting his easy manner or his words of friendship. Whatever threat he presented wasn't physical. The oshota next to her didn't seem threatened. They remained guarded but not tense. There was a difference.
The man focused on Kira, his eyes soft as they roved her features. Unlike many of the Luathans she'd encountered, she didn't see a trace of judgment there.
"You look like your mother," he said.
Another man, attired similarly with a cloak covering him, joined them. His expression was interested and watchful as he took in Kira and Graydon.
"I wouldn't know," Kira said politely, meaning it this time. This man had obviously felt something for a long-dead woman. "I don't remember her."
"At all?" he asked.
She shook her head. She didn't think he'd like to know what her first memory was, but it wasn't the gentleness of a mother's touch.
He nodded. "Welcome back to your people, little one."
She inclined her head.
He switched his attention to Graydon. "I will see you after the ceremony."
Graydon waved him and the other man away, a trace of resignation on his face.
"Interesting man," Kira said once they were gone. "Friend of yours?"
"You could say that. He was one of my teachers when I was younger," he said. "He was a pain in the ass, even then."
Liara stepped onto the dais, a hush falling over the gathering as she paused until she held everyone's attention.
Her hair was bound into an undone tail and wrapped in various tiny chains. Her face had been painted, the eyes dramatic. Her dress was stiff from metals and sang as she moved.
That wasn't what caught Kira's attention and held it. No, it was the power that roiled around her, a tidal wave battering her senses. It surged and frolicked around the Overlord like a well-trained dog.
Liara smiled. It was the type of expression poets would have once written sonnets about. "Friends, family, thank you for your attendance. We gather today to welcome back into the fold one who was lost for much too long."
Kira felt the focus move to her. She kept her face placid and unchanging.
Liara turned her attention to the other two. "And to bring into the House two who have lost much. We can never replace your House, but know you are welcome here always. Let something good come out of all the tragedy. It would be our pleasure to guard and guide you in your family's stead."
A cry of agreement rose from those assembled.
Liara gestured at the dais. "Step forth those who seek to join our House."
"I wonder what would happen if you didn't step forward," Jin muttered.
"Let's not find out," Kira said. She had a feeling the Luathans would see her refusal as a grievous insult. She didn't want them taking their anger out on the Curs.
She mounted the steps to the dais behind Joule and Ziva.
Alma and Rayan stood well behind Liara as she smiled at the children.
Joule and Ziva bent forward in polite bows.
"The first of the tests is simple. It will determine your affinities," Liara said. "Do not fear, all affinities are welcome."
She gestured at the table, which Kira could now see held a bunch of perfectly formed spheres on them. They represented every color imaginable, polished until they gleamed. The air above the table had the faintest haze over it, like heat coming off pavement.