Kira looked closer and felt a deep sense of peace emanating from the table. This was like the planet's consciousness on an immeasurably smaller scale. It lacked sapience but held an impossible depth of emotion. Right now, those rocks were happy and content in their place.
"You first, little one," Liara said with a welcoming smile at Ziva.
Ziva screwed up her face and reached over the table, her hand shaking as the strain showed in her pursed mouth. When it looked like she could move her hand no further, she plucked one of the spheres up. It lit up at her touch, glowing a light bluish green.
"A melder. A fine affinity," Liara said.
Ziva didn't respond, her face stony as she stepped back, cradling the stone to her chest.
Joule was next, moving without prompting. Sweat beading on his forehead as he reached for the far edge, struggling against a force Kira couldn't see.
With a gasp, his hand descended as if he'd lost the will to keep it up any longer. He picked a sphere that blazed white hot in his hands.
"Well chosen, young Joule. A shield is always welcome in our ranks. Our master architects will be happy for an apprentice with an affinity for earth," Liara said.
Kira saw what the children were saying now and why neither had wanted to participate in this ceremony. Liara, and no doubt the rest of the Luathans, assumed the children would fall into line with the House's needs and wants, not even considering whether the children might have a different plan for their lives.
It was like saying, you're welcome here, but only if you play by our rules and toe our line.
Having been on the receiving side of such a mindset, Kira could understand the need to run as far and as fast as you could, lest you be trapped in an endless loop of duty and sacrifice.
Joule stepped back.
It was Kira's turn.
She looked over the board with its multi-colored spheres before glancing up at Liara. Her cousin's expression was calm but Kira thought she detected a trace of expectation.
What affinity was her cousin hoping she'd have? And how did she hope to use Kira once she knew?
Kira's hand hovered over the table. The stones gave a slight pulse of welcome, their presence warm and tingly under her fingers. None drew her, however. They felt the same, alive but she didn't feel any of the compulsion Ziva or Joule had displayed.
Her hand reached the far side of the board. Still nothing, Kira's hand dropped to her side as she looked at Liara.
Liara's mouth was slightly parted as she stared at the board like it had betrayed her. The murmurs around them grew in volume.
Kira chanced a quick glance at Graydon. His forehead was furrowed as he crossed his arms over his wide chest. A thoughtful frown creased his face.
"Something wrong?" Kira asked.
Liara's smile was strained and obviously false. "No, of course not. There are several tests to conduct tonight."
When Liara turned to face the crowd, all trace of uncertainty was wiped clean from her expression, leaving it serene. "The first test has ended."
Liara swept off without speaking to the three of them, her expression troubled.
Jin floated to join her on the platform. "Is it just me or was that weird?"
Kira didn't respond, still bothered by Liara's reaction.
"I've never seen anyone not receive an affinity before," Joule said. Both he and Ziva looked at Kira like she was a stranger.
"Is it that concerning?" Kira asked.
Joule was silent for a long moment as he thought over her question. "There are two reasons for you not to show an affinity."
Kira waited as Ziva and Joule conferred silently.
"You’re either so weak that no affinity presented, which is impossible given your lineage," Joule started.
"Or you're a primus strain," Ziva said, her eyes almost feverish with excitement.
"I've never heard that term before," Kira said. "What does it mean?"
"Most Great Houses have at least one primus," Joule started. "They're usually the overlord. They're the most powerful weapon at the House's disposal. Right now, there are two Great Houses without one. Luatha and Roake. Both of the previous overlords were killed during the Sorrowing and neither overlord who ascended has that power."
"Not that Roake needs a primus," Ziva said, her voice that of a teacher. "They have some of the best warriors among the Houses."
"So Liara's not a primus," Kira said.
Joule shrugged. "No one knows. She's young. Sometimes the ability doesn't show up for years after maturation."
"If you're a primus, they'll never let you go," Ziva said gravely, getting to the heart of the matter.
"What does a primus do?" Kira asked.
Both shrugged and shook their head. "We don't know. Our House didn't have one either and they just said each great House's primus was different. All we know is they’re capable of bringing down a Tsavitee fleet by themselves."
Kira withdrew, almost physically recoiling. She gave the two a strained smile of thanks. She needed to digest this.
Out of the corner of her eye, Kira saw Graydon approaching. She cut right, away from him, placing several of the gathered Luathans as a screen between her and him. She wasn't quite ready to talk to him yet.
She needed to consider what this meant and how this affected her. More, she needed to figure out what the next test was and how to beat it. There was no way she was going to let herself be identified as a primus.
The Luathans she passed stared but didn't try to engage her.
Jin trailed behind her, quiet for once, keeping his thoughts and opinions to himself. Kira was grateful for the reprieve.
She waited until Graydon's sight of her was obscured by another group before ducking into an alcove.
Kira waited, pressing herself against the wall. Graydon was smart, but she was hoping he wouldn't check her hiding spot.
She glanced around, realizing her alcove was connected to several others, creating a maze of smaller passageways for those wanting a secret assignation. She ducked past two lovers, moving deeper into the space, and hoping they didn't notice her passage.
Voices in a room off the small hall drew her notice. She caught the sound of her name, and crept closer.
She hesitated on the threshold to the next room, listening as those inside spoke Tuann.
She waved at Jin and then pointed to her ear. The translation of what they were saying filtered into her implant.
"She has no affinity for House Luatha's abilities. She's either a dud or she takes after his line. She'll be of no use to us," Alma said.
"We don't know that. There's a chance she's of the primus strain," Liara argued.
At the sound of Liara's voice, Kira moved closer.
"Even worse. She'll take your position, child," Alma said urgently. "Think. Expel her while there’s still a choice."
"We should consider the Roake proposal," Rayan said. "Let them deal with her. If she's a dud, better she drain their resources than ours."
"I won't do that. We are not Tsavitee to kill any who aren’t of use. Luatha does not abandon our own, even when they prove less talented than previously hoped for," Liara said in a strong voice. "My mother wouldn't have condoned it, and neither will I."