"Send one of your people as guide with the Curs. The rest of us will find Graydon and warn him," Kira said. She looked at Finn. "You're so convinced he won't betray us—prove it."
Finn nodded, flicking his fingers at the other two. Kira waited as they dipped their heads in agreement.
The two groups began splitting apart as they prepared to separate.
Jace walked toward her. He hesitated when he reached her, his back to the Tuann. "What will you be doing while the rest of us are trying to prevent an invasion?"
Kira debated how much to tell him. In the end, she decided to keep her plans to herself. There was too much risk he'd try to stop her. "I'll be doing the same."
The look he bent on her said he didn't believe her, but he didn't plan on wasting time by arguing.
"Good luck with whatever scheme you've cooked up," he said.
"You too," Kira said. "Try to make it out of this in one piece."
He gave her a crooked smile. "Somehow I think you'll be the one in more danger."
True.
Jace didn't move for a long moment. Kira could tell he wanted to say something and waited, her expression curious but patient.
He sighed and shook his head. "Try not to die or disappear again. There are things I need to say to you."
She didn't speak for several moments, her throat tight with suppressed emotion. She jerked her head in an affirmative.
He nodded, hiding any emotion before ducking his head outside the door and looking each way.
"Coast is clear. We're Oscar Mike."
Blue and Tank followed seconds after him.
Raider stopped next to her. He sighed and shook his head. "You don't have to do whatever you're planning."
Kira's smile was humorless. "Yeah, I kind of do. I have promises to keep."
He gave her a long look before sighing again. He adjusted the makeshift pack he was carrying and started to follow the rest.
"Raider," Kira said before she could stop herself.
He looked at her, the normal sly sarcasm there in his expression.
"Keep your head on the swivel," she said. It was what they'd told each other every time they left on a mission. It was a reminder to stay alert and on task, and not take stupid risks.
"Try to keep your powder dry." He gave her a small chin jerk before stepping through the doorway, his posture changing to wary alertness as he disappeared after the rest of the Curs.
Noor stole after him, the oshota’s passage silent.
She stayed where she was, wishing she could go with them, while realizing it never got easier sending your team into danger.
At least, she wasn't sending them onto a battlefield this time.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Finn and Isla conferred in quiet voices behind Kira, their voices a low buzz of sound as they discussed their options. She wasn't overly surprised when neither thought to include her.
She might have taken charge when the Curs were there, but now that they were out of the equation again, the Tuann had slipped back to treating her like a pretty ornament—something she would never be.
That was all right. She could follow their lead for now. They were more familiar with the terrain and more likely to have an idea of what they faced.
Kira waited with Jin, keeping watch, even though it was a mostly unnecessary exercise.
Finn and Isla were intent on each other as they discussed options. She suspected their single-minded focus was an illusion. Both were well-trained soldiers. It would be ingrained in them to keep a situational awareness at all times.
She had no doubt that if she were to take a single step toward the door, they'd drop what they were doing and tackle her. They'd probably end up tying her to them afterward—not that she had any intention of disappearing into the Citadel. Not for the moment at least.
Finn looked up then, as if sensing her thoughts.
"What's the plan?" Kira asked, trying for innocent.
"Neither of you can show your faces," Isla said, her face grave. "Roderick's men will guess who helped the humans escape. They'll be on the lookout for you. As soon as you're spotted, you'll be arrested for treason against your House."
"And you'll somehow escape the same fate?" Kira asked. Isla was right there with them when they'd rescued Jace's team. She'd be as recognizable.
She and Finn shared a look of amusement. "I'm not Luathan. All they see when they look at me is my armor. They'll know two of the commander's people helped in the escape but not which two."
"You're taking a chance they won't arrest all his people on sight," Kira said.
Despite her argument, Isla’s assessment matched hers. She doubted Alma and the other conspirator realized she'd eavesdropped on their plans. They'd think the Curs' escape worked in their favor—odd timing or not.
If she was caught and immobilized, her credibility would be stripped and they could easily kill her. Freeing the Curs had made her situation more precarious, but it was worth it.
"Some risks are worth taking," Isla said as if reading her mind.
Finn offered his hand to Isla. The two clasped hands before slapping each other on the shoulder.
"I'll see you when this is done," Finn told her.
"I look forward to it. Don't forget you still owe me a drink," Isla said before slipping out the door without a backward glance.
Kira waited, her senses straining for signs Isla had been spotted. Clear so far.
"What will we be doing while she's locating Graydon?"
"You will stay close and follow my every order," Finn said, the words terse. "If I could, I'd secure you somewhere safe."
His dissatisfaction over not being able to do exactly that showed.
Once the Tsavitee battle cruiser landed and the planet descended into a warzone, there would be no safe place left.
"That still doesn't answer my question," Kira said.
Finn's voice was grim. "There's a chance Graydon is no longer at the ceremony. He's probably noticed your absence and has gone in search of you. While Isla checks the gathering, we'll try other places."
"And me? What should I do?" Jin asked. He did a figure eight in the air. "I can scout ahead or manage comms."
Finn jabbed his finger at Jin and then Kira. "Stay with her. Don't go wandering off. In fact, how about you stay quiet for a little bit."
Jin's sphere dipped in disappointment. "Rude."
Finn shook his head at Jin before checking outside the door to see if anyone was coming. With one last disgusted look at the drone, he made his way silently out into the hallway.
Jin tucked himself into the crook between Kira's neck and shoulder, his metal casing warm and comforting against her skin as she followed Finn.
"Just like old times," Jin whispered.
"Let's hope we don't leave behind the same body count," Kira said.
The three remained silent as they moved through the Citadel. This wasn't the time for idle chitchat or distractions.
The last time Finn had given her a tour of the Citadel, the artwork and carefully designed architecture had seemed coldly impersonal, despite its beauty. Tonight, it felt like those same statues and paintings watched Kira's every move, setting the spot right between her shoulder blades to tingling. She could almost anticipate the cold metal of a blade in her back.