That was better than nothing. Jace could capitalize on the rest.
"Very tricky, niece," Harlow commented, reading her like a book. "You'll make a fine Overlord one day."
Kira didn't tell him that wasn't going to happen. Mainly because she’d learned her lesson over the past few months. It was impossible to know what the future would bring. And she hated when circumstances made her a liar.
"What about the Curs and Joule?" Raider asked.
Harlow glanced at him. "Alive and on this ship."
Raider's body loosened with relief.
"You'll need a briefing," Kira told Harlow.
As would Jace.
"But first—you'll rest. The slayer of an Osiri will need her strength for what is to come," Harlow instructed.
Thirty One
Kira – Secret Base
The clang of the hatch shutting and being locked behind Kira held a note of finality as she stepped into the brig. The space held six cells. Only two of which were occupied. One by Aeron who took in Kira’s arrival with a hint of interest.
She walked past him without a glance, making her way toward the last cell. Its inhabitant was facing the wall, her back to the ballistic-proof glass that separated her from freedom.
"Blue," Kira said, stopping in front of her cell.
Blue sat cross legged on the only piece of furniture in the cell. A narrow cot that lacked the luxury of a blanket.
"You came," Blue said over her shoulder, not making any move to face her.
"I did." Kira gave the lackluster conditions of the cell a cursory look. "This brings back memories."
She’d spent a night or two in a ship’s brig on more than one occasion. Usually, to give her a chance to cool her head after doing something dumb.
"Did Admiral Skarsdale tell you what I’m in for?"
"He did."
"Do you believe what he’s saying?"
Kira tucked her thumbs into her pockets, her stance easy and relaxed. "I know you weren’t the one who gave away the Vega’s position during Rothchild."
That got Blue’s attention. The other woman twisted to give Kira her full attention.
"I found the person responsible."
Blue rushed to the front of the cell. "You did?"
"They’re dead."
At least Thea was. There was still a question mark over whether Diesel had survived the explosion on Rothchild.
For now, Kira didn’t intend to go looking for him. All scores between them were settled after what he’d done to draw away the kill squad. Anyway, he wasn’t the person ultimately responsible for what happened to the Vega and the Curs. He was just unlucky enough to get caught up in someone else’s schemes.
"Then you know I had nothing to do with it," Blue said eagerly.
Kira’s nod was slow, her lack of enthusiasm making Blue’s enthusiasm fade.
"What’s wrong?" Blue asked.
"Jace had good reason to find you suspicious," Kira said, steeling herself against Blue’s hurt expression.
"What does that mean?" Blue asked.
"I never questioned your presence on the planet where I found you. Even though I knew how difficult it would be for a child alone to survive in the hell the Tsavitee created in that place. I didn’t want to look too deep for fear of what I’d find."
Blue’s presence had been a source of warmth and comfort to Kira. The Curs mascot. The little sister of their unit. Kira hadn’t wanted her paranoia to disrupt the potential good Blue offered.
"Miracles happen and you had been through enough."
Blue’s eyes narrowed. "What is this?"
"Your only chance."
Kira watched Blue intently. Every flicker of emotion. The anger. The disbelief. Under it a thread of hurt. So sincere and real, it was impossible for Kira to believe the other woman was a double agent. Even knowing what the Tsavitee were capable of.
"If you say it’s all a coincidence, I’ll believe you," Kira told her.
Blue’s expression was guarded as she met Kira’s gaze.
"But it had better be the truth, Blue. If I find out later that you’re holding back, that you lied to me when I’m giving you a chance to come clean, I’ll kill you."
This was a one-time offer. Never to be repeated.
It would hurt to learn that the girl she’d rescued all those years ago was nothing more than a plant the Tsavitee had placed by her side.
Kira could let it go, though.
Of course, Blue would have to be strictly monitored from here on out. She knew too much to be let loose. Her status as a Cur would be yanked as well.