Wren's lips lifted in a faint smile. "When you need them, they'll be here."
Blue aimed a disgusted look at the Tuann. "Can you be any more enigmatic?"
The skin around Wren's eyes creased slightly. "It is a skill acquired with age."
Raider chuckled lightly under his breath. His father-in-law's humor was as sly as ever.
A dark haired man standing next to the flight deck's exit raised his hand at Raider in greeting. "Look who the cat dragged in. It's about time you two found your way home."
"Nova," Raider said, clasping the other's hand and giving him a brief one armed hug. "It's good to see you."
A Cur, like Raider and Blue, Nova was part of the new generation. Handpicked by Raider and Jace when Admiral Himoto decided to resurrect the unit a few years ago, he was a good waveboard pilot. One of the few who'd made the cut and survived the hellish training Raider required of each of his recruits.
"Not as good as it is to see you. Thanks for the chance to exercise, by the way. I've been itching to taste Tsavitee blood since we found out the alliance had ended."
Releasing Raider's hand, Nova cast a look at the Tuann standing nearby. "What's with the wizards? You haven't changed sides, have you?"
Raider's gaze cooled at the faint deprecation in the other's voice. "Where's Jace?"
Nova pointed behind him. "Waiting for you in his ready room."
Raider nodded, preparing to head there.
Nova stopped him with a raised hand. "About that—he instructed that the wizards wait here."
Raider stared the other Cur down.
Nova met his gaze with a bland expression. "Admiral's orders, boss man. You know how it is."
All too well. If Nova had orders, there was no getting around this.
Raider glanced at Wren.
His seon'yer nodded. "We'll wait for you here."
Nova smirked, looking the Tuann up and down. "Don't worry, boss man. I can keep an eye on your friends."
This idiot.
"Nova." Raider waited for the Cur to give him his full attention. "Let's not be stupid, shall we? Picking a fight with either of them will end poorly for you."
Nova's grin was foolhardy. "You know me, boss man."
Yes, Raider did. Hence the concern.
"You don't have to worry. I'll keep an eye on him," Maverick said, walking up to them from the other side of the deck.
Raider relaxed at his arrival, knowing he could count on the other man to keep this hot head in check.
Part of the new blood like Nova, Maverick had a steadying presence that helped balance out his friend's recklessness. The two actually made a pretty good pair despite the drastic differences in their personalities. One of the reasons Raider had chosen them for his unit.
"Alright then." Raider started past them. "You coming, Blue?"
Blue rolled her eyes as she dropped the fist she was bumping against Maverick’s. "Yes. Yes. You don't have to shout."
"Later, little genius," Nova called.
Blue twisted, walking backwards for several steps. "Later, dumbass."
Nova's chuckle followed them as they disappeared into the corridor leading into the rest of the ship. A few minutes later Raider thrust open the door to Jace's ready room, stalking inside without bothering to knock first.
"Excuse me!" A woman rose from the chair where she'd been seated, an outraged look on her face. "You can't just barge in here."
Raider acted like she hadn't spoken, focusing on Jace. "We need to talk."
Jace took in Raider and Blue's entrance with a neutral expression from his chair. A second later, he signaled for the woman to leave.
"Grace, give us the room."
Grace's lips flattened as she sent Raider a nasty glare before sliding past him. "I'll be outside if you need me."
"Hey, Gracie," Blue called with a sugar sweet smirk.
"Once again, it's Grace, Ensign Yuki Ikeda."
Blue's smirk widened. "Whatever you say, Gracie."
Jace steepled his fingers in front of him as the door shut behind Grace. "I must say that was quite the entrance. If you were anyone else, you'd be in a lot of trouble right about now."
"Good thing I'm not anyone else," Raider shot back.
Jace studied him. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't have you counseled for insubordination."
Raider's smile was sharp. "I didn't have the time for niceties."
"Oh?" Jace dropped his hands. "That's funny. I wasn't aware you had anywhere to be."