Graydon prowled closer.
The human tensed.
Graydon's gaze followed the human's hand as it strayed toward what he suspected was a weapon concealed in the arm of his chair.
"I wouldn't," Graydon purred, almost hoping the human would ignore his advice. He welcomed a chance to exercise some of this excess energy from his bones.
The only thing that had stopped him so far was the prospect of Kira's displeasure.
Diesel took his hand away from the weapon. "People say we might have won the war years earlier if the Tuann had taken action."
"It wasn't our job to fight your war for you."
That was the problem with humanity. They were always looking for someone else to bear the burden of their hubris.
"I like you. You'll be good for her." Diesel leaned forward, his voice lowering. "Strange, isn't it? That everyone wants to blame the Tuann for standing on the sidelines and watching when first contact with your race wasn’t announced until well into the latter years of the war. It's almost like someone is trying to influence public opinion, wouldn't you say?"
Oh ho. Kira’s friend was quite the observant one.
"What did Kira say your role was on the Vega?"
"I was the Curs’ mechanic."
Graydon’s lips hooked up at the corners. He doubted that was all he was.
Diesel's subordinate hurried over, bending down to deliver his report in a low voice.
Despite his efforts, Graydon caught every word.
"Rothchild's Space Watch just reported several asteroids impacting the territory next to this one. They've requested we check it out."
Diesel nodded. "Let them know I'll be there shortly. In the meantime, send two squads. One to act as overwatch. The other on the ground investigating. They're not to fall out of contact."
The human nodded, straightening before turning to carry out his orders.
Diesel aimed a genial smile at Graydon and Lathan. "My apologies. It seems our conversation will have to wait for another time. Duty calls."
"Of course," Graydon murmured.
Diesel's anti gravs kicked on, lifting the chair until it was hovering off the ground. "Feel free to visit our mess hall. You two look like you could use a decent meal. I suggest you don't wander too far from camp though. My people are a mite touchy with their trigger fingers. We've set traps everywhere around here."
If Graydon decided to go exploring, neither of those things were likely to stop him.
Diesel paused, aiming another look at Graydon. "Try to get Kira to visit the memorial, if you can. I think it would do her good to pay her respects."
"Kira will always do as she wishes," Graydon returned.
Diesel's smile was faint. "I guess some things never change."
Lathan moved up beside Graydon as the human headed toward where the rest were starting to gather around the vehicles. "Do you think there will be trouble?"
"There's always trouble."
It was the one thing he'd come to count on when his coli was involved.
"Where are you going?" Graydon asked as Lathan walked into the trees.
"Human food is atrocious. I prefer what's on my ship."
"Be on your guard. The cargo you carry is precious." Graydon dropped his gaze to sleeping lenacht.
"I'm aware," Lathan said with a faint smile before disappearing into the trees.
"Coli, your companions get stranger with every one you add," Graydon said, watching him go. He turned to stare at the patch of forest where Kira had gone. "Finish your business soon, cheva nier. I can't guarantee how long I'll be willing to wait."
Seventeen
Kira
Brie vanished into the ship via the gaping hole in its side. Probably formed sometime during the moon's explosion or the ship's crash landing.
Kira stopped on the bank, tilting her head back to take in her former home.
The Vega had seen better days. Scars from its last battle were evident everywhere. The hull was riddled with fissures. Its sides streaked with singe marks from the missiles and weapons fire it would have endured to lure the Tsavitee ship into the blast zone. Whole sections were missing or so mangled they were unrecognizable.
Despite that, the Vega was an imposing figure, rising out of the snow like a resurrected phantom for one last mission. To rain vengeance on its enemies before it disintegrated back into the ether.
Kira set a hand on the ship's side. "Hello, old friend. How I've missed you."
A deep silence answered her. If she were to close her eyes, she could almost hear the echo of those who'd made this their final resting place. Ghosts who lingered long after their deaths.