to the Tuann's visit to discuss the alliance has a lot of people in power nervous."
She could imagine.
The Tsavitee were here. She couldn't quite bring herself to believe it.
"Why are you telling me this?" Kira asked. This information was classified. Centcom and the government wouldn't want word of this getting out and causing mass panic. That meant they had a reason for revealing it.
"I know you, Kira-chan. I trained you, remember?" Himoto said. "The Tuann might think they have you trapped, but how long will that last? You'll take the first opportunity to disappear. I can guarantee they'll dissolve the treaty in retaliation, leaving us open to possible attack."
Kira lifted her chin but didn't deny his assessment. Why bother? He was right.
"Hopefully, this will convince you against such foolish measures," he said.
She tapped the table as she thought.
"What is it you're hoping to get out of this?" Kira asked quietly.
Jace and Himoto exchanged a glance.
Himoto leaned forward, the lines of his face serious. "The Tuann have some of the most advanced ships of any race. With them, they've held their border since before humanity had flight. We want those ships."
Was that all? He should have asked for planet building technology while he was at it.
"Last I checked, your treaty with the Haldeel meant they would protect you should the Tsavitee attack again," Kira said. The Haldeel would be as advanced.
"Centcom and the government are no longer content to rely on others for our safety. We want the means to protect ourselves," Jace said. "Our own fleet of Tuann ships will be instrumental in our defense. It could advance our technology by fifty years."
To say nothing of no longer having to accede to the demands of the other races.
"Even with those ships, it'll take you years to reverse engineer them." If they even could. They hadn't had a lot of success with the Tsavitee tech the salvagers brought in.
"It'll give us a chance," Himoto said.
"And me?"
Getting the ships for Centcom was all well and good, but Kira would be stuck in the gray area of the treaty. She didn't want to agree only to be told, “Thanks but we need you to stay put and play by someone else's rules.”
"We can't help you break the treaty." Himoto clasped his hands on the table in front of him.
They sure expected a lot from her when they had nothing to give in return.
Himoto fixed his stern gaze on Kira. "But I have faith you'll figure something out. Get them to give up their claim to you and your problems will be solved."
Kira's expression could have scorched metal. It was so nice they were leaving everything up to her. She should have known better than to hope for anything different.
Himoto stood, his smile slightly wistful. "Good luck, Kira-chan. I'm so glad circumstances arranged to bring us together again."
She bet he did. It sounded like her success meant he was going to get everything he ever wanted.
Jace's face was serious as he waited for Himoto to leave. "Himoto has always had more faith in you than you deserve. Try not to screw this up."
Kira didn't say anything as Jace left the room.
"It seems he’s still mad at you," Jin observed.
Kira sighed and pushed herself back in the seat. She rubbed her face, the emotional toll of the unexpected reunions finally sinking in.
"It's not like he doesn't have a reason." She stared out at the stars, her gaze distant and unseeing.
Once, she'd counted both men as her friends, the family she'd never had. That was a long time ago, and last-minute regrets wouldn't reverse time.
Jin didn't argue, his presence comforting as she considered her options. "What do you want to do?"
That was the question. She could continue as she had been, ignoring the rest of the galaxy as she healed and lived her life, or she could do her duty, take up the mantle she'd been saddled with, and figure out a way forward.
"We're going to give them what they want," Kira said.
There was really no question. If the Tsavitee were truly back, humans were going to need every advantage at their disposal.
There was also Odin's message. It looked like she'd have the opportunity to get what he needed after all.
"And if the same thing happens again?" Jin asked.
Kira was silent. She looked up at him. "Then we take more permanent action."
*
Kira's steps echoed oddly in the corridor, the two guards the Tuann had left her with almost silent as they guided her to the Tuann's