up and swung her feet out of the bed, feeling restless. Staying put and trying to sleep after one of those dreams was pointless. She'd just end up crabby and irritable in the morning. Better to get up and get moving, maybe tire herself out so she could try for sleep again later.
If nothing else, it would give her some quality alone time, a precious commodity since O'Riley.
The night air felt chilly against her skin as she stepped out onto the terrace, but not enough to send her inside. The stone under her bare feet was cool as she made her way to the railing. Steps to her right led down into a small garden, the start of the forest a few feet beyond its edge.
The night felt alive around her, making her forget the dream as she relaxed into its song. The sound of the wind moving through the trees, the rustle of branches, the calls of alien animals and insects, all making their own music.
It was totally different than what she was used to. Ships were by no means quiet places. There was always air hissing through the vents, the grumble of the engine, the creak of metal as the ship flexed around you.
She tilted her head and looked up. At least one thing hadn't changed. The stars still shone. Perhaps not as brightly or vividly, given the three moons dominating the sky, but they were there.
The sight eased the tight spot inside her chest. This was here. This was now. Some things might have changed, but others remained the same.
She was still Kira. A long-lost cousin and the people of her birth weren't going to change that. She needed to remember that.
She pulled out the communicator Jin had procured for her when she’d told him what she wanted. She powered it on.
I'm here. Stand by for next phase.
She sent the message and waited. She didn't have long before a message popped up.
Allfather - I'll be waiting.
Kira released the breath she'd been holding. That was it. The first part was done. This wasn't what she'd planned when he first suggested it, but fate had conspired and now she was standing at a precipice. The only thing to do was jump.
She couldn't decide if this was a good idea or not. In some ways, hacking Centcom would have been easier and less dangerous. They, at least, were a known entity.
The Tuann? Who knew what they were capable of, or if it could even be done?
This plan was insane; that's what it was. Unfortunately, desperate people did desperate things, and Kira had been desperate for a long time.
It was the reason she was contemplating such an action.
If worse came to worse, she could always abandon her plans. She wouldn't risk her life needlessly. She'd remember her promises. That's all she could do for now.
She exhaled slowly. Things would work out. Somehow.
Something tore through her senses, a hint of metallic ice accompanied by acidic rain.
She dove to the side. The railing in front of her exploded, chips of stone slicing her arm and leg.
She was up and moving in the next second. Metal projectiles and energy bolts flying hard and fast.
She sprinted, barely avoiding the blast of energy or the throwing knives concealed in its wake.
There. To her right. The attack was coming from those trees.
She didn't hesitate, leaping over the edge of the railing, snagging a few of the blades sticking out of the stone, before sprinting across the ground.
Twenty feet. Ten. Almost there.
Yellow light tore from the dark. She lunged sideways, then sideways again, when more blasts streamed toward her.
Bastards.
Shouts filled the air behind her, the chaos of the fight drawing the attention of those in the Citadel.
Kira didn't let that distract her, finding cover as another barrage streaked from the trees.
The lights tore the small tree she'd dodged behind to bits, bark and branches raining down on her.
Two could play that game.
She leaned to the side, throwing the knives in quick, sharp movements, aiming in a split-second before diving behind cover.
She had no idea if any of the knives hit their target.
She waited several seconds before standing. Whoever the attacker had been was long gone now. Probably a result of those she sensed approaching from the Citadel.
She moved closer to where her attackers had lain in wait, her body tense and poised for action.
There was no sign of her assailants when she got there, the spot empty and silent. Kira frowned at the area, a frustrated sigh escaping