Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles #1) - T.A. White Page 0,89

us in their battle tactics. Many are interested in how they managed to survive the Tsavitee considering their vastly inferior technology." He looked Raider up and down. "And their less than impressive physical abilities."

Roderick gave the two of them a look filled with arrogant challenge as he waited expectantly. He thought he'd won this round.

Worse—he was probably right.

It was a legitimate solution, even if it was intended to put Kira and Raider in a tight spot. There were two of them. With the rest of the Curs scattered around the Citadel, it was likely to remain that way.

If they wanted another member, they'd have to ask the Tuann. The chances of one agreeing were unlikely given the stiff reserve they'd made obvious since Kira and the Curs arrival.

Still, if the two of them refused to participate, the Tuann would assume they were weak or afraid. Kira didn't really care what others thought of her and could have twisted that assumption to her benefit, but Raider and the rest would care.

From the pinched expression on Raider's face, he'd come to the same conclusion she had.

Roderick waited, knowing they'd have little choice in forfeiting. His mouth pulled up on one side as he anticipated winning this little skirmish.

"Since they’ll be down two, I will compete as well," Graydon said.

Roderic looked like he wanted to argue but couldn't think of a polite response.

"Me too," Liara said.

Surprised appreciation shot through Kira. Until now, she'd assumed Liara would come down on Roderick's side in this situation. She might regret it, but he was one of her people. It would make sense if she placed her loyalty with him, over a long-lost cousin she'd known less than forty-eight hours.

"You can't, Overlord," Roderick protested. "You are our shield. If you were to be injured, it would affect our standing."

Liara’s expression fell, disappointment filling it as she conceded his point.

"I'll do it," Finn said, his expression stony.

Roderick grunted in agreement. “Fine, I’ll inform the rest.”

He stalked off before anyone could speak.

Kira and the rest followed slowly as Liara escorted them to the beginning of the course, keeping pace easily. "I apologize for my marshal. Our people have always been resistant to change. Please don't judge them too harshly."

Kira held up a hand. "Don't bother. Just give me an idea of what I'm about to face."

She didn't care about apologies or justifications. They were already past that. This was the current state of things. She had to concentrate on getting through this next part before bothering with the messy emotional side of things.

"It's called the odiri pattern. It's meant to test your teamwork."

Kira let out a soft huff. That wasn't the news she wanted to hear, given one member of their team hated her, another would be focused on trying to protect her, and the last had joined for reasons only he understood.

Excited chatter from those gathered accompanied them as they approached the entrance to the training field. Kira ignored the onlookers and focused on ferreting out all the information she could before they were thrown into the arena.

"Avoid getting hit by the drones’ laser fire. Their weapons are meant to simulate actual wounds. It can be quite shocking to the system. Some freeze up as their bodies struggle to reconcile the pain with reality," Liara explained.

"Good to know," Kira murmured.

Raider snorted.

"You get points for every drone you take down and every salvo you successfully repel. Points are deducted for every hit you take. The time until completion also factors into your overall score."

Kira nodded. Seemed simple enough.

"Good luck," Liara offered. "If you can, stay behind Graydon and Finn. Both men have run this course before. If you're wounded and can't continue, raise your hand to forfeit."

Liara stopped at the edge of the fence, her expression grave as Kira moved past her.

Jin settled right over Kira's shoulder. "I'm going with you."

"Much as I appreciate that, I want you to stay out here," Kira said. "Keep an eye on things while we're competing."

He sighed before rising, gaining altitude so he could watch the scene from above.

Graydon handed her and Raider two wooden swords. "Try not to hit yourselves in the face with these."

Kira took the sword, aiming a dark glare his way. He chuckled to himself as she tested the swing of it in her hands. It was light and flexible. Not quite as well balanced as her old energy sword, but not bad.

Raider's expression was dissatisfied as he took his.

Kira sighed, wishing any of the others were here. Blue,