by T. A. White
In the middle of the floor, Admiral Kent held court over the group that had formed around the cloaked figures. Zepher’s military representatives were among those present.
Himoto and Jace stayed in the background, patiently observing the group.
Feeling her gaze, Himoto made eye contact and gave her a cordial nod.
Kira looked away, not reacting outwardly to his greeting.
"The Consortium hopes their new toys will put them on even ground with the other powers in the universe," Odin said with a twisted smile.
"You don't sound approving."
"They should be careful not to let their arrogance lead to their destruction." Odin drained her champagne, setting the glass on a passing drone carrying a serving platter.
Kira was quiet as she watched their hulking figures. A part of her couldn’t help but wonder if these constructs could solve Jin's problem—at least partially.
At an order from their handler, the androids removed their cloaks, facing their audience with blank expressions.
On first glance, their bodies seemed modeled after that of a human, with a set of legs and arms, a torso, neck, and head.
It was only upon closer inspection one realized how different they were.
Their faces were strange. The designs etched on them making them seem eerie. Black lines trailed under each eye, adding an illusion of emotion. A series of circles connected by squares and additional lines were embedded on their foreheads.
The androids lacked noses. Their necks were elongated and protected by a series of heavy metal interlocking plates.
"I know what you're thinking,” Odin said. “It won't work."
"Why not?"
Odin plucked another champagne glass from a passing drone server. "As advanced as they are, they still can't achieve biofeedback. I already checked."
Kira sighed in disappointment. If that was true, there was no point in pursuing this line of thought.
The act of moving Jin’s soul from one thing to another was inherently dangerous. A big part of that stemmed from the fact they didn't really know how to do it.
If they were to take the risk, Kira wanted it to be worthwhile. They wouldn’t get a second chance if things went wrong.
Simply exchanging one shell for another didn’t justify the effort. Without all five senses, Jin would still be living a half existence, reliant on his link with Kira.
After last night, Kira was conscious of how dangerous this was for him. The goal of finding him a body had never been more important or felt further away.
At that moment, Jin arrowed out of the crowd, circling them before taking his customary spot over Kira’s shoulder.
Odin nodded at the androids. "What do you think of them?"
"The further I can stay away from them the better. They give me the creeps."
"Is it because you're afraid they're better than you?" Odin teased.
"Please." Jin blew a raspberry. "This form is already the epitome of excellence."
"How would you know unless you give theirs a try?" Odin asked.
Jin went silent. "I know what you're trying to do."
Odin arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell?"
"You won't trick me that easily this time."
Craftiness settled on Odin's features. "Are you sure?"
Jin moved a foot back. "I don't know why you named yourself after the Allfather. The name Loki suits you much better."
"It's because I know all."
While the two verbally sparred, Finn stepped closer to Kira from where he'd been keeping watch a short distance away. "The rest of the delegation has arrived."
Kira had been expecting the news, but even so she felt a flutter in her chest.
Trying not to be obvious, she scanned the crowd, stopping on a familiar face. Graydon.
It was like being punched in the chest when you least expected it.
His hair was styled away from his face. Because of that there was nothing to distract from the brutal beauty of his features.
Unlike their previous encounters, Kira now knew exactly what that armor hid. It didn't matter how lovingly it clung or how well it fit, it would never do credit to the body beneath.
Today, his armor was a little different than normal. More fitting to an event of this caliber.
Although still a matte black, it had silver trim throughout, creating a complex pattern that only amplified Graydon's physique.
That wasn't what drew the eye, however. It was the cape Graydon wore. A fiery red, it was flung back from his shoulders, its length sweeping the ground behind him. Metallic gold was interwoven throughout. Every time it caught the light it looked like a fire had sparked in its depths.
Kira blinked at it, feeling off-balance.
Seeing her, Graydon prowled in her direction. "You don't seem happy. Weren't you the one who said you wanted to see me in a cape?"
Kira found herself hard-pressed to respond.
The thing was she'd said something exactly to that effect on Ta Sa’Riel when Roderick had shown up in a cape. Kira hadn't been able to resist teasing Graydon about having one of his own.
Never in a million years had she expected him to comply. Let alone that the mere sight of him in one would render her speechless.
"Tongue-tied? Cheva nier, there's no need to be shy." There was a playful look on Graydon's face.
"Shouldn't you be with the rest of your delegation? Working?"
Kira sent a significant glance to where Yukina held court among the various Houses vying for her attention.
Her gaze lingered on the group of Tuann who had bet against her during the stratagem. The looks Niland and his friends kept sending Kira's way made her feel like they were talking about her.
"What are your plans for them?” Graydon asked noticing where her attention had gone.
That’s right. Niland and Lorcan still owed her a favor.
"As long as they keep their distance, I won't do anything to them."
However, the moment they stepped in Kira's way; she'd be merciless.
She frowned as she caught the look that passed between Graydon and Lorcan. Before she could decipher it, Lorcan smirked at her, raising his glass in a silent toast.
She wasn't imagining things. There was something between him and Graydon.
The only question was whether they were allies or enemies who simply knew each other well.
Knowing the Tuann, it could be either.
“Where’s your yer’se?” Kira asked, not seeing Devon in the party that had accompanied Graydon.
“He remained behind with your imp and the rest of the younglings who’ve made you their hero.”
“And you let him?” Kira could only imagine all the trouble Elena could talk Devon and the rest into.
“I think learning from your imp wouldn’t be the worst thing for him.”
It would certainly give him another perspective on life, Kira conceded.
As they circled, Liara, with Roderick beside her, caught her eye. Liara offered a gentle smile but made no attempt to approach.
"Not going to go over there?" Graydon asked.
"It would probably be best to wait," Kira responded.
Liara had her own matters to attend to.
The invasion of Ta Da’an had weakened her House’s position among the Tuann. There was time later for the two of them to reconnect.
“That reminds me. Where’s Raider?” Kira asked. “He should have been here by now.”
Graydon snagged a drink from one of the hovering drones. “He’s around somewhere.”
Before Kira could ask more, the crowd started to move toward the raised dais Kira had noted before but hadn't paid much attention to.
Holding a lot in common with the Mayan pyramids of ancient Earth, the dais stood at least a hundred feet tall, stairs leading from the pavilion on top to the banquet floor.
In the space above the dome, a small fleet of ships approached, hovering protectively around the ship at their center.
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As they neared the dome, the other ships stopped as the smallest ship continued, penetrating the membrane of the dome.
Two banners unfurled on either side of the pyramid. This time there was no mistaking the presence of a royal.
The banners carried their insignia. Stark white against an amethyst background, the crest of this royal was modeled after a creature that looked like a cross between a snake and a Betta fish.
Long, elegant fins trailed behind it. A counter to the deadly looking spines along its back.
As a symbol it was very effective in demonstrating the concept of an elegant glove wrapped around an iron fist.
Waves of Haldeel dressed in the uniform of the royal guards filed out of the ship carrying ceremonial tridents.
They glided down the stairs of the dais in two uniform lines. When the first reached the bottom, they came to a stop. As one they faced inward.
All attention turned to the ship.
Tierni stepped into view, pausing on the threshold as she regarded those assembled. A headdress added several inches to her height, long chains framing her face.
The dress she wore was elegant in its complexity. Interwoven metal chains hung in a gentle arc over her chest. Her shoulders were bare but similar chains clasped her biceps before transitioning into sheer sleeves that hung nearly to the floor. A slit in the front of her sleeves made it so she could still use her hands.
The rest of her gown flowed in a line down her body, a chain belt clasped around her waist.
The banquet was silent as she made her way to a throne set on the edge of the platform.
Only when she had taken her seat did her companion descend two steps and stop.
"Esteemed guests, the za na ri na of the Haldeel gives you her greeting and bids you welcome," the man began.
Graydon made a thoughtful sound next to Kira. "That's intriguing. I never expected to see a human entrusted as a Haldeel royal's voice."
Kira's expression was faintly troubled as she stared at the man. "Yes, it is quite the surprise."
In more ways than one.
"What is Alexander doing here?" Jin hissed through the comms. "Did Selene tell you about this? Why didn't you tell me? You know the last time we crossed paths with him, he nearly killed us and warned you never to come close to him again. What if he tells the rest of them what we're up to?"
Kira could only guess as to why Selene had failed to inform them of this development. Most likely, it was the same clandestine bullshit as usual.
"Do you know him?" Graydon’s expression was curious as he looked at her
"You could say that," Kira said after a pause.
"This isn’t good, Kira," Jin warned. “The forty-three never bring anything but trouble.”
Not able to respond without alerting Graydon, Kira sent soothing thoughts down their link.
It didn't matter why he was here, or how he'd ended up as a trusted aide to Tierni. All they had to do was remain focused on their own goals. The rest would sort itself out one way or another
Graydon didn't pry further as he studied the man with interest.
Kira should probably do something about that, but somehow, she couldn’t bring herself to act. While it had never been her intention to draw Graydon's notice to the man, she also didn't feel particularly motivated to distract him either.
Alexander had made it quite clear his affairs were his own. If he wasn't confident in his facade, it was his business.
Even if she did intervene, he wouldn’t thank her. Instead, it was more likely that he would find a way to put the blame on her.
With that thought in mind, Kira tuned in as the man was finishing his speech.
“A few of you have the rare chance to participate in the Harkening. It’s a time-honored tradition. Those selected will have the chance to display their potential before the galaxy."
As if answering an unseen signal, three Haldeel stepped out of the crowd. They lined up at the base of the pyramid before facing the rest of the banquet.
“You sly man, you expected this,” Kira said softly.
This was what Graydon had meant last night when he said to win their favor and impress them.
Graydon’s eyes gleamed in answer.
"I present three of our most talented masters,” Alexander said. “They will be your opponents for today. Each will select one individual whose performance has impressed them over the past week. Be warned—while this is a great honor offering you an opportunity to ascend to the heights, it also holds the potential to dash you into the rocks. Accept their challenge at your own risk."
Murmurs from the crowd announced the rising tide of excitement. Whatever anyone claimed, this was the true prize of the quorum.
"Three. That's an interesting number," Graydon said. “Usually it would be two.”
One for humans and the other for Tuann.
The Haldeel on the far right stepped off the stairs. He made his way toward the clump of Tuann in the center of the banquet, stopping in front of Yukina.
He folded his hands in front of his chest in a gesture of inquiry. "The Haldeel challenge the Tuann. Please choose a representative."
Yukina moved forward with a serene look on her face. "Very well. I will answer your call."
The Haldeel dipped his head and led Yukina to a section of the room that had been kept conspicuously empty. The floor rose, transitioning into a hovering platform as they stepped onto it.
When it was several feet off the ground, it stopped. Its height allowed those standing in the back of the room an unobstructed view.
The Haldeel extended a hand in summons. The golden sphere in the middle shot forward, stopping over their heads.
The Haldeel inclined his chin. "I look forward to your performance."
The Haldeel moved to the edge of the stage, where he clasped his hands at his waist, his sleeves falling forward to cover them.
The sphere sent out blasts of golden light. One after the other, the speed and frequency picking up, until, with an audible crack, the sphere shattered.
Golden specks rained down, catching the light and glittering like stardust.
They froze in midair around Yukina.
From all around, the sound of a solo flute began to rise. Its cry was lonely and poignant, echoing somberly throughout the room.
Yukina lifted a hand, holding a golden fan the length of her forearm. There was elegance in the simple motion.
Before long, Yukina began to dance within the shattered flecks of the sphere, careful not to disturb them as she moved.
"Not bad," Kira said, impressed.
The puzzle was much more difficult than it looked.
The person had to dance as they deciphered the pattern of the specks while determining a course out of the middle. Misjudge even a little and you would find your path forward cut off.
To complicate things further, falter or hesitate and the puzzle would fail.
In essence, you had to be decisive and also perceptive.
"There's a reason Yukina is a Face," Graydon said. "She is one of the emperor's most accomplished Faces."
Kira regarded Graydon with some surprise. That had almost sounded like a compliment.
He picked up on her thoughts. "You should be careful not to rile her too much. She's the oldest of us."
"Is that the only reason you want me to be cautious?" Kira asked, glancing at Yukina's oshota.
He stood on the right side of the stage. Despite his face once again being concealed by the disrupter field in his hood, Kira couldn't shake the feeling he was watching them rather than his Face.
Graydon's expression didn't change. "Sometimes it’s better not to ask questions."
On the stage, Yukina slid into a low lunge before extending her arm and the closed fan out before her.
The fan snapped open. Yukina leaned back before leaning forward again and sweeping the fan before her.
This set off a chain reaction as it collided with the flecks, sending them danci
ng in a hundred different directions.
They revolved around her as she straightened.
Her dress swirled as she gracefully turned, her arms coming up and around as she bent and dipped, advancing in a steady fashion.
Every once in a while, the fan snapped open as she spun, snapping closed again in the next instant.
The tempo of the music picked up, several string instruments joining the flute.
Yukina never hesitated, one movement flowing into the next until she stood before the Haldeel.
Behind her, the specks of light rotated in several different directions, creating a pattern in a pattern. A flower took shape as a sphere spun around it.
Yukina sank into the final pose, the fan open and held in such a way that it hid the lower half of her face.
Applause broke out at the sight.
The Haldeel on the stage broke into a smile, his posture announcing his pleasure in the outcome.
"The Tuann have impressed us with their elegance and sincerity," Alexander announced.
The platform lowered.
As soon as Yukina and her challenger cleared the way, a second Haldeel disembarked from the pyramid.
He strode across the floor, stopping in front of Himoto. As the first one had, he bowed. "Honorable guest, I have come to challenge you."
"The Consortium answers your challenge."
At a nod from Himoto, Jace moved forward.
"Don't be so hasty, Admiral," Kent said. "Such actions would lead our hosts to believe you speak for all of us."
A hush fell.
"Is he really that much of an idiot?" Jin hissed.
"I'm going to go with a yes."
Why else would he do such a stupid and pointless thing?
The way the Haldeel had approached Himoto made it clear how highly in their esteem they held him. Challenging their decision in such a public forum was not only disrespectful to the host but could also affect the standing of the Consortium as a whole if the Haldeel chose to take offense.
"He strikes me as the sort of man who allows ambition to cloud his better judgment," Graydon observed.
"Should we intervene?" Jin asked.
Kira hesitated, studying Himoto.
"No need," she said, shaking her head.
Something told her Himoto had this well in hand.
"The rear admiral isn't the only one who has performed well during this quorum," Kent said in a chiding tone. "Come. Allow others to make a name for themselves."