The clang of the hatch shutting and being locked behind Kira held a note of finality as she stepped into the brig. The space held six cells. Only two of which were occupied. One by Aeron who took in Kira’s arrival with a hint of interest.
She walked past him without a glance, making her way toward the last cell. Its inhabitant was facing the wall, her back to the ballistic-proof glass that separated her from freedom.
"Blue," Kira said, stopping in front of her cell.
Blue sat cross legged on the only piece of furniture in the cell. A narrow cot that lacked the luxury of a blanket.
"You came," Blue said over her shoulder, not making any move to face her.
"I did." Kira gave the lackluster conditions of the cell a cursory look. "This brings back memories."
She’d spent a night or two in a ship’s brig on more than one occasion. Usually, to give her a chance to cool her head after doing something dumb.
"Did Admiral Skarsdale tell you what I’m in for?"
"He did."
"Do you believe what he’s saying?"
Kira tucked her thumbs into her pockets, her stance easy and relaxed. "I know you weren’t the one who gave away the Vega’s position during Rothchild."
That got Blue’s attention. The other woman twisted to give Kira her full attention.
"I found the person responsible."
Blue rushed to the front of the cell. "You did?"
"They’re dead."
At least Thea was. There was still a question mark over whether Diesel had survived the explosion on Rothchild.
For now, Kira didn’t intend to go looking for him. All scores between them were settled after what he’d done to draw away the kill squad. Anyway, he wasn’t the person ultimately responsible for what happened to the Vega and the Curs. He was just unlucky enough to get caught up in someone else’s schemes.
"Then you know I had nothing to do with it," Blue said eagerly.
Kira’s nod was slow, her lack of enthusiasm making Blue’s enthusiasm fade.
"What’s wrong?" Blue asked.
"Jace had good reason to find you suspicious," Kira said, steeling herself against Blue’s hurt expression.
"What does that mean?" Blue asked.
"I never questioned your presence on the planet where I found you. Even though I knew how difficult it would be for a child alone to survive in the hell the Tsavitee created in that place. I didn’t want to look too deep for fear of what I’d find."
Blue’s presence had been a source of warmth and comfort to Kira. The Curs mascot. The little sister of their unit. Kira hadn’t wanted her paranoia to disrupt the potential good Blue offered.
"Miracles happen and you had been through enough."
Blue’s eyes narrowed. "What is this?"
"Your only chance."
Kira watched Blue intently. Every flicker of emotion. The anger. The disbelief. Under it a thread of hurt. So sincere and real, it was impossible for Kira to believe the other woman was a double agent. Even knowing what the Tsavitee were capable of.
"If you say it’s all a coincidence, I’ll believe you," Kira told her.
Blue’s expression was guarded as she met Kira’s gaze.
"But it had better be the truth, Blue. If I find out later that you’re holding back, that you lied to me when I’m giving you a chance to come clean, I’ll kill you."
This was a one-time offer. Never to be repeated.
It would hurt to learn that the girl she’d rescued all those years ago was nothing more than a plant the Tsavitee had placed by her side.
Kira could let it go, though.
Of course, Blue would have to be strictly monitored from here on out. She knew too much to be let loose. Her status as a Cur would be yanked as well.
But she’d be alive. That was more than Kira thought she’d ever offer anyone who worked for the Tsavitee.
"I’m not a traitor, Kira. I’m exactly who you’ve always thought I was."
Kira nodded. "Alright then."
Blue’s forehead furrowed. "That’s it?"
"That’s all I need."
"You’re going to let me out, right? You’re not going to leave me in here?"
"It’s not that easy. I don’t hold any power in Centcom now."
And even if she wasn’t the one responsible, her actions had placed everyone in danger. Jace wasn’t happy about that. He saw it as a breach of security. Until Kira could find a way to prove someone had authorized Blue to send those communications, her friend would have an uphill battle trying to win back his trust.
Kira would do what she could, but Jace was the ultimate decision maker in this matter.
Leaving Blue behind, Kira moved toward her second reason for this visit. Aeron looked up at her as she stopped in front of his cell.
"I didn’t expect you to come personally," Aeron drawled, his expression changing to one of confusion as Kira opened his cell door. "What are you doing?"
She tilted her head. "Come on. There’s a gift waiting for you. Consider it a thank you for what you did on the Reliance."
Aeron’s face still held suspicion as Kira knocked on the hatch to request they be let out.
She raised her eyebrows at Aeron when he still didn’t move. "You coming or not?"
He gathered himself, rising. "I am not a dog to be summoned whenever you’re bored."
"Say that once you’ve seen what I’ve prepared for you."
Aeron followed Kira silently through the base, pretending not to see the reaction of the humans they passed. There was hostility and fear. Some plastering themselves against the wall to give the two of them room.
More interesting were the looks of a few. Assessing. Watchful. Like Aeron wasn’t someone they could put in the box titled evil anymore.
"What are we doing here?" Aeron asked as they stopped in front of the conference room they’d used for the briefing.
"You’ll see."
Kira opened the door, gesturing for Aeron to proceed.
He curled a lip in challenge, his expression freezing as he caught sight of the person waiting inside.
"Little brother," Aeron breathed.
The emotion contained within those words allowed Kira to set aside any doubt she’d had about the general’s motives. No one could have faked that level of relief and happiness as he rushed forward, enveloping the younger general in a hug.
"What are they saying?" Jace asked, joining her.
Kira shook her head. "I don’t recognize the language."
It wasn’t Tsavitee. There were notes that Kira associated with a Tuann inflection but that wasn’t quite right either. Since the generals and the Tuann came from the same root, it was possible that their languages had evolved from the same source as well. Time had caused the languages to diverge, each developing in a different direction.
Kira closed the door behind Aeron, giving the two privacy for their reunion.
"I didn’t think your plan would work this time," Jace confessed.
Kira shot him a sidelong grin. "Liar."
From what she’d heard, he’d thrown his lot in with her until the bitter end. Even going so far as to ignore at least two opportunities for a retreat. He must have had some faith to do that.