Page 32 of Stars in Aura

A tense, throbbing silence fell.

The temperature in the room fell as diplomacy teetered on the edge of collapse.

Admiral Rhye, the very picture of exhausted patience, spoke again.

‘What’s done is done, Elders. Let Zera explain herself to you. We will arrange immediate transport for Zera back to Alloria Prime.’

That at least stopped the impending detonation.

The Elders exchanged glances, their displeasure still palpable, but no further objections followed.

‘Ensure she arrives unharmed,’ was Okaban’s final disdainful dismissal.

The holo-stream flickered off, leaving thick silence in its wake.

Ki’Remi sucked his teeth, arms folded. ‘That was a waste of myfokkin’ time.’

Admiral Rhye raised a brow. ‘While your time is valuable, Sable, so is keeping peace with the people we claim to serve.’

‘I’m well aware,’ the colossal medic growled.

Issa didn’t dare say a word; she only pursed her lips.

The admiral, unmoved, leaned against his desk. ‘Part of this job is diplomacy, my friend. You know that, given how much you and the Sable Group have a stake in this fleet.’

Issa jolted, eyes narrowing as she turned to Ki’Remi.

She arched an eyebrow. ‘Is that right? I’ve heard of the influential Sable Group. Don’t they design luxury flyers and racing yachts?’

‘They do,’ the Admiral said.

‘Which makes Commander Sable a Rider.’

Issa drew out her words and stated them in a semi-awed tone.

He was a Rider.

Infamous as ghosts, wraiths, and glimmers in the dark shadows of Pegasi.

Also, as some of the galaxy’s most lethal metahumans with exponential reach.

Somehow, caught up in her mission and purpose, she’d never considered his identity.

Fokk.

Ki’Remi sucked his teeth, and the Admiral chuckled.

‘Naam, but he doesn’t like it to be open knowledge,’ the naval leader said. ‘The profit they gain from their high-tech manufacturing of surveillance drones, weapons, and military vessels underwrites all the security, charity, and rescue work they invest in. Including this dreadnought.’

The man beside her tensed, his jaw clenching, but the Admiral continued. ‘In essence, Ki’Remi and his fellow Riders are the silent philanthropists of the entire mercy ship fleet.’

Issa blinked, then turned to the Sableman.

Ki’Remi exhaled through his nose, his silver eyes murky with irritation, annoyed, aggravated that he had been outed.

Issa grinned. ‘Huh. Color me impressed.’

Admiral Rhye dismissed them with a short, amused chuckle. ‘Issa, Ki’Remi is the true boss around here. Do what he says.’

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