Chapter 65

“Of course, I’d love to come along.”

And he likes my parents. Stars, now I’m suspicious that he was

engineered himself. She beamed. “All right, it’s a date.”

Kira excused herself from Leon so she could check in with her team. Ari,

Nia, and Kyle were gathered under a temporary overhang that had been

erected near the landing craft.

“That was intense,” Kyle said when he saw Kira approaching.

“Yeah, two firefights in a week is a bit much,” she agreed. “You all

okay? I know Monica did a number on you earlier.”

Ari shook his head. “That ‘stopping time’ trick is something else. I was

blacked out before I even saw her move.”

“Nia filled us in on what happened while we were out,” Kyle added.

“Sounds like things got a little up close and personal for you.”

“I showed Monica what was what.” Kira grimaced.

Nia placed her hand on Kira’s shoulder. “Better this way—can’t trust

someone like that.”

“I know.” Kira rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands. “And once