Not waiting for his reply, the Tiburonian cadet strode over to the Warborn’s tables, ignoring the stares that followed her. Ashrafi hopped up from his seat and tagged along behind her, and Vekal grudgingly followed a moment later. Targeemos stayed in her seat. Kayros was aware that she preferred to avoid the Warborn, for their existence reminded her of uncomfortable truths of her people’s history.

The youthful-seeming Warborn, Benedick, rose to greet Kayros with a smile, seeming oblivious to the surrounding tension. “Zirani! Good. I was hoping you could go over my physics notes with me.” He greeted the others amiably as well. “Michael. Vekal.”

Portia sized Kayros up with a clinical gaze. “She’s not here for a study session, Benedick. She’s here for the same reason as everyone else.”

Horatio, who seemed to have appointed himself the leader of the group, stood as well, taking a mediating pose between the groups. “I understand that many of the students have concerns about the dialogue last night between Commander Rakatheema and Doctor Janith-Lau. I’m happy to help assuage your concerns.”

Vekal raised a skeptical brow. “So Rakatheema did not say he was open to a combat role for the Warborn?”

Portia scoffed. “Of course he did. He’s just like all the other Arcturians—they made us to fight and die so they don’t have to.”

The Vulcan’s confrontational gaze shifted to her. “You sounded perfectly willing to go along with that yesterday.”

“I’m willing to fight—but for my reasons.” Her tone sharpened as her eyes held Vekal’s. “I’m done being defined by others—the commander or you. We have a right to define our own path.”

“I don’t know.” The big one, Bertram, looked upset and confused. “How could we know better than our makers? We’re their tools. They made us to fight for the motherworld. That’s as valid a reason to exist as any.” He shook his head. “All the rest… We shouldn’t even be here. This isn’t our purpose.”

Horatio put a hand on his burly shoulder. “It is our purpose to protect Arcturus. From ourselves, if necessary. That is why we are here.”

He turned to take in Portia and Vekal, who still faced off tensely. “I’m sure Commander Rakatheema didn’t mean what either of you imagined. From the start, he’s only had the best interests of the Arcturian people in mind—the Warborn included.”

“Has he told you that?” Kayros asked. “Or are you making assumptions the same as the rest of us?”

“I have faith in his commitment to our principles, and to our welfare. Remember, we have known him much longer than you have. He has guided us through this process from the start. I know where he stands.”

Vekal looked the others over. “Not all of you agree with that assessment, however.”