Others? Jace grew rigid as he remembered that Walter’s house was just around the block where a birthday party for dozens of excited ten-year-olds was taking place. A cold wash went through him. But surely the soldiers--
They are only able to use the basest part of the Altaeth technology, but you, Jace, can do so much more, Gehenna told him. And when we’re connected fully, you’ll be a terror to the Khul as much as they are to everyone else.
Is Walter in danger? He’s the man who lives--
I know who he is, Gehenna cut him off and he wondered if any of what he knew was hidden from her. Much is still hidden. I don’t intend to invade your privacy, but you wanted me to know this.
Right. So… Walter? Is he?
The Khul are all over that quadrant. It would appear that his house is within their control, Gehenna told him.
Then I have to go there! He tightened his hand on the weapon. It was cool despite the hot, sweatiness of his hand.
Jace, you need to come to me. There was a trace of alarm in her voice. He knew that she was thinking about how hard it had been to find him. She did not wish to lose him. You’re not ready yet--
Will Walter and his family die if I don’t go there? He demanded to know.
Jace, I cannot foretell the future. I--
Gehenna, you can guess! Your guesses are pretty good, he pushed her. I sort of remember that from the dreams.
There was a sigh, which was strange for an AI, but she had adopted mannerisms he would understand, he realized. The probability is high that Walter and his family will die unless there is some form of intervention.
And the soldiers? Will they intervene? He asked.
There was another pause. They are heading in the opposite direction of Walter’s home.
Can’t you tell them to turn back? He asked, thinking it would be good to have backup in any case.
They can’t hear me, Jace. Only you can, she explained.
What?! Why just me? They have the guns too! Jace cried.
The gun is a touchpoint that allows me to contact you, but that’s not what makes you special, Jace, she said.
But can’t you--I don’t know--take over their phones or computers or something and tell them where to go? He asked.
I will be able to do that when we are together, but right now, I am limited, she explained and there was frustration in her voice. Then with almost a wry tone she added, Besides, they aren’t as trusting of messages from strange AIs as you are.
Right. That makes me feel--
“Jace, what’s happening?” she asked, her dark brown eyes flickering over his face.
“I…” He was startled out of his conversation with Gehenna. He had no idea how much time had passed. “I don’t know if you’ll believe me. I don’t know if I believe me.”
Sami lifted an eyebrow and gestured with her axe towards the broken window of the Con-Ve. “We’re being attacked by gigantic insects from space. I just saw you take one out like a boss with a laser gun. I’m pretty sure I’ll believe anything. Now what?”
“I’m talking to an AI in my head.” Jace lifted up the weapon which was sleek and light and made of some kind of silvery metal. He felt a sense of unreality as he looked at it. He recognized it, but something wasn’t complete about it. It was like the first form of a Pokemon or something. “This--this is letting me talk to her.”
“AI?”
“Artificial intelligence,” he said. “Alien tech.”
Sami’s eyebrows rose. “Not those aliens, right?”
She gestured towards the Omull.
“No, not them. Others… uhm…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know everything. It’s all sort of… crazy. But I’m going with it.”
