“How can you be so sure that Khoth’s mom won’t order us to dump you in the back of a spaceship and take you to Haseon?” Thammah asked.
“Because I’m going to prove to her that I’m better off as a free agent. Besides, the Osiris and Gehenna wouldn’t let you guys,” Jace said with a shrug.
“I notice you didn’t put the US Military in that,” Captain Parker said.
“Won’t get that far. Because if you thought I had some moves, Gehenna and the Osiris far outstrip me.” Jace sipped yet another Coke before continuing, “And that’s not what you want to tell me about anyways. You’re worried about our side. About the general. That’s why Mom has been in there with him, going through every weapon, instead of checking on me.”
Captain Parker blinked. “How do you know that?”
“I could say that I’m just that smart, but… it’s Gehenna.” Jace tilted his head towards the squid who was hovering behind the general and his mother as they went through the holographic catalogue of weapons and armor. “She’s telling me everything they are saying. Plus, she can read body language… well, sometimes. I’m helping her with that.”
Captain Parker snorted. “It’s amazing for something that big that she still seems to be able to hide.”
Gehenna was between two of the gun racks, but she was being quiet, if not looming.
“I know, right? Thing is she’s got a total crush on Mom, but she’s afraid Mom hates her and will never forgive what happened with me,” Jace said as he drained his first Coke and popped open another one.
Khoth really had to find out what was in that drink.
“Crush? Gehenna has crushes?” Captain Parker looked a little stunned.
Jace nodded. “She’s really cute about it. But, anyways, I know you’re worried. You don’t exactly need to be, because it's not just you and Mom protecting me.”
“We will keep you safe as well, Jace,” Khoth said stoutly.
He was rewarded by a smile. “I know. We’ll figure this out. We just haven’t had time…”
Jace looked down at his Coke can and bit his lower lip. Khoth wondered what he was thinking.
His whole existence has seemingly been changed. He has not had a moment to accept this.
Jace drew in a breath and looked up, smiling. “Well, I feel better. A lot better. So we should head out to the Khul ships, Khoth.”
Captain Parker came over to his son and grasped his biceps. “Jace, you just had a moment of--”
“I was hungry. Thirsty. Low blood sugar. It was stupid to not realize what that feeling was earlier,” Jace said quickly. “We need to… to help those people.”
“Jace.” Captain Parker’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know… if I want this for you.”
Jace nodded. “I know. But it is me.”
“I just want you to have time--”
“I know. Me too.” Jace let out a faint laugh. “But, Dad, people are suffering and I can stop that.”
Khoth approved of Jace’s words, but like Captain Parker, he suddenly wished Jace to remain behind and rest.
“Jace, I can go with Thammah and send the images back to you and the others,” Khoth found himself saying.
Thammah’s huge eyes told him what he had just said was unexpected, but that she approved. That, undoubtedly, meant his mother would not approve. Was he breaking the rule again?
But Jace saved him from himself. The young man shook his head.
“No, Khoth, I’m going with you,” Jace said. “We’re doing this together.”
Khoth inclined his head slowly.
“Okay, Osiris,” Jace said to the room about them as he rubbed his hands together. “We’re going to need some equipment and weapons. Impress us.”
