Human technology was not Altaeth tech, but Khoth was certain that the Osiris could easily disable that human tech as easily. Maybe more so.
“I like you, Jace. I don’t want any harm to come to you,” the general stated and there was honesty in his voice.
“And I don’t want anything to happen to you either, General. I’d like us to be friends, not adversaries,” Jace told him.
“The higher ups will never agree!” General Intoskin took off his cap and slapped it against his thigh. “This ship has been ours for decades! They’re not going to just hand it over to some kid, no matter how high-powered.”
“Unless you help me convince them,” Jace offered.
“You’re extraordinary, Jace, but to let go of this power? You ask too much,” the general answered again with surprising honesty.
“I know, but it’s only ever been an illusion that the Osiris was in your power in the first place,” Jace told him. “There’s a huge role for humanity to play in what’s coming. There are so many possibilities out there, General. But you’ve got to realize that it’s not just the United States or humanity that’s important. There’s so much more. Right now, the Alliance doesn’t think humanity is fit to be included in the Alliance, because we’re too independent. We won’t listen. We won’t share. We want to be in charge.”
“We do!” The general gave a soft laugh.
“I know, but you have to earn it. Don’t you think you can?” Jace quirked up an eyebrow.
“Are you issuing a challenge?” The general almost looked like he wanted to take Jace up on it.
“Maybe I am. The universe is vast and humanity doesn’t know… a lot about it. Maybe once we do, and we show our leadership skills, then the others will clamber for us to do so,” Jace said. “But you can’t expect that now.”
“We can because the Osiris is ours and it’s what the Alliance wants! They’re willing to offer quite a bit to get use of it,” the general stated. “We can come right in.”
“I would not be so sure about that,” Jace said. He still didn’t seem angry.
“Do you have some, ah, inside information on that?” General Intoshkin’s gaze slid to Khoth and then back to Jace.
Jace sighed. “I think that the High Councillor and you have a lot in common regarding who believes they are in charge and who deserves control over the Osiris. But both of you are wrong. I hope I won’t have to show you just how wrong you are.”
“Jace, you’re putting your parents into a very difficult situation here. I’m going to have to take steps if you really aren’t willing to acknowledge the Osiris isn’t the US military’s,” General Intoshkin said with a frown.
It was here that Jace did tense. His eyes narrowed. “General, I’m responsible for my actions alone. My parents are not.”
“Even if that is the case, it will reflect badly upon them!” Intoshkin stated emphatically.
“I know and so do they,” Jace said, still stiff. “But I need to stay independent. You may not realize it, but that’s what is best for humanity. I will be able to do what has to be done without political consequences hanging over any people. Don’t you see that?”
Khoth expected the general to push that aside, but he didn’t.
“Son, I see what you’re getting at, but the Osiris is too powerful--”
“It’s not yours to give up,” Jace repeated earnestly. “You’re not losing anything. I’m asking you to be a part of what I’m doing. A big part. Through the crew’s actions on the Osiris with the greater universe, humanity will prove itself worthy.”
General Intoshkin’s eyes went distant as he was clearly thinking about this. Finally, he focused on Jace again. “It’s not my call. I will be informing my superiors and will see what they say. But I doubt it will be good.”
Jace, surprisingly, gave a smile. “I imagine I’m going to disappoint a lot of people today. But I know what I’m doing.”
The general studied him curiously for long moments. “I see you believe that. That’s something anyway.” He then turned to Gehenna. “Won’t you come with me, young lady? I’d like the higher ups to get a gander at you.”
But Gehenna shook her head. “I’m sorry, General, but now I see that your superiors will see the greatest of this wonderful form and only want the Osiris more, not less.”
He sighed. “That would be true.”
“Jace’s plan is the right one. I will not undermine it even if I must go back to my old form.” She lowered her head to glare at the floor though Khoth believed she meant to look very sad and forlorn.
“The tentacles are, well, interesting too.” The general then turned on his heel and stalked off down the corridor.
Jace let out a sigh as he leaned against the wall. “That went both better and worse than I thought.”
