He’d laid down the gauntlet with General Intoshkin. Both of his parents served under the man. They’d pledged oaths to serve the United States of America and both of them took that duty incredibly seriously. Now, he was messing with the military’s plans and they were stuck right in the middle of it. He didn’t doubt that they would take his side. Like Khoth, his parents put duty above personal gain. Meaning they would do what was right even if it cost them dearly. He would, of course, offer them both a position on his crew, but would that make up for what they were losing?
Yes, let them in. Make sure they’re comfortable, Jace said, though the last was uncertain. Oh! Warn them about Gehenna.
The Osiris didn’t answer with words, but he felt a wordless acknowledgement of the command. He did wonder how the Osiris would warn his parents that the Terminator was in the meeting room. Knowing Gehenna, she would want to fun up and embrace his mother in those metal claws. Jace let out a burst of laughter that echoed in the shower. He could have found out exactly what was going on by connecting more closely to Gehenna, but he wanted to be surprised.
How is Khoth doing? Jace asked.
He had left the Thaf’ell Commander to get settled in his quarters and to bathe. While the interior of Khoth’s rooms had not been so grand as his, the Thaf’ell Commander had appeared to appreciate the three rooms that would give him ample space to work, sleep and take care of his bodily needs. Jace was rather hoping to take care of certain other bodily needs and hoped that the bed in Khoth’s quarters would often be empty.
I have provided him with his new uniform, the Osiris answered, interrupting his thoughts.
New uniform? Jace blinked.
As Commander under you of the Osiris, the Osiris answered.
But he hasn’t accepted that yet. And--
He has sent his mother a letter of resignation. She is… upset, the Osiris had paused before providing the name of the emotion, either to think which one best applied or to give it emphasis.
Yeah, I bet. I’ve upended his life, Jace said. In two days everything he’d planned is thrown away.
His purpose is to destroy the Khul and protect the Alliance, the Osiris replied crisply, and that is better served here.
Yes, but--
You did not make him choose, the Osiris interrupted. You did not suggest he break his internal structure.
Jace frowned. His internal--
His honor. What he believes about himself and the universe, the Osiris explained.
Jace slowly nodded. I suppose not. But what he’s doing is really hard.
It shows a resilience of mind that will make him an appropriate Commander here, the Osiris stated simply.
I should probably have some kind of ceremony or something. Don’t you think? To welcome those who choose to be part of the crew? Jace suggested.
Yes, I will provide modifications for the crew.
Why does that send a chill down my spine? Jace laughed.
You are experiencing no such physical reaction. Your mental one is unnecessary as well, the Osiris was all tart again. Your parents are waiting for you.
And he felt the Osiris withdraw. He connected more fully to Gehenna. She joyously greeted him.
Your father really likes my new form! She enthused.
Yeah, he loves that movie and anything with Arnold in it is a secret pleasure, Jace admitted.
I’m not sure what your mother thinks about it, Gehenna admitted. She keeps edging away from me on the couch, but when I ask her if anything is the matter she claims there is not!
Just let her get used to you, Jace suggested. I’ll be right out. Let my parents know, yeah?
The Osiris already did so, Gehenna sounded peeved.
Well, we mustn’t take away all of its fun. You get to converse with them, he pointed out.
Gehenna sent him a big smiley face that floated up into the heavens.
