“Okay, I need to know where you guys stand,” Jace said. “I’m not going to ask you to break any vows you’ve made, but if you’re staying in the US military…” Here he found he had to swallow hard, “you can’t be my confidants. That means I’ll wish you well and see you at the meeting.”
His parents exchanged a glance. His mother nodded almost imperceptibly to his father, indicating he should be the one to answer.
“I’m resigning my commission early,” his father said. “I hear that someone else might be looking for some pilots.”
Jace’s lips curled into a smile. “I’d be happy to have you as one of the Osiris’ crew, Dad.”
“Then you have me, son.” His father smiled broadly. It was a smile they shared.
Jace turned anxiously back to his mother. “And you? What are you going to do, Mom? I could always use such a capable officer.”
She beamed at him, but shook her head. “Not that I don’t wish to be a member of your crew, Jace. But I think I can do the best by representing humanity with the Alliance. One of the things we’d like is for humanity to, at least, have an ambassador on Haseon.”
“And that would be you?” Jace confirmed.
She nodded. “If they’ll have us. We don’t exactly have anything to bargain with any longer.”
“I cannot believe the general is giving up so easily,” Jace said with a frown.
“Something occurred on a call he placed this morning. He’s been told to stand down,” she said.
Jace frowned some more. Osiris, what happened during that call?
General Intoshkin believed he was speaking to his superiors, the Osiris said.
Believed?
Imitating them was quite easy, the Osiris answered.
Oh, boy.
You do not wish violent actions to be taken against them. This delay will allow you to broker the agreement you wish, the Osiris stated. Once it becomes clear that he did not reach his people, it will be… too late? Yes, too late. Besides, all will be mostly pleased with what you will propose.
I’m so glad that you know what I’m going to propose, because I don’t! Jace laughed.
Are you certain that is correct? The Osiris asked.
Jace stopped. So you think my idea about reaching out to all the Alliance species who have been given the shaft, but have valuable things to offer to join with us and screw the Council?
Yes.
Jace grinned.
I already have compiled a list that you might wish to discuss with Khoth and your father, the Osiris said.
Sometimes, Osiris, you are the best, Jace said.
I am always optimal in all my functions, the Osiris replied, but sounded pleased.
“Jace, have we lost you?” His mother cocked her head to the side.
“Oh, no, no, just… just glad that there’s only one party who wants to act like a pirate,” he said.
“The Alliance… you have some news?” she asked.
“Nothing you or Earth has to worry about,” he said and hugged her. When he pulled back, he turned to his father who had gotten up from the couch, leaving only Gehenna seated. “So, Dad, what do you have to do here to leave the military and join my crew?”
“I’m going to speak to the general now,” his father said. “I didn’t think it would be honorable to learn anything about his plans.”
