General Intoshkin studied his face. “You do believe that.”
“You won’t be in charge. Not at first anyways.” Jace gave a faint smile.
In many stories humanity’s drive always led them to eventually be in the thick of things when they met other species. He had no doubt that would happen in real life.
“Oh?” General Intoshkin lifted an eyebrow and there was a faint smile on his lips too.
“It’s better that humanity earns its place rather than be given it,” Jace told him.
“We’ve only ever asked for a chance!” General Intoshkin took off his cap and wapped it lightly against his thigh.
“And be on the Council.” Jace sighed and shook his head. “But as to me and humanity being separate... some of the things I do in order to get rid of the Khul may not be things that humanity may want to hitch its wagon to. I can’t be ruled by a committee, general. I need my freedom. Full freedom.”
“I was told to stand down,” General Intoshkin sighed, not realizing that had been a clever lie by the Osiris. Jace wasn’t sure how that was going to go over when it was discovered. “So that’s what I’m doing. But I sincerely hope you know what you’re doing, son.”
He poked his cap against Jace’s chest.
“Me, too,” Jace said.
General Intoshkin turned to Khoth who had been hovering nearby in a semi-protective attitude towards Jace. The general’s expression softened.
“For what it’s worth, you not only did the right thing, you were honorable as all get out. Humanity will forever be in your debt, Commander Khoth,” the general said. “You’re a good man.”
Khoth tilted his head. “I did not do this for humanity, but for all species, General Intoshkin. I believe that the Pilot and the Osiris need to be independent.”
The general smiled and looked between them as if he sensed something about their relationship and that this was the real reason for Khoth’s behavior. In some ways the idea that Khoth would choose him over everything sounded romantic. But in most ways, Jace would have only felt horrible guilt if Khoth had compromised himself for that reason.
“We’re just going to get seated,” Jace said. “High Councillor Voor is nearly here.”
“Of course, another big moment or do you think that she will give up with a whimper this time?” General Intoshkin laughed and twirled his hat in his fingers before going to join his mother.
“The general does not like High Councillor Voor,” Khoth remarked.
“No, no, he doesn’t,” Jace agreed. “But I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.”
“He shows the ambition that many Thaf’ell feel but hide away,” Khoth stated.
“So does she see herself in Intoshkin?” Jace’s forehead furrowed.
“No, what she sees is a being who has been able to show his ambition and not be broken for it. I think she is jealous,” Khoth answered.
“Come. She really is almost here,” Jace said and led them towards the top table.
His heart twisted again in his chest as he said that. It had been easier addressing her over a burger and fries on a comm link instead of face to face. He reminded himself of Khoth’s earlier words that he had done nothing, except that wasn’t true. He had goaded her and lightly guided her into destroying herself. And this meeting was likely to go worse. Would he be able to hide his discomfort doing this? Would he feel as much discomfort as triumph? For he had to admit he’d felt good about what he’d done. Yet sad too.
His father saluted Jace and Khoth, which had Jace blinking and Khoth performing a formal bow.
“Uh, Dad?” Jace asked.
“Jace, I’m not Dad here and… you’re not Jace, you’re the Pilot,” his father reminded gently.
“Oh, right, I need to give you a title,” Jace said.
“Actually, the Osiris already did. Flight-Master Parker,” his father told him and saluted again.
“Aw! The Osiris took my fun away!” Jace groused. “We could have come up with cool titles together. Though Flight-Master is pretty cool. Though… you’re not quite a flight master yet.”
“I’ll be starting my training after today’s meeting,” his father said. “The Osiris anticipates that since I’ll be the first in the program that I’ll be the first to master it and train others.”
