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“That’s true. But Jace knows that Diane and I are rational, reasoned adults who can make our own decisions. He doesn’t need or want to second-guess us,” Jack said.

But she is your mate and you are choosing to be separated from her! There was actually an exclamation mark at the end of that sentence, which abruptly disappeared.

Jack blinked. Had he imagined it? No, it had been there. Now it was gone as if the Osiris realized it had revealed too much.

“Humans don’t have mates, Osiris,” Jack reminded it.

He was nearly through the upper atmosphere. His angle was perfect. His gaze flowed over the rest of the instruments and everything was still a go.

What would you have done if your mate had been killed during the battle? The Osiris asked.

Jack’s eyes narrowed even as his heart thudded heavily in his chest. Losing Diane… She was the air in his lungs, the blood in his veins… She was everything to him.

No, not everything. Not since Jace was born. She was almost everything.

And that was what informed his answer, “I would… suffer greatly. I would mourn her the rest of my life. But I would go on.”

The Altaeth often do not go on when their mates perish.

“Well, I bet they did if they had children who needed them,” Jack answered. “And Jace needs me. So, even though I would be hurting, I would continue on.”

The cursor blinked slowly as if the Osiris was considering his words. But then the ship asked, But you have agreed to be separated from her now. This physical separation is not welcome. My monitoring of both your vitals–

“More monitoring?” Jack lifted an eyebrow.

Yes.

More cursor blinking.

Then the Osiris continued, Both your vitals are improved when you are within each others’ presences. They are optimal when the two of you are with the Pilot.

“I’m sure that’s true.” Jack smiled as he thought of his wife and son.

Yes, they do make me happiest when they’re near, Jack thought.

Yet you have both decided that she should not be with you, the Osiris continued.

“Yes.

Why?

“You heard our reasons, including our private reasons,” he answered with a shake of his head.

Is it because you wish to keep her safe? The Osiris asked.

Jack opened his mouth, but then shut it. Was it?

“Partially, yes,” Jack answered. “But there are a myriad of other reasons. For example, Diane is the best person to represent humanity. She’s got the perfect temperament. That can’t be said for many other military officers.”

But is that why the two of you decided that only you should be part of the crew?

“No, but she’s using her talents in the greatest way,” Jack said. “She’s the ambassador for humans, Osiris. She’s going to show every species the best possible side of us. That’s… that’s incalculable.”

But that is not why you decided–

“Okay, no, it’s not all the reasons, but it’s the one that should trump all of the others anyways,” Jack answered.

But it did not, the Osiris’ reply was almost soft.