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“Who knew that those Naruto-runners were right!” Walter gave out a cough-laugh.

“I know, seriously!” Jace grinned. But just like it would later on with Khoth when talking about the boys, that grin had dimmed. “Earth is going to be safe, Walter.”

Walter swallowed and his easy demeanor was replaced by a sudden stiffness. Everyone who had experienced the attack was likely suffering psychologically from it. It was something that Dr. Miranda Kerr had said as she’d spoken to General Intoshkin.

“You’re going to go out and kill those sons of bitches,” Walter stated instead of asked.

“We are. But while we’re out there, the Alliance will be sending ships and weaponry here to protect Earth,” Jace said. “It should arrive…” His eyes glowed blue. “Within the hour, actually. High Councillor Voor has kept her promise.”

This last statement he had said to Khoth. Khoth didn’t know whether he was surprised or relieved that she had held up her end of the bargain. Everything that Jace had said to her about how she really had no choice was true. But his mother had not been acting rationally for some time.

“So even if another Hive comes, you’ll be safe while we’re gone,” Jace assured him.

Walter nodded. “The military has offered to pay to restore the Con-Ve or simply give me the money if I don’t want to… to, ah, reopen.”

Jace’s look of dismay was quickly covered up with a bland expression. Khoth doubted the older human had caught the momentary flicker of unhappiness. Jace would not let his feelings affect Walter’s decision. It was such a Thaf’ell thing to do--it was as always like his sister’s actions--that Khoth’s throat had suddenly felt tight.

Jace squeezed both of Walter’s hands in his. “You do… whatever you feel is right for you and your family, Walter.”

The older human nodded again. “I keep telling myself that it doesn’t matter whether we’re in Sunrise or New York City. Those things can get us no matter what.”

Jace took in a deep breath. “We’re going to stop that from happening. You’ll be as safe here as you would be in New York City, Walter.”

“Well, I do appreciate that more than you know, Jace.” Walter’s face brightened for a moment as he added, “I always knew you were special.”

Jace snorted. “I could barely last an 8-hour shift on my own, but you’re kind.”

Walter’s expression grew sober. “No, Jace, I’m being serious about this. I knew it. I could feel it. Everyone could. You were different, not because you were sick, but because of who you are inside.”

Jace ducked his head. “Thanks, Walter. I hope I can live up to that.”

“You will, Jace.” Walter patted Jace’s arm with an affectionate, watery smile. “You will.”

Jace’s lips pursed as he looked off in the distance at where Walter now stood, chatting and drinking with Sami’s parents and Gehenna, of all people. A small smile was on his lips as he watched them accept the huge robot.

“Do you think Gehenna’s Terminator body fits her personality?” Dr. Miranda Kerr asked as she stepped up to them.

She was in medical colors. Her green eyes were fixed on Gehenna and there was a faint smile on her lips.

“What? No, she’s… she thinks that’s a protector. She didn’t misunderstand the movies. She just…” Jace petered off with a shrug, unable to fully explain the AI’s behavior.

“Pilot,” Dr. Kerr said with a broad smile as she extended her hand, “my name is--”

“Dr. Miranda Kerr.” Jace took her hand and shook it. “Yes, I know. The Commander chose well when he chose you.”

Khoth acknowledged the complement with a faint nod of his head. The lack of clicking still bothered him. He wasn’t sure if that would ever change. Dr. Kerr smiled broadly.

“I’m honored to be here. It’s going to be interesting to see how humanity handles leaving our homeworld and interacting with other species.” She smiled at Khoth. “Though you both have chosen people who are very open minded.”

“Had to. This is the last time the crew will be mostly human,” Jace told her. “We’ll be bringing in crew from all different species from the Alliance.”

“Ah, yes, you are seeking to create a new Alliance?” Dr. Kerr nodded. She sipped her drink. “You know that even people with… open minds have difficulties when dealing with new things. Add into that, we are facing an implacable enemy.”

Jace lowered his eyes from her. “Yeah, I’m sure that you will find yourself quite busy, Dr. Kerr.”

“Well, I might be busy if people admitted to needing help,” she said gently.

Khoth lifted an eyebrow. Dr. Isa, evidently, hadn’t been the only doctor to notice Jace’s reaction to Sami’s revelation. Everything that happened to a leader was noticed by his followers. Jace’s reactions were felt overly large by those who looked to him.