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“There are lesser AIs in all Altaeth technology!” Gehenna explained helpfully. “But when they are connected to myself or the Osiris they become supercharged! Earth will be safe!”

The general lifted an eyebrow at her. “Lesser AIs?”

“Oh, yes, the Altaeth were wizards with such technology. The Osiris and I are the pinnacle of that research. We’re two, ah, branches off the same tree,” she explained.

You are? Jace asked. That’s news to me.

Uhm, yes? Gehenna sent a smiley after that.

Yes?

Yes… you want me to explain?

Yes, but not now, he said. There are a bunch of things that you and the Osiris hint at but don’t explain fully. We’re coming to the time when you need to lay your cards on the table. Both of you.

Do not lump me in with her! The Osiris sounded very waspish.

Lump you?! Did you have to think hard on that phrase? Gehenna sounded outraged.

We are not alike. I am not in this with you, the Osiris replied archly. I do not hint. I am upfront.

Oh, really? Like when you said I wasn’t human? Jace pointed out.

Yes, I said that. You are not, the Osiris answered. It is you who do not wish to know why.

Jace swallowed. That was actually true.

Well, we’re going to talk about all of this, Jace told both AIs.

Of course, at your discretion, the Osiris answered.

Yes, of course, Jace. We’re here to help you! Gehenna sent a flood of hearts towards him.

Jace focused on the general again as he explained, “Further, the Osiris will provide instruction on all aspects of the tech.” He gestured towards Thammah who was sipping a drink nearby. She looked over at the moment he said her name, “Flight-Commander Pyrrhus’ lessons will be streamed aboard to your pilots and recorded for future use. She will also be able to judge their abilities from data that will be sent back to the Osiris.”

“Indeed, General Intoshkin, your people will know their ships and how to fly them backwards and forwards when I’m done with them,” Thammah said with a curt nod of her head.

The general let out a breath between his teeth, still aggravated by Nova’s high-handedness, but clearly also relieved. He clapped Jace’s shoulder and smiled.

“Son, I’m glad to count you among our allies,” the general said.

“Of course, General. We’re all in this together,” Jace answered.

“The Alliance doesn’t think so,” General Intoshkin pointed out.

“We have to teach them the truth,” Jace had replied with a cold little smile.

Now the Osiris and a ship carrying his mother, General Intoshkin and other representatives from Earth would be heading through the Gate to Haseon while the other vessels would remain behind on high alert to protect Earth from the Khul. They would come here to take revenge. He knew their malice well enough for that.

You’ll keep them safe, right, Osiris? Jace asked.

That goes without question, the Osiris answered with that cool and wonderful precision.

Jace was glad of the Osiris’ mostly emotionless responses to things. In this case, it would mean that the AI would give the Khul no mercy should they come through the Gate.

Is there no way to close the Gate and keep the Khul out? At least temporarily? Jace asked.

No, not against the Khul, the Osiris answered and there was something heavy in its statement as if the AI were holding back words, so many words, that they threatened to crush the silence.