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Why not against the Khul? Jace asked.

That silence grew heavier and heavier.

Osiris?

The Khul were instrumental in building the Gates. The technology is as much theirs as the Altaeth’s, the Osiris finally answered. Keeping them out of a Gate is not possible long term as the Gates are… attuned to them.

Jace’s brows drew together. Wait a minute, the Altaeth and the Khul worked together on the Gates?

They worked together on most of the technology. It was only after the breach that new weaponry was developed to combat the Khul, the Osiris rattled off as if it did so quickly he would not catch it all. But the technology of the Gates was shared and could not be replaced.

Thinking of the solution in Mass Effect, Jace pointed out, Couldn’t the Altaeth have ended the conflict with the Khul by destroying the Gates?

Even in your childish game the result of such action was catastrophic, separating all the species, destroying travel for all, the Osiris pointed out acidly. Destroying the Gates would have separated the Altaeth Empire and kept the Seeded Species from, eventually, finding one another.

Yeah, that would have accomplished, in part, what the Khul are trying to do anyways: destroy us by destroying our ability to connect, Jace thought, feeling a repugnance at the thought of destroying the Gates and cutting off the species from one another.

But there is another point altogether. The Khul would have simply rebuilt the Gates in time, the Osiris stated simply.

Oh…

And with their hive mind, they would still be one while the Empire would have been divided and weakened beyond measure, the Osiris said.

But the Altaeth Empire did eventually fall, Osiris. They’re gone. The Khul are still here. And the Alliance… well, it’s in big trouble, Jace pushed back.

That is why there is you, the Osiris answered. You will change this. You will make the Empire rise again.

Jace frowned deeply. Excuse me? I’m going to do what now?

We have discussed this matter as far as we should for now, the Osiris almost sounded prim.

How about if I say when we stop discussing something that has to do with me, huh? Jace asked.

You do not wish to know more at this time--

Yes, I do! I’m telling you that I do! You’re the one saying I don’t! Jace protested and his arms flew up into the air.

He felt people looking at him. The soft pad of Khoth’s boots on the metal grating were coming up behind him. Jace flushed and his hands tightened around the railing.

You can pretend to want to know this information but I see all of your mind. I know the truth, the Osiris answered, and it sounded almost kind.

So you’re going to drip feed me truths just when I need them so I don’t balk at something? So I don’t freak out and back away from all this? Jace demanded to know.

One step at a time. You will not balk. You will not back away. You are the Pilot for many reasons, but this is one of those, the Osiris said. But this is a voyage of discovery in many ways. This is the best way for you to learn all.

“Pilot?” Khoth asked. “Is there anything you need assistance with?”

Jace though was too caught up in talking to the Osiris to respond to him. Dammit, Osiris! I can’t be weak! I can’t be uncertain! I can’t hide things from myself! I need--

You need this. One thing at a time, the Osiris responded patiently. One step then the next and then the next.

The Osiris is right, Jace, Gehenna’s voice broke through. Find joy in this moment. Reach for the adventure. For the light. Like you do.

But what about--

Everything will come in time, she said sounding more like the AI in his dreams, all cool and collected, instead of the slightly goofy, adorable Gehenna she had become.

I am what you need me to be, she answered simply.