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You’ll be experiencing it with me, Osiris. You’ll understand when we’re there, Jace told the AI. And while that’s happening, you’ll, uh, take care of things, right?

That phrase “taking care of things” was too broad. He’d learned that the hard way again that morning with Davies. But, at the same time, it would be nice not to be distracted by all that could go wrong. The joy and wonder of these moments would sustain him when things got dark.

You were not appreciative when I took care of things before with Lieutenant-Commander Davies, the Osiris pointed out, still sounding sulky after his dressing down earlier.

What happened on the Hive was… personal. It was something I wasn’t ready to share with others, Jace admitted.

But it is good for them to know what they’re going up against, Gehenna pointed out.

Do not take my side. You make me wonder if my actions were incorrect, the Osiris sniffed.

Osiris, be nice, Jace chastised.

I understand Jace better than you. You’re still so limited, Osiris, Gehenna now sniffed.

Jace rolled his eyes even as he smiled. The two of them bickering was cute. He probably shouldn’t think that, but he did.

I know what I’m asking is a little selfish, but I really want to enjoy this without worrying about things, Jace said.

You have me and Lieutenant-Commander Davies for that! Gehenna sent fighting smileys along with the message.

Uhm, why is this worrying me? Jace laughed.

He is quite impressed with my capabilities! He thought I was limited to just this form and had no idea about my access abilities! Gehenna gushed.

Uhm, you aren’t telling him all our secrets, right? Jace lifted an eyebrow.

Oh, no! Just enough to make sure his plans to keep you safe are accomplished appropriately without additional risk to the crew, she answered.

Good, that’s what I mean when I say “handle things”, Jace said. I want to make sure everyone’s okay.

Sometimes everyone cannot be okay, the Osiris pointed out. But I understand your desire to keep damage to the crew and others as minimal as possible while accomplishing your goals.

Yeah, pretty much. Obviously, break in if you need me, but I want to just… love this, Jace admitted.

“Your Xa appears disturbed, Pilot. Is there something I can do?” Khoth asked.

His Commander’s arms were crossed at the wrists behind his lower back. One of those expressive eyebrows was raised. With the sleek black uniform, he looked amazing. Jace swallowed.

Must be professional, he reminded himself.

“I was just thinking about the first moments on Haseon and wanting to truly enjoy it,” Jace said.

Khoth bobbed his head. “Ylore is quite aesthetically pleasing. The buildings are made of a glassy substance that mirrors the sky, which is often blue striped with gold and green.” Khoth’s blue on blue eyes grew distant. “The air will smell sweet to you with xanth flowers that grow in abundance in the public parks. An Altaeth city is always in harmony with nature. Everything is recycled and used to support the whole. The air is as clean in the heart of the city as it is in the far reaches of the poles where no one lives.”

“Sounds amazing. Humanity could use some of that,” Jace admitted.

“You will be able to change things for them, if you choose to,” Khoth admitted.

Jace nodded. “I wonder how many people will want to leave Earth behind though. Start fresh. I hope that won’t stop people from wanting to keep the Earth safe and well. Humans have a tendency to think if they have a way out then why worry? Even if they don’t have a way out, they think they won’t be around for the bad stuff.”

“That is a surprising attitude as humanity has not mastered space travel in any meaningful way that they could destroy the one planet that is habitable to them,” Khoth said.

“Ah, yeah, exactly,” Jace grimaced. “Remember, good qualities and bad qualities.”

“Humans are complicated.” Khoth smiled though. “But you looked pensive, Pilot.”

Jace dipped his head. “I asked the AIs to take care of things so I could… enjoy myself when we land.”