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Khoth’s brows drew together. “I do not see why this would be problematic.”

“I don’t know if it's possible, but I want to just be a tourist for a minute before everything changes,” Jace admitted.

“There are many places I desire to show you. I only wish…” Khoth’s lips pressed together. “I only wish I could introduce you to my father and show you our family home. But that is not possible.”

Jace’s lips parted in sorrow. “Oh, Khoth, I am so sorry. I…” Jace reached for Khoth, not realizing he had blown all of their personal professional lines at that moment. He caught himself at the last moment and snatched his hand back, curling it around the railing’s top. He cleared his throat. “I should have realized how uncomfortable this will all be for you and here I am wanting to enjoy myself and not thinking of that.”

“There will be some discomfort, but you must not be concerned that will affect my performance,” Khoth stated.

“Of course it won’t.” Jace shook his head. “But I don’t want you to have to do something that is painful for you either.”

“I do not regret my choice.” Khoth stood straight and tall like a monolith. “I will be by your side, assisting you in the way only a son… a person with my former connections can.”

“I know.” Jace’s fingers curled against his palms.

He so wanted to reach out and embrace Khoth. He hurt from not doing so. But he also felt the eyes of the crew on them. Everything they did was watched. He drew in a steadying breath.

“I have no doubt that I will need you and that you will do an exemplary job as always,” Jace said.

“I do not wish your Xi or Xa to be disturbed by concern for me,” Khoth said. “Therefore, if my presence would be a cause of distress, I will not--”

“I need you. You heard me say that part, right?” Jace interrupted. “You’re my Commander.”

“Then I will be there.” Khoth inclined his head.

“And I want people to see you. I want them to know that people like you, who are brave and true, are rewarded for that,” Jace said. “It cost you a lot to be here. But I intend that you have everything in return… as much as that is possible.”

Khoth stared down at Jace’s face. “I truly wish I could touch you at this moment.”

“You, too, huh?” Jace let out a soft sputtering laugh.

“Knowing each other’s desires must be enough. We have arrived,” Khoth said.

Jace turned his head towards the screens. The smear of stars slowed and then the streaks of light shortened until they became points. The two calcanth portions of the gate appeared and they slipped through. The green-gold and blue of Haseon rose up before them with its three moons. He heard awed gasps from the room.

The planet was both familiar and not. It wasn’t a blue-white world like Earth. It glowed in the darkness of space in tones of green and gold. He imagined what it would be like when they took a drop ship down to the planet’s surface and landed on alien soil. He could almost imagine the heat of an alien sun on his shoulders.

“It’s… beautiful,” Jace breathed.

“Yes, but those war ships are not,” Khoth murmured.

“Ah, a welcoming party,” Jace said. “So much for being a tourist.”

There were a dozen Colossus-class ships arrayed between them and the planet. The planetary systems were also online and at high alert, according to the Osiris.

“Pilot, do we have company?” His father was at high alert, standing at the base of the walkway.

“We’re being hailed,” Khoth said.

“Of course we are.” Jace grimaced. He turned towards his father. “Can you keep everyone calm?”

His father nodded and turned back to the crew who were standing there, wide-eyed and mouths parted. They had been told about the Alliance’s attempt to steal the Osiris and him from Earth. They’d also been told he had convinced them to act together. Evidently, he’d spoken too soon.

And, Osiris, keep them out of range of the view that we show the other side, Jace commanded.

Of course, Pilot.

“Put them on screen,” Jace said.