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You do not need to say that out loud, the Osiris said as the image of a handsome, older Thaf’ell appeared on the screen.

Yeah, not for you. But everyone else, Jace said.

Understood. That is High Commander Thran Staed. He was second-in-command under Daesah Voor and was appointed to her position in the last cycle, the Osiris informed him.

So this all happened after Nova left? Jace asked.

Yes, this was not unexpected, the Osiris answered.

It was to me. You didn’t mention this, Jace pointed out.

The individuals they place in the ships is not important, the Osiris answered.

And, of course, to the Osiris that was true.

We’re trying to work with these people, Jace said.

You are trying to do so, the Osiris answered.

Ah, you think it’s a bad idea? Jace asked.

I do not yet have enough data to come to a conclusion, though this data point is significant, yes? The Osiris asked.

Unfortunately.

Jace tried to hide his disappointment. But had he really thought the Alliance was going to roll over that easy? Or let him poach those people and tech he wanted? No, of course not. He had to win them over. Sometimes by force and sometimes by peace. He hoped it was peace today.

“High Commander Staed,” Jace greeted the other man, “this is unexpected. Unless you’re part of the ticker-tape parade to welcome us.”

Khoth turned so that his face was away from the screens and Staed could not see him. “Daesah said Staed was a good warrior, but also had no imagination and a large dislike for non-Thaf’ell. This is not a welcoming sign. He is also a great favorite of Ulgex.”

Just great, Jace thought. I’m sure I’m his favorite person.

Their weapons systems are hot, the Osiris stated. And aimed at us.

You’ll take care of that, won’t you? My mother’s ship will soon be arriving through the gate. I don’t want them hurt, Jace said. Though her ship had entered the gate first, it was not as fast as the Osiris. But it would arrive soon.

Understood. Shall I disable the weapons’ system now? The Osiris asked.

Yes, but don’t let them know they’re offline, Jace said.

You wish to test them? The Osiris asked.

Yeah, let’s see what they do.

Staed stood straight and tall, much like Khoth. His hair was longer than Khoth’s. The selchitte was extensive, braiding almost all of the sides of his head, and there were many ta’na that peeked out of the collar of his uniform on his throat. His blue on blue eyes were slightly narrowed. His hands were crossed at the wrists behind his back and his legs were spread shoulder length apart. These were things that always seemed to make Khoth more handsome, but made Staed appear rigid and unfriendly.

“Ticker tape? Ah, you think we should be welcoming you like a conquering hero?” Staed asked.

“I’m impressed that you know what this is,” Jace admitted. “I wouldn’t think that someone with such a low opinion of non-Thaf’ell would have any interest in humans.”

“Humanity has suddenly become of intense interest to me,” Staed said with a cold slice of a smile.

“So you do your homework.” Jace smiled back. “Yet you don’t learn terribly much from it.”

“Because you managed to control our vessels by Earth we should simply give up?” Staed asked.

They believe they have locked Gehenna and I out of their systems, the Osiris said.