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The seats, which were plush and a luxurious shade of red and warmed or cooled depending on what would best regulate his body temperature, were welcoming. The Thaf’ell ran nearly the same temperature as humans did so there was little need for adjustment. Jace eased back and stretched out his feet. The warmth that heated and loosened his tense back almost caused him to groan.

Khoth looked down at him. Their bodies were nearly touching. “Are you comfortable, Pilot?”

That “comfortable” meant so much more than what it said on its face. Was Jace in pain? Could Khoth do something to help? What did Jace need? Khoth would make whatever that was happen. Jace smiled up at him.

“I’m fine,” Jace said, and it was only a half-lie.

Khoth’s blue on blue eyes studied his face, looking for that lie. “If something changes you will tell me?”

“I will,” Jace promised.

Jace saw that Khoth’s hands were tightly clenched over his thighs. They couldn’t touch. No matter how much they wanted to. Jace let out a shuddery breath. This truly sucked.

“Would you like something to drink or eat?” Typhon was seated across from him and waved a hand above a glowing blue panel.

A shelf rose up and there was cold water and brilliant green, red and orange juices. Jace cleared his throat and swallowed, trying to not feel sorry for himself. He was on an alien planet, the Pilot of an incredible ship, and Khoth cared for him. That they couldn’t touch intimately right this minute and that he might have a headache--okay, more than a headache--was tough, but not that damned tough. People were counting on him. So many people. So he had to get it together.

“What’s the red one taste like?” Jace asked Khoth who was seated next to him.

“Those cherry candy ropes you enjoy,” Khoth said after a moment.

“Oh! I would like one of those, please.” Jace pointed to the red juice.

Typhon handed it to him. The bottle was cold and slick. Perspiration clung to his palm.

It is acceptable for you to consume, the Osiris stated.

So not poisoned, huh?

You jest, but look at Davies’ expression, the Osiris said.

The one good thing about the sunglasses was he could look at people without anyone, including them, knowing. Davies was rigid on his seat to the left of Typhon. His eyes were fixed on the juice. Jace could see the urge in the Lieutenant-Commander’s eyes to slap that juice away from Jace.

It’s okay, Lieutenant-Commander Davies. Not poisoned. Actually, it’s good for me and you, too, Jace sent to his comm.

Davies relaxed and leaned back though he did not ask for a drink himself. Jace cracked open the bottle’s lid. It made a satisfying snick. He lifted the bottle to his lips. The liquid was icy cold. There was some pulp like orange juice in it as well as a slight fizziness of prosecco.

“Delicious. Thank you,” Jace said and tipped his drink at Typhon. He looked up at Khoth. “Great description. It’s exactly like red liquorice with a little more sourness.”

“Yes, the sour candy you favor with the sandy texture.” Khoth’s face screwed up for a moment. It was not his favorite.

Jace chuckled. It was his.

“May--may I try one?” Dr. Hayter asked, all eyes at the drink. His simple joy to experience all of this--even though he had a mind like a steel trap--was actually comforting to Jace. Maybe it was possible to be alert, be on one’s guard for poisons, and have a good time. “If that is not rude. I do hope--”

“Not at all. We are a very hospitable species despite what you have seen of us so far,” Typhon said.

“Well, you’re on a war footing,” Dr. Hayter said as he pointed at the orange juice.

“We are not at war with… you,” Typhon said.

“Oh, no, with us, but the Khul. Despite the peacefulness of these surroundings, it’s quite palpable,” Dr. Hayter said amicably.

Typhon didn’t have a chance to ask exactly what was palpable as Dr. Hayter twisted back around in his seat to look outside with a childlike eagerness. They were taking off.

The vehicle rose up into the air more like a helicopter, if a helicopter made no sound, and whispered through the sky. The movement was as smooth as silk. Jace’s stomach didn’t even settle into his feet. That was when Typhon demonstrated the vehicle’s ability to turn the top and sides translucent. Dr. Hayter let out an “oooh” of delight.

“We won’t be visible to anyone, but we can see all,” Typhon explained. “Please feel free to ask me anything about what you’re seeing.”