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But I don’t know why! Other than that it is a big meanie! And so arrogant! Really, some of the sub-routines it sends to me! She made a disgusted noise and a line of vomiting emojis appeared.

Jace smiled. Reason enough, I guess. But you’re not sure of why the people who, ah, programmed you, wanted you to sabotage the Osiris?

Only that the people who made me and the people who made the Osiris were not in agreement, Gehenna said and shrug emojis appeared.

Yeah, well, I guess it doesn’t matter so long as we’re on the same page now, Jace muttered.

Most definitely! Both of us are here to help you, Jace! We’re one big happy family! Gehenna gushed. And, don’t you worry, Khoth will become a part of this family--or more a part--of this family, too!

Thanks, Gehenna.

Arana and Typhon both turned around to face the canceaux. Now that their greeting was over, it was time for the rest of them to get out of the canceaux.

“Justiciar Thadden, please exit first,” Jace indicated.

“Thank you, Pilot.” Thadden stood at the top of the stairs for a moment. “This is the first time I am in my new home.”

Jace glanced at Khoth to see how he was taking that statement. This could be his new home, too. But Khoth’s expression was neutral as he watched his father descend the stairs. Arana immediately greeted the older Thaf’ell with warmth and affection.

“It is so good to have you home, cousin,” she said as she squeezed her hands in his.

“I am so grateful for this welcome, Arana,” Thadden said, appearing almost misty-eyed, but quickly recovering himself. He’d gone through a lot to have so much of his emotional state show.

I understand, Thadden. Too damned much.

“I would like to go out next with Gehenna,” Davies said, as he stepped in front of Jace and made a hand gesture towards Gehenna like she was a roly-poly dog. “For your safety.”

“Of course, Lieutenant-Commander.” Jace inclined his head.

Davies and Gehenna rolled out together. They went in different directions at the base of the stairs and slowly patrolled the landing pad. Now Jace could see and control every defensive and offensive weapon in the place so, arguably, Davies’ security was unnecessary. But there was always a chance that Jace or the Osiris might miss something. Jace was happy to be doubly sure.

I do not make such mistakes, the Osiris sniffed.

Okay, okay, I did say me, too, right?

You are the Pilot! The Osiris was tart as a lemon.

“Doctor, you go ahead,” Jace said with a tip of his head.

“Ah, oh, goodness! Yes, yes, I would very much like that! So many people to speak to and things to see!” Dr. Hayter practically jumped up and clicked his heels together before dashing down the stairs.

“He is very much like Gehenna in this situation,” Khoth said slowly. “He appears one thing when he is another.”

“Oh, I do think he’s really that excited. Despite his deep understanding of psychology, he’s not jaded whatsoever,” Jace laughed.

“Shall we join them?” Khoth asked.

“Yeah, yeah, let’s go.”

Jace found himself holding his breath as they set foot on the landing pad. He had already “set foot” on Haseon at the space port. But he’d been too upset to truly enjoy it. Now that he felt more himself, despite the fact that literally everything had changed in a car ride, he could enjoy this.

Maybe Khoth really is my mate. If I’m secure with him, I’m secure with everything. Oh, boy...

Arana stepped forward, away from her brother’s side, and approached them both. She smiled broadly at Khoth and clasped his hand.

“Cousin, how glad I am to have you here. My Xi has ached for you and all that has occurred,” Arana said genuinely. “But you have been brave and honorable as always.”

Khoth gave a brief nod and seemed a little stiffer than normal. Like Thammah, Arana cut to the chase. He rather liked her already. She then turned to Jace and her blue on blue eyes shimmered with emotion.