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“Ah, so you are going to vouch for us that we’re not infected! But you weren’t with us the whole time, High Councillor Voor,” Dr. Hayter pointed out.

“Just Nova. And while I was not, Typhon was with you when you entered this building,” she stated. “Now you are with me. Trust me that this is best.”

Davies narrowed his eyes. “We weren’t with Typhon all--”

“I didn’t hear that, Davies. I understood that you were always with Justiciar Moturin. The whole time.” Nova looked at them both meaningfully. “You three took out the Khul together. In line of sight of one another.”

Davies regarded her steadily. “Yes, yes, we did. Never lost sight of one another and Justiciar Moturin checked us for infection after each encounter.”

“Most definitely!” Dr. Hayter agreed, bobbing his head excessively.

“Good. Now that is out of the way. Let’s make up for some lost time. Hopefully, all will be handled by the time we get there,” Nova said and offered to carry Dr. Hayter.

“I’m heavier than I look,” Dr. Hayter said sheepishly.

“And I’m stronger. Let’s not injure that knee any further, shall we?” Nova leaned over and swept Dr. Hayter into her arms as if he weighed no more than a sack of flour. “Davies, please keep your weapon ready. Just in case the Khul left anything behind.”

“Of course, Nova,” Davies answered, drawing out his draagves, and taking point.

Looks like someone’s thawed towards us, Gehenna, Jace said.

Seeing Khul on one’s planet will do that to you, Gehenna agreed.

Something in the way she said that, triggered Jace’s recollection of earlier and he asked, Any more memories about “your people”? Does this jog a memory for you?

I really don’t remember saying that! But I looked back through our chat logs and I did! Gehenna sounded bewildered. I truly don’t know what I meant, Jace. I’d tell you if I did. Honest this time.

I know. Just keep me up to date, okay? You remember anything, no matter how small, you tell me, he instructed her.

Will do, Pilot!

And they whirled down the final hallway.

His mind was drawn back to his body, which felt like an unruly meatsack at that moment compared to the glossy murderball form Gehenna was taking. A camera showed that he was still sprawled back on the chair, legs sticking out, head lolling to the side, and mouth slightly parted. There was also drool on his chin.

Oh, man, so not sexy, Jace thought with a groan. I’ve got to get it together for when Khoth finds me! Who would want to kiss that?

But his body was in some sort of trance or coma or something. He realized that he was in some form of stasis as his body tried to heal what was broken. But without the Osiris--and likely that glowing pool of goo--nothing was happening quickly.

The Osiris, Mom and Dad will destroy that last Hive. One left! I’m so proud of them. Once that’s gone, I’ll be fully connected to the Osiris again, Jace thought as he checked the battle up above

He yearned for that connection now. He wasn’t completely himself without the ship’s AI. It sort of worried him, but he wondered if he’d always yearned for that connection and only now, after having had it, did he recognize the loss.

“We need to get him from behind something,” Amana said, down on her haunches before Jace. She took a piece of cloth and wiped away the drool.

Yes, Amana! Thank you! Now, could you just close my mouth and maybe arrange my limbs in a strong but sexy pose? Jace asked, but of course, his lips didn’t move. Not even a gargle of words came out of his throat.

“Thadden, help me wheel him behind the control bank,” Amana said suddenly as she stood up before him.

“Of course,” Thadden said as he shouldered his draagves.

Amana strapped her double-bladed rahir over her back. The two of them then wheeled the chair he was on over behind the bank of computer stations.

“Should we lay him down on the ground?” Thadden asked. “In case the Khul uses projectiles that is. He’d be less out in the open.”

“I see your point, but I’m more concerned about being able to move him quickly should--” She paused as the door groaned. “Should the Omull make it in here and go for him.”

“Yes, yes, I see,” Thadden said. “Perhaps if we put him behind us then that would be best.”