Page 33

“I’m okay. I just… didn’t know,” Jace said, which must have sounded absurd. He knew it would have made no sense to Khoth who hadn’t been there for the first part of the conversation. “I didn’t want to know with everything going so well.”

This is why we will destroy the Khul. For all they have destroyed, the Osiris said darkly.

Damned straight.

“Is the Pilot unwell?” It was Dr. Isa. Her bright white uniform filled his vision. “Come, let’s bring him to the Med Bay.”

“No, no, no,” Jace said firmly, waving everyone away. “I’m not unwell.”

No one looked like they believed him. And their attention was causing others to look over in concern. Jace forced himself to stand up straight, grasping the bottom of his jacket and pulling it down. He was the Pilot. They were on the eve of leaving Earth. Him being ill or compromised in some way was unacceptable. He smiled at General Intoskin and waved. The general’s forehead was furrowed, but he kept talking with the person he was with. That was a win.

“Pilot, I am certain you are quite fine,” Dr. Isa said with a firm smile on her handsome face, “but you have had a very exciting few days. There is no harm in getting checked out.”

He smiled at her. She was exactly the sort of person he’d wanted on the crew. Compassionate, brave, and highly competent. He wouldn’t be able to fob her off so he had to explain. And then there was Khoth who was looming, ready to snatch him up and carry him to the Med Bay.

“I just had a shock,” he admitted.

He glanced at Sami who looked sad.

“He didn’t know two kids we knew… were killed by the Khul,” Sami said, reaching over and holding Jace’s nearest hand.

He let out a breath and leaned against Khoth even as he squeezed Sami’s hand. “When Khoth and I went into the Khul ship and then up to the Hive… I saw, up close and personal, exactly what happens to people captured by the Khul.”

He swallowed the thick saliva that filled his mouth as images from the Hive filled his mind. How much of that had those kids gone through? How conscious had they been?

“I see,” Dr. Isa breathed.

“I knew every single person who was taken. Sunrise is a small town. And though I could have known exactly who was gone, I…” Jace paused and he felt Khoth’s support of him. It was a wave of warmth from the Thaf’ell. “I should know. If I ever doubt this mission, remembering their names will be something to refocus myself.”

“You saved so many, Jace,” Sami said quietly. “Without you, we’d all be gone.”

“Indeed, you saved them, Jace. All who could be saved,” Khoth told him.

“I hardly did it alone. Without you helping me get to Walter’s, Sami, I wouldn’t be here,” Jace said.

“Oh? She fought the Khul?” Dr. Isa’s eyes widened even as her voice held approval.

“Sami was amazing,” Jace said.

“When you’re with Jace, you can’t help but be brave,” Sami said loyally. “You’re very lucky to be serving with him.”

“I see that already. Are you not going to join us yourself? You’ve faced the Khul and lived,” Dr. Isa asked.

Sami looked down and shifted her feet. “No, I--I’m needed here.”

“Ah, I see.” Dr. Isa nodded and her eyes showed that she might see more than Sami meant to show.

“But I know that Jace will be brilliant as your Pilot.” Sami nodded bravely.

Jace took in a deep breath and nodded. He smiled at everyone. “I’m sorry I gave you all a fright. But I promise that I am really all right. I want you to go and enjoy yourselves. Tonight is our last night on Earth.”

But no one left him. He looked up into Khoth’s face and wished they could kiss. He truly wanted to sag against Khoth’s chest, at least, and snuggle there. But they were on duty.

Damned professionalism, he muttered.

I could cut the power so you can have a moment with Khoth! Gehenna offered.

Tempting, he said, knowing that he could do the same thing, but he didn’t want to ruin everyone else’s fun for his own. No, that’s okay, Gehenna. I can wait for snuggles.