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But Khoth has been exiled, Jace pointed out to her as he moved more slowly to get up. Did Nova send Thadden here to rub Khoth’s nose in that? Do you have any communications between them about this? I really should have been warned about him. More importantly, so should Khoth have been to emotionally prepare himself.

No, none at all. Their comms are free of any such discussions. In fact, they haven’t communicated at all so we didn’t miss anything, she answered with the “we” meaning her and the Osiris. Do you really think Thadden Voor is here to be cruel to Khoth? That’s terrible if true! Oh, I hope it isn’t true!

So do I, but I can’t see how this can be good. And Khoth doesn’t look like he has a clue either.

Khoth wasn’t moving quickly either, but maybe that was because Typhon was there as well as his father.

How big of an universal incident would it be if I punched Typhon? Jace wondered idly.

Oh, that would be so funny! A row of laughing faces bloomed before him then when he didn’t laugh, she asked, Uhm, that’s a rhetorical question, right? Gehenna had her one blinking light-eye look up at him as if his expression would tell her more than his actual thoughts would.

Yes, Gehenna. For now anyways, he muttered the last to himself.

Ah, you really might not want to! Gehenna sounded alarmed, and… excited.

Why not? Other than the obvious? Jace asked as he indicated that the others should precede him and Khoth out of the dropship. He needed to talk to Khoth before they went out there.

Because Typhon is here with his House to offer Khoth a place in it, Gehenna said.

Wait, what? Jace grabbed Khoth’s shoulder just as his Commander was moving into the aisle.

Khoth turned to look back at him, one eyebrow up, though regardless of Gehenna’s news they had enough to talk about before they emerged from the ship. “Pilot?”

“There’s… there’s something you need to know. Hold on,” Jace said.

Gehenna, explain to Khoth and I both what you mean, Jace demanded.

Immediately, words were scrolling over Khoth’s comm while Jace was hearing her in his mind. Evidently, this body did not have the ability to speak. They’d really have to fix that.

Gehenna’s roly poly body was moving around almost frantically in her excitement as she said, I guess there’s a way for another House to offer sanctuary to an exiled Thaf’ell. It’s only occurred a dozen times in a thousand years. But that’s what Typhon is here for!

“The Maturins are here to offer me sanctuary?” Khoth asked as if not quite believing what he was reading. “That… that cannot be.”

Yes! While there was little chatter on comms between the members of the House, it appears that they met last night and decided! Gehenna stated.

“I would have to be a House vote. It would also have to be unanimous.” Khoth stared into the distance. His expression was unreadable.

“I assume Khoth still needs to agree to this,” Jace said as his gaze flickered over Khoth’s face, but he couldn’t read the Thaf’ell at all.

Yes, of course, and there are some other legal and sundry matters that would be required, but those other things are just window dressing. The only real thing would be Khoth’s acceptance, Gehenna told them.

“Why would he do this?” Khoth murmured.

“The Osiris thought he might be more open to things changing,” Jace said as he scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck.

“You did not mention this.” Khoth’s gaze was no longer distant, but sharp.

“I know, but Staed was there and… look, I should have said something, but I wasn’t certain… no, that’s not it. I didn’t want his help.” Jace found himself standing very stiffly. His head began to throb like it had in the past.

“Even though he could be of assistance to you in convincing the powers that be that your way is the correct one against the Khul?” Khoth’s eyebrows knitted together.

“Ah, yeah, even if that was true.” Jace shrugged, but the movement had his head throbbing harder.

Osiris, why am I having a headache? Jace asked.

I am monitoring your vitals. There is no reason for you to be experiencing pain, the Osiris answered.

“But that is illogical.” Khoth looked and sounded incredibly stern. “You hid this from me because I would not agree--”