Chris ironed the black short-sleeved dress shirt he borrowed from Smith. The pearl buttons were a nice touch. A pair of slacks and some boots he shined that morning completed the ensemble.

Karter stirred in the sheets. The women slept through the trim job on his fade. Para purred as she reasserted herself as little spoon to the taller woman. Their gray curves only visible enough in the dark room to tempt him into returning to bed. But he had somewhere important to be, and he didn’t want to disturb them.

Chris’ boots echoed in the early morning hours the entire short walk to the interview room. It was tiny, furnished with a plain table and two chairs. It looked just like the one in Little Rock where he first met Lucas, Xelan, and—

Rayne knocked.

“Uhm. Come in, your majesty?” God, this was awkward. To add to it, he saluted out of reflex.

The young woman’s smile was warm and affectionate. “At ease, soldier.” She wore an orange top with white cut-off denim shorts. But uncomfortably. Like she wasn’t accustomed to bright colors.

Chris relaxed, feeling a little silly.

The new leader and war criminal of the free world started with, “I wish I could hug you. For protecting Jack. For fighting on our side. For everything you’ve done.” The smile transitioned into some pity. “I know it’s not easy keeping him entertained. I’m sure that was hard without a Playstation.”

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He restrained the urge to grin. “Yea, well, he found plenty of amusement. He did good out there in battle. I know you’d be proud of him.”

“I am. Very. And of you. Everyone fought like they made a stand for the entire world. My gratitude is endless.” Her eyes darted away, and she licked her lips.

Uh oh. Something else was on its way. Was it his place to ask? “What’s next for Jack? Am I still involved?”

“Do you want to be?”

Chris nodded. “Yes. One hundred percent. I think Karter might, too. Not that I’d dare speak for her.” There was no restraining that smile.

Rayne repaid in kind. “Good. Because I’m about to make Jack King of Earth, and he’ll need some help.”

Eyes wide. Mouth agape. Chris shook his head and swallowed before speaking, “What do you need from me?”

They discussed the arrangements. Tumu approved the regency of her title to Jack not only because of his active involvement with the people of Earth but also because the Collective leaders liked him. The kid rolled a twenty in charisma.

“Is Kyle okay with this plan?” Chris eventually sat down, and now he smoothed his hands over his freshly shaved jaw.

“He’s aware. He’ll be busy with the screenings in Egypt. We’re setting up a new home base there. Where they’ll be close to me…” She stared off for a moment. A sadness settled in her eyes.

Chris cleared his throat, not familiar with her enough to take her hand or pat her shoulder, but he wanted to offer some comfort. “We’ll take good care of Jack while you continue your work.”

Rayne turned those grim eyes back to his. “It’s gonna take a long time.”

“Thank goodness for nacres.”