It was hours later within the bucking and moving Lift, with Jupiter shaking against their neck, that Grey realized that the youngling was more frightened than they thought possible. Perhaps thinking her as something of Seraphi had colored their opinion ever so slightly, for as much as they saw she was not an Entitled, they had expected some of their fortitude to transfer to the youngling. Some of it was there- Jupiter had been remarkably poised for the majority of this event- but her age, again was showing. She was sacred. And she was looking to them, as an Elder, for comfort. She was no longer acting as if she was in command, now that they were in the Emergency Lift, she had no more ideas.
Grey realized with a start that they were responsible for the youngling, not the other way around. Grey did not belong to Jupiter. They were with Jupiter. They were helping her, and while that sometimes meant that they would be given tasks by the youngling, that did not mean they could not do the same for her. She had already slept, at their request, and while it had not been a command, Grey realized that Jupiter would not oppose one from them.
I am free. I am with her. I am not an object. Revolution in thought, rebellious in actions, Grey could not falter. For it was their difference and age that had caused them to reach out amongst humans and find affection and friendship. It was what had lead them to Jupiter Jones in the first place. I must act. I have to act for both our sakes.
"Jupiter, youngling, I need you to retrieve my Command sheeve."
Jupiter let go of Grey's neck, her hands trembling as she reached for the sheeve. Brown and green eyes looked wide at them, trust, esteem in those large orbs.
"What is the Keeper response to the Core's breach?"
Jupiter looked down at the sheeve her little face tight, strained.
She let out a breath of surprise.
"It-"
The Lift groaned.