In a pretend field trip to an art museum, Kiza is once again in the healing bath of the Heart of the Earth, with Jupiter Jones carefully calibrating the medical bath for the young splice.
Like always, Stinger hovers behind her, not out of distrust. Or at least not anymore. But out of his concern and unease. His foot, encased in his standard-issue, heavy skyjacker fare, was jiggling up and down in a pattern that was distractingly loud.
Beneath her full-face covering, clear mask, Kiza rolled her eyes. Shook her head in the thick medical water, her hair slowly drifting with the viscous liquid.
"Da," the voice was projected out of the speaker, a slight crack coming through the receiver, "Will you give our lil' queen some space?"
Sheepishly, Stinger took exactly two steps back. Jupiter tried not to laugh as seemingly unconsciously Stinger started to inch back.
"Pardon me, your majesty," mummered Stinger.
"You're good Stinger," said Jupiter, cheerfully, "I know you like to hover."
A crackled sigh came from the speakers. Jupiter snorts.
"Kiza, you're going to be out for about fifteen minutes. You ready?"
"Knock me out, Jupes!"
Because Stinger was right behind her, Jupiter felt the older splice physically cringe that casual use of a nickname on Kiza's part. Jupiter grinned and pressed the start of the healing sequence.
"Nighty Night Kiza!"
Kiza grinned, even as the aesthetic started to seep into her mask. Her brilliant eyes drooped before they fluttered close altogether.
"Something is bothering me, Jupiter," said Stinger, arms crossing, eyes steady on his daughter.
"Hmm?"
"Why does your mother not know what you are?"
Jupiter froze. Eyes flickering to a stiff Grey who was hanging from the rafters of the medical compound on the former location of the Heart of the Earth.
An irritated trill came from Grey's throat.
"I have asked her not to inform her DNA unit. I am just understanding what it means to claim my identity-"
"I don't want her to get hurt. I don't want any of my family to get hurt," Jupiter said honestly, as Stinger's eyes seriously stared her down, "... If I could, I wouldn't involve Grey or you or Kiza in my actions to come."
Stinger buzzed. Irate and loud.
"You plan to run away to the Verse, without telling your mother or grandfather?"
Jupiter nodded, swallowing thickly.
"Just before my twelfth birthday, I am going to start my transition into power and inheriting my Holdings. According to Orous official records, Jupiter Jones is an orphan, born to Mila and Alex Jones, both deceased. I don't have any family, and I'm from a rural orphanage of Illinois and was flown into the big Chicago hospital due to the severity of my injuries from last year. Medical and school records will place me in the outskirts of Chicago in a small school, in a foster home of people that aren't real. When Balem or Kalique or Titus try to find my weakness, they'll find nothing. It won't protect the planet as a whole, but if I can reach Orous without anyone noticing, it should be enough for me to take control of my Holdings and restrict official access from him, even as the prior Holder."
Stinger blinked.
"You are not leaving Earth alone," he hissed, buzz growing even more agitated.
She looked up. Frowned.
"You are officially a part of the Aegis and are the official Officer of this Harvest Planet. I could buy your contract and Kiza's, but not without an official identity. If anyone knows you're off-planet with me prior to that, you could be subject to discipline. Kiza could be subject to discipline. With your record, you both might be Cycled."
"I could request a transfer off-planet. It would give me enough excuse to be in transit to the Aegis moon, and I could accompany you to Orous proper."
"But-"
"Jupiter. You will barely be twelve when you go off-planet for the first time. I cannot condone you and Grey to going by yourselves when none of you have even traveled half that distance."
Jupiter stared. And sighed.
"Thank you," she whispered.
A warm set of hands dropped to her shoulders. Squeezed. Jupiter looked up to see a determined face, and eyes that were sincere and affectionate.
"You aren't going to be without allies, little majesty. Not on my honor or the wings you have gifted me. I will follow you, for Kiza, and for what you have done for us."
"I didn't do it for you to do anything in return."
"And that, Jupiter Jones, is exactly why I will follow you."
