He could have been captured during the Resurgence, she supposed. Though as CNO, that would’ve been very unlikely. Regardless, physical torture wasn’t common for Viators. They were more the slow psychological breakdown types. Drudgers, maybe, but it wasn’t likely he’d have survived it if that’d been the case.
Jackin finished tucking in his shirt, then sat as he strapped his new vest closed. “Thanks, boss.”
“How long till we’re there?”
He leaned over the console and blinked heavily. “Fifteen minutes. What’s the plan?”
“I’m wondering if I should just go in myself.”
“Void, Rake,” Jackin cursed. “What’s this all about?”
“What?”
“This martyrdom bullshit. Mesa told me what happened on the Argus. You tried to stay behind?”
“Because what, Jack?” she said defensively. “I deserve a spot over someone else?”
He scoffed. “Fuck, yes. Maybe you don’t value your life over anyone else’s, but we all do. And going into Kharon alone is suicide. This isn’t the war. You aren’t the last soldier. You don’t have to do it alone.”
She met his gaze head-on, his dark brown eyes serious. Mesa had been smart to go to him. Not that their opinions didn’t matter, but Jackin’s mattered more, and the Savant knew it.
Adequin grazed the sore bruise on her cheekbone—a reminder of what her stubbornness had forced Puck to do.
“The Sentinels are behind you,” Jackin assured.
She leaned forward onto her knees and looked at her boots. “I know.”
“But you need to talk to them,” he said seriously. “They’re scared and confused. Most of them just saw the Argus and two hundred of their comrades disappear before their eyes. What are they supposed to think is happening?”
She could only nod slowly in response as her heart thudded heavily against her chest. Jackin’s features softened. He took a deep breath, stood, then crossed the small cockpit and knelt at her feet, eye level with her.
“I know we lost a lot of people, boss,” he said quietly. “But wherever they are now … it’s probably better than here.”
She nodded. She wanted to believe that. But that was that higher power thing again. Could there really be a place every soul went when their time was up? And if so, did that still hold true for those who were erased from existence by leaving the confines of the physical universe?
With an effort, she steadied herself before meeting Jackin’s gaze again. “Is there any chance the Tempus survived this?”
He shook his head. “I have no idea.”
A breath caught in her throat, a swell of heat rising up her neck.
Jackin’s thick brows knit together, and he wrapped one of his hands around both of hers. “One thing I do know,” he said quietly. “Bach’s smart, and tough as hell. If anyone could get them away from it safely, it’s him. He’s the one person I know who could give you an honest run for your money when it comes to flying.”
Nodding slowly, she slid him the best version of a grin she could manage. “No, he can’t.”
Jackin smiled, though his eyes remained creased with sympathy. “If we can get the sensor suite working on Kharon, we’ll do whatever we can to find them,” he assured.
“Yeah, okay. Thanks, Jack. And I do hear what you’re saying about the crew.”
He gave an appreciative nod.
“I promise I’ll talk to them. But let’s get aboard Kharon safely first.”