Epilogue

‘My name is T’Kleesual and also Jubal. I am a Tuull AI and a member of the human clan known to the Tuull as Clan T’Blssut. The Tuull ruling council requested my presence for an unspecified meeting. With me is the avatar of J’Tocost – Caleb, my godson. Also present are my clan head, S’Rndult T’Blssut – Inkie – and her partner AI, T’Krandit – Helva, and the speaker for humans, F’Lpper Lisa Marie.’

<We did not understand, and we are ashamed.> R’Stbkt’s capsule stood with Fannie before the avatars of Tuull’s rescue contingent and another fifteen retired ships’ AIs. Rust Bucket was addressing the Tuull ruling council, <My human asshole buddy helped bring enlightenment, and I wish to be with her ... To assist in stopping the Dangerous Ones.>

It paused, then continued its unprecedented request, <These friends wish to leave retirement. We all want permission to join Clan T’Blssut and help the humans contain the Dangerous Ones. Others will also join us. We will not be useless.>

<Your clans agree to this? They’ll release you and your ships?> asked Lead Counselor T’Bwinkel.

<Fannie made her case very well, > R’Stbkt replied. <These of us before you have been freed to ask you, and they have crews. Others are still awaiting permissions or crews. Of course, I have no ship to request, but I’ll ask the humans to allow me to accompany my asshole buddy in Cheval Jaune or to place me in a new ship and name it Dunkirk.>

T’Bwinkel looked around the counsel table, and seeing assent, answered, <You may ask the humans if they wish your aid. If they do, you may join Clan T’Blssut with our thanks for their help. Further, your ships will be refurbished and upgraded.> She gave the Tuull equivalent of a grin and added, <You’ll feel like children again.>

‘There comes a time when parents must let their fledglings fly. Caleb is already past that fledgling stage, and with R’Stbkt joining his cadre, I am comfortable that he is in ‘good hands’ and so I can move to new assignments. There’s no concern that Fannie and Rust Bucket might someday leave him. He appointed Shellie to be the ‘voice’ of Cheval Jaune and the Battle Hymn his signature song.’

‘If AIs had a heart, mine would be full to overflowing with pride and hope. At last, I can see a path allowing the Confederacy to contain the Dangerous Ones and for my adopted clan, my family, not to replace them as a threat.’