Jovani was in the Day's End Lounge watching Earth through the windows. He took another sip of his raktajino and sighed.
Lazarus Kox carried a cup full of raktajino. "So, a lot of interesting things going on lately." He sat down. "Enjoying the coffee? I made it myself."
Jovani nodded and smiled. "I'd always dreamed of being on a ship like this one. Looking at space from above... I think I'm still dreaming."
"Oh, I assure you, you are very much awake." Lazarus leaned back. "You know, I almost never made it to a ship like this myself. I mean, I dreamed, but my calling was another. To care for the symbiotes. I guess I still do in a way. I've got Kox inside of me, pulsating away, and Tara in Sickbay. I still visit him every other day. He's like my second symbiote."
Jovani looked over. "Him?"
"Well, they don't have a gender per se. But Javier was his last host. That's how I still picture him. Before Solacetta of course. You know about..."
"Yeah. Tough one."
"Surely. You didn't create her, did...?"
"No. No."
"Good."
"Yeah." A pause. "I created Stephen Kosst."
"Ouch. He's not fun. I never met him face-to-face, but he's caused us quite a bit of trouble so far."
"If you only knew what was going to happen. I feel so horrible."
"What...? Actually, no. It's best this way."
Jovani looked at Lazarus. "There's something important you do need to know. You need to take care of another symbiote. It's not Kox, and it's not Tara, but it's very important. For things to happen just right, you need to be ready to sacrifice everything for what is right. I don't know why I'm telling you this, but I feel I have to. To bring forth new life, you need to put yours on the line."
Lazarus nodded seriously.
Just then, Jovo walked into the DEL. "Jovani, wanna take a walk?"
"Sure," he answered. "Lazarus. Good luck." He shook Lazarus' hand.
Lazarus bowed his head. Then, he looked at Jovo. "I've got work to do." He went into the kitchen.
Jovo and Jovani exited the DEL. Jovo spoke first too. "I just wanted to say thanks." He smiled. "Impaling me was probably the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me." They laughed. "Seriously, though. You saved my life. That was some pretty quick thinking. I'm just lucky you knew I could survive being rammed through the gut with a crowbar."
"Well, we all are. A Kullinari with the power of a demigod is not something we need at this point. I've just got one problem. How will I get back?"
"Well, Kat and I have been working on hacking into Earth's security systems. It wasn't that hard. We've created a new identity for you. It's the best we can do since the media over the past few days has depicted you as a criminal and most of the United States' law enforcement agencies are out to get you."
"I guess my dreams of becoming a Marine officer are over." Jovani sighed. "Well, I guess this'll be no different a life than the one I wrote for you, Jovani."
"My first name. Quite the coincidence." He smiled. "As we speak, agents surveying the destruction of the base will find a body that matches yours exactly. Basically, you're dead." Jovo handed Jovani a PADD. "Here are the details of your new identity. Your name is Dirk Fleischmann. You're 19, born in Munich, Germany. You're currently living in a home you just bought outside of Lucerne, Switzerland."
"Uh. The picture is kind of off."
"It's an extrapolation. You'll look like that after the operation. No offense, but you don't look German. We need to modify your skin color, height, build... How's your German?"
"Very rusty."
"We can give you a universal translator. We've also furnished your new home with some things you may find useful. I hope you understand what that implies."
"I do. Thank you."
"You saved my life. Keeping yours safe is the least we can do." He shook Jovani's hand. "See Dana before you go for your physical alterations, and tell no one what I've told you."
Jovani nodded and left in the opposite direction.
Jovo grinned. "See you around." He headed to the Conference Room.