“I’m truly honored that you would consider me,” I say quietly, keeping my head bowed and my eyes down in a show of respect. “And I have no doubt that you will succeed at leading Titan’s people toward a new and better future.”

“There’s a but, I suppose,” Altair says. I glance up at him and drop my eyes again.

“But I must decline,” I say, as he already knows I’ll say. “It’s time for me to go home.”

For a long moment, there is only silence. I clench my hands on my lap, keeping my head down. Altair is a good man, and I respect him, but I’ve never before had to disagree with him. Or, rather, I’ve never had the opportunity to consider disagreeing. I’m not sure how he’ll take it now.

He sits back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him.

“So be it. I wish I could say that I’m surprised.” He laughs, the sound abrupt and surprising, and my head jerks up. “Oh, stop looking at me like you’re a puppy expecting to be kicked. You’ve served your years, Corvus, and you’ve already been officially discharged. You don’t have to do everything I say.”

I let out a breath, tension draining from my shoulders. Still, I don’t relax fully. Altair doesn’t seem angry, but he’s a man who masks his feelings well. I don’t intend to overstay my welcome any more than necessary. I stand, bowing my head, and unstrap the gun from my hip to set it on his desk.

“Thank you, sir.”

“The medical wing should have civilian clothes you can change into.”

I nod and slide my black Primus knife out of its sheath as well, but Altair waves a dismissive hand.

“That was a gift. Keep it.”

I go still, hesitating for a moment with the knife held out in offering. Part of me wants to insist on leaving it—shedding all reminders of these three bloody years—but perhaps it would be good to keep a memento after all. I nod again, slipping the knife back into its sheath on my leg.

“Thank you, sir,” I say once more, my voice quiet this time. “I hope you know I’ll always be your ally.”

“Maybe one day we’ll do business together,” he says with a wry hint of a smile as I step toward the door. “We’ll leave for Drev Dravaask first thing in the morning. I’ll make an exception and allow you to accompany me on the armored train one last time.” I nod my head in grateful acceptance, though the reminder shocks me—as of tomorrow I’ll be a civilian, with none of the advantages of being a soldier on Titan. “And I suppose I should tell you in advance. I’ll be meeting with your mother while she’s on-planet as well.”