For Queen and Country

[Garza]

The woman seemed to clam down a little as I spoke to her. She seemed to resonate with the words that I brought to her. While she still seemed nervous to me, she was willing to open up. I had a feeling, that I would not be the only teacher here today.

It surprised me. This woman was a being who was used to the things in the world that gave people joy. She was able to feel those on a daily basis. She only just now started to lose them. As a child, I was confused as much as she was. I learned quickly that it was the will of the universe that I be in pain. Everything went against me, yet I always seemed to trudge on as though nothing could stop me. I still had no clue what kept me alive. Just the will to survive? To see myself become something more? What if this was my calling? To teach others how to avoid becoming a monster, even when I was one.

A monster teaching others not to be. That was like a drug addict telling kids to not take drugs. Counterproductive. Yet it was working. Because I was a monster. Because I had felt pain. Because I have felt the cold shoulder from people, and from life itself, I could understand what this woman was going through. Maybe my calling was to prevent this? As she excused herself for her tea, Lady Kay walked over and grabbed it from the person who presented it before her. As I had thought, tea was her crutch. it calmed her. And that was good. You needed something to keep you calm from all of the nightmares.

It was after taking care of her tea, as well as pouring some for me, she began to speak of what transpired at a banquet that she attended. One where she saw her two ghosts. This was more than a mental matter. This was caused by someone, and thus was the very reason for her inner torment. I had the same. My own ghost was once alive yet still he haunts me from beyond the grave. He set me upon this path, and I do not blame him. He knew not what he did. So I live on for him, and him alone.

"Ghosts can take many forms. Be it physical or mental. In some cases, both."

Reaching over to the table with the tea, At first I realized I was about to grab it with my left arm. I smirked a little. Before stopping and speaking.

"They can also be limitations of yourself. You can become a ghost that haunts your own very mind. Like myself. I had my arm broken in a fight with a Gen'Dai. To keep myself alive, and to prevent my arm from hindering my fight with the being, I removed it myself. Still I remember to that moment. The rage I felt. The pure power I allowed to course through my veins as I removed my limb with my saber. I still feel like I have my arm. As though it really is there. When in truth, its likely somewhere in deepspace along with the wreckage of the Omega Dreadnought."

Reaching with my right hand, I grabbed the porcelain glass. Feeling the warmth of the drink on my fingers. Burning the tips slightly as I raised it to my face. Letting the aroma flood my nasal passageways with such cleansing effects. Almost as though the tea could wash away my problems. I understood why Lady Kay drank from this. I myself took a sip of the hot liquid. My tongue burned slightly from the heat, but I could still feel the flavor within my mouth, and the frothy feeling as it traveled down my throat as I swallowed. It felt so good. I almost wanted to drink the entire pot that was sitting there. Yet I continued.

"You are confused about the ghosts. What should you do to feed them, and with what? Sedating them will only hold off their anger for so long. Giving them what they want will only strengthen them. So, these ghosts, what do you think they want the most from you?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Her ghosts were both. Kay was sure of it, yet not so sure at the same time. She wouldn't of believed the story about them that [member="Atheus"] had told about them if she hadn't of seen them with her own eyes. Yet she did. But she'd rather them not be there at all.

She listened to his story on what happened to his arm. Kay wasn't so sure if she'd be able to do that. But given what she had already gone through, she probably could. Hopefully it would never come down to it though.

Kay sipped her tea, glad that he was partaking in the drink himself. Perhaps it could help him as it helps her. Atheus asked her a question then, and one that she had no answer to. She was even unaware of why her Master had chosen her for this path to begin with. He never told her. He just left her instead. So what did they want from her? The answer wasn't entirely clear. "...I don't know...To keep the light at bay?...To be sure that I don't remember certain people and events? ...To ensure that I am never in complete control? ...To keep me afraid? She frowned a little to herself. "Do you have them? Will they ever go away?"

 

[Garza]

Kay looked over to me as I spoke. I could feel her eyes on me. Smiling lightly, I did the same with a chuckle. Slowly letting my smile fade as she asked her own question. Did I still have mine. I knew she could tell from me sitting there. Already I knew she could tell that my demons were still very much active, and wishing to rampage within my mind and heart. I bit my lip slightly as I took another sip of the tea. Might as well right?

Setting the tea down, I reached over to my right arm. Pulling up my sleeve to reveal scars from cutting, from wounds of past battles, and even bruises that were still healing. Looking directly at her, I smiled sadly. knowing that I was going to be going very deep, I could feel my stomach churn as I spoke.

"Yes. They still hunger. However, I have more than two."

In all honesty, I likely had one for every scar on my body, and more for the mental scars that she couldn't see. Decisions I made to kill people. Actions I took against others, or the lack of action I could have taken to help someone. It was my fault that people were dead. It was my fault that people were six feet under. It was my fault that Artias died.

"I have ghosts all around me. All hunger for my torment. Feeding one, means the others get jealous, or cause them to surface and riot. I am never without pain Lady Kay. Every step I take, is on borrowed time, and is in defiance of those who could have lived."

My smile was gone now. My face straight and showed no emotion. As though I were asleep while sitting up. Thinking of that, I continued on. I found a reason to trust this woman, and I needed her to trust me. So I opened myself up.

"I cannot sleep without seeing the faces of death. Many as they are, they all show the same expression. They are all my demons to bear. I have carried their weight for years. I speak to you today, and I mention them because I see the same demons beginning to grow within you. I have caused so much pain, so much torment to other, and to myself, that I want to change. I want to prevent that. Even if its just one person who I can save, then I will do it."

I looked down at my boots. Suddenly finding a fascination to how the light reflected and broke from the smooth and the scuffs of my boots. My throat was tight and hurt. My chest felt as though I had been hit by a cargo speeder. I clenched my right hand on my knee. Keeping it there as I shook. My left hand would be doing the same if I had any nerves to speak of in the arm. Instead it just sat there. Waiting to move upon my mental command.

"Lady Kay, You are someone who can, and has seen good in people. I am someone who can, and has seen the evil. As much as I would want to say that I don't want you to see that, I know you will have to in order to understand the difference. So, if you have question, ask. I will answer what I wish to at the moment, and I hope you understand if I deny any you may ask."

[member="Lady Kay"]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmgV6vN0Evs

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay furrowed her brows as she stared into her tea cup, looking at the liquid inside it, noting the different shades and particles created by the steeped Sapir leaves. What she had heard from [member="Atheus"] while he had spoken of his many ghosts, was that she would never be rid of her own. During her capture, she was forced to kill in cold blood, and even after her release, she had done the same. That was what her Master loved the most. He stole her blood innocence and planted the seeds of corruption within her. And they would never go away.

She looked up to his arm, now noticing that Atheus was pointing it out, showing her the results of his own actions. He was a soldier, however. Scars were expected. Kay had her own, but not from that.

And dreams. When would hers come? Hopefully never, but that was just silly. That kind of hope was an illusion. The confidence that she used to have, was all an illusion.

Her eyes met his then, as he spoke of her seeing the good in others. She shook her head a little. "I used to see the good in others. But that was before...I was weak and worthless. I tried so hard to get my captors to let me go, but I failed. And now? I can trust hardly anyone. They all want to remove me from power. I worked so hard, sacrificed so much!.." And now she is losing her sanity too.

Kay tucked herself into the chair more as she had another sip of her tea. "What are you afraid of? What keeps you going? How do you know what is enough to feed them?" More than one question, yes. But she had many more.

 

[Garza]

She used to see the good. As what I said. However, now she stated that she couldn't. I understood. She feared that she couldn't become like she once was. And the truth? She never would be the same. There was no special potion that could wipe away your memories. There was no power I possessed that could erase all of the troubles of the galaxy that weighed upon me. Yet this woman had the gall to ask me what kept me going. What drove me to continue this life. Taking a sip as she asked me this question, I hesitated.

Should I tell her that I really don't know? or continue with this charade of being an all-knowing broken man that many saw me to be? If she wanted the truth, then I would give it too her. I sat down the mug. My hand shaking slightly as I placed the china on the little plate seated on the table. I turned my attention towards Lady Kay. And spoke with every fiber of my being.

"I fear nothing but myself Lady Kay. I have seen the destruction I can cause. What pushes me is wanting to not be like that again. How can I do this? I have no idea. What do I need to do to get this? I do not know. I am lost to my own devices as much as you are. The only reason I could even be ahead of you, is because I have walked the path ahead of you. I am not at the end, nor at the beginning."

Looking down at my boots and slightly away from her for a moment, I then looked back to her with a renewed strength that she might notice ever so slightly.

"I speak and open myself, because I see you going the same path. I wish to find an end. Be it acceptance, or utter annihilation of ourselves to prevent the death and destruction of others. I won't be the cause of more pain in this Galaxy. I already have enough blood on my hands. I don't want more people like me. I want to expose others to this, to see what a monster everyone can become. To show them what real chaos and anarchy is. Once they see that, Once they see the monster that many could become, they won't go down the same path that I traveled upon."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay listened closely while [member="Atheus"] poured his heart out. She didn't look at him with pity, but with sympathy. He didn't have all of the answers and that was okay. Perhaps her lost memories held some of the answers that she sought. It was hard to say at this moment.

The Force brought them together, to help eachother and in that way they would help themselves. She recognized that now.

Kay looked into his eyes while she spoke. "My Master trained me to be more of a monster than I wanted to be. Though, despite the torture and the beatings, I still find ways to defy him. He wanted me to publically execute the Elders, my former Ministers and all of the Loyalists like he would have done. But....that wouldn't be helpful. It would bring war to Commenor. It would be our downfall..." She reached over and placed her hand on his. "Thank you for not turning me away. I will help you as much as I can. I'm stubborn so,...sometimes it may take a bit to knock some sense into me. But I'll get there with your help."

 

[Garza]

I couldn't think of anything. The woman speaking of trying to defy her master, the ghost who taught her how dark she could become. She still wanted to become... human.

I stayed silent as she placed her hand over the top of mine. Soft and delicate, yet I could feel the firm muscles and tendons underneath that wanted to put everything she had into this. She was telling the truth. I found a relief from this. Knowing that someone else was with me. Working for people, I never really trusted them. The number of people I could extend myself out to could be counted on one hand. Yet, one was gone. Living the life that he fought hard for.

I thought back to when the man who could only be known as the "Master Shaper" left me in charge of his company. He felt I was done with training. I trusted him. And I still remember his words. Words that now, made a lot more sense. Smiling a little, I spoke them out loud unknowingly.

"Every breath you take, is a chance to discover what your desires are. Yet every breath you take, brings you one step closer to death."

Asking him what he meant, He told me that I would find the answer when I found my desire. When I found what I needed, or wanted to do. It seemed like I found the answer. And spoke it as well. As though he were standing before me. Waiting to hear.

"The answer is to fight with whatever breath you have, even if it means fighting death herself."

I smiled a little, and even started to chuckle. Shaking my head as I contained to speak as though Lady Kay wasn't there.

"I guess you really were full of wisdom and not just cheap tricks like I thought you were. Only if you knew what you had done to me. Only if you could hear my answer."

I could see his face. The one where he looked at his son. The child had ran out from a ship, with a woman right after him. The child born with the gift of the force, and the woman of beauty. My first thoughts were not of how hard he must have fought to live out his life, but what did he do to trick the woman to be with him, and bear his child? Now I see why. Now I see how he was able to live for so long, and do what he did. Now I could see how much pain he was in so he could fight, even death, for his desires.

Now, it was my turn to fight. My turn to take up arms and call upon my weapons to aid me in the fight that would last for as long as I could imagine. Even unto the valley of the shadow of death, will I ride till I fight with every breath I can take.

Realizing that I was just sitting there smiling like a fool, my face cleaned up quickly. Shaking my head as though I were saying no. Quickly picking up the tea cup and drinking all of what was left in the porcelain cup. Clearing my throat, I stood up awkwardly and turned away as I held my face in my fleshly hand.

"I, um.... I'm sorry m'lady. Is there anything else that we need to discuss?"

Why did I open up? Why did I extend myself to her. A woman I barely knew? Was this just one breath for me to get closer to my desires and death? Or was this just me finding what I needed to do in order to breathe?

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sat there confused for a moment. At first [member="Atheus"] seemed to be spouting words of lessons learned, though the faraway look in his eyes told her that he wasn't even aware that she was there. When he spoke to...someone else, she knew then that he really was lost in his thoughts. She didn't interrupt, didn't try to sway him from his trip down memory lane. She didn't even move.

He soon came back to the present, embarrassed as she expected. Kay only gave him a soft smile. "There's nothing to be sorry for. You obviously came to terms with something. Might you permit me to pry and fill me in a little on your memory? They are so very precious. I only came to realize that after so many of mine were taken from me." Hopefully one of these days, she'll get them all back.

 

[Garza]

Standing there, looking away from the woman that wanted me to share more, The woman that had somehow convinced me to help her. Or was it? Maybe I am just delusional and needed to convince people that I was not a monster I thought myself to be. I doubted myself so often that I just accepted that. Not found a way to deal with it. Shaking my head. I continued to stand there as Lady Kay asked about the memory.

I closed my mouth. Trying my best to keep it silent. Instead, it ended up with me forcing the words out through my teeth.

"My old master told me I would find a purpose with my life when I found out the answer to one question."

"All I did was find the answer."

Letting my hand fall to my side. I breathed in deeply. Holding it till the air burned in my lungs. Feeling the blood rushing through my body as I released my breath. pushing everything out till I almost felt deprived of oxygen. Only to start the process over again.

"Lady Kay, This aiding will not only be for yourself. I have a feeling, that we will be swapping the roles of Mentor and Student back and forth to suit each situation differently."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay furrowed her brows as [member="Atheus"] still kept his back to her when he spoke. She's been known to avert her eyes every now and then, but keeping her back to someone wasn't her way. Her own Master kept telling her how weak and worthless she was and that only through him would she become strong.

But it was all a lie...

She finished her tea and set her cup down, getting to her feet after he mentioned them teaching eachother. Kay walked around so that they were face to face, looking at him with a reassuring smile. "There's nothing wrong with that. We'll always be learning. Only a fool would think that they know everything. I would be honoured to return the favour in helping you as you help me. It's the least that I can do. And you'll always be welcome here, will always have a place to rest should you need it, alright?"

 

[Garza]

Standing there, I could hear the clink of the glass hit the table gently. Even the footsteps of the woman as she came to stand in front of me. The woman that was almost an entire foot shorter than me. While I was looking down, There was no way I could avoid her eye contact. Still wearing those eye contacts, I simply looked at her as she said she would be honored to return the favor. I nodded my head.

​"Then I propose something. We hide from the public so often because of what we have gone through. So, when we are together, studying, teaching, or out of public view, we remove what hides us."

Reaching behind me, The mask that sat on the couch floated over towards my hand as it was out stretched. Grabbing onto it, I brought the mask between us. Indicating it. Then I looked to her. Letting my silver eyes see her through the hanging strands of my hair.

"For me, the mask. For you... contacts."

As much as it may seem stupid to do this, It would act like a placebo effect. If you didn't wear it, then it wouldn't bother you. If we didn't wear what we did to hide ourselves from the eyes of others, then how could we teach one another if we blocked one another out? However, for this to work, we had to both agree.

"Trust runs both ways Lady Kay. You see me, and I see you."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Atheus"] was only partly right. She hid behind her contacts because she had to. Not many knew of her Force Sensitivity and since her turn to the Darkside, her eyes would give it away. Many contracts and agreements would cease to exist if she was going to let herself be known. So it was vital that it be kept a secret for as long as possible.

But still, she understood what he had meant by his proposal. No secrets. No hiding. No matter how tough it would be.

Kay looked down to his mask, hesitating only briefly before she started to remove her contacts. It was far easier to set aside a mask than it was to sensitive objects. She palmed them in any case, noting that she'd need to carry a small case with her from now on.

Her gaze was then brought back up to Atheus. "Alright. And I'll be sure to see that we are not disturbed during those times, unless there's an emergency. When do you think that we should start?" In a way they had already begun, yet the intention of their meeting was a diplomatic one. Kay wasn't sure how long before the Iron Empire began to question his whereabouts.

 

[Garza]

She was hesitant. She didn't want to take the contacts out. And as much as I wanted to admit it, I couldn't say I knew what it was like to hide your eyes. Eyes were windows to the soul. It was something that many looked to find truth within a person. If Lady was hiding her eyes, what else could she hide? That would be left up to later dates in where we could come together to bring our collective minds, and come up with something to overcome our... pasts.

Kay asked when we would begin. I looked up to the wall. Finding a fascination in it much like my boots did earlier. Realizing that it had been a bit before I crushed the ear piece. I smiled and shook my head.

"We can continue. I will be here for a few more days on this visit. However, I believe my friend might be upset if I stay any longer. The whole, I might be dead or captured."

I reached up about to touch her shoulder with my hand before I stopped. Looking at her, I wanted to trust her. I wanted to let her know I did, but I didn't know how. I let the arm drop and then straightened myself as though I completely changed.

"We can start tomorrow if you are available? The only thing I have to do is start contacting others of our possible embassy here. Otherwise, I am free."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded. A few days time. That's what they had for this visit anyways. Well, it was a start.

She had forgotten about the fact that others were listening in on them, and that [member="Atheus"] had broken contact in order to give them privacy. So much seemed to have transpired since then, although not much time had passed at all.

He reached out to touch her, but then seemed to have changed his mind. Kay raised a brow slightly, but then let the matter drop as he spoke. She nodded in agreement. "Yes, tomorrow would be fine, thank you. I will be sure to delegate my tasks. Would you like me to walk you out?" Their meeting today was over. But it was only a start for what was to come.

 

[Garza]

The woman asked if I would like to be walked out. At first I thought it would be nice, but she was likely busy with other things. Or at least, she seemed to be. Shaking my head. I had wanted to touch her. Console her, and comfort her that everything will turn out fine if we work hard on this. I had this feeling of belonging that I had longed for so long, yet, I didn't want to push myself onto her. I prevented myself from continuing on with what could lead down a path I do not want for her, or for myself. I was a danger to myself, and to everyone around me. There was no reason to involve her more than necessary.

"I will be fine. Thank you for the tea, and the... time we spent today."

The door behind her opened as one of her men held it out for me. Looking away from the man at the sudden realization I was not wearing my mask, I then put it on my face in a few seconds as I stood there. Breathing seemed to be labored once more as I walked around the woman to the door. The man leaving the opening to let my larger frame walk through unhindered.

However, I stopped just before the door.

I couldn't take a step forward. I couldn't leave with just that. Turning around to face Lady Kay, I looked down at my feet for a moment and then spoke to them as though my boots were a person.

"Things change because of bad or good decisions. I hope you consider this a good decision."

I stood there a moment more, and left without another word. Making my way out of the palace that she resided in, and headed to my ship for the rest of the day.

Now how do I explain to Thalia what happened?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The planet had rotated around it's axis once more. I slept fairly well. As good as I could get. A few hours will have to do. Currently, I laid in my bed. Not moving. It wasn't because I was paralyzed like some of my terrors caused my body to do, but because I just wanted to lay there. The hiss of air leaving the room sounded that someone opened the door. Thalia walked in. She wore a baggy t-shirt and I could barely make out the small pair of sleep shorts she wore underneath. The shirt large enough it could act like a gown. She came in, and sat on the side of my bed.

She took her hand and reached out. I could feel her movement, and she thought I was still asleep. She wanted to touch me. I could feel the emotions of curiosity, and caution. Yet, there was also... love? I was a little confused and so I spoke.

"Generally when you enter a room, you introduce your presence."

I could tell she was startled a little at my awareness to her here. She pulled back her hand rapidly, and almost squeaked. She stood up and moved away from the bed as I sat up. Shirtless and just wearing a pair of boxers. I looked up at her and rubbed my eyes of the crusty leftovers from not moving. Thalia just looked at me for a moment, and without a word walked back out the door. I shook my head.

I loved her. I did. But... she was basically my sister. I trained her, we joked and played around, but she... she is young, and does not understand the dangers I bring just by being around her. I could never have feelings for her. I can't, and I wont. I will hurt her by doing this, but it must be done.

"Time to meet up with Lady Kay again."

Standing up, I prepared myself to have another meeting with the Queen of Commenor.

[member="Lady Kay"],

 

[Kay-Larr]

"You're welcome."

Kay watched as [member="Atheus"] started to make his way to the door. He must have been deep in thought for he had almost forgotten about his mask. Almost. It was confirmed when he hesitated to leave and spoke with his head lowered.

The words that he had spoken made her think. And she pondered on them as she made her way to her office. This was a good decision, she knew. [member="Atheus"] would help her to recover. It was a group effort and one that she was grateful for.

Things change because of good or bad decisions. She made bad decisions when she failed to use her abilities in order to escape capture. But she didn't quite know of just who or what she was up against until it was too late. Memories of that day replayed in her mind many times over, just the same as other bad memories played out. At times it filled her with despair. But keeping herself preoccupied with other things did help keep her mind off of it for a time.

******************************************


Night came and went. Kay found herself busy with her day to day, having her breakfast, going over reports and contracts, and sparing some time for tea. There was always time for tea.

Her eyes were free of contacts. She didn't wear them all the time, only when she was to meet anyone new. Today wasn't one of those days. And besides, Atheus was going to arrive at some point. She had already alerted her staff. She just easn't sure of what was on his agenda today.

 

[Garza]

There was no real need for me to dress up in my military gear. Opting for a single sleeved shirt, with a vest accented get up. Wearing a set of military styled pants, and boots. I still carried my lightsaber, but no other weapons. I felt naked without it. My metallic arm was very much visible. Almost shining in the light as it reflected every form of it. My shoulder hurt a little, and I so rotated my arm around myself as I walked down the ramp. The interaction between myself and Thalia this morning still plaguing my mind.

I shook my head as one of Lady Kay's guards was just outside my ship. A speeder was sitting there with what looked to be an escort by the local police force. Looking at the man, he nodded his head with a clean, blank face.

"We are to escort you to Lady Kay as you two are to meet today. Please, follow me Sir."

I just nodded my head as it was hidden behind the mask once more. Taking my seat in the speeder, it was eerie silent as I was taken to the palace.

Once more, I stood in the lobby as I was told to by one of the servants, or guards of Lady Kay. Waiting for her, I went ahead and removed my mask. Taking it and clipping it to my belt at the back of my hip.

[member="Lady Kay"],

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was soon notified of the arrival of [member="Atheus"] . He had been brought to the same room as before. Normally she would've had him brought to her office, but she wasn't quite sure of what they'd be doing. It was better to be in a room with more space.

She quickly finished her tea and then headed down to the lobby where Atheus was waiting. He wasn't wearing armour today. It made him look different. No doubt when he chose to remove his mask, he would look different still. Less like a person bred for war.

Kay approached him and bowed her head with a small smile. He would easily pick out her lack of contacts, as well as the fact that she didn't hide her presence in the Force. "Welcome back, Atheus. I trust that you had a good evening?" Small talk. No better way to break the ice. "Care for some tea or anything to eat?"

 

[Garza]

After meeting with Lady Kay the first time, I thought it was more appropriate to be less formal. While not completely casual in like slacks and a t-shirt, I still dressed up as though I were going to be in public. I used my right hand to run through my hair as Lady Kay entered. The guards at the door stood still, only to bow their heads as she passed. She welcomed me once more in a formal manner. It was fine. We had to be formal in front of others. It was behind closed doors that we worked on our selves.

Bowing my head as a sign of hello, and a welcome, and then went to answer her question from the small talk.

"No thank you m'lady. Feel free to suit yourself though."

Last time I had turned her down for a drink or a refreshment, she too didn't take any. It was to show that she was paying attention. However, I could now trust her well enough to still partake of her own desires, while also possibly listening to me. I still felt awkward without my mask, and was trying to look at the woman directly when speaking. Normally with my mask, I could because I knew my face was hidden. Now, I was exposed, but that was the purpose. To get out of our habits, and to learn how to be better.

"We won't be doing any rough training. Our speaking yesterday was enough of the heart for now. So I suggest that we speak about our people. Our heritage."

Both of us were people who lived on worlds that we fought tooth and nail for. We both wanted to protect our people, and I wanted to learn why she did so.

"An individual is just one part of a whole."

[member="Lady Kay"],

 

[Kay-Larr]

She bowed her head in greeting. Kay had just finished her tea, so for now she was good and didn't need any more straight away. Later on however, she would have her midday meal. Unless of course she was too busy.

[member="Atheus"] wanted to talk. And not of herself, thankfully, but of the Commenori. Where was she to begin? She wasn't born here and had only arrived after her first husband's death. Yet, she grew to love the place and it's people. And despite everything, most of them loved her too. There would always be those that thought differently.

"Well, the Commenori are mostly human, but other species reside here as well. We're not a warring people, the Commenori stay home. But that doesn't mean that we can't defend ourselves or others. We just stay out of major conflicts. In a way that keeps us out of the splotlight, out of everyone's crosshairs and out of danger."

It wasn't as though Commenor was a troublemaker in the Galaxy. Instead it just helped to keep goods moving. Perhaps that was what kept them safe too.