Leyna got hired as part of the kitchen crew because she demonstrated an aptitude for cooking and a willingness to follow instructions, so she started right away. When they landed on Indoumodo, Tynan said he was too tired because his shift just ended and she agreed he should rest. She decided to go out by herself amidst the other tourists at least for a little while, though she knew it wouldn't be the same without Tynan. The port they'd docked at overlooked the massive jungle below with havana trees and termite forests, which the tour guide said were the home to the greddleback termites, while the swamps housed the kouhuns just like Tynan had told her. Lots of shops they passed sold kouhuns and their antidote in unbreakable cylindrical containers, while others had all kinds of merchandise made from the bark of the havana trees.
"What do you think of this planet?" Atun asked when the tour was over.
"It's a lot different from my homeworld. We definitely don't have poisonous lifeforms. What about you?"
Atun shrugged fractionally. "I find the concept of a planet that has both jungles and swamps strange, but this is the first time I have ever traveled from home. Gaur on the other hand travels a lot to Coruscant as an Imperial Senator, yet he still would be amazed enough to bore you with a lengthy anecdote on planets with similar habitats."
"Where is Gaur today?"
"He wasn't feeling well and I convinced him to stay in bed to recover."
She nodded. "My mother always said rest was the best medicine. Tynan couldn't make it either because he was very tired from flying all night. Too bad he's missing out, he said the natives rarely allow tour groups through here."
"That is readily apparent from the lack of much in the way of souvenirs. It is clear all of their major profit comes from selling kouhuns."
"Apparently they're in pretty high demand among the wealthy."
Atun shook his head. "I don't understand why someone would stoop so low, but Gaur and I weren't born into wealth like most on this star cruiser. We had to work for what we gained."
"Doesn't always have to be someone of privilege, just someone with enough money to get what they want."
"True. Are you hungry?"
She nodded. "Yeah, but I don't see a place to grab food. I guess that means only the ship offers meals here."
He looked around. "It would appear so, although I must admit that makes this place seem very unwelcoming. One would think they'd expect people to desire sustenance after such sight seeing."
"Probably didn't come to mind since they hardly have outsiders who aren't buying kouhuns or their antidote." She managed to reply, still trying to get used to his way of talking. "You said you weren't born into wealth, yet you speak like you were."
"Pantorans offer equal education regardless of social status, therefore making it easier to progress if given the opportunity. Gaur got a love for politics and I the military, both careers very successful for us."
"So you're part of the Imperial Fleet?"
"I'm merely local to Pantora for the time being, but I have considered joining."
She nodded as they got in line for food. "Seems like Coruscant is the place to be if you want to get anywhere these days that doesn't involve piracy or bounty hunting, especially out here."
"Is that why you left?"
"Partially. Tynan and I are very serious about each other, so to make our relationship work I came along. My parents weren't too happy about my decision, but said I was old enough to do as I wished."
It was hard to tell what his expression was behind those tinted glasses as he glanced at her. "Yet even with their released obligations, you sound as unsure as you did when we spoke in the observation room."
She sighed softly as they found a seat in the crowded dinning hall. "Is it so transparent?"
"Perhaps only to me. I do apologise, Gaur always says I am too blunt with others. I believe that is why I am an admiral instead of married."
"Admiral? At thirty-six?" She asked in surprise.
His lips twitched into a hint of a smile. "Youngest one promoted in a decade."
"And yet you're still unwed? Out here you'd have at least one woman wanting to marry you."
"Gaur seems to think I may meet someone too. He's always been more of an optimist."
She sipped her water. "You disagree with him?"
"Quite often and yet we're still as close as ever. Not that I doubt I will find someone, I jut don't feel now is the right time."
"You sound so confident about that."
He inclined his head. "I suppose I am comfortable even with the scenario where I remain alone."
She blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"I am a warrior and as such we're often married to war or our military career instead of a woman. If I retire perhaps finding someone would be easier, but I'm not old enough to think of that yet."
"So is politics less demanding on Pantora or did Gaur meet his fiancé by chance?"
"A bit of both. He was on vacation at the time he met her and he said he knew his life would never be the same. She wanted nothing to do with him at first, but he was persistent and eventually she came around."
She studied her strange friend. "Must have been hard to see him get engaged first."
"No, not really. The older you are on Pantora, the more eligible you become so it was rather surprising she didn't agree to court Derulo, who is twice our age and was also interested in her."
"That's... unusual. I guess you were just relieved your cousin didn't get his heart broken."
He smiled. "Indeed. I should go check on him to see if he feels better."
She got up. "Yeah and I need to take something to eat so he doesn't starve before his next shift. See you around, Atun."
"Good bye, Leyna."
