Brought before three of the most important and high ranking members in his career, Roger Wessyng is briefed on his next mission. Instead of daring raids and chipping away at the enemy, he is to return to the style of warfare he excelled at on Haikk Four: moving through hostile country and left to his own methods on how to win. Unfortunately, he will also have to deal with the result of conflict between the Anglois forces on Crusade in an unusual way.

But of all the Leopards, it turns out that Hawke is the one with enough on his plate already...

XXXXXX

"Take a seat Roger, you'll be here for a while," D'Uxford said politely.

The knight adjusted his sword to not tangle himself, sitting in one of the large guest chairs facing the Prince's desk.

"My Lord, may I ask what exactly is going on?"

"A good question Roger," Prince Edmund answered instead. "Obviously, it's nothing good if I, Duck, and the Inquisitor are involved, and it damn well isn't. There's a situation on one of the planets in this benighted, God-Emperor forsaken system that we are so blessed to liberate and thought was secure."

"I never expected anything good."

"Fatalism can kill you Wessyng. Keep it in check. Duck, tell the man."

Robert D'Uxfords dark, passionless eyes darted from the Inquisitor to the knight. It was bad enough that one had to deal with a member of such a dangerous, powerful, and bloody-minded organization, but when their representative was your mother… that was a different kind of hell.

"Haikk Five. What do you know about it?"

"It's the fifth planet in the Haikk system-"

Edmund and Inquisitor Beauchamp both stifled laughter as D'Uxford rolled his eyes.

"Insightful as ever, Roger. Anything else?"

"Unfortunately not, My Lord. I spent all my time in this system, at least before I was knighted, on Haikk Four."

"As you should have," Edmund cut in. "Anglois stick together, as they should."

"Hm. Anything at all?"

His mind flashed back to snippets of briefs and documents he had read over. Suddenly, one piece of information came to him.

"Technically a feudal world, but it's sort of like Anglerre, basic technologies like running water and such."

"Oh dear, your planet teaches their peasants to read?" Katherine Beauchamp chortled.

"Sorry we don't like the idea of all our people living in shit Madam Inquisitor," Edmund hissed, incredibly defensive of anything involving the planet his family ruled.

"Correct," D'Uxford said with a hint of enjoyment at his mother being opposed. "It was one of the few planets in this system that stayed loyal to the Imperium as the others fell into rebellion, anarchy, and civil war. We had little reason to worry or garrison it. But whoever said that no news is good news certainly never dealt with military or strategic matters."

The Lord of Clavham slipped a few picts and maps of Haikk Five, showing areas colored in gold, and others in green. As he looked at it more, he realized that it was mostly green except for a number of red spots across the map and one large splotch on the right.

"Let me guess," Roger said. "The gold are Imperial controlled areas, and the green are rebels?"

"See Inquisitor, this is why we trust this man more than most of our knights. Good guess, but those green areas are considered… neutral."

"Meaning, Your Highness?"

"We are not sure if they are loyal or not. They have not sworn to support us, or any side. We believe them loyal to the Imperium… but we have no straight answer."

D'Uxfords answer raised more questions as usual.

"You want me to go there and ensure that they are loyal?"

"Correct," Edmund answered. "It's imperative that we know where they stand, or better yet, earn their loyalty. For once, you're actually going to be acting like a knight: no disguises, no secrecy. Showing the flag, wearing heraldry, all that."

There was a sense of danger in this, not hiding in the shadows and sticking his neck out. But being able to finally show himself and be a knight had an appeal. But with the Eldar-

"Your Highness, why me?"

"What?"

"Why not one of our other units? Or the forces of the Inquisition if you don't mind me asking madam?"

Edmund looked to D'Uxford, then the Inquisitor, and seeing no opposition, answered.

"Well first off, what better way to show the flag of the Imperium than a fully kitted out knight on horseback? Yes, the Guard will provide you with a horse and all the accoutrements, don't worry about that. And we'll get some for your whole unit."

"What about Sister Evita? I doubt a horse would enjoy someone with power armor or a Heavy Bolter on their back."

"She can walk in that power armor. It's damned fast when it needs to be."

"A bit unfair, but I understand, Your Highness."

"We also have reason to believe that bandits and other such scum are flourishing on most of Haikk Five. Assisting Imperial forces already there and local PDF will also endear the Crusade and Imperium to anyone you help. Just because they are not rebellious does not mean that we are to ignore and let them wither on the vine. We also have reason to believe that rebels are trying to ferment an uprising or have made the place a haven for exiles and are attempting to regroup. Your Leopards intelligence gathering skills are second to none, meaning your deployment there is rather obvious from a command perspective."

"Which also endears the idea to me," Beauchamp cut in.

Roger turned in his chair to face her, realizing she moved closer to the desk.

"I am here for a rather simple reason: a particularly important agent recruited in the last few months by the Inquisition was sent to Haikk Five. They never returned and have not communicated since."

"So I'm to find them?"

"Living or dead. The former preferably. But should the latter occur, you should ensure that they were not captured and divulged any secrets."

"I'm winning hearts and minds, securing a whole planet, and finding an agent of the Inquisition? Well, that's fairly simple," he said sarcastically.

"You're one of my best and most trusted men," Edmund replied. "I understand it's quite a lot, but I can't think of anyone better suited or more likely to succeed than you, Roger."

His bitterness disappeared as he took the compliment to heart. To be given such respect and admiration by the Prince himself was no small thing, but to be given that confidence by his spymaster and an Inquisitor… that was quite something.

"If I had a choice I'd accept, but considering you brought me here, you were going to send me out anyway."

Edmund let out a bark of laughter.

"No pulling the wool over your eyes, eh Roger? Quite right. You didn't have a choice, but you've always been one to jump into awful situations and make the best of it. Those two escapades in the desert, blowing up that artillery park on Haikk Four, and of course saving my right flank at Acra, probably a few others I can't remember. This'll be an easy one in comparison."

"I thank you for the trust and confidence of Your Highness."

"And the Eldar certainly will be something they aren't expecting!"

The hair on Roger's neck stood on end, mentioning such a relationship with Xenos in the presence of an Inquisitor was not exactly something to be broadcast. Edmund and D'Uxford looked at Rogers frightened reaction in slight confusion, Inquisitor Beauchamp giggling to herself when she realized what was going on. Of course, she already knew, but to say it aloud and in the open even in this office was taking a risk he could ill-afford.

"You seem to forget that I am already aware of your unit and its makeup. Besides, I already read the reports from a fellow Inquisitor on you."

"R-Rosencruz?"

"Do you remember him?"

"Of course."

How could he forget those terrifying hours of questioning, thinking that every answer would be his last?

"And do not worry, I am not the type to be hypocritical."

"Pardon, Madam Inquisitor?"

"I have had Eldar in my service before. Rangers mostly, but a Corsair or two as well."

Before he could respond to this surprising bit of information, she quickly followed up on it.

"It is rare for someone as low level as yourself to have them in your service, let alone the services of the Aspect Warriors, but this fact is quite incredible enough that I am willing to overlook some small… irregularities. And you are serving the Imperium and this Crusade quite well. I am enough of a pragmatist to understand the benefits of such. We cannot all be Puritans, literal and metaphorical."

"And how is Inquisitor Rosencranz? I remember him being a decent conversationalist."

Edmund's question avoided Roger having to speak any further on the subject, with him quietly relieved at such.

"A good question, considering he vanished shortly after returning from the Haikk System."

"Ah. A shame, but given his personality and the way he talked about the Inquisition, not a surprising one. Now Roger, I would be remiss to send you in blind, so now that you know what's being asked of you, let's discuss how it will be done."

Edmund took one of the maps offered to Roger back and pointed a finger at one of the smaller dots of gold in the sea of green.

"This is Stratioupolis, one of the forts set up on the planet. As you can tell, it's an island of Imperial control in a sea of possible rebellion. Been holding out on its own ever since, but who knows how long it could last?"

"Who's stationed there?"

"About two hundred men of the Eighth Tagma of Konstantonoi. Ever interact with a Konstanin?"

"Can't say I have, Your Highness."

"The Guardsmen recruited from there are well equipped and trained," D'Uxford added. "Their planet is very wealthy and a center of trade and culture. They only provide a small number of Guardsmen for their population size, but they certainly make up for it in quality."

"So I won't have any issues with them?"

The three looked at each other before the Inquisitor spoke.

"They think very highly of themselves. And they look down on most other Imperial citizens and Guardsmen."

Roger nodded, mostly understanding what she said.

"In short Roger," Edmund said bluntly, "They're snobby, elitist, cunts. But they seem to like us Anglois, which is another reason you are being sent there."

"Ah."

"That location," Beauchamp added with annoyance at Edmunds choice of rough language, "Is the heart of the planet. You break through there; you break the planet open to Imperial control. That, and a short trip from the fort there is something that has been feared and avoided by the locals for as long as there have been records from the planet. A bone-white, claw looking structure that has no real use, as far as they can understand, that just sticks out of the ground."

The knight nodded slowly. What little he knew of the Eldar and their strange ways of travel, he did at least know what a Webway Gate was, and judging by the description alone, he was certain that was exactly what they were dealing with.

"All right. I'll get my unit ready to move, and we can head out as soon as possible."

"Well…" Edmund began and trailed off.

D'Uxford cleared his throat and stood slightly taller.

"There's been a bit of a situation that you have to help us with as well."

"Another mission?"

"Not per se. More a… favor. For not just myself, but also for the Prince as well."

"And what exactly would that be?"

Edmund seemed almost embarrassed to speak, rubbing the back of his head, his fingers tapping on the fine wood of the desk.

"There was a situation a few days ago on Haikk Four," he began. "I'm sure you of all men know that the Vretans took a hell of a beating half a year ago. Well, they also lost a few knights, and they needed replacing. Third Corps is still there on Mekkar as a garrison and all that. One of those replacement knights… made a mistake."

"What kind of mistake?"

"Let's put it this way, what do you know of Gasc's?"

"The Guardsmen recruited there are excellent crossbowmen. Lasgunners too. Nobility is proud, but good fighters. Maybe a bit too good when it comes to fighting one another."

"Correct. In fact, if the people of Avalon consider football to be their favorite sport, single-man combat seems to be that of the Gasc nobility. Long story short, one of the Vretan knights said or did something that upset a Gasc, there was a challenge, the Gasc was supposed to win, got his jugular cut and bled to death, real goddamned mess. But here's the rub: the dead fucker was related to none other than the Captal, our dear lord Barrau de Gast. Considering his people's dedication to blood feud, and the fact he is in charge of all Anglois forces, that will not do. Gasc and Vretan relations are on the brink, and I need a solution. Fast."

"That's understandable Your Highness, but why are you telling-"

His blood went cold again.

"Oh God-Emperor above."

"I told you he would figure it out quick," D'Uxford said flatly.

Roger had good reason to respond that way. He himself had been given command of the unit after being lined up in front of a firing squad, and the first human to join his unit, Helene Parell, had been given a similar death sentence and saved to be put in a unit of mostly Eldar. Davie and the others had merely joined out of loyalty to Roger, but the Leopards, at least initially, were considered a good dumping ground for those who were still able to serve the Imperium without being seen. And now, he was getting a new member through the same way.
"Having an extra knight would never hurt, and you get to ensure that the armies of Anglerre on Haikk Four do not collapse. I won't beg, but I would be greatly appreciative if you accepted him, Roger."

"Did I actually have a choice, Your Highness?"

"Of course not, we already told him he was joining you. But I would prefer them hidden, like you were before Commissar Lucan bit it."

Roger was hesitant to take another member in the unit, especially a Vretan. He had nothing against them, but the humans that made up the Leopards were uniformly from the biggest and most important of Anglerre's component nations, Avalon. Yes, there was Helene and Evita, but those were exceptions to the rule for separate reasons. And they were all from the lower ranks too, as much as Roger was technically a knight, he was not high-born, trained from birth to be an armored warrior. But having another excellent, highly trained warrior on the Leopards, at least a human one… that would not be a terrible deal. And having a Prince owe you a favor would never hurt.

"I'll have to inform my men first."

"He's already on the station, so you should do so quickly."

"Very well, Your Highness. How long do I have to prepare for the mission?"

"We're giving you three or so days to get ready. As Duck said, you may be there for a while. And I wouldn't exactly throw him into whatever allows you to move around the system without an explanation."

"I take it you informed this knight, who I still don't know the identity of, about my unit and its peculiarities?"

D'Uxford looked at Edmund, who gave a blank, confused stare in return.

"You did tell him at least a little bit about the Eldar, right Ed?"

The clock in the corner started to ring, announcing that it was Ten o'clock station time.

"Well, time flies fast when you're having fun!" Edmund said awkwardly. "Better you take care of the explaining and all that Wessyng. I have an appointment with some Munitorum flunky now, so you are dismissed. You got two or so days to get ready after this, we will provide you with more information. Duck and the Inquisitor will fill you in on any of the details I missed later. Best of luck."

Roger was about to protest and try to get more answers from the Prince but quickly thought it would be a useless effort. As he stood up, showed respect to the three and walked out of the room, never turning his back on his superiors, he felt a mix of apprehension and fear. A new mission, a return to form he had handled so well back on Haikk Four… but a newcomer to the unit that he had no information on would be joining them. And that was before one factored in with having to deal with the Konstantins, rebels, bandits, and God-Emperor knew what else. He was briefly reminded of his desire for new missions, and the chastisement he had earned from Anya on that subject. As the doors closed in front of him, he wondered how she would react to the news.

XXXXXX

"Well at least we'll have plenty of time to get ready," Davie said confidently.

"I've heard the Tagmas are good units. Better cooks and drink makers too!"

As usual, Parky's enthusiasm and optimism was infectious, or at the very least keeping morale above water. Their commander quickly realized that the mission seemed to intrigue or even excite his men more than anything they had been thrown into over the last half a year or so.

"I have heard that Haikk Five needs proper teachings in faith. If you would allow me."

Evita showed interest too, something he had not expected. All the Leopards, at least the humans, were sitting around the massive table placed in the middle of their warehouse quarters, specifically for moments like this. Bob was predictably quiet, but what really got his attention was Hawke. The normally aloof bowman seemed grim, as if some terrible news had been given to him shortly beforehand. He would ask about it later, as he had unwelcome news to deliver.

"Now here's the bad news, and you all will not be happy about it, I guarantee."

Everyone, even Hawke, seemed to hang on to the knights' every word.

"We're getting a new member of the unit. Another knight."

Bob and Hawke seemed not to care, Davie and Parky showed some surprise, with Evita completely neutral.

"Where from?"

"Vretand."

"Well," Davie began, "I know the language and a good amount of their songs. So it won't be too bloody terrible of a new arrival. We'll make them feel right at home."

"I don't think I need to remind you all that the way you act with me is not acceptable for him. Go in assuming he's the most insufferable, peasant beating, prima nocta abusing bastard we could ever meet. Be on your best behaviors, or whatever approaches it. That goes for everyone in the unit."

"Even the Abhumans?" Bob asked.

"Especially the Abhumans. I'll be speaking to them later tonight about this, don't you worry."

"They're the real troublemakers," Hawke said quietly.

"Sure are. And you Evita, best behavior?"

"When am I ever not on my best behavior, Sir Roger?"

"True," he chuckled. "But seriously, this is going to be back to the old missions we went on: going into enemy territory, relying on our wits and blades."

"And lasguns," Parky added.

"And mace," Davie agreed. "And a bow, right Hawke?"

He received an unenthusiastic grunt in response.

"Well, point is, we got a few days to get ready and then we're off into the wilds of Haikk Five. You'll probably meet our new friend by the end of the day or by tomorrow. Best behaviors when that happens."

"He's not staying with us, is he?"

"Of course not Parky, he's a knight. They don't stay with the filthy peasantry."

"But Eve is with us, and she's closer to a knight than any of us."

Rogers' eyes briefly flickered over to the Sororitas, who was practically beaming with self-satisfaction at the compliment from her par amour.

"True, but is she from Anglerre? Does she have any noble blood?"

Parky looked over at her, causing her to stutter out an answer.

"I-I have no memory of my home planet, and I would assume that I have no nobility in my heritage."

"Then with all due respect, despite the armor, the holy orders, and that Heavy Bolter, she's little better than us Anglois foot sloggers, Parky."

"Well, I know better than that."

"And may the Emperor keep it that way," Roger mumbled. "Well, more information will be given later, and don't worry about supplies too much. Get enough for a few days, we'll get stationed somewhere, and they'll hopefully take care of us."

"Hopefully," Bob said.

"That's all I got for you all. Sharpen your weapons and skills, get ready for whatever we're about to leap into."

Tapping the table, Roger adjourned the meeting, most of the Leopards going back to their quarters. Parky and Evita left the barracks, heading to the nearby canteen or to pray. Just as their commander was about to leave and get ready to brief the Eldar, he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Hey Rog, could I speak with ya a second?"

Sensing that Davie had something important to say, he let himself be pulled towards the serjeants' personal quarters.

"What's wrong Davie?"

"I don't think it takes a professional to tell something wrong with Hawke."

"Yeah, I noticed. Did he say anything to you?"

"Nope. Tried to get something out of him earlier, but no dice. Maybe since you're in charge, and he respects you more than me from a professional way at least-"

"I'll take care of it."

Davie winked and stuck his left thumb up.

"Cheers Rog."

"Start getting these lads into shape serjeant, we got work to do."

"Aye sir," he said with a mocking salute.

As Davie went about his business, Roger moved over to Hawke, away from the others and more focused on the stave of his longbow, its dark wood polished to a perfect sheen. Sitting on a cheap stool, he heard the dangling chainmail armor the knight was wearing before seeing him. Years of sneaking into places and having to be aware whenever a guard was near meant the former thief's awareness was heightened to an extreme degree.

"Hawke."

"Boss."

"How's it going?"

"As well as it can. I've been practicing with this bow lately, so I should be good for whatever we're up against. What better way to hunt some bandits when you got a former one in your ranks? And it'll be nice going to a feudal world for once. Those Hives and civilized worlds… too bright and noisy for me."

Roger nodded as an awkward silence followed. Tapping the hilt of his sword, the one he had kept since he was first given it as a gift from Lord Moressley, he moved a few steps closer.

"What's wrong Hawke? You're acting out of sorts, more than usual."

Checking the stave one last time, he sighed and looked up to Roger. His dark hair and brown eyes gave off a strange feeling in whoever looked at him, like he was always watching but wanted to be ignored by everyone else. The knight knew about his past and frankly did not care, but it certainly explained some things.

"Same… old problem."

"Helene," Roger said, rolling his eyes. "You broke up again?"

"No, but we did have a pretty bad fight this morning."

"I didn't hear about that. Or more to the point, no one told me about it."

"It was in her room. She hasn't… been feeling great lately."

"I noticed she wasn't on the comms deck last time I was there. What's going on?"

Hawke ran a hand down his face, pulling on his cheeks before scratching his throat. His commander took a nearby stool and placed it next to his, sitting down and placing a gloved hand on his shoulder.

"Boss, it…"

He sighed again.

"I fucked up. Bad. Really bad."

"So, you two are quits for good?"

"No, worse than that. I didn't want to hurt her or make her feel trapped."

Roger sat up in a bit of fear and anger.

"You hit her?"

Hawke looked at him in surprise.

"No! I'd never do that anyway, especially when-"

He buried his head in his hands and sniffled.

"Don't tell anyone, promise?"

"You should tell me Hawke."

His head still in his hands, the thief let out another sigh.

"I knocked her up. Three months along. Thought she had a cold, then the weird food cravings, getting big in the belly... I'm the only one she's been with, and we were being careful, but I guess the Guard issued pills are as fucking useless as the rest of our gear."

Roger looked back at Hawke with a pained expression, his lips pursed. He was expecting either the last and final collapse of their relationship, or he had been caught nicking some church silver. This was something else entirely.

"Are you certain she's-"

"Very."

"Shite."

"Yeah, that's about how I feel about it."

The two sat quietly for a few moments before the soon-to-be father spoke up.

"Neither of us want to get rid of it, obviously, but… dammit, what am I going to do? She has a cushy desk job on this station, I'm running around nearly getting my bloody head chopped off every mission. It's one thing to have a kid outside of wedlock, but they'll never know me at this rate!"

"Well, if you both are keeping it, have you thought about just tying the knot? I know you two have had your…problems, numerous, disastrous as they were. You would need your knight's permission as per standard Anglois rules, but I have no issue with it anyway. Kills plenty of birds with one stone-"

"I know, but it's-bloody hell boss, I don't know how to be a dad! Mine was only around for twelve or so years, all he taught me was how to survive then ended up strung from some gallows in Nothamshire. Maybe I'll be ready one day, but I know that it's not now! What the fuck do I do?"

Roger was about to say something, but one of his better traits came to the fore: knowing when he was out of his depth. He grew up with what many would consider a loving home with a single father, and he certainly had no children of his own. The question was a rational one, but exceptionally difficult to answer.

"Hawke, here's what I want you to do, all right? You're gonna tell Helene that we're off on a long mission and tell her you'll think over everything while we're out there."

"Okay."

"And if she wants to talk to me about anything, my door is open until we head off. Sounds good?"

"It'll keep her quiet. And we are staying quiet of course, her superiors know, and you're the first one outside her command group to know. They don't really seem to care, but you know how Cadians are. All about providing more soldiers for the Guard. Sick fucks."

"Good to hear. And you will spend our mission thinking about what your next move will be, right?"

The thief nodded slowly.

"Yeah, boss."

Patting him on the shoulder, Roger stood and stretched.

"You've gotten yourself out of worse situations, we both know that. The rest of us too. We'll figure it out."

"Aye boss."

"Was that all that was bothering you?"

"What, having my entire life throw upside down, having more responsibility than ever and having to figure out how I'll be able to pay for a kid on Guard salary wasn't enough?"

"Point…taken. As I said, we'll figure it out. We stuck together before we became the Leopards, and it'll stay that way."

Taking a little heart to this, Hawke's spirits visibly lifting after hearing the attempt at being supportive.

"Right. Get myself ready in the meantime."

"I know you have plenty on your mind, but I need you to be on top of things. God-Emperor knows what Edmund's throwing us into."

"Aye boss."

Saying all he thought was necessary, Roger walked away, seeing Davie standing at the barracks door.

"Well?"

"Nothing we can't handle. Poor bugger has plenty on his mind lately."

"Aye. Thanks Rog."

"A happy unit's a good one."

"That's what my last woman said."

The knight rolled his eyes as he went out into the hall, Davie chuckling behind him.

XXXXXX

Moving towards his personal quarters, all Roger could think was how thankful he was not to be in Hawke's shoes. Yes, he had been in some close calls, but he took a certain pride in being untouched. It not only gave him moral superiority, but it made him feel cleaner. He was not going to judge anyone for their lifestyle choices, Davie especially, but the number of problems he saved himself was far better than any pleasure he missed. And he was in love with someone, but the likelihood of them having children was… was it even possible? He knew from ancient evidence that him and Anya's pairing was not without precedent, but there were some things that were beyond thought and deed.

But just as his thoughts began moving towards the Ranger, her pale, freckled skin and fiery red hair, he saw that someone was standing outside of his door.

The figure was about his size, but he had barely seen them, given the black colors it wore. It was holding something solid, and as he moved closer, he realized it was a shield. On its face was something different from the heraldry that was common in Avalon: a white cinquefoil, or a five-pointed flower, on a black background with a hole in the middle. But inside each of the five petals, as distinctive in look as it was in figuring out where the figure was from, were five black Ermines, five arrows topped by three dots with tails. It was more famous as the iconic and ancient symbol of the Vretans. As he approached, the figure turned, its armor almost the same as his.

"I take it you're the Vretand knight I was expecting," Roger said politely.

Moving closer, he finally got a good look at the new arrival. About as tall as him, blondish brown hair in a well-kept bob cut. It would be remiss to not think that the Vretan was surprisingly handsome, a clean and rather attractive face.

"Ah, y-yes."

The voice was a bit high-pitched, almost feminine. The accent was Vretan, but there was a touch of Gasc in there. Of course, both languages had close relations even before they arrived on Anglerre.

"Sir Roger Wessyng, in the service of Prince Edmund of Anglerre until the cessation of the Haikk Crusade, and Baron Roland Moressley otherwise. At your service Sir…"

He held out his hand for an uncomfortable amount of time before a gloved hand grasped his.

"Sir Erwan Kerhoued, of that house. In the service of Ar Familhou, or the family of the Talvaing. I have heard much about you, Sir Wessyng."

"Good things, I hope?"

"From the Prince and the…"

A flash of pain, or something more akin to anger, went across Kerhoueds face.

"Captal."

"I heard you had a bit of a situation with the Gasc's down on Haikk Four. Don't worry, us men of Avalon can take a good joke better than them. Please, come in. Why'd you bring your shield

"I was not told what state of dress to arrive in. Sorry, this has been a bit sudden, and I am a bit confused by it all."

"How long have you been on the Langriano?"

"A few days."

"Throne, they really rushed you up here. And they already forced you onto me, eh? Well, we have plenty of time to learn about each other."

"I hope that things will make more sense from here on out. A bit of normalcy for once, I have been knee deep in kac'h since I got into this blighted system."

Roger laughed as he opened the door to his quarters, figuring what the Vretan curse translated to.

"You are about to be sorely disappointed, Sir Erwan."