What adventure! What a life! Dolce gasped in delight just to hear of it. Black holes, distant worlds, the unknown wonders of space, viewed from a safe distance! What’s more, there’d been a whole crew of beuroctopi along for the journey, all of them bustling about happily at their posts. Together.

What a life indeed.

“I think you are lucky.” Dolce sighed, a wan smile crinkling his nose. “You loved your job dearly, and you were good at it. That's more than many people can say. But is your place really gone? The Eater of Worlds is dead, but there’s still so much life here. Yourself, your fellows, the Ceronians...” Probably more life than either of them knew. Than either of them could hope to know. “This is still your home, and there are still fears that could threaten it. Your office is still here, and you were so happy there. Why not stay?”

[Rolling to Talk Sense with Wisdom: 6 + 1 + 1 = [b]8[/b]]

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

The song in the night does not go unanswered. Even when it is sung silently.
 
Vasilia strode out from behind Alexa, and you could be forgiven for failing to recognize her. Gone was the dashing captain, bravely meeting the golden shuttle. Her sword was drawn, and pistol free; instruments of violence, ready for the work. Her attention fell on each, taking their measure in turn, but her ink-laden eyes never strayed from the cat. Every ghost-ravaged step was an effort. Every step was sure.

Struggle with your squirming bundle, handmaiden. Show off your freshly-ravished uniform. Collect the shattered remnants of your composure.

You’re trying your best, and that’s all we can ask.

“Has anyone ever told you,” she mused, looking [i]down[/i] at her. “You sound [i]just[/i] like Jas’o.”