☀️ Arselia and Akonia

—So, that’s how it is,” the girl’s features softened somewhat, “you’re right about that. They pay well here. Not some cushy job for 20 rems an hour, but no worse than the openings at SRI. You and Sanex will really benefit from this money, you’re right. And you’re right about fate, too,” the Tanarian girl gave a wry smile, “every encounter seems to be a fateful one.
Alaria took a deep breath, her gaze dropping for a moment to her new scars.
—And the previous secretary combined his duties with field work,” the former inquisitor said quietly, making sure no one was around, “and, in the process, he made a mistake, right according to Mr. Problem-solver’s manual. A sad story.

—It’s sad to hear. So, the unfortunate consequence was that I got this position. Well, what can you do, I didn’t have any malicious intent…

—Is that about the last mission? —following Alaria’s gaze, Klin also noticed the scars. —You know, when we talked on Wednesday, it seemed like everything was only about us and Sanex, and that was wrong. You said that, unlike me, you’re alone and don’t have a family that would miss you, but I think that’s not the best comparison for the situation. At the very least, I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Your path is your path, but close relationships complement and strengthen us. Since you’re fighting such a hopeless enemy, I think it would be great if, instead of just logic, there was a determination in your soul to return to the people you care about, the people you’re protecting. And I hope that even our alien world will eventually become a welcoming home for you. That’s what I think.