“I wouldn't,” Helmen said. “For now, let’s keep going along with whatever will get us out of here the fastest.”
“Good call,” Amina said.
“I looked it up before we got here, and this place isn’t new,” Desur said. “It’s been open for an entire year. It should be thriving. Or at least doing better than this.”
“Maybe the civil war is keeping trade away from this area,” Teshor suggested.
“What are the sides of the civil war?” Amina asked. “I mean, what caused the fight? Was it two different people vying for a throne or something?”
They all looked at Myrum, and he sounded a negative rattle. “I don’t know. I haven’t kept up with Talin politics, let alone Ossiso.”
Helmen’s ears pricked forward. “I’m surprised your super-secret mission doesn’t require you to know that.”
Unsure what Helmen knew and how much he could divulge, he kept quiet. Desur spoke up, saving him from Helmen’s scrutiny.
“I think it has something to do with those who want more expansion and those who want to focus internally,” he said.
“Expansion can be expensive," Myrum agreed. “Even if you end up claiming rich systems through exploration or war, it takes a lot of funding to make them profitable. During my father’s adultlette years all expansion was halted because our monetary system was strained. He ended up going into a profession he wasn’t interested in because of the ten solar moratorium.”
“I can see how that could cause a lot of friction,” Helmen said with a nod of her head. “A lot of species have the same issue somewhere in their history.”
Desur had more to add. “The issue might’ve been made worse because of severe unequal distribution of wealth. There’s something about souls being on different levels, but I didn't entirely understand it.”
“Levels?” Amina asked.
Myrum knew the answer to that. “Ossisos don’t consider anyone equal at birth. Depending on what family you're born into, you are assigned a level. That level might come withinfluence and wealth or it might mean you’re never allowed to own much of anything. Claiming new territory is the only exception to this rule.”
“And that’s how you get a civil war,” Teshor said. She was going to say something else but Nirot and Gis finished their conversation and returned to them.
“I apologize for the delay,” Nirot said, giving Gis a little shove forward.
“Thank you for correcting my behavior,” Gis mumbled to Myrum.
“The mark of an honorable individual is that they can always learn, from both accomplishments and mistakes,” Myrum said, feeling bad for Gis. “I’m sure you’ll be an excellent concierge for us.”
“Yes, exactly!” Nirot agreed. He stepped close to Myrum and spoke in a low tone. “These shaded souls must be watched at all times. None of them can be truly trusted, but with enough incentive they can learn to at least behave correctly. If he causes any issues, contact me and I will replace him with another gift of labor.”
It took all of Myrum’s self-control to keep from reacting negatively to the Ossiso’s words. All Gis had done was give Desur a sharp answer. It hadn’t been much, but now it seemed Myrum was expected to punish Gis in some way.
Emotions swelled inside him and suddenly the walls seemed to be closing in on him.
Amina pressed herself against his side, her warm body and scent helping to ground him.
“If Gis is going to see to our needs, then you’re free to go,” Amina said. “Myrum doesn’t like to be crowded by people who aren’t his loyal staff.”
He heard Teshor make a snort-laugh at Amina’s words, but Nirot took them seriously.
“Yes, of course,” the Ossiso said, stepping back. “I completely understand. It’s always best to be served by those who know your needs.” He paused for a moment, as if thinking, then spoke in a formal tone. “Thank you for your gift of time and skill.”
Even if he could’ve spoken, Myrum didn’t get the chance to tell the Ossiso he’d spoken the wrong phrase. It seemed he’d briefly studied Talin terms before dealing with Myrum. The moment the words were out of his mouth, the Ossiso gave him a sharp, shallow bow then turned on his heels and strode away with the last attendant following him and leaving Gis behind.
“Nirot is probably afraid you’ll get upset with him too,” Amina whispered as they disappeared around a corner. “He really doesn’t want you to report anything bad back to Lorse.”
Gis remained in front of Myrum, head bowed and shoulders slumped. “What do you need of me?”
“Please explain why this station is empty despite being open for an entire year,” Amina asked.
Gis looked up at her then Myrum, as if making sure it was okay to converse with a human. Myrum wasn’t ready to talk yet, but he sounded an affirmative rumble to encourage Gis to speak.
