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((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 1 of 2))
Hector would hardly call this place "empty," as Hanton had, when so many were living in this region. But then again, compared to the forty million or so people who were crammed into Atreya, he could kind of understand what the Sparrow had meant.

He just hoped that Hanton would actually tell him if he sensed anything strange in this region.

"Lord Goffe," arrived the voice of Carl Rondel, making Hector turn to see him approaching. "What is your opinion on the war?"

Hector blinked, unsure what to even say to that.

The man's reaper, Joviza, hovered nearer. 'Excuse our bluntness,' she said. 'We did not mean to blindside you with such a heavy question, but we are curious. And we find it best not to dance around the subjects we are interested in discussing.'

Ravi and his reaper were observing, seemingly also interested in how he would answer.

Well, shit.

'Remain non-committal,' advised Garovel privately. 'But try to also sound strong, if you can.'

Hector could agree with those sentiments. He had a question of his own first, though. "Why are you asking?"

"Because it is relevant," said Carl flatly. "If the war comes to this part of the continent, do you intend to get involved?"

Did this guy even know the meaning of the word tact? "...I would defend Atreya from invaders, if that's what you're asking," said Hector.

"And what about Lorent?" pushed Carl.

No. Hector was pretty sure he didn't.

And Hector didn't feel particularly compelled to answer that question.

So he decided to just leave the guy hanging without a response and began to descend the cliff, taking the slow route by simply walking.

Mr. Rondel put himself in the way, however. "I asked you a question."

Hector stopped and met his gaze evenly.

"Would you defend Lorent from invaders?" he repeated.

"Would the Vanguard?" asked Hector.

Carl's dark eyes narrowed.