“Hello, All-Ksa. How are you?”
Kayel shrugged, then continued staring out into the distance. The Rethavok had been incredibly kind over the last year or so, helping Kayel and the Skyavok rebuild somewhat. In fact, the Rethavok had probably done too much, what with giving other races land to rebuild on. But there was something in Kayel’s mind that he was uncertain about, something that had been bothering him.
“It’s… Complicated…” Kayel muttered. “Perhaps too complicated.”
“How so?” The tall, shimmering red and gold Rethan asked. As far as Rethan leaders go, Rethais Rethianos had been insanely forgiving, and generous to boot. The relationship between Rethans and Skyans had vastly improved. Then again, they did survive an apocalypse together.
“Do you wish to talk?” Rethais asked, being very calm and patient. Moreso than normal, Kayel assumed.
‘You know what? Yes, I do want to talk!” Kayel exclaimed. “There is a lot on my mind right now. Too much on my mind.”
“Like what?” Rethais asked, joining Kayel as he stared out into the city below.
Kayel exhaled sharply. “It is… a lot. Probably not the best, if I am honest.”
“I am willing to both listen and keep this conversation private.”
After a small sigh, Kayel decided to talk. Better out than in, as one would say.
“I have been asked to continue governing for a while. Vok want to push back our class elections until we are more stable.”
“That seems reasonable. Us Rethavok have temporarily done the same. After all, we did just narrowly avoid a universe-ending event. Keeping one single, steady leader during tougher times is to be expected. The last thing you need is having to train up someone else to do your job.”
Kayel let out a small laugh. “Hah, fuck, you sound exactly like my advisors.”
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Rethais asked.
“Good and bad…” Kayel sighed. “I serve my kind, I do so to the best of my abilities, you know? But I also… want to retire. Or at least going in holiday or something. Anywhere where I can briefly turn my brain off and have some fun and relaxation. Because, well…” Kayel gestured vaguely around himself. “I feel guilty for wanting to take time off.”
Rethais patted Kayel on the shoulder. “These are all reasonable thoughts, and I do understand what you are getting at. I would like to take some time off and…”
“I wanted this to by my last term as All-Ksa. I want to retire. But I have a job to do.”
“Does not mean that you have to work every day. Maybe you could take a long weekend, Friday to Monday, if you really want a break.”
Kayel sighed, knowing that Rethais was right.
“Yeah, I could do that. Just a small break. Maybe take Veeyel somewhere nice.”
“You should,” Rethais smiled. “You deserve a break.”
“Yeah, I guess…” Kayel shrugged, then turned back to his small desk. “I have things I need to finish off first…”