“Hey Gath!” Psiksi waved as the front door opened up. He and Kass had arrived as soon as they could, after Tenuk had called them saying that Gath didn’t seem right. “What’s up?”
The hulking Rethan grunted, looking not at all amused by this unexpected interruption. The two Skyans both peered past Gath and into his home, where everything seemed… weirdly organised and disorganised at the same time. As if Gath was in the middle of clearing the place out.
“What do you two want?”
“We came to check on you!”
“Who told you to do so?”
Kayen and Psiksi glanced at each other. They both knew better than to lie.
“Tenuk did, ser…” Psiksi shrugged. “He is worried about you. He saw that you’d been packing things up and was worried something had happened or you were moving away or something!”
“I am moving away.”
Psiksi blinked in confusion. Luckily Kass seemed to have some extra knowledge that made the whole situation less awkward.
“Is it your time to go back on duty already?”
Gath nodded. “It is. The 271st Legion must return to the city of Portalia, where I will lead them in the protection and general management of the city, while the 272nd Legion takes its much-deserved five year break. This unfortunately means I must pack up my belongings and leave.”
“So… we won’t see you for five years?”
“Most likely, no, aside from short breaks over holidays.”
“But what about… what about Retvik?” Psiksi asked, looking very confused. “Does he have to do this? What about seeing him again? And what about this place? Will it just be empty now?”
Gath nodded some more. He had become aware that Psiksi was not completely up to scratch on Rethan working rules. Kass knew a little more but there was still a somewhat confused look on Kass’s face as well.
“Yes, my home here will be empty, I will be moving into more basic accommodation while I work on Legion duties. Had Retvik still been in charge of the 270th Legion, he too would be heading back to Thre-Sypria. Unfortunately I have no idea what Retvik is doing or even whether he is actually alive, so I am packing up early in the hopes of… catching him…”
“You… don’t know if he is alive?” Psiksi gasped. “You… what?”
With a sigh, Gath moved to one side, leading Psiksi and Kass inside. He sat them both on the sofa then went back to placing crockery and cutlery in boxes. “Something is afoot in the upper Rethan community, something which I am no longer in the loop of. While my duties do not start until Genar next year, I need to spend some time preparing but will also take this as an opportunity to check in with Retvik. If possible.”
“Do you need us to look after your place while you are away?” Kass asked, trying to be helpful. “Or will that all be sorted out?”
“It will be sorted out.”
“Will we…” Psiksi hesitated. “Will we be able to talk?”
Gath smiled a little. Psiksi’s innocence was both amusing and rather cute. “I will be available for online communications during weekends.”
“Oh good!” Psiksi relaxed slightly. “I was worried we would not hear from you for five years…”
Gath patted Psiksi on the head. “You will hear from me, little one.”
“Is there anything we can do to help though?”
“Well…” Gath hesitated. “I suppose you could help me pack?”
Kass and Psiksi glanced at each other, then smiled.
“Sure, it’s the least we can do! Gotta make sure you’re all ready and good to go!”