“The Fringe has its share of conflicts, but I find that life there can be somewhat sedentary at times.” Arthur responded carefully, and without overtly lying. “I came to the mid-Rim because I felt like it was where I had to be, and I can’t say I’ve regretted the choice yet. My limited experience with Graecia has shown me how wrong people can be about Rim nations. Your homeland is incredible.”

Both Kidemónes glanced at each other again at his words, and then turned back to him.

Perseus was once again the first to speak.

“It’s refreshing to hear that coming from a Fringer.” the more junior Kidemónas said in a markedly warmer tone. “I can imagine what is said about us out in the Rim, and I appreciate your open mind, Magellan. Plus,” he added with a small chuckle, “I can’t deny it’s mollifying to see Freelancers choosing Hellas over Xerxes.”

“Says something that even Mercenaries recognize how slimy Parthians are.” Endymion growled approvingly.

“Charlemagne has a lot of Greek and Roman influences across the Cluster, if we’re speaking in terms of the Terran cultures that preceded us.” Arthur said honestly. “Graecia just felt like the more natural fit.”

The compulsion notwithstanding, it was true. Graecia was far closer to what he was used to in Aurelia. Admittedly, there was a lot more Franco-Roman influence to Aurelia than Grecian, but the overarching aesthetic remained similar and constant enough to breed a comfortable familiarity, if nothing else.

If Arthur still felt oddly out of place in both nations, well, that was just him.

Arthur had never truly felt like he fit in on Aurelia. Graecia was likely no different.

“Do you have a sponsor here, Magellan, or is this strictly a blind disembarkation?” Perseus asked while shifting to a more relaxed and companionable stance.

“Blind.” Arthur confirmed with a wry smile, and idle demonstrative hitch of his backpack. “Just the clothes on my back, and anything I could easily carry.”

“You’re a brave man.” The Kidemónas observed thoughtfully. “Not sure I could do that.”

“That’s because you’re yet to step into a true war, Andino, despite your skill with a blade.” Endymion growled with a hint of mirth, and then turned to Arthur. “Not like this one. He’s seen that kind of death before, and plenty of it. Am I right, Magellan?”

Arthur’s expression tightened a little at the senior Kidemónas’ words, but he saw no point in deception and nodded. “I’ve seen my share of battles. Freelancing can have a lot of non-lethal contracts, but sometimes even those turn bloody whether you want them to or not. All I can say is that I’ve survived this far, so I like to believe I can hold my own.”

Endymion nodded sharply with what Arthur thought might have been approval. “That’s a veteran’s answer. No boasting, no bragging, just truth.” he reached out and clapped an armored gauntlet on Arthur’s shoulder. “You’ll do fine here, Magellan.”

“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen you compliment a stranger.” Perseus said with genuine surprise. “Are you feeling well, brother?”

Endymion turned his helmet toward the younger Kidemónas and shook his head. “I’ll feel better when you aren’t pointing out idiotic details.” he growled.

Arthur did notice that the hand dropped away from his shoulder quickly, though.

The disdain and irritation for Perseus’ observation were evident—and familiarly hollow. It was the empty recrimination between friends, diametrically opposed in personality, but friends nonetheless.

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Arthur couldn’t help but feel strangely envious of their clear camaraderie.

“He does enjoy trying to crush my spirit.” Perseus said while turning his helmeted head back toward Arthur. “But secretly I think he just likes me being socially functional enough for the both of us.”

“Shut up, Andino.” Endymion growled.

“No need to pretend, brother.” Perseus said mildly. “Magellan understands. Don’t you, Magellan?”

Arthur chuckled despite himself. “I get it.”

“If you’re done gossiping Andino, I think we should probably let Magellan be on his way.” Endymion grunted. “You’re after Customs, I take it?”

“I am.” Arthur confirmed with a nod to Endymion. “I assume I’ll find it eventually if I just follow the pathways here.”

“All roads lead to bureaucracy!” Perseus said with a laugh.

“Just follow the signs.” Endymion agreed. “You’ll find it easily enough.”

“Thanks.” Arthur said with a grateful smile. “I appreciate the guidance, and the chat. You two have a good, uh, day?” he glanced down at his left wrist the moment he realized he didn’t actually know what the time was.

“Day.” Endymion confirmed with a quiet snort before Arthur could open his holoscreen. “Definitely day. You sure you can find your way to customs, Magellan?”

Arthur’s smile turned wry. “I think so. I’ve just been a little distracted, I suppose.”

“Why don’t we just take you?” Perseus asked with what Arthur suspected was an impulsive thought.

“We aren’t tour guides, Andino.” Endymion grunted.

“We also aren’t doing anything here, brother.” Perseus pointed out with a sigh. “There are two Hexarons in this section alone, and we’re due to be relieved at the top of the hour anyway. Let’s just call Vicente and Morello and let them take the watch until the relief team arrives.”

“They aren’t even part of our Hexaron.” Endymion growled.

“Our Hexaron is split over three different duty stations across the entire system, brother. We aren’t exactly spoiling for options.”

Arthur remained silent as the pair conferred, and idly adjusted his backpack.

A Hexaron was the six-man squad Kidemónes operated in as standard, he recalled.

“Perhaps.” Endymion said after a moment of silence. “Check the schedule, first.”

“I did! There are no other disembarkations slated for the next few hours, and we’re superfluous here as it is.” Perseus said confidently. “Besides, Magellan’s not like the rest of the tourists that come through. Don’t tell me you can’t feel it, Tacticus! This whole meeting is like a—!”

“If you say a sign from the gods, Andino, I swear to Zeus I’ll hit you.”

The taller but more junior Kidemónas shrugged in an exaggerated manner.

“You said it, brother, not me. Besides, you’ve been more social with Magellan than you are with most of the Navy. That merits at least some investigation, right?”

Arthur felt a strange sense of deja vu at Perseus’ words, but dismissed it. He’d never even been to Graecia before that moment. Still, something about what Perseus said had felt… odd. It was as if he should understand or know what was going on, and why Endymion was more openly social with him.

A subtle wave of focus swept his concerns away, and he dismissed the thoughts immediately.

The ‘why’ of it didn’t matter.

Only answers mattered, and if the Kidemónes wanted to take a liking to him, that just helped his purpose for being there in the first place.

“The Navy are blowhards.” Endymion continued while oblivious to Arthur’s thoughts.

“And Magellan is a Freelancer.” Perseus pointed out with clear amusement. “Weren’t you ranting about mercenaries just last—”

“Fine, Andino.” Endymion cut in with a snarl. “We’ll take him to customs, but we only go as far as customs.” he continued firmly. “No further.”

“Sure.” the younger Kidemónas said with a laugh. “Whatever you say, brother.”