6-136: Mundo Zargo Highport – Boothe’s Tavern and Eatery
From Texts
Gregar says, “it’s odd, isn’t it? In some ways Legionnaires have more freedom than many citizens, but only if they do exactly what they’re told.”
Lia laughs.
“The joy of Legion life is to follow orders. Though they’re not all automatons. Sometimes I think it would be nice if there were more choices than just Legion or commercial…”
Gregar says, “well, I suppose there’s always the Bureaucracy. Or the Vizierate if you’re one of those genius weirdo types.”
He continues, “but I like this. There’s opportunities for real freedom out here on the edge of things, on a little tramp ship like Spanial.
“What is freedom to you, Lia?”
She looks mildly startled. She doesn’t get caught by surprise very often but he’s managed it.
She gets a thoughtful look and stirs her drink for a moment.
“Freedom… The ability to choose… without restriction…”
She sips her drink as she processes.
“To be able to go where I want, conduct my business however I want, wherever I want…to be who I want…”
Her voice has become rather intense.
He looks like he’s about to respond with another question, but then seems to have an attack of shyness and plays with his drink instead.
There’s a pause.
Lia is caught in her thoughts for a moment before realising she may have revealed more than she intended.
She smiles at Gregar.
“How about you? Does the Spanial mean freedom to you?”
The Story Resumes
Gregar says, “I like it here very much. It feels like…a refuge, perhaps even a…home.”
Her smile looks a little wistful.
“Home…”
A beat.
“I can’t remember the last time I was somewhere that felt like that….”