A Safe Haven

[Asteria Sigini]

Theme
Location: Ord Cantrell, Resort World​

Freedom. Sweet freedom. Siggy breathed it in. No more cautionary glances or wary eyed stares; no more trials and tribulations, from the Imperial Republica or her own mother. Not only had the young heiress escaped a less than pleasant marriage arrangement, but she had -for a time- escaped the long reaching grasp of her mother's control. On this world, no one knew who she was, and not many seemed to care either. Everyone seemed content with the planet's relaxed atmosphere. Here, they could soak up the sun and laze in shameless leisure. It many ways, it was similar to Hapes, though men were more liberal in their privileges. Siggy was still getting used to that. But no matter, she was willing to overlook the culture shift, especially when it afforded invaluable experience. Despite her age, Siggy had never travelled outside Hapan territory. To see the galaxy itself for the first time had been understandably overwhelming for her. No amount of reading or holovids could prepare her for such reality. Admirably, Siggy took it in her stride. On the opulent streets of Ord Cantrell's capital, the lavender eyed beauty walked undaunted, as if she were born to it.

The first few days she had stayed timidly hidden in her temporary hotel suite. But oddly enough, the Hapan was unaccustomed to such loneliness. There was simply no one to commune with. No family, no service droids. And no Cas either, her brother. Not able to stand the solitude much longer, Siggy made a bid and finally ventured out into the city's entertainment district.

She did what any twenty would do. She found a suitable establishment, one with music and dancing, and proceeded to order a rather curious looking drink.
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[Jack Graves]

What on earth are you doing here? It was a question as valid as any other, but devoid of leads, the bounty hunter followed his heart. As it were that particular organ was five years out of practice and so he somehow ended up in a club he had no business being in with an empty drink he didn't remember and clothes he couldn't possibly afford. It was satin, overly expensive and soft much like many of the people on this resort world.

A resort world. People so rich they literally bought their own planet. These places usually escaped the throes of war undoubtedly caused by rich families vying for power. To them it was like a game, gambling with the lives of billions much like chips. You are loathe to lose them, but you don't mind so long as you end up with more than you started.

His weapons weren't on him, not even his holdout blaster. No doubt they were checked in, but it left Jack feeling naked. Settling into his overly soft chair overlooking the dance floor, the gruff man eventually rose to find a restroom. Inside he could hear the titillating snickers of couples who thought themselves clever in their social dalliance. That honeymoon would end, Jack knew that well. They'd face reality soon enough and like every crack and wrinkle forming as their youth fades it would not be pretty and it would be forever...or just long enough to feel that way.

Returning after pushing aside a Toydarian offering him drugs, the thirty something man would find himself next to a pretty girl and be completely oblivious to her. Affixed as he often was, the man stared down the busy barkeep, a Cathar girl who looked barely old enough to drink herself,

"Something strong and straight" he grunted, he liked his shots like he liked his shooting though in truth he detested both.

Soon enough the small glass slid over to him and as his gnarled hands wrapped around the amber liquid trapped within he lifted it in silent toast. Bitter and burning, that's how he wanted her to be when he found her. Then a simple gulp and a quickly receding warmth and he was left with nothing. As he was accustomed.

 

[Asteria Sigini]

"Another round," Siggy tittered, "On me!"

The nearby patron cheered as her handful of credits clinked onto the counter, their chimes similar to that of bells. The young heiress felt like celebrating; for once she could enjoy herself, and have no fear of consequence. Buying the first round at the bar seemed like the splendid start. The mood was pleasant enough, with the music subtle and hypnotic. Several couples were dancing nearby, whilst vivid visual effects beamed on wide spanning surfaces. Siggy marvelled at it all, staring with wide eyed curiosity. It was something akin to childlike fascination, and it didn't stop at her surroundings. Openly, the Hapan gawked the feline female before her. Aliens were rare on Hapes, yet so far Siggy had seen a whole menagerie of species; there had been Twi'leks and Dugs, Muuns, and even a Togruta! Who knew such fantastical creatures could exist, all in one universe. Siggy could spend hours walking in amongst Ord Cantrell's revellers, seeing something new with each passing minute. That could be the plan for tomorrow. At this moment in time, the lavender eyed blonde wanted to conquer the cocktail list.

They were certainly colourful concoctions, dotted with sugary adornments and other gaudy garnishes. But Siggy rather liked them, soon requiring precious knowledge as to her personal tastes. She favoured sweetness over tangy, creamy richness over fruity tart. In youthful exuberance though, she did little to space out her tastings. No sooner had she finished one glass was she ordering another. Eagerness drove her, though there was a whisper of caution nagging away at her. If her mother saw this, she'd have a fit. And that's what made it so delicious!

Swinging round on her seat, somewhat clumsily, Siggy took around look around her. She had noted someone had settled down on the stool beside her, but she hadn't really took the time to notice him. He was male after all. But, this wasn't Hapes, and there were no social protocols it seemed.

Feeling brave, Siggy attempted some conversation, "Do you come here often?"

Noting his fine satin apparel, Siggy wondered if he was a clandestine socialite too.

 

[Jack Graves]

A free round. Nothing in life came free and when the drink came to him, Jack stubbornly paid for it. He didn't owe anyone if he didn't have to even if that obligation was mere social pleasantry. Still it made the crowd around him happy enough. Thinking, such mental work always led Jack to trouble. Ignorance, as the dictators put it, was strength. You were so much taller when you didn't look up. Unfortunately the bounty hunter took a peek at the peaks above him and they called to him each with their own doom of knowledge. He should have kept his head down. Maybe they'd still be alive if he did.

Aliens. The physical embodiment of the unknown. They spoke of the wider stars and while Jack was well-traveled he hadn't seen even the smallest fraction of what the black of space held close and he would be long dead before he could get anywhere close. In a way that's why he kept to himself. Besides the infinite around him each person possessed unknown depths like a murky sea. Swim into the wrong atoll and you could find yourself mired for decades from the hurricane that bears their name.

Jack was currently weathering such a storm. He did so silently, stoically, knowing time was neither his ally nor enemy. Like much of the universe it was merely apathetic to his existence as he was to it. His only care was that somewhere in on a white star surrounded by black was where she was. He would find her, whether by chance or in his pursuit, he would find her. Then they'd find peace and he could look up to face the storm like an old friend.

Shaken from his reverie, Jack blinked and looked to the young socialite understanding she asked him a question. He nearly asked what she had said when his attentive ears informed him in slight delay. Looking upon her curiously and noting no foul intent the bounty hunter kept a sense of wariness hidden just below the thin satin that wrapped around his muscular form.

"First time. Maybe, I actually don't recall coming here"

It was said nonchalantly with the type of confidence that comes with truly not caring what might come of the words. Like spinning a speeder down a tight turn at full speed not caring if he lived or died, though significantly less fun. Recalling this was the one who bought the round he twirled his finger at the drinking patrons and asked,

"Where'd ya get the cash?"

He already knew she didn't earn it. Those who worked for their cash treated it with respect, like an heirloom if they could keep it or like oxygen if they must lose it in the deep sea of poverty. To give so much for nothing meant this woman had either nothing or everything to lose.

 

[Asteria Sigini]

Immediately Siggy noted something peculiar about patron beside her. He seemed somewhat delayed. Perhaps he had had a few one too many already? No, that wasn't it. Perhaps she was picking up on the dreary ambiance surrounding him; whilst others jived and cavorted in sheer bliss, he seemed almost...sullen and out of place. Whatever it was, it caused Siggy to giggle. Her age was showing. She tried to ease the atmosphere with her usual youthful charm.

"You don't seem to be enjoying yourself." She noted, gesturing at him with a tip of her glass. Still, she couldn't figure out why. That made her curious, enough to consider prying, even if common sense told her otherwise.

Yet the male fired the first question, with a rather uncultured droll at that. ​

"Family," She shrugged, rather innocently. It was a vague enough answer, but nothing akin to lying.

Her family were one of the most influential on Hapes; on more than one occasion, they had familial ties with reigning Queen Mothers. Growing up, Siggy wanted for nothing. Only the best was good enough; from food to clothing, everything was the finest for her. And why wouldn't it be, given she was the one and only heiress? Her mother's cherished daughter. So long as she played the part, she could languish in luxurious comfort. Even now, in self imposed 'exile', Siggy still had access to funds. True, they were rooted in questionable accounts, but it ensured she couldn't tracked through finances. The Imperial Republica thought her abducted. Best she stay that way, lost amongst the faceless masses of the universe.

Awkwardly, Siggy idled on her seat, cocking her head one way before at him in the other, "Soooooo...What brings you to Ord Cantrell?" Not being a resident herself, Siggy wasn't sure if he was a visitor here or a native.

 

[Jack Graves]

Why did he care, Jack couldn't say, but something grabbed him about this girl. It wasn't that she looked like her, or was even near her age, but that she was someones daughter and that person might be worried about her. Talk about projection, but the hunter knew the only reference he had was himself and the only reality he could trust was within. Still without those around you, to bring ambiance, clarity, context, even if it was all a lie. Jack knew the alternative was pure truth, but purity was hardly in high demand in a galaxy like this.

This girl, surrounded by men of appropriate look, social graces, and intoxication to entertain her and she was speaking to him. Dragging a finger around his now empty glass and giving her a once over as she answered his question he nodded. Family. What we come from, what we become, what we make, all that we are. Family is the one thing that can come from almost nothing because it is an idea. Jack knew how dangerous ideas were, especially if they festered in the darkness neglected and thought of as granted. Democracy is an idea that comes to mind, a birthright that died out. Plain and simple.

She was fidgeting. Nervous. Awkward. She reminded him so much then of her. It was the way she carried herself. Especially after what happened. After what he let happen. His hand rose as if to quiet her shifting, to comfort her. That impulse died as it lived as the hand too quickly came down to his knee which he found to be similarly shaking. This place, this person, it had a strange effect on him and the drink was not helping.

He would leave just then if he had recourse, but as it were he would have to fumble around, find the coat check, his clothes, his arms. Meanwhile the girl had simply asked him what brought him there. What brought him anywhere was a four letter word at this point, but Jack decided to be as contrite as she was with her answer,

"Family,"

In the past this cocksure response would be coupled with a wry grin and a wink, but neither came. Instead the heiress was given a stare, not cold, nor overtly probing, merely a look of tacit almost academic observation.

"Do you love your family?"

It was a question more for his sake. As another drink came wordlessly to the bounty hunter and he took a somber sip his eyes did not leave her. Truth was like the death of a star. Quick, violent, blinding, and rare. He surely woudln't miss it.

 

[Asteria Sigini]

Siggy couldn't make heads or tails of this male. He wasn't at all what she was used to. On Hapes, men were subservient and quiet, easily dismissed. They did not question their female superiors, nor speak out of turn. In public, they were diminutive, so as not to distract from the grace and beauty of their betters. It should come as no surprise, given the planet's matriarchal culture and social structure. Women were respected and revered. Men aught to be the ones worshipping them. It dawned on Siggy that she had never actually had a normal conversation with a person of the opposite gender. Rhea, her overbearing mother, had instructed the male staff not to interact with Siggy. That was mostly left to her matrons and service droids. True, the only non-Hapan men were the odd Imperials visiting for political occasions. How the heiress despised them.

But this man was a curiosity. He wasn't boisterous or bold, not overhyped and jovial like half of the bar's patrons. The longer Siggy stared at him, the more inquisitive she became. Especially when he evaded he question and instead proposed one of his own. Nevermind, she thought. She'd allow it.

"Honestly? There are some I adore," She smiled, absently thinking of her brother and uncle, though the visage of her mother soon replaced that thought, "Then there are some I don't."

Family was a tricky topic. In terms of a matriarch, Rhea was as respectable as they came. She was fierce and ruthless, the eldest in a long successive line of siblings. Yet as a mother, she was questionable. Controlling, compromising, and sometimes just downright cruel. More to Cas, Siggy's twin brother, than anyone else. He was a son, after all. A disappointment. His future would have laid in companionship, as a consort to Hapan lady. But, instead, he had been taken, by none other than the Sith. And their mother Rhea had allowed it to happen. Siggy never forgave her for that, or ripping the two of them apart.

With her brows knitting in exasperation, Siggy finally admitted, "It's...complicated."

She did love her mother, of course she did. She had birthed her after all, given her the best life. To think otherwise would be ungrateful (as she was often reminded). Still, her mother went on about how ugly and dangerous the galaxy was, how its disgusting inhabitants were beneath the grandeur of Hapes. Siggy didn't see that. Each day she saw something new, talked with someone different. It was...refreshing.

Maybe...just maybe...her mother was wrong.

Siggy flinched, instinctively glancing about her, as if expecting a correctional scolding. No, she shook off the feeling. Her mother wasn't here. Neither were her aunts. No one could chastise her here.

"Another round! There's just too much to celebrate!"

 

[Jack Graves]

This was by far the longest conversation Jack had had in years and judging by the reaction of this woman it certainly showed. To make matters even more abundantly clear that he was rusty, after all this neither knew the others name. Not that a name was necessary for a significant relationship, Jack had killed numerous people without knowing their names and he felt that relationship was of some note. He never did so flippantly, but despite the trappings and the questions the bounty hunter still had something to live for. Even if it was just the one thing.

As he heard her answer about how she adored some and felt no feelings for the others he winced as if in pain from the word that came next. Complicated. It was the devil's tool, a word to subvert and to trick. Complicated was just another word for hard and while matters of love were hard it really was quite simple. You loved them or you didn't.

Jack had great passion for his family. He thought of them without ceasing, even now every comparison, ever inflection of this woman led him to thinking of her. Maybe that's why he didn't ask her name. Why ruin this, why let himself know that this would be a person of no consequence. That words were badinage bandages to be changed on the hour. That infection might set in if he didn't find the support of another person, like a life preserver in an unending sea where everyone was drowning.

Taking the answer, the bounty hunter flexed his fingers. They were getting slower. He'd need more time on the range or the hunt by weeks end. As she called for another round he held up his hand. Already the drink made him weary and slow and he could not afford to make him stupid. He needed his wits more than his armor, his focus more than his blasters, his purpose more than to be painless. Still others around him were celebrating. They survived another week. Whether at mediocre jobs or in mediocre families they made it this far. What they saw as an accomplishment, Jack saw for what it was. A curse.

"I love my family very much" he finally said as the celebration quieted and the drinkers quickly emptied their celebratory sponsor from their heads with their drained glasses, "They're all I think about... you remind me in a way of my daughter, though in truth you look nothing like her."

Perhaps he'd already had the fatal swig. No one knows the inch of the knife that kills them. Whatever the case, the hardened man looked to the woman wondering how she would react to his continual digging. Whether he was trying to uncover truth or make a proper grave was anyone's guess including his own, but so long as it was true then he supposed it didn't matter.

 

[Asteria Sigini]

Siggy blinked at the male's openness. For some so seemingly surly, he was apparently opening up more, enough to confide a portion of his thoughts. His statement struck her somewhat. He didn't seem like the family sort of man, but then again, how would an Hapan heiress such as her know such things?

"I...never knew my sire." She didn't even know his name, her mother stating it was of no importance. "After conception was achieved, my mother returned him to his family. She never keeps her consorts."

To anyone familiar with Hapes, they would be aware of the rather sordid social structure. Marriages themselves were rare; in order to retain power and influence, Hapan ladies kept consorts. Their primary role was to father children, even if they had no parental rights to them. Whether successful or not, they could dismissed without notice, something with Rhea did often. To only fleeting father figure Siggy could even recall was that of her uncle, Julius. But his visits were few and far between. With that, the void remained unfilled. She didn't feel saddened by this per say, it was just the way her world worked, how it had been done for previous generations. Perhaps if her sire had been more pleasing, Rhea would have kept it. Though Siggy highly doubted it. Rhea rarely spared her affections. Why would she waste them on the likes of a male, one whose only duty was to serve her?

Shaking her thoughts of such notions, Siggy returned to the conversation.

"How do I remind you of her? What is her name?" She then, blinked, "Wait. What is your name?"

It had finally dawned on her that she had no idea who she was speaking to. But in all fairness, he had no idea either. Still, she was an heiress in hiding, an 'abducted' intended for an imperial. She couldn't go around offering her true name so openly. So, yet again, she opted for a partial truth.

"You can call me Siggy, if you like." Having read about such introductions, Siggy extended her hand towards him, the gesture indicative of a greeting. Usually, she wouldn't allow such liberties to be taken, but maybe it was just the booze working on her composure.

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[Jack Graves]

This seemed to be an odd meeting for the both of them. Something struck Jack about the foreign nature of this interlude to his family matter. While he was expected to be the fish out of water gasping in need of his sea of perfect apathy hiding the painful passion just underneath the surface, this girl seemed a regular social butterfly who should be fluttering with ease. Yet here they were intermingling small talk with big and all sizes in between.

He blinked at the word 'sire' spoken as if it was supposed to mean something to the bounty hunter. With context it appeared to mean father, but less so. Whatever society codifies denying a father was only slightly less messed up than his own private matters. This matter which seemed so pivotal to Jack, so concrete the very bedrock of his being was spoken in passing by this girl in a manner that bordered clinical.

Jack, in a sense, could deal with his absence harming or even breaking his daughter, but he could not bear the idea that she would somehow just live on. His fingers fluttered and his eyes shook as visions popped into his head. She was growing up without him. Once she was grown she wouldn't need him. She would never need him. What happened then, when he needed her.

This rapid aging was halted only by the inquiry of the woman as to why she reminded him so much of his daughter. In truth, he had no photo to show, no saved image, no memento. He was taken, stripped, and bound for years only sustaining himself on her memory. He had to be certain. He was certain that he kept her face in his mind. Thinking on it, overlaying it over the girl he suddenly realized why he saw it,

"You have the same way about frowns. Little frowns when something perplexes or confuses you"

Thinking back on it, that's the face Jack remembered most on her. She was confused about so much, which made sense as he felt the same way at the time. So much fighting back then. All for nothing. All for this.

"Siggy...interesting. You can call me Jack"

While the drinks ceased flowing it seemed the bounty hunter was oddly calmed by this odd foreign presence. Like finding out a tumor was benign, one can get used to something one doesn't necessarily need or even want. Thinking on this, Jack gave that same small little frown. The one worn by his daughter when they took him to trial.

 

[Asteria Sigini]

Mother had always warned Siggy against frowning. It created wrinkles, supposedly. But She couldn't help it. Living the sheltered life that she did, it was no wonder so much confused and perplexed her. No amount of books or holovids could prepare her for the outside world. There was simply too much to take in; there were aliens of all shapes and variety, speaking the most convoluted of languages. Cultures varied from one extreme to the other, whilst even food was salaciously different. It was a wonder Siggy managed to cope with it all. But, somehow she did, taking it in her stride. Her liberal uncle would have been proud of her, trying new things and speaking to different people. Maybe she'd tell him about it one day, if she ever saw him again.

A thought then occurred to her, making her sigh. Would she ever see her family again? Would she ever return to Hapes? This plan wasn't exactly well thought through. Siggy couldn't stay on Ord Cantrell forever. It would only be a matter of time until she was tracked down. An 'abduction' only had so much credibility. Sooner or later, a choice would need to be made. Siggy was waiting to hear from her brother first, that way she could make a decision. The twins had been inseparable in their youth, had been as thick as thieves and twice as naughty. But then the Sith came and ruined everything, tearing her brother away from her.

Prior to her 'disappearance', Siggy had sent a message to Cas, hoping he'd still remember the meaning behind it. So far, no reply. Had he forgotten? Or simply refused to respond?

So lost in her thoughts, Siggy almost missed the name of her companion. "Jack?" She blinked, perhaps paused by its simplicity. Not that she was one to really. "Jack. Hmm. Well, it's nice to meet you, Jack."

Time was waning, so much so that Siggy had altogether lost track of it. It was only when she spied the hour on a news feed did she realise how long she had partying. Time certainly flies when you're having fun. "I'll be honest with you, Jack. I haven't had a conversation as long as this since...forever, really."

Service droids didn't exactly make for the best company.

 

[Jack Graves]

She seemed to take a liking to his name and in a way he did too. He hadn't heard it spoken besides under a hail of slugs in many months and the unfamiliarity was apparent on his usually inexpressive face. He hadn't heard his daughters voice in years, it was hard not to attribute a new female voice speaking to him with growing familiarity. Tainting those memories, adding just a dash of dirt to the water making it cloudy, hard to see the face of innocence just beyond. Five years, a lot can change in five years.

"Nice to meet you too Siggy," he stretched the name a bit, probably a nickname or a very strange alias. Perhaps Jack had been talking to a lady of the night this entire time. She was attractive and did talk to him first. To have a real social experience cheapened and turned into a commercial tryst would be exactly what the bounty hunter deserved, perhaps even what he needed, but he wasn't about to assume. Plus she was buying drinks for everyone, no this was a woman of means and money no doubt far from home.If anyone was to take advantage, it would have to be him.

Jack looked out to the party between conversation beats. It was dying down as even the hardiest dancers and drinkers were pairing off or grouping up to find rooms, beds, couches, floors. Sleeping off their failed suicide by life to try again even harder on the morrow. It made sense in a way, when you don't live on the brink of starvation or under the razors edge of violence, you make excuses to put yourself there. Life isn't worth living without at least a chance of a sudden and violent end.

As Siggy spoke and let loose a sentiment he had just moments ago thought himself, a smile just nearly cracked on his face. Alas he was out of practice so all the heiress got was a knowing nod. Though it was her final word that caught him like a hangnail. Sharp, sudden, painful in the worst way, they way that promises no reprieve of death. Just more pain.

Forever.

"Me too." he said simply in thought. In the center of the room was a Devaronian girl. She was dancing and singing the words to the song playing, even from here Jack could tell she was getting most of the words wrong, but her confident smile said otherwise, clearly the recording must be off because those have always been the words.

"Forever is a scary thing," the bounty hunter at last expanded, "Our ancestors didn't have to worry about things like endless space and time, they were a bit preoccupied..." he let it trail off as he thought back to something he said to his daughter.

"How long will you love me daddy?"

"Forever and ever"

"How long is forever?"

He didn't have an answer then, though he did have one now. Not nearly long enough. Looking to Siggy a sudden somber look emerging he took her eyes into his and imparted his late night drunken wisdom,

"Don't lose family if you don't have to. You never know when they'll be taken."

 

[Asteria Sigini]

The bartender called out for last orders, startling Siggy for a moment. Had so much time passed already? Night time was upon them and Hapans didn't fare well in low light. She had best get back to the safety of her hotel. Admittedly, she might have gotten abit reckless, had over indulged. She hadn't tasted freedom in so long, it should come as no surprise Siggy hit the ground running. The girl simply had no notions of moderations.

Stumbling off her bar stool, the Hapan gave a clumsy salute, "As a wise scholar once said...forever is just a tangible concept. We make it as long as we like. At least, that's how I remember it." Unsure, she waved him off, seeming prepared to venture out into the night. Siggy out felt a big giddied by the prospect.

Hapes was stuck in a near constant daylight. Over a course of generations, evolution had ensure Hapans became suited to their environment. As a result, the beautiful people from the cluster world, were nearly rendered blind without light. Whilst any other humanoids could perceive some distinction in darkness, Hapans could not. Yet, perhaps because of the alcohol, Siggy wasn't afraid. So long as she followed the lights of the city, she was sure she'd get back to her accommodation.

Yet her odd companion made her pause. He spoke with a shadow of sincerity, one which Siggy recognised all too well. "I fear it's already too late, Jack..."

It was a fleeting moment of sobriety, one that Siggy quickly pushed away. ​

Truly, this was the source of her anxiety. Cas hadn't returned any of her messages. Over the past decade, her twin brother had become nothing more than a stranger to her, one who refused to even acknowledge her anymore. Had the Sith truly claimed him? Had they warped their own innocent bond and shattered its worth? Siggy didn't want to believe it. Once upon a time, she and her brother were thick as thieves. They caused ceaseless mischief, courting trouble wherever they could find it. They comforted eachother in sadness and shared in the joy of youth. Now, Cas seemed more of a ghost than a man. Siggy wasn't even sure what he looked like now.

Perhaps it was sign, one the heiress didn't want to accept. With a departing wave, the Hapan sauntered away. At the doorway she paused, her eyes pinched in an attempt at sight. She hesitated for a moment, traces of reservation cautioning her steps. But, no sooner had she considered the alternatives did Siggy then step off into the streets. Cas was out there, somewhere in darkness. She had to find him.

​

 

[Jack Graves]

Family, a single word. Single words are hard to break. They are simple, easily understood. They can be argued against, but passion will fight you back every time. Those kinds of things, Family, honor, truth, they didn't succumb to outside pressure, at least not usually. No, what did them in was internal struggle. A few letters turn coating honor to horror, truth to sooth, and Family to...whatever Jack found himself in now.

As he listened to the bartender give last call then Siggy's answer, he felt like they had nearly dug toward gold then found coal instead. Both valuable in their own ways, but while one was pretty the other kept you alive, though in its sooty dirty specter you might wonder why. So as she got up and he spoke his piece, her reply left him gutted as a mountain mined. Once there was life here, then stripped away and blown to bits to have everything worthwhile carted away, then to fester as nothing but a shell. She was gone now and all he could say was,

"Maybe so"

Surprisingly that reply was the most hopeful thing said that evening, in everything, even the most dire of circumstances, keep this word at your side like a trusty knife. Maybe. If you do, you just might survive this cruel world.

Well...maybe.