[Astoria sure does love avoiding that particular conversation. Maes finds himself thinking about the last time he'd asked her for information about a world. It's never as much information as he would like, but it's just enough to give him an idea. Could they have prepared any better for Akvos? for Horologium? There's no way of knowing and Maes knows better than anyone how futile 'what ifs' can be.

Still, is this her attempt at a show of trust? She didn't have to do that or to tell him anything at all. She could still be lying, but what would even be the point in that? It's something though and her tired expression does elicit some sympathy.]

Thank you. [He pauses, giving her a moment but also trying to think of a good follow up question.] This darkness that we're supposed to be taking care of as your warriors. It manifests differently on the different worlds, right? If it's always present on this next one, what are we supposed to do to turn the tide exactly?

[He has a hunch, but it's tentative at best. Unfortunately though, war doesn't end as far as he can tell. He has yet to meet someone from a world at peace.]