Ah, that does explain many matters. Admittedly I only know what Palamedes has told me, but the ah... inequality of resources is a familiar one.

[one that makes his lips thin a bit. if only it weren't such a familiar matter between worlds, but alas.

the bit about connection makes him tilt his head, considering.] Many of the issues we face are only resolved with the help of another. Some pointedly punish isolation.

Well, in this matter it was well chosen, though pointless. I already respect you a great deal, Ortus, even without such Trench tricks. [said with the easy confidence of something that is simply true. what can he say? ortus is a good guy.]