Kartena walks into the lounge usually reserved for Gladius members. "Geez things have changed," she says to herself as she looks around. Its been over six months since she last was in this room. She closes her eyes to remember that moment...
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"Karts. KARTS."
"Yea.. You need something Zor?" Kartena said looking up at her old friend and commander.
"Yea, try you reports from the last two months. You haven't done anything in the last week but sit here and stare out the window.. What's going on?"
"Nothing.. I'll get you those reports.. Really they are on my desk right now.." Kartena got up and slowly walked across the room. As she approached her office door, she paused to get a card out and accidentally knocked into a nearby Apprentice. "Sorry about that, I was distracted"
Walking into her office, Kartena sighed and collapsed into a chair behind her desk. "There are somewhere here." She said and started to riffle around her desk.
"Kartena What's bugging you?" Zoraan said and sat down in a nearby chair. "Ouch, Are these the reports you were looking for?" He asked pulling them out form underneath him.
"Yea. I'm sorry about that. I must have thrown them there to get them out of my way. I really need to clean up my office look at this mess."
"Why don't you answer my question?"
"It's nothing. Just some family junk."
"Well, What's going on?"
"My brother is into some Rebel group and my mom isn't very happy with him. She wants me to do something about it but I can't because of everything I'm doing here."
"I think I should tell you that I've thought of removing you from your position. You haven't been doing the work that you are supposed to be doing. Now that I know your problem, I think it would be best if you were to step down and take a leave of absence." Zoraan said, watching Kartena's face for a reaction. But it didn't come. She just sat there staring at the wall. Five minutes passed before Zoraan said something, "Karts, its for the best of the house as well as yourself. You know I'm telling the truth."
"I know Zor. I just can't think of leaving this house. I mean who will run it when I'm not around." Kartena mummered still staring at the wall.
"Let me worry about that. You just worry about that brother. I'll hold a place for you when you get back."
"Ok. I'll go pack. Thanks you Zor." Kartena got up and walked out. Walking down the hall way, she avoided the glances of the Krath who passed her. Arriving in her quarters, she set to work packing everything she owned.
The next day, Kartena walked into the docking bay. Standing there was Zoraan and Torquemada. "Hey you two, came to make sure I left?"
"No just to bid you farewell." Torquemada said and gave her a hug.
"May the Force be with you." Zoraan said.
"Take care of Gladius for me. I'll be back." Kartena walked into the waiting ship and took off.
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"Excuse me ma'am. Only Gladius people are allowed in here." A young lady said from a nearby table.
Turning to look at her, Kartena noticed that there was a second lady siting in the shadows. 'Yes, this have definitely changed." Kartena thought as she pulled out her leave orders. Handing them to the higher ranking of the two ladies Kartena said, "What's your two names and ranks?"
The lady bowed, "I'm DJK Ciara and this is JH Aari. Welcome back KAP Kartena."
"Thank you. Who is the Quaestor right now?"
"Its Kodiak Tonaloc Ma'am."
"Thanks," Kartena said as she walked towards the QUA's office. About half was across the lounge she heard a familiar voice, "Karts, you back?"
"Yes, I am Zor. I see you are still hanging around."
"Always, Come on, lets take a walk you can tell me how things went."