“He was,” Nida said, though the look he shot Leon, and the curl of amusement on his lips were both just as quick as to say Leon probably was interesting as well.

“The Commander is a product of his world, though, and I have never had time to know him. To befriend him. Perhaps I can at least try with you? And I can understand calls for distance and leaving you in peace. I’ve known many people like that.”

He thinks.