Varro
Character
The steady hum of the freighter's engines had become almost comforting. Almost. Varro sat alone at one of the small tables in the mess, absently turning a fork between his fingers before taking another bite from the simple meal resting on the tray before him. The food was warm, filling, and entirely unremarkable. That alone made it remarkable to him. No one had dictated when he would eat. No one had measured each bite. No one had expected him to smile while doing so. It was just... food.
His eyes drifted around the modest room before lowering to his own clothing. Durable brown cargo trousers, sturdy boots, and a dark sleeveless vest over a simple shirt. Practical. Functional. Comfortable enough that he almost forgot he was wearing them.
His fingers unconsciously brushed the rough fabric over his chest. Not silk. Not carefully tailored finery designed to make him look expensive. Not revealing garments selected to advertise someone else's property. No jewelry announcing ownership. No ornamental chains. No collars hidden beneath elegant fabrics. Just clothes.
A tiny smile tugged at one corner of his mouth before quickly fading beneath a wave of nerves. Freedom still felt... borrowed. Ra'a'mah Numare had paid a price greater than Varro could properly comprehend to purchase that freedom. She had offered him something he had never truly possessed before: choice. It was exhilarating. It was terrifying.
He still caught himself waiting for someone to remind him that he belonged somewhere, that he had duties beyond those he chose for himself. Instead, Ra had simply spoken of work. Honest work. A job. Responsibilities earned rather than imposed.
The concept remained strangely foreign. Varro had spent his entire life learning to anticipate the desires of masters before they voiced them. Merchants. Nobles. Crime lords. Whoever happened to possess his contract at the time. Every smile had been calculated. Every word measured. Every mistake punished.
Now he was expected to think. To decide. To build something resembling a future. His lekku twitched faintly behind him as he glanced toward the entrance to the mess for what was likely the fifth time in as many minutes.
Ra had asked him to meet her here before they reached their destination. She had mentioned discussing his new position during the journey, though she had offered few details beyond assuring him that it would suit his abilities. He hoped she was right.
He wanted—truly wanted—to prove that purchasing his freedom had not been a mistake. That he could become more than someone trained to entertain and obey. More than merchandise that happened to breathe.
The thought tightened his stomach more effectively than the meal settled it. Drawing in a slow breath, Varro straightened his posture and folded his hands neatly beside the tray, resisting the instinct to stand the moment someone approached the doorway. Old habits lingered. But perhaps...
Perhaps they did not have to linger forever.
VARRO
• Location: Hyperspace
• Objective: Discover what this new life means
• Outfit: Basic Work Attire
• Company:
Ra'a'mah