“The mask is for acts of service. The soldier wears a mask on his patrol. The mathematician wears a mask defending her proof. In Parliament they are all masked, because they are vessels for the will of the Republic. And on the Faceless Throne the Emperor sits masked forever.” A deflection. How unacceptable. Baru pursued her question. “When do you wear a mask? How do you serve?” “It’s too hot on Taranoke for masks. But I am here to sell wool, and help occasionally in matters of charity.”
