"Hee! Hee! Hee!" ZEX had to put down his fork before he dropped it. "Yes, yes, you could say that. I had something of a reputation back home." Well, for several things. "Some even called me a military genius! But really, I only played a small part in the War."

Yes, this was definitely improving ZEX's mood.

"It was an interesting time. It's a shame things are so different here." ZEX picked up his fork again and stabbed another piece of fish. "This body does me no favors, anyway."