Dawson was reading over his budget allocation and star course for the next two months, quietly, intensely.

" Masterson."

" Yes?"

" This star course runs dangerously close to the imperial border," he said. " Furthermore, isn't the 27th day's course adjacent to Lyewa-Diurn's territory? I've heard he's a separatist."

" It's fine, isn't it? Even if he's anti-DASS, he wouldn't dare take action against us while we harbor their imperial heir," William responded. His fingertips thrummed on the table. " And it'll be more convenient for us to resupply in an area where we can acquire goods that are to the Lyena's taste."

Dawson's eyes narrowed a bit.

" To give him a good impression of the fleet, or to flaunt your authority?" he asked.

William smiled blandly.

" My intentions are far more boring than you think," he said.

Dawson gave him a reproachful look, but signed off on the route anyway.

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