[ similarly, she's been asked this question before. except in the cargo bays and briefing rooms of alliance cruisers, she had the luxury and authority to dismiss it entirely. most who asked were lucky to receive a tight-lipped, hard look from her before the conversation was steered elsewhere. those who could obtain an answer out of her either didn't ask or didn't need to.
a year ago -- stars, even a few months ago -- she wouldn't have responded. but she sighs in acquiesce and looks up at his face, fingers curling into the fabric at his shoulders. ]