<How much do the crew of Sojourner-91 know?>
"Little. Their knowledge of imperial vessels is limited to methods of avoidance - unsurprising given typical interactions. "
She continues. "I did not provide any clarifying information, and they have been reluctant to ask further given that we have been very...charitable to them, for lack of a better term."
<And they simply accepted this?>
She manages a half-shrug despite the restraints. "Consider it. An imperial ship - even a crewed one - would have slagged anyone scavenging military material. If they were lucky, any escape pods would be slagged too."
<Fair.>
She looks at you for a moment, eyes betraying the faintest trace of internal conflict. "In any case, my assessment hasn't changed. They're about what you expect from non-affiliates. Primitive, with little sense of order or proper hierarchy. However, they are resourceful by necessity, and a possible asset..."
<Are you attempting to advocate for them?>
"...yes. I am.", she says her eyes clear. "That is precisely what I am doing."
<Good. It matches my assessment.>
You nod before sending a tight-beam transmission to Sojouner-91. The manager captain accepts immediately. His face is drawn and ashen-pale, though his expression brightens marginally when Hibiscus appears.
"I...we...," he starts. "would like to clarify..."
You cut him off immediately. "I am the acting commander of the SOLSTICE, formerly of the twelfth imperial suppression fleet."
"A dustraker mothership has just exited frameshift travel at the spinward Lagrange point. It is likely hunting for your vessel. We have launched fighters and interposed our hull to minimize your sensor signature."
Hibiscus releases a barely-audible sigh. "And...Manager-Captain, we are - to a certain extent - aware of your situation. Since the converse is likely untrue, you have my personal assurance that you will receive an extensive debrief once the present situation is concluded. However, in the meantime, we require your cooperation."
The response is a single, rapid nod. He voice recovers surprisingly quickly. "...understood. And thank you. I'll do it. Anything, as long as it keeps my crew safe."
"Good." You reply, sending over a sensor-capture of the approaching mothership. "Proceed to exload any relevant information"
