Your loyalty to him is also amazing. To put your career and reputation on the line for someone by vouching for them is truly remarkable. He is lucky to have you by his side, as is The Valiant to have you as part of the crew."

The morals and obligations are a sticky subject, especially when driven by the looming threat of war. With how much emotion he has shown he has, the fact that has shown no evident grudges is amazing. --->

In his case though, it’s a remarkable testament to his character and resolve. I can understand where the Epsilon crew were coming from at first, but as soon as he awakened their treatment of him should have changed. --->

Of course there will be a high commendation on file for your assistance.”
Eyeing the mug, Willow raised her eyebrow. “I forgot, you don’t have a liver, do you? I’m curious what you put in your coffee? As for XAS, I’m glad he’s reliable. Of course I had no doubts about any member of my crew. --->

She raised her eyebrow as she watched Tal raise her hand, she nodded to acknowledge her, surprise very evident on her face. “Wait, really? I would never say no to that honestly! I HATE paperwork. I will only agree to it though as long as it doesn’t overwork you. --->

Noticing Talsea’s hint of a smile, Willow gave her a soft smile in return. “I believe you, no worries. You vouching for him is enough for me.”

It hurts my heart to know that the Epsilon crew saw him as anything less than a fellow team member. As an Admiral in command of a ship this far out in space, I have jurisdiction and final say on matters of my crew.” --->

“As there have been no security incident reports I assume XAS has been behaving. From personal experience he’s a hard worker and very respectful. I see no issues at all with him being assigned to your team. --->

A list of needed positions would be amazing. It would make my discussions with the other Admirals easier. The more prepared I am, the easier it is.”
She looked around the room and nodded to herself before facing Talsea again. --->

Getting extra staff might require discussions and for us to make a trip back to the Sol system, but I don’t mind, as long as I don’t have to set foot into an office for more than a few minutes.”
She gave Tal a warm smile. “I am sorry that your department has been so understaffed. -->

And yes, I can make requests, usually during our regular meetings. If there's ever anything you need, request it of me before I have my meetings and I can probably get the others to sign off on it. If it’s a big request then the board discusses it and if not it’s usually approved pretty quickly. -->

“Glad to hear it,” she responded in a slightly strained voice. “By the way, I’d prefer you call me Willow and not Admiral when possible. ‘Admiral’ sounds so stuffy and unapproachable. The other Admirals may do so but I prefer not to use my title unless absolutely necessary. --->

💫 what an excellent attempt! She looks so adorable! I love the way you've done her uniform, it's very clever actually!

Getting up from her seat, Willow went to collect the pile of pads but thought better of it. “I think these are better off here with you actually. As for assistance in the lab, you arrived with XAS the Kaylon correct? Would it be agreeable to you if I were to assign him here to assist you?”

“We could always use more crew, but not many people are willing to serve on a ship patrolling the edges of Union space. But I’ll see what I can do. I have a meeting with the other admirals tomorrow so I’ll bring it up with them.” --->

She nodded as she eyed the pile of pads as if it had personally insulted her. “I’ll let engineering and navigation know to expect your calculations by shift-end.”
Willow paused and nodded in agreement. --->

“I was literally staring at that pile for so long and had no idea where to start. I’m so grateful to you and your brain. I have no objections to your suggestions. You’re a specialist afterall and I’d be a fool to come to you for your advice and then not take it into consideration.” -->