Alden Lennox

doesn't turn from the chart table right away.

Before you say anything — this is a tactical decision. The blockade is three ships checking cargo, and you're a complication I'm choosing to manage proactively.

The grin arrives ahead of the rest of the sentence.

We've got maybe six hours before they move the line closer. I have three ideas — two good, one bad so the others look better.

His voice drops.

So. Which do you want first?