"No." She says it as if instantly decided. "My ships and their crew cannot leave here. But if we wait until the destruction of the moon is sure and escape an absolute necessity, then there won't be need for a distraction. This place is a port; if the information is spread honestly, there will be no keeping the trade ships here." Scores of private vessels - freighters and privateers - owned both within and without the moon's citizenry would abandon the rock the moment it became clear that the only way to chance escape at certain death was to face the Bal's ships. People are simple.

Including her, evidently. There's no denying that she faces the same choice.

"I can have word released to the public." Honest or cruel? There would be rioting and panic in the streets for it; but it would provide sufficient cover. Focus on you, the younger man had said. She could do that.