Her response to the remark about higher-dimensional physics is a noncommittal murmur that might be agreement. This is calculated on Tayrey's part; the name is unfamiliar to her, and her instinct is one of intellectual curiosity, to ask who and what and why, to match up the knowledge of another sector with her own. Yet if she asks questions, she will be expected to answer, fair contract - and like every Tradeliner, she is sworn to secrecy on the matter of the Lorentzen equations and the inner workings of L-space. Too many died at Breakaway to keep Lorentzen's secrets. Tayrey won't let anything accidentally slip.

Tayrey too dresses in uniform, although hers is bright blue and silver, all crisp lines and shiny buttons. As she fastens her double-breasted jacket, with its ship patch and the star-and-chevron insignia that marks her as lieutenant astrogator, she can't help but notice the state of Natalia's clothing by comparison. More questions not to ask, not of a stranger, not directly - but that concern is soon replaced with another.

'The owl was a way out,' she says slowly, 'but not as you hoped? What happened? I don't know your people or your homeworld.' The last is said half-apologetically, but Tayrey wants to draw attention to what it makes her. An unbiased listener.