[His description of dragonback travel makes Ari grin. It sounds like the sort of stunt flying she enjoys. She listens to the rest of what he has to say, and nods.]

That's true enough. There is a quest, and I'd be very surprised if it's not a great adventure, out in the black. You'll do well enough. I've always worked aboard starships, and that's exactly the purposes they're put to. Trade, and transport, and battle when it's necessary. To protect the people of the colonies. Nobody takes joy in it, but it's our most important duty.

[She affects a very serious, soldierly attitude when explaining this, but it doesn't last long; it's followed by another youthful smile.]

Although now I wish that I could fly on a dragon! It's sad that I'll likely never even see one.