[Ari is taken aback by this, because she didn't think she'd been asking. She'd expected, with her own lack of seniority, that she'd eventually have to fall in with some senior captain, even if they couldn't hold a candle to her Captain Kavarai back home. The young lieutenant is nothing if not ambitious, though - and isn't Laenor right? She is knowledgeable, by comparison to many of the other people here. He's offering her an opportunity, and why shouldn't she take it?

She reaches out to take his hands in hers. At least she knows how it's done, in a situation where you can't stop to draw up papers.]

I accept your contract, and you'll have my protection and that of my ship, for as long as we fly together.

[Once she's done with the formality, she's all too quick to jump into her plans.]

Many of your skills are going to carry over, I'm sure of it. You'll know the business side of things well enough, and if you've experience in strategy then all you have to do is begin to think in three dimensions, and you'll pick it up very quickly. The technical matters can be taught - or delegated, if it comes to it, but it's always best to have your own understanding. Anything that you want to learn, I'll show you, and in return I'll have your honest thoughts and advice, always.

[Ari knows what sort of a leader she aims to be, and it's not the sort who surrounds herself with sycophants.]