"The Andromeda's good at raising the odds." Of course, she's also good at telling him the odds, but she knows better than to do that most of the time.

It's true, though. When it comes to negotiation, it's a hell of a lot easier to persuade people that you will back up the promises you make with the only Glorious Heritage Class heavy cruiser still operational. That's the thing about the charter signatories. Even aside from the benefits of the Mutual Defense Pact and all the other benefits they'll get when the charter is ratified, they also get the Andromeda Ascendant if they need her.

"We may as well," he says, smiling. "I'd like to hear more."

He gives her drink an apologetic look. "That was hot, wasn't it? Can I get you something to make up for making it go cold?"