The command room had transformed into expedition planning center over the final preparation days, maps covering every surface and documentation stacked in organized chaos that only Misha could navigate effectively.
"Route options are limited," Kane stood before the largest map, tracing paths with his prosthetic finger, "direct northwest through unclaimed territories adds two weeks but avoids Association observation posts, eastern approach is shorter but passes through three settlements that report to Administrative Council."
"We're not hiding the expedition," Luthra said, "just controlling information about our destination and purpose."
"Then the eastern route with modified cover story, trade negotiation with independent settlements, nothing dramatic enough to trigger Association interest."
