Chapter 332
**Dagon POV**
Having finished reading the report, I set the datapad aside and stretched. Glancing at my watch, I shook my head. I still had half an hour to fly, but even with the extra time, I still wouldn't have time to do anything with it — rest or training. So, I decided to head to the bridge — it had been a while since I'd admired the endless stream of stars.
Climbing up to the control room, I nodded silently to Mirro and headed for the viewscreens. The *Finalizer* was flying through hyperspace, and despite having seen this hundreds of times before, I was once again mesmerized by the captivating sight. However, after a couple of minutes, I sensed a presence. Glancing sideways, I spotted Stargazer fidgeting nearby.
*Well, yes, I appointed him myself… as my adjutant. Naturally, he went with us to Alland. His… countryman remained on Coruscant, as Kinaun was busy assembling the crews of the arriving ships. Kobayashi and Clairmur went with me — the former had served for a long time on the Venators, while the new Acclamators finally arrived to begin the Valiant conversion.*
"Did you want something, Sauvy?"
The midshipman — though it would be more correct to call him cabin boy, Stargazer — blushed in embarrassment. Apparently, he's not often called by his first name.
"Sir… They say that if you look at hyperspace for too long, you can go crazy…"
"These are just stories. In fact, it's beautiful. For me. I can't say anything about others."
Several minutes passed in silence, and then Stargazer plucked up the courage to speak first.
"Sir! This… is the most…"
"Come on, don't be shy," I encouraged him.
"So, why… why did you appoint me as your adjutant, and not…"
"Why didn't I put you in charge?"
"Yes, sir," the boy nodded his head with relief.
"Tell me honestly. Do you have any experience at all? Besides theory?"
"Sir. Well, I know a lot, but… I haven't commanded a ship yet. Only in the simulator. I'm not saying I can't or… it's just that my turn hasn't come yet. Uh… We were recently inducted into the Republic Navy, but all it ended up with was a change of uniform and insignia. Just a week ago, we were sent to the Prefsbelt Academy for accelerated retraining. You know… a lot of new ships have appeared, and the old combat tactics are a bit outdated… But we barely had time to arrive and get settled in before we were immediately sent to Coruscant."
*The guy's got a good head. And he's not overly arrogant — he doesn't boast about his origins… it seems.*
"Well, you see — you yourself understand that it's a bit early for you to command: you need to earn and gain experience. By the way," I patted my pockets. In one of them I found the data crystal I was looking for. "Here, take it. There's a lot of interesting and useful information in here about tactics and strategy. I recommend you read it — I'll be asking questions like I did on the exam."
"Thank you, sir!"
"So, how do you like it here?" I waved my hand around the bridge.
"Sir! Everything is fine. Except… women."
I looked at Stargazer in surprise.
"What are you talking about? Although…" I scratched my chin automatically. *Come to think of it, our midshipman is a hereditary count. And a count is a feudal lord, which means he's noble. That is, the old order and all that.* "I think I get it. Don't women serve in the army?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, well. House, kitchen, kids? Am I right?"
"Yes, sir. Something like that."
"You're not at home now — you're serving in the Republic's navy. And that, as you know, is a damn democracy, which means equality; so you'll have to get used to women in uniform. I'll tell you a secret — they're not much inferior to men, and in some ways, they're even superior. Well…" I winked conspiratorially. "And they're pleasing to the eye, too."
"Well, and I thought he couldn't blush any more."
Stargazer's face turned a deep crimson. He looked down at his boots, clearly mortified.
I chuckled softly. "Relax, Sauvy. You'll get used to it. The galaxy is bigger than your homeworld's traditions. And in war, you need every capable hand — regardless of gender."
The boy nodded quickly, still blushing. "Yes, sir. I… I'll try."
"Good. Now, keep studying that crystal. When we reach Alland, I'll expect you to have at least the first three sections memorized. Questions?"
"No, sir!"
"Dismissed."
Stargazer saluted sharply and hurried off, still looking embarrassed but determined.
I turned back to the viewport, the blue swirl of hyperspace reflecting in my eyes.
*Kids in uniform…* I thought. *The war is eating up everyone. Even the nobility's heirs are being thrown into the meat grinder.*
But at least this one seemed bright. With the right guidance, he might actually become useful.
The *Finalizer* continued its journey through hyperspace, carrying its cargo of new officers, new ambitions, and the quiet weight of a war that was only growing larger.