Stupid of her not to expect this. What, had she believed Quinn could go the rest of her life without hearing his name? That would have been practically impossible for a civilian, let alone a pilot so connected to what had happened to her. And yet, somehow, she’d managed to avoid it this long. Her memories of that night were foggy, scattered. Certain, unfortunate images had stuck with her, but the details seemed to be lost. 

Besca could count on two hands the number of people who actually [i]knew[/i] what happened in Hovvi, and fewer than that who had seen the footage. Just about none of them worked on the Aerie. She had, of course, been sworn to secrecy for the sake of Runa’s alliance with Casoban—who she wasn’t even certain were aware themselves, even at the highest level. Frankly, she had expected the RISC to try and leverage it against them, but by now either they hadn’t, or the CSC didn’t care. 

Either way, hearing people speak Lucis’s name with the same reverence they did Ghaust and Safie turned her stomach. But she’d held her tongue this long, and, really, what would letting go now do for anyone? 

“[color=gray]Oh,[/color]” Besca said, sighing and shaking her head. “[color=gray]He was one of the pilots who died in Hovvi. Part of the exchange deal we had going on with Casoban.[/color]” Her tablet beeped, and she didn’t have to look to know it was the Board. “[color=gray]Speaking of…[/color]”

Setting her fork down, Besca donned her coat and came around the counter. She gave Dahlia a quick hug, sharing a knowing glance with her—perhaps the last person on the Aerie who deserved to have to keep such an awful secret. Then she went to Quinn, planted a kiss on top of her head and squeezed her close. 

“[color=gray]You both be good, I’ll try to be back for dinner.[/color]”

And with that, she went out to face whatever shitstorm was waiting for her today.

Dahlia was finishing up as well, though she seemed to be in less of a hurry. “[color=skyblue]Think I’m headin’ for the sims. How about you?[/color]”