[center][h1]Lieutenant Aria Dvalin[/h1][/center]

[i]Performed admirably[/i]. Aria schooled her expression to not give any minute detail of her displeasure away, not even a twitch. Standard noble etiquette that she'd been taught a lifetime ago. 

Her performance during the battle wasn't good enough. She couldn't end this campaign with anything less than exemplary performance. Without such accolades, she'd never work her way back up to a position where she would have any influence or power whatsoever. 

Nevertheless, Aria paid as much attention as she could through the entire debriefing. This being the first action of the campaign, it wasn't surprising that they had nothing workable yet. But hearing that the pirates succeeded, even in part, was distasteful. Better that someone get Cassian's head on straight, even if she no longer had the ability to. But the briefing concluded, and there were no real questions to be asked. With that out of the way, Aria stood, saluted (begrudgingly, to Lucia), and took her leave.

___

They were both fortunate that she damn well didn't choke after that slap to the back. After managing to ensure that there wasn't synth protein lodged in her windpipe, Aria took a sip of water and cleared her throat, respectfully waiting for the Baron to finish speaking before making any response. 

"Baron von Zollern." She very carefully didn't spare more than a glance down toward his cocktail of pills. At his age, it was of little surprise, especially when it came to an activity as strenuous as piloting. Lucia had already mentioned as such in the debriefing, but this was further proof. Everyone was mortal: even those she regarded as heroes when she was a child. 

"No, my lord. That was up to the Prince's decision in the end. Though I would happen to agree with his adjutant's opinion. Please, allow the rest of the lance to bear the burden in your stead." Her carefully-constructed veneer of stoicism faded somewhat, as a complicated, troubled expression crossed her face for a brief moment.

"The rest of us ought earn our flowers as well, rather than rely on you more than we ought to."