*She nods slowly. It's one side of the argument she's had with herself on the subject, but it helps to hear someone else say it.*

They would have. I felt those same influences--they would have spread the corruption as far and wide as they could. And when the fleet struck at the source, they would have torn into its flank and cost far more lives. I... hope that's the truth.

*She takes another cricket, and drains her cup, before giving Verity a level look.*

You're good at this.