"Sohaibek being the name of the system?"

"That's what they call it."

"And you call it...?"

"The star is Ibyatok."

"And Outer Ibyatok, they're an Empire?"

"No, but they're allied with some enemy empires."

"...You can hold off multiple enemy empires but you can't conquer your own next-door neighbor? What does your military even look like?"

"I haven't joined it yet."

"Still, that's really weird."

"I can't tell you anything that everyone doesn't know anyway, you aren't Ibyabekan."

"Sure, this'd be a totally ridiculous setup for a spy to use but that'd be little consolation if I am a spy and you get executed for treason."

"Spies never get far in Ibyabek, we're all too loyal to our illustrious Premier Lut Naar Am."

"Sure, but I bet anyone who tells them something they shouldn't by accident before they get caught isn't happy with the results."

He shrugs. "What is your name? I'm Kyeo Sebe Luk."

"Lieutenant Anastasia Shoreman."

"Oh, yes, they make women stay in the military long enough to be promoted on other planets. That must be very terrible."

"...I joined up voluntarily."

"Could you not find a husband?"

"I'd much rather have a career."

"That's no good, your empire will be weak."

"Yes, the galactic empire that takes full advantage of all of its citizens instead of half is so much weaker than the planet that can't even conquer the boy next door."

"You're trying to trick me into revealing secrets."

"...No. If I were, I would be going about it very differently."

He laughs at her, a sort of artificial rueful sound. "Well, I'm not going to tell you anything."

"Have fun with that."