"Then it's a deal."

Snuggle! "Excellent."

"A mutually beneficial arrangement."

"Equivalent exchange at its finest."

"Oh, speaking of which. I got a letter back from Ling. No magic bullet, but she wants to collaborate on solving this array."

"That'll help a lot... And it'll be good to see her again."

"Yeah. Sounds like her Imperial machinations have been going well."

"I'm not surprised."

"She is very, uh, motivated on the subject."

"And talented at the right skills!"

"A winning combination."

She giggles. "Not as cool as you, though."

"There can only be one El."

"The coolest person in any world."

"You'd better believe it."

She giggles helplessly and flops into El.

Hug!

Snuggle!

Best sister.

Sadly, morning does, eventually, come.

Bellona walks up glowing with happiness and a new energy, walking to the gates with a spring in her step. 

She seems to be the peppiest, but everyone is at least awake. Cullen is there to give the troopers a few final orders, then they can set off.

Bellona remains exceptionally helpful with logistics, especially when it comes time to establish an initial camp to base their operations out of. 

And in a quiet aside to Cassandra: "I forgot to ask earlier, but - how are we treating partisans to the fighting?"

"Accept surrender if they offer it. But do not expect it."

"And don't make a point of seeking it?"