She doesn't ask what prompted the theft — he'd mentioned being a soldier, and not being a soldier anymore — as it seems slightly rude for a first conversation. But it's not the sort of thing she judges, either. There are a record number of defectors and spies in the War back home, mostly due to the usage of technology. Some find it undesirable. Fortescue, on the other hand, feels jealous of that choice — the choice of defection, or the choice of staying.

It's not something she can do; if she defects, she doesn't trust what they might do to her little sister. She owes Mirabelle a chance at a good future. It's what a big sister should do, she thinks. And after everything she's been through, would taking up a stand do anything? Most likely not. She doesn't even know who her real superiors are, and they would be the linchpin.

"Don't worry. I won't. Can't imagine how it would come up, anyway," Fortescue reassures, grin tapering into a smile. "Shame about not having them. This place seems a bit desolate, as far as tools for breaking out go."