When he looked confused.
"Jump means a nonlinear spatial displacement achieved by the simultaneous folding of local space-time," the first technician explained.
Jorghan studied the vessel with approval.
"How long until it's ready for departure?"
"It's ready now," the technician confirmed.
"Fully fueled, all systems green. The biomech pilot, her name is AJ-X08, she's been briefed on basic navigation to your home world using coordinates we acquired from Imperial diplomatic data. She can get you there, though the route might not be direct."
"That's acceptable," Jorghan said.
He turned to the two technicians.
"You were useful."
The technicians exchanged nervous glances.
The first one spoke carefully. "We're engineers, not soldiers. We build things. We don't make policy decisions or authorize military operations. We just... do what we're told and try to survive."
"That's what everyone says," Jorghan observed.
"Following orders doesn't absolve guilt."
