Jim certainly doesn't hold it against him. Everyone has their emotional landmines, and with the exception of telepaths, no one can know when they might be prodding an old wound. And he gives Shade-Seeker a somewhat grateful look for not prying deeper, his tact appreciated.

"That might be part of it," he agrees, nodding slightly. "Something like eighty-five percent of the Academy was wiped out. Not just the cadets, either, but a good chunk of the instructors, too. Those of who survived had to grow the hell up in a hurry, and I'm proud of everyone who rose to the challenge, but some of them are still just kids. Hell, my primary navigator only just turned eighteen last month."